Advisory Organizations Reach National Standard of Excellence

Advisory organizations were introduced to The Salvation Army almost immediately after the movement itself was born. Founder William Booth frequently sought advice and input from knowledgeable local business and community leaders on the Army’s evolving structure and how best to meet human needs.

According to an article by Envoy Steve Bussey, “In 1920, the Booth’s daughter, Evangeline Booth – who served as the National Commander of the United States for thirty years – established the local ‘Advisory Board System’” which remains the firm foundation that the advisory organizations in the U.S. are built upon today. 

The “Manual of Advisory Organizations and Articles of Organization” says of the purpose behind advisory organizations: “Volunteers from the community are organized to strengthen The Salvation Army’s ability to serve. Members of the advisory boards, councils, and committees should be leaders who represent the community being served and can uniquely help The Salvation Army to strategically advance its mission impact.” 

The different types of advisory organizations for The Salvation Army are advisory boards, women’s auxiliaries, advisory councils, service extension committees, service center advisory boards, advisory conferences, and Echelon chapters. 

“The purpose of the Advisory Board [and other advisory organizations] is to provide input (advice), support (financial, time), and key influence with external constituencies (door-opening and advocacy) to further the goals and objectives of The Salvation Army in pursuit of its mission,” the manual continues. “It provides vital support and influence as Army leadership engages strategic opportunities and challenges, seeks to make wise decisions, and pursues the resources needed to carry out the Army’s mission in a particular community.” 

“Advisory organizations are vital and necessary to the ministry of The Salvation Army. They represent the community to the Army, and the Army to the community. Members become advocates and ambassadors for the Army in their community and peer networks, helping to raise visibility, connections, and funding that will enable and advance the ministry of the Army.” 

In January 2023, The Salvation Army USA created a national recognition program to honor outstanding advisory organizations doing exemplary work and ministry in their communities. All Salvation Army advisory councils, boards, Echelon chapters, and women’s auxiliaries are eligible to apply for the new “National Standard of Excellence” certification. 

The Salvation Army USA National Headquarters states that receiving the Standard of Excellence certification “demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous professional development,” while also providing a concise and standardized framework for how advisory organizations should effectively function to help advance the mission of The Salvation Army. 

National Commander Commissioner Kenneth Hodder encourages, “Getting your own advisory organization certified under these standards of excellence will enhance your board’s effectiveness, and it will foster trust among key stakeholders.” 

Requirements for receiving this certification include but are not limited to: 

• Following the established manual or bylaws for the organization 
• Having the required minimum number of members 
• Meeting a minimum number of times per year 
• Having a quality onboarding process for new members 
• Focusing on diversity in member recruitment and nominations 
• Having members actively engaged in fundraising efforts 
• 100 percent of members personally contributing financially on an annual basis 

Any advisory organization that meets or exceeds these (and some additional) standards is eligible to receive a Silver Award certification. If they go above and beyond these and a few additional requirements, they may qualify for a Gold Award. 

The eligibility requirements for Echelon chapters and women’s auxiliaries differ only slightly from those of the other organizations and can all be found on the Advisory Organization Hub at mysaboard.org. 

Advisory organizations can apply for the National Standard of Excellence certification online starting August 1 (January 1 – June 30 for renewals) of each year, and the certification is good for three years. 

The Southern Territory currently has six women’s auxiliaries and two advisory boards that have met the standards and have been certified: 

• The Women’s Auxiliary of Tulsa, OK (Gold) 
• The Women’s Auxiliary of Greater Houston, TX (Gold) 
• The Advisory Board of Clearwater Citadel, FL (Gold) 
• The Women’s Auxiliary of Northeast Florida Area Command (Gold) 
• The Women’s Auxiliary of Bartlesville, OK (Silver) 
• The Women’s Auxiliary of Pine Bluff, AR (Silver) 
• The Women’s Auxiliary of Orange, TX (Silver) 
• The Advisory Board of San Antonio Area Command, TX (Silver) 

Congratulations to these advisory organizations for receiving their National Standard of Excellence certification and for coming alongside The Salvation Army in our mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. 

Visit mysaboard.org to see if your community’s advisory organization qualifies for this prestigious award.