Changing the Jim Bowie Chapter name has been discussed several times over the past few years. At the annual business meeting held January 14, 2024, a motion was passed to begin the process of submitting and potentially selecting a new chapter name. Below are the guidelines and process that were voted into place. 

PLEASE NOTE: ONLY CURRENT, ACTIVE MEMBERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT NAME CHANGES AND VOTE ON THE NAME CHANGE AT THE 2025 FCF TRACE. 

WHO CAN SUBMIT NAMES: Only active members can submit names. To be an active member you must be: (1) Current on your dues, (2) have served or attended a Louisiana District Royal Rangers event in 2023 or 2024 (3) be a charted member of a local Outpost.

WHO CAN VOTE: Only active members can submit names and vote at the January 2025 Trace. To be an active member you must be: (1) Current on your dues, (2) have served or attended a Louisiana District Royal Rangers event in 2024 (3) be a charted member of a local Outpost (4) be present for the 2025 Chapter Trace (not just present for the business meeting).

The guidelines from the National FCF Office on name changes:

"Guidelines, Chapter 3: To maintain the history, color and continuity in the FCF, chapters will be allowed to pursue a name change only under extenuating circumstances. Examples could be new controversial background history on a person, place or subject. Any chapter name selection will be presented to the National FCF Action Team for review and approval before implementation. The National FCF Action team may submit the request to the National Royal Rangers Executive Committee for additional review if needed."

As we select a new name, we need to keep in mind several items.

1. What can the name be? When looking at the current FCF Chapter names across the nation, there are several broad categories used:

a. Famous people from the area and time

b. Native American Tribes from the area

c. People Groups (i.e. Volunteers or Minutemen)

d. Geographic area/landmark

e. Animals

f. Events

2. Does it bring God glory? Everything we do in FCF and Royal Rangers needs to be something that uplifts God and His name. Everything from our outfits to our own FCF names are something that can bring Him glory. As we think about our current name and potential future name, keep in mind what this will mean to people who see and hear it.

3. How does it represent Louisiana? We have a very diverse state. There are names that represent one area of our state while ignoring another. We must endeavor to find a name that encapsulates the entire state.

Process:

1. Today through 6/9/24 (Sunday after Adventure Academy): All current, active FCF Members may submit the following form with their ideas for a new chapter name (please adhere to the above guidelines).

2. 6/10/24 through 9/21/24: A team consisting of Alton Foster, John Slocum, Quint Lenard, Daniel Hibbets, and David Schwartz (elected by the members) will vet the list of names.

3. 9/22/24 through 1/19/25: The list of approved names will be made public. All members may vet the names themselves and pray for God's guidance in voting at the 2025 FCF Trace Business Meeting (to be held 01/19/25).

4. 1/19/25: The FCF Trace Business Meeting will be held. Eligible members will be able to vote on the approved, submitted names. 

5. If passed, the new chapter name and documentation will be submitted to the national office for approval. 

Presidents note: This topic has been on my mind and heart for several years. I do not take changing names lightly. For anyone that objects to this because you believe it is "Changing History", please know that this is not the intent. Everything we do is to bring glory to God and bring boys into the kingdom. If the chapter name could be a roadblock for anyone, then changing it is worth the work. If you would like more information, please contact me, and I will be happy to discuss this with you.

John “Fornax” Slocum