The Southern Region's One Day of Service program was started in 1996 to better meet the goals of the Order's new strategic vision. One Day is an opportunity for every lodge in the region to do meaningful service in their communities – all on one day!  One Day is a fantastic chance to get members involved, make a significant contribution to the community, and have fun with your fellow brothers!  The 2009 One Day of Service was October 17th.

Wondering about the benefits of the One Day of Service program?  Well, in addition to performing cheerful service, One Day will allow local chapters and lodges the opportunity to give something back to their hometown. Benefiting hundreds of towns and communities across the nation, One Day will also increase the level of service performed by the Order of the Arrow as a whole.

Lodges may select any type of community service.  In the past, lodges have completed such projects as:

• Planting trees at a local park
• Completing conservation projects at a local state park
• Holding a Blanket or Food Drive for a local homeless shelter
• Repairing a local museum
• Cleaning trash around a local lake, park, or community center
• Assisting at a local soup kitchen
• Working with groups like Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army

Again, your project can be as large or as small as your lodge wants it to be, as long as it benefits the local, non-scouting community in some way. It is up to your lodge to coordinate the logistics of your projects and turn in a record of your project to your OA section. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your Section One Day Coordinator or contact the Southern Region’s One Day of Service Coordinator at oneday@southern.oa-bsa.org.

Good luck, and have fun with your One Day of Service!