Good Turn for America FAQ's

1. What is Good Turn for America?
Good Turn for America is a national call to service by the Boy Scouts of America to address the issues of hunger, homelessness, and poor health in our nation.

In this effort, the Boy Scouts of America is working with some of the nation’s most respected service organizations, including The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross. These organizations and thousands of others will work to provide opportunities for youth and volunteers to fight hunger and homelessness, and teach the habits of healthy living.

Youth and volunteers are looking for ways to serve their communities. At the same time, service organizations need dedicated volunteer help. By working together, we can improve our young people, our communities, and the nation.

2. How does Good Turn for America benefit the Boy Scouts of America and collaborating organizations?
There is a natural fit between the Boy Scouts of America and other community organizations. Service learning is an integral part of the Scouting program. As a result, Scouting youth and adults seek opportunities to volunteer. Community organizations need volunteers to help them fulfill their missions. Working with these organizations creates a win/win situation for everyone.

3. When does Good Turn for America begin?
The initiative launched during Scouting anniversary month in 2004.

4. How is this different from Scouting for Food?
Scouting for Food is a once-a-year effort focusing on one area of need. Good Turn for America is a year-round initiative that addresses hunger, inadequate housing, and health issues in our communities. Good Turn for America may include any of a broad array of activities on a council, district, or unit level.

5. Are Boy Scouts of America councils required to work with national organizations such as The Salvation Army to participate?
No. Local Boy Scouts of America service centers and their affiliates are free to work with any organization they choose.

6. How will the BSA track service projects and hours?
Information about service projects and service hours completed by individual units will be recorded by the unit on a national Web site, GoodTurnForAmerica.org. Each unit has been issued a unique login name and password that will allow them to enter information about their service projects. Councils will be able to generate reports on service in their community through ScoutNET. Detailed instructions are available on GoodTurnForAmerica.org.

7. How will the results be communicated?
The Boy Scouts of America will report the total number of service hours and projects to the nation each year during Scouting anniversary month. Councils will have the ability to generate reports for their specific areas.

8. How do we find out more?
Information is available through local Boy Scouts of America offices and on GoodTurnForAmerica.org.