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.
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.
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.