Boy Scouts of America passes membership resolution

The Boy Scouts of America have completed the review of their youth membership policy and released a statement.

"For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, with a focus on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.
"Based on growing input from within the Scouting family, the BSA leadership chose to conduct an additional review of the organization's long-standing membership policy and its impact on Scouting's mission. This review created an outpouring of feedback from the Scouting family and the American public, from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.
"Today, following this review, the most comprehensive listening exercise in Scouting's history the approximate 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts of America's National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone. The resolution also reinforces that Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting. A change to the current membership policy for adult leaders was not under consideration; thus, the policy for adults remains in place. The BSA thanks all the national voting members who participated in this process and vote.
"This policy change is effective Jan. 1, 2014, allowing the Boy Scouts of America the transition time needed to communicate and implement this policy to its approximately 116,000 Scouting units.
"The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter.

"While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America's youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve."

I campaigned in favor of this change and I am proud to see the Boy Scouts of America take this step forward to support our youth, our country, and our future.

A Supportive Letter to Boy Scouts of America

As many of my readers, and anyone who looks at my profile, already know, I am an Eagle Scout and currently a unit leader in Arizona. Boy Scouts of America is in the news lately for an upcoming policy change at the national level. This change would remove the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation and would leave membership policies up to the unit's chartering organization. There are many ways to register your support for this long-overdue policy change.

I wrote this letter to them in support:

Good afternoon, I am writing today to register my support in ending the ban on homosexual scouts and volunteers. The strength of this organization, and its ability to develop strong leaders, is the variety of viewpoints and activities to which scouts are exposed. These boys will succeed in the future, as everything from tradesmen to executives, by their ability to work with and lead diverse organizations. These early experiences of inclusion and support will prepare them well for the future. I urge you to follow through and support inclusion and diversity at all levels.

Yours in Scouting,

Michael K. Rainey
Venture Advisor, Crew 444
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 444
Catalina Council

Be Prepared