Community Organization Award
After representatives of several national chartered organizations inquired about
the development of a recognition that could be given to registered adult leaders
in units chartered to community organizations, similar to the adult religious awards
presented by various denominations and faith groups, the BSA National Court of Honor
approved the concept of a Community Organization Award square knot. This square
knot is available to be worn by uniformed Scouters who have been recognized for
their service to Scouting youth in the community.
The Award
The concept of the Community Organization Award is similar to the adult religious
recognition program in that the award itself and the criteria for granting the award
is under the ownership and auspices of the particular national chartered organization
which presents the award. The intent of the National Uniform and Insignia Committee
is to provide a square knot for Scouters who have received a BSA accepted and authorized
award from a national community organization. The Boy Scouts of America's Community
Organization Award square knot (shown above) consists of an embroidered gold square
knot on a purple background with a gold border and is the means by which the BSA
recognizes Scouters who have received an approved community organization service
recognition. As with all other square knots, it is worn on the Scouter uniform shirt
above the left pocket.
Development of the Award
Community Organization Award is a generic term used by the BSA to identify a
category of awards used by secular, national, community organizations to recognize
their members for voluntary service and achievement. The organization must also
be a BSA national chartered organization. The recognition piece, the concept of
the award, and the criteria for awarding and presenting it are developed and owned
by the national community organization which is also a chartered organization with
the Boy Scouts of America. To ensure compatibility with the objectives and mission
of the Boy Scouts of America, the concept, requirements, and criteria for presenting
the award must be approved by the BSA National Relationships Committee.
The Awarding Process
A Community Organization Award (COA) square knot is available for registered
volunteers to wear on their Scout uniform. This square knot denotes that a Scout
volunteer has been recognized by one of the approved national chartered organization
partners for Scouting service within that organization.
The following organizations have developed awards under this program:
As noted above, the George Meany Award of the American
Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is part of
this category. Prior to August 1, 2011, recipients received a square knot specific
to that award. Future recipients, and previous recipients wishing additional
square knot patches, will now wear the Community Service Organization knot shown
above.
Notes: This is not a BSA award created for partner organizations to give as a
recognition/award for their members, but is offered to allow Scouting volunteers
to wear an approved BSA recognition device (the square knot) on their uniform as
the BSA has a policy that prohibits the wearing of non-BSA awards on our uniforms.
How to get the square knot: It's simple. Once a volunteer has been recognized with
one of the 18 approved awards above, just take documentation of having received
that award such as a certificate, letter, medal, etc. to a Scout Shop to purchase
the Square Knot, No. 613864. The Program Impact Department of the National Office
no longer process orders for this knot as they previously had done. The knot is
only available from Scout Shops.
Page updated on:
September 12, 2023
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