Boy Scouts of America: Is it appropriate to educate a 10 year-old that's soliciting funds for that kind of organization?

[apretty]

I enter the grocery store on my way to work to buy a coffee, a boy stops me and asks if I'll buy some popcorn for his troop. I politely decline--He looks dejected and I feel guilty, but also irritated that I have to even be asked to support such a stupid organization--The mother sits placid a few feet away, totally disengaged and reading a magazine. This has happened twice and both times I wanted to gently explain that I can't put money towards an organization that discriminates.

Twice this week I have been asked to support his organization--Would explaining my reasons for not participating be totally inappropriate? On one hand I feel that I am obligated to be visible and very real ways, like this one--On the other, he's just a kid and doesn't know better.


More on Boyscouts of America:

http://www.dallasvoice.com/boy-scout...r-1087215.html

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-10-19/u...utive?_s=PM:US

Scouts sue city of San Diego: http://www.keennewsservice.com/2010/...oy-scout-case/

[Corkey]

I think the sooner they learn that diversity isn't a dirty word the better. Who else is he liable to hear it from?

[The_Lady_Snow]

I'm mean decline explain why and leave..

[tapu]

Here's how I thought it through: The Boy Scouts as a national organization have discriminatory policies. They are also effectively disconnected from the Boy Scouts at Troop level and even at Circle level.

At those levels, where the boy scouts actually are, inclusiveness is a main and explicit goal--and standard practice. The boys who make up a troop are not self-selecting their friends--kids who would never hang out together at school or elsewhere are grouped together in a troop, and loyalty, kindness, respect, etc, are values and attitudes extended to all Scouts.

It's pretty tough to get thrown out of Boy Scouts. Kids with serious behavior problems and other problems are enthusiastically included and accommodated. Boy Scouts are not mean to one another. Behavior of leaders and other troop members model against it very effectively.

I'm included in my son's Boy Scout Troop parents, as is his other mother. I help chaperone their hikes and camp-outs, and I've been invited to become an Assistant Scout Master. (I swear I can hear you guys smirking. >:-)

The point of all this is: I don't think scout, parent, or troop level is an effective or appropriate way to address the discrimination issues. Voice your complaints to the BSA administrative offices. They'll know what you're talking about.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by tapu

Here's how I thought it through: The Boy Scouts as a national organization have discriminatory policies. They are also effectively disconnected from the Boy Scouts at Troop level and even at Circle level.

At those levels, where the boy scouts actually are, inclusiveness is a main and explicit goal--and standard practice. The boys who make up a troop are not self-selecting their friends--kids who would never hang out together at school or elsewhere are grouped together in a troop, and loyalty, kindness, respect, etc, are values and attitudes extended to all Scouts.

It's pretty tough to get thrown out of Boy Scouts. Kids with serious behavior problems and other problems are enthusiastically included and accommodated. Boy Scouts are not mean to one another. Behavior of leaders and other troop members model against it very effectively.

I'm included in my son's Boy Scout Troop parents, as is his other mother. I help chaperone their hikes and camp-outs, and I've been invited to become an Assistant Scout Master. (I swear I can hear you guys smirking. >:-)

The point of all this is: I don't think scout, parent, or troop level is an effective or appropriate way to address the discrimination issues. Voice your complaints to the BSA administrative offices. They'll know what you're talking about.

Tapu?

Do they know you are a Lesbian/Gay?

When my kids were younger, they wanted to participate. I was certainly out at this time and was informed of the scouts policy on Gay people and was not welcome to participate as a parent. Of course at the point - I told my kids they could not participate and why. They were young, but they understood even at that young age, what discrimination was and were really okay about not joining. I had to teach them to be tolerant of their friends who were Scouts.

Just because there are bigots out there, does not mean you have to return the favor.

Julie

[J. Mason]

Originally Posted by tapu

Here's how I thought it through: The Boy Scouts as a national organization have discriminatory policies. They are also effectively disconnected from the Boy Scouts at Troop level and even at Circle level.

At those levels, where the boy scouts actually are, inclusiveness is a main and explicit goal--and standard practice. The boys who make up a troop are not self-selecting their friends--kids who would never hang out together at school or elsewhere are grouped together in a troop, and loyalty, kindness, respect, etc, are values and attitudes extended to all Scouts.

