SFE-Golden Gate Philmont 
Scout Parents and Leaders against discrimination.
 

Please act today to support the Mt. Diablo-Silverado Council (MDSC) in taking a stand to change the Boy Scouts of America's discriminatory membership policy.

 

As a parent of a scout, you know well how much scouting has to offer. You are also more than likely aware that Ryan Andresen was kicked out of Boy Scouts by the National Council of Boy Scouts of America after completing his Eagle requirements, because he had admitted to his Troop that he is gay. The outcry from many, many parents and scout leaders ... has been amazing. The result is that we have an opportunity within our council to affect changes in how future situations are addressed.

 

The new MDSC Council Executive Board President, Lou Paulson, has stated that he believes the BSA anti-gay policy is wrong and must be changed. Scout Executive John Fenoglio is in the difficult position of being a paid BSA employee, yet he has made it clear that he will support whatever position the Executive Board takes on this issue. This is not a minor matter, as he may be putting his career at risk.

 

Scouting needs your help - membership is down by 25% since 2001, and funding is down dramatically this year. Many parents nationwide simply don't want to fund or enroll their sons in an organization that practices discrimination. In addition, the current exclusionary policy creates a huge discrepancy with BSA's Youth Protection standards. While the BSA allows "closeted" youth into the program - they must keep their orientation a secret. As a result, these youths cannot report bullying, violence, or possibly even sexual abuse because it would jeopardize their membership status. In this case, current policy is dangerous.

 

Maybe the ban works in some areas of the country - but a "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" policy didn't work in the military and it isn't working here in our Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, and we hope you agree that it is time for us to demand a change.

 

We've heard that National is open to permitting local Councils to have more control over membership standards to individual organizations. We think that this increased latitude allows enough flexibility that fundraising and recruitment efforts can rebound. At the same time, chartering organizations who would like to keep the ban in place can do so, and others such as ours can move on without the threat of retribution for doing the right thing and no longer discriminating against gay scouts or leaders.

 

Mr. Paulson has formed a committee which will explore the issue and make a determination on how best to work toward changing the policy. This committee needs to hear from you. Several dozen other councils are acting similarly, so we are not alone. The direction in which many councils are heading is to request that National BSA permit each council to make their own determination as to how they would like to address the current BSA rules regarding gay scouts or adults. This would be temporary until the day that discrimination is simply not tolerated, but it would be a huge step forward.

 

Want to help?  Please: 

 

1. Write and send a letter to MDSC today.  (We have provided a sample letter, but a personal letter would be even better.)

  

Mr. Lou Paulson, President

Mr. John Fenoglio, Scout Executive

Mt. Diablo Silverado Council

800 Ellinwood Way

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

 

Or send an e-mail to:

and to

 

Send us a copy:

 

2. Forward this e-mail to every interested adult you know who supports ending discrimination in the otherwise great organization that is the Boy Scouts of America. 

 

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

Wendell Baker (Scoutmaster - Troop 234)

Jim McFeely (Scoutmaster - Troop 57)

Mike Bernhardt (Parent - Troop 234)

Steve Tennant (Committee Chair - Troop 57)

Paulie Proffett (Committee Chair - Pack 200)

Matthew Kimball (Eagle Scout - Troop 212)

Eric Andresen (Former Committee Chair - Troop 212)

Grant Walker (Scoutmaster - Troop 224)

Kurt Wharton (ASM - Troop 234)

Brad Prescott MD (Scoutmaster - Troop 241)

Dan Smith (Committee Chair - Troop 234)

Marke Fenske (Former Cubmaster - Pack 54)

Matt Lyon (Cubmaster - Pack 54)

Erik Volk (Den Leader - Pack 220)

Mark Weyland (ASM - Troop 200)

Earle Conklin (Troop 236)

Harper Wong (ASM - Troop 805)

Rick Bergquist (Former Committee Chair - Troop 36)

Megan Hanlon Akright (Unit Commissioner)

David Peers (Former Committee Chair - Pack 805)

Peter Gruebele (Cubmaster - Pack 351)

Fred Hofstetter (Former Scoutmaster)

Bosky Frederick (Scoutmaster - Troop 6)

Sarah Williams (Committee Chair - Troop 6)

Tom Steuber (Scoutmaster-Troop 204)

Bruce Fukayama (Unit Commissioner)

 

The Reverend Max Lynn, St. John's Presbyterian Church, sponsor - Troop 6

Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Congregation Beth El Berkeley

Norm Frankel, Executive Director, Congregation Beth El Berkeley

Dan Magid, President, Congregation Beth El Berkeley 

 

(Scouts for Equality - Golden Gate)

 

 
  

If you would like to join our local mailing list or become more involved: 

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To join Scouts for Equality (it's free!):

www.scoutsforequality.com/join

 

 

SFE-Golden Gate

c/o Able-Baker Automation, Inc.

1070 Larch Ave

Moraga, CA 94556

 

The opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the opinions of their unit, the local council, or the national headquarters.