The function of the district advancement and recognition committee is to motivate and train unit leaders and unit committee members in the advancement program. This should be done under the direction of the council advancement committee in cooperation of the commissioner staff and the district training committee. The district advancement committee also should work closely with the district executive.

Other responsibilities of the district advancement and recognition committee are as follows:
• Set district advancement goals.
• Help units establish an active advancement program.
• Recruit and train merit badge counselors.
• Maintain a current list of merit badge counselors.
• Assist in Eagle Scout advancement, including Eagle Scout boards of review.
• Provide recognition to district Scouters.
• Provide program resources for the unit.

Setting District Advancement Goals
The district advancement committee should encourage all packs, troops, teams and crews to set practical advancement goals at charter renewal time. By knowing the unit's goals, the committee can set advancement goals for the entire district. Committee members will need to know (a) the number of youth advancing each year in each unit; (b) the number of units meeting their goal in rank advancement; (c) the number of merit badges earned; and (d) the number of Venturing awards earned in each unit.

The committee should create progress charts showing advancement in the district and display them at district committee meetings, at roundtables, at huddles and at commissioner staff meetings. Publish an honor roll of units reporting advancement in the district or council bulletin, or in both.

In analyzing advancement in a district, divide the units into three groups:
• those with good advancement records
• those with some advancement
• those with no advancement

The district advancement committee should concentrate first on the last group—units reporting no advancement. Make an appointment with the unit committee chairman and the unit leader and show them how to use advancement for a better program. Keep the unit commissioner informed. The unit commissioner is an essential person in helping the unit develop a solid advancement program.