It's pretty tough to get thrown out of Boy Scouts. Kids with serious behavior problems and other problems are enthusiastically included and accommodated. Boy Scouts are not mean to one another. Behavior of leaders and other troop members model against it very effectively.

I'm included in my son's Boy Scout Troop parents, as is his other mother. I help chaperone their hikes and camp-outs, and I've been invited to become an Assistant Scout Master. (I swear I can hear you guys smirking. >:-)

The point of all this is: I don't think scout, parent, or troop level is an effective or appropriate way to address the discrimination issues. Voice your complaints to the BSA administrative offices. They'll know what you're talking about.

I am in agreeance with Tapu, to take it to the BSA admin. offices.

[tapu]

There's really not anyone who doesn't know I'm gay. Even if we're just standing in a supermarket line together.


But yes, the SM, ASM, and all the scouts and parents know Asa's moms are gay. There are also some Eagle Scouts who are gay and out. They are in Asa's troop, too. (Another unusual grouping of these boys is across age: 12-18.)


How many years ago are you talking wrt being rejected by your son's troop? Because I think rejection was more rampant everywhere than it is now. There have been some rapid changes.

[tapu]

In point of fact, the money Boy Scouts earn from popcorn, wreath, etc., sales does NOT go to the National Org. That money is how the troop pays for camp and other activities. It's also used as a scholarship for Scouts' families who would never be able to afford the parent contribution to camp.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by J. Mason

I am in agreeance with Tapu, to take it to the BSA admin. offices.

Actually I disagree.

I believe taking it also to the parents is important. Not all parents know or understand the discrimination and the policies of the Scouts (all the Scouts).

Even today, there are parents who do not know - If we are given the opportunity to educate...GENTLY...And not with force or aggression, I believe you will find that many parents will be outraged by what information you give.

THEN - they can certainly voice their concerns on the discrimination (as well) to the BSA and GSA.

@ Tapu -- I would say this was probably the mid 90's.

Julie

[apretty]

Tapu:

If you click on the links in the original post you can read about very recent boy scout assocation-discrimination.

[J. Mason]

Originally Posted by Julie

Actually I disagree.

I believe taking it also to the parents is important. Not all parents know or understand the discrimination and the policies of the Scouts (all the Scouts).

Even today, there are parents who do not know - If we are given the opportunity to educate...GENTLY...And not with force or aggression, I believe you will find that many parents will be outraged by what information you give.

THEN - they can certainly voice their concerns on the discrimination (as well) to the BSA and GSA.

@ Tapu -- I would say this was probably the mid 90's.

Julie

I just see a problem with trying to tell a parent about the situation you never know what you are going to encounter.

[Holly.88]

I definitely see where you're coming from. I don't buy popcorn from the boy scouts for them same reason. I think its important to remember that the young boys who participating in the boys scout don't join because of the discrimination. They join because they want to be boy scouts. Hell, all I wanted to do when I was in grade school was to be a boy scout! Not to support discrimination, but because I wanted to go camping and shoot bows and arrows with the other boys.

I personally feel that a simple, polite no thank you is the appropriate respone.

[Julie]

It's interesting you write about this.

My organization is a World Peace Org. and the scouts are very much active in many of the activities we do. I have had issue with this and I run the kids program of this org. How can I keep the scouts out? I most certainly cannot nor would I ever want to.

I have spoken about this with people in my org., and generally I ask one of the other staff member to correspond with them. It's hard for me for a number of reasons and I have explained this in great detail to my work peers and director.

Sunday, the scouts were at my event andI had the opportunity to speak with some of the *larger* scout leaders. Afterward one of my co-workers came up to me and asked how I did. Of course I rolled my eyes and laughed and she said... "This is what I love about you." "You can be so political and strong about something, yet you will always be respectful and open minded." Doesn't mean I like it!!!

In my world - I deal with many many religions and organizations which might differ from my self political beliefs and structure. I am given the opportunity to be open about who I am and what I believe and therefore, try and allow the same space - within that structure, I am always hopeful I can educate.

I will NOT ever give money or support the Scouts on a financial level - but I would also NEVER tell those kids, they cannot participate in our activities. These kids are impressionable and we are given the opportunity to teach and to hopefully create an environment in educating them - that we are diverse and we must MUST learn to accept and respect one another, with complete full dignity.

I really really really miss Girl Scout Cookies. I walk away when they are being sold. And my taste buds clearly are fighting me every step of the way.

Julie