The Final Vote Is Tonight.
Tonight — Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM — voting members of Colonial Virginia Council will decide the future of Scouting in our region.
Location:
Hampton Roads Event Center
12373 Hornsby Ln Ste A
Newport News, VA 23602
This is not a discussion.
This is the final vote on the proposed merger with Heart of Virginia Council.
What You Need to Know
- Only Active Members can vote (CORs, Members-at-Large, Executive Board)
- No proxy voting is allowed
- Each member gets one vote
For most units, that vote belongs to your Chartered Organization Representative (COR)
If your COR does not attend, your unit has no vote.
The Outcome Depends on Who Shows Up
Approval requires more than two-thirds of those present.
Not the full council.
Not general sentiment.
Only those in the room.
Attendance is everything.
What You May Be Hearing — Context Matters
You may hear that another council has already voted unanimously to approve the merger.
That will likely be used to create momentum and urgency going into tonight.
But consider what that actually means:
- A unanimous vote in a deal like this often reflects how the terms benefit that side
- It does not mean the deal is equally balanced for both councils
- It does not determine tonight’s outcome
Tonight’s vote is independent and decided only by CVC members present.
You may also hear claims about what happens if the merger does not pass — including suggestions that the council’s future is at risk.
To be clear:
- Colonial Virginia Council is a legally independent organization
- It has operated through leadership transitions before
- Its existence is not contingent on this merger being approved
This vote is about what path to take, not whether Scouting continues locally.
Board Recommendation ≠ Unanimous Support
The Executive Board has recommended a vote FOR the merger.
But that reflects a majority — not unanimity.
There are Board members who oppose the merger and have raised serious concerns.
This is a contested decision — and your vote matters.
What a Vote FOR the Merger Means
- Colonial Virginia Council ceases to exist as an independent entity
- It is merged into Heart of Virginia Council
- The new combined council is named: Commonwealth of Virginia Council
- Governance is structured with CVC as a minority (40–20 split) on the Executive Board
- Certain local assurances (Scout Shop, districts) are time-limited only
- Over time, board structure and turnover allow influence to shift further toward Richmond/HOVC leadership and could overturn local assurances
- Program fees increase to align with HOVC structure
- This outcome is effectively irreversible
What a Vote AGAINST the Merger Means
- CVC remains independent
- The current merger does not proceed
- Time remains to evaluate all options — including other partnerships or paths forward
A vote AGAINST preserves flexibility.
A vote FOR finalizes this path.
Last Minute Push
If you have not spoken to your COR:
- Make sure they know the meeting is tonight at 6:00 PM
- Make sure they know it is in person
- Make sure they understand your unit’s position
- Make sure they show up prepared to vote
Do not assume they’ve heard everything.
Do not assume they’re planning to attend.
This Is It
The vote is hours away.
Momentum will be talked about.
Pressure will be applied.
But the outcome is decided in that room, tonight.
Make sure your unit is represented.
Make sure your voice is in the room.
Recpectfully,
Hampton Roads Scouting Alliance
A volunteer-led group focused on transparency, member voice, and the long-term strength of Scouting in Hampton Roads
hrscouting.org