It's a Step in the Right Direction

I'm going to tread into dangerous territory here. But I'm trusting that you all will be kind and courteous and give me the benefit to hear me out before you pass judgement. Please.

It's really easy to say that the Membership Standards Resolution is super-duper ridiculous (go ahead say it "s-u-p-e-r--d-u-p-e-r" didn't that at least make you smile. We at least need to keep a sense of humor here)  and won't work on many levels... Let's not go down that road for a minute and simply examine what the BSA was trying to accomplish.

Data from the survey responses - According to the reporting from the BSA, many people on both sides of the issue responded that denying a youth the opportunity to be a scout should be avoided. So often, we say in scouting - it's about the boys (or youth). Yup. It's about the youth - and we should make sure that anyone who wants to be part of the program is welcome. As long as a boy/youth and his parents recognize that there are guidelines and rules we follow, why shouldn't we welcome anyone to benefit from this awesome experience?

The issues that have been raised to me - such as what do you do with an openly gay scout on a camp out - need to be considered sure, but in my mind and experience this is not something that is too much of an issue. Any boy that has agreed to abide by the Oath and Law should be willing to follow rules. Any boy who is not willing to tent with any other boy should also consider if they are following the Oath and Law. As leaders we should be willing to address these issues with courtesy and compassion - for the sake of the youth who want to be in the program. I think that the issue has been addressed in co-ed Venturing crews well. I think it will be possible to adapt to the Boy Scout program (but perhaps I'm being naive - I'm willing to give it a chance though.)

It's about the youth.

I'm a Cub Scout leader. While it's possible that any Cub Scout-aged boy might know who they are at

this point, it's not always likely. I want every boy that's Cub Scout age to join the program. No matter who they think they might be. I want them to feel welcome and not excluded - no matter what. Cub Scouts can make a difference in the life of boy. I definitely want a boy's parents to feel that Cub Scouts is a program that will accept their son as he is and help him be the best he is - no matter what.

It's about the youth.

Okay. So, I recognize that there are significant issues that will come forward. A youth who becomes 21 will no longer be able to be a leader if they are openly gay. That's definitely a problem that we will have to address. I suspect there are too many people who just are not ready to jump into that pool. It's a disappointment for some and a relief for others. But for now... It's about the youth. That has to be okay and enough for now.

For me, it's a step in the right direction. I've decided I have to take a stand in this.

I'm sure for some of you, even those of you who are my good scout friends, it's in direct opposition to your beliefs and opinions. But please, I ask you to keep in mind that I truly, truly believe that it's about the youth - we must consider all of them who want to benefit from Scouts. No matter what the decision is at the end of May, I have said, I will stand by the program. However, I'm now adding that I hope the BSA leaders will decide to adopt the resolution. Let's take this huge step.

It's for the youth.

I welcome your comments (keep it kind) as I respect there's another side of the coin.