I remember when my 6-year-old came home from the Join Scouting Event and was excited about something for the first time. I struggled with joining an organization that, at the time, was outright rejecting youth who were gay and taking away their achievement recognitions, if they shared their true selves. It hurt my heart to think that a movement that was founded on friendliness, kindness, bravery, would not be open to people who only wanted to live and celebrate these as they truly were. But…I had this little boy who wanted to cut stuff up and set it on fire. How could I tell him no? So I decided to get involved and help change it from within. And we did. I will not say no now. I will stay and continue to work quietly from within. I know that the leadership at the top is doing its best to keep the movement alive within an administration that does not value the Oath and Law. And I do believe that in the statements of Roger Krone, in bold in his letter “Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change.” I find hope in that statement. I will stay and keep working for what is right.
This IS a difficult time — for all reasons that you’ve discussed. I’ve thought about this and discussed this with other NCAC Scouters on social media yet, in the final analysis, I think Danielle Ballantine sums up my thoughts so there really is no need for me to repeat those here. Please don’t give up on the movement!!!
Your words are powerful and spot-on as usual - I could not have said it better. I read the decision on Friday afternoon and then headed to camp to work with other like-minded Scouters as we watched the "program in action". The decision from National seems to go against the very values and strengths that I watched among those Scouts. If only the administration could see the strong, confident, leaders of tomorrow that I saw....
Chris - I don't know enough to be dangerous but, why are Scouts in a dependent relationship with DoD? Why can't they cut that tie and maintain their reputation? Is there funding involved? I understand your frustration. If the organization is going to tuck tail based on the administration it doesn't sound like it is standing up to what it teaches. I'm happy to hear you are home my friend.
I remember when my 6-year-old came home from the Join Scouting Event and was excited about something for the first time. I struggled with joining an organization that, at the time, was outright rejecting youth who were gay and taking away their achievement recognitions, if they shared their true selves. It hurt my heart to think that a movement that was founded on friendliness, kindness, bravery, would not be open to people who only wanted to live and celebrate these as they truly were. But…I had this little boy who wanted to cut stuff up and set it on fire. How could I tell him no? So I decided to get involved and help change it from within. And we did. I will not say no now. I will stay and continue to work quietly from within. I know that the leadership at the top is doing its best to keep the movement alive within an administration that does not value the Oath and Law. And I do believe that in the statements of Roger Krone, in bold in his letter “Scouting’s values have not changed, and they will not change.” I find hope in that statement. I will stay and keep working for what is right.
Jangus—
This IS a difficult time — for all reasons that you’ve discussed. I’ve thought about this and discussed this with other NCAC Scouters on social media yet, in the final analysis, I think Danielle Ballantine sums up my thoughts so there really is no need for me to repeat those here. Please don’t give up on the movement!!!
—Odin
Your words are powerful and spot-on as usual - I could not have said it better. I read the decision on Friday afternoon and then headed to camp to work with other like-minded Scouters as we watched the "program in action". The decision from National seems to go against the very values and strengths that I watched among those Scouts. If only the administration could see the strong, confident, leaders of tomorrow that I saw....
You are not alone. I understand compromising for survival, but this feels so wrong.
This struggle is real my friend.
Thank you putting words to my feelings as well!!!
I am feeling the same way and I have seen several local scout leaders step away for the same reasons.
Chris - I don't know enough to be dangerous but, why are Scouts in a dependent relationship with DoD? Why can't they cut that tie and maintain their reputation? Is there funding involved? I understand your frustration. If the organization is going to tuck tail based on the administration it doesn't sound like it is standing up to what it teaches. I'm happy to hear you are home my friend.
They folded like a cheap chair…