Brothers,
Thank you all for an amazing conference. The memories I made are ones I will remember forever – they would not have been possible without each of you.
Throughout the conference, we talked a lot about destiny. About how the decisions we make today shape our reality tomorrow. We truly are the future of this organization. As we discussed, we are living through an extremely exciting time to be an Arrowman. Starting next year, we will be serving the most diverse audience in the Order of the Arrow than ever before in our 103 year history. Now, it’s up to us to welcome each new member. It’s up to us to live by the Admonition.
As you go about your daily lives, keep in mind the importance of the decisions you make. You never know how one small action can make a difference in someone else’s life. Never lose sight of the tremendous impact you can make on someone by just being there for them.
Recall those feelings and use them to recommit yourself to our organization and its values. Our Order’s best work does not happen during the few days at NOAC every couple years. The best work is done everyday in your home units, chapters, and lodges. The Order’s best work is you.
In two years, we will gather again at Michigan State University to celebrate the OA. But we won’t be celebrating NOAC 2018 – we’ll be celebrating everything we do from now until then. So go make it happen. Serve as an elangomat at a lodge ordeal, or conduct a unit election for a local troop, crew, or ship. Volunteer as a ceremonialist, or get involved on your Lodge Executive Committee. Reach out to someone new, or re-engage with an old friend. After all, the best part about our Order is the friendships we make along the way.
Thank you again for attending the 2018 National Order of the Arrow Conference. As we each set out on our separate ways, my heart is full of pride.
See you on the trail,
Anthony Peluso
2018 National Chief