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Anti-Bullying Project (But stated with a positive attitude)
On March 19 the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) of our scout troop voted to become the first partner with the Moraga iKind Project. This isn't really surprising since our troop is deeply involved with developing this program. As partners we agree to adopt the Vision and that we will support the Mission and Goals:
Vision:
The vision of the Moraga iKind Project is to promote civility and compassion in our community.
Mission:
Our mission is to promote kindness and courtesy, to foster courage and bravery, based on the belief that empathy and inclusion constitute the foundation on which community is built.
The scouts did want to hear the other side...why would we not agree to become partners? They couldn't come up with any reasons, so they decided to become partners by acclimation. (Enough hands were raised that no one bothered to count.)
Certainly it's hard to argue against civility and compassion. Kindness, courtesy and bravery are all in the scout law and we certainly teach empathy and courage.
However, inclusion hasn't been a traditional boy scout value.
While there is no question where our troop stands on this issue, it also seems that every time that Deron Smith speaks for "BSA corporate" they include this statement:
"We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be a part of the Scouting experience.."
So while we may still be waiting for BSA corporate policy to catch up with its rhetoric, the writing is on the wall.
So for the record here are the goals we agreed to:
Goals:
Model civility, courage, and acceptance.
Develop community-wide programs to support our mission.
Establish a communication network of community leaders, members, and experts to share ideas and coordinate efforts to support our mission.
And the current list of partners:
Partners:
Moraga Boy Scout Troop 234
(more to come)
Moraga iKind Project website
Curves Ahead
Although the roller coaster ride since last May has been pretty smooth, I think there are some curves and hills in our future:
While the "Boy Scouts, an American Institution" could reasonably expect special consideration from the government, the "Boy Scouts, a homophobic private club" should not. It is not reasonable to expect the citizens of the United States to support a private organization that discriminates. Once again we call on the corporate leaders of the BSA to abandon their odious anti-gay agenda and return to the right side of history.
Oh well it was worth a try... Meanwhile in California:
The [California] Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Code of Judicial Ethics proposes amendments to canon 2C and related provisions of the code. Canon 2C prohibits a judge from holding membership in an organization that practices invidious discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, but contains exceptions for religious, military, and nonprofit youth organizations. The committee proposes retaining the exception for religious organizations.
The committee proposes eliminating the military organization exception because the U.S. military no longer restricts military service by gay, lesbian, and bisexual personnel. The committee also proposes eliminating the nonprofit youth organization exception because California is the only state that prohibits membership in organizations that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation but has an exception for nonprofit youth organizations.
...The committee noted that the exception was developed in 1996 to accommodate judges who were members of or active in the BSA. Effectively selecting one organization for special treatment is of particular concern, especially in light of changes in the law in California and elsewhere prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
The entire document is available here:
http://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/SP14-02.pdf
If you wish to provide comments to the committee you may do so here:
http://www.courts.ca.gov/policyadmin-invitationstocomment.htm
and click on "Code of Judicial Ethics" and then "Submit Comment Online"
and this one is going to cost me...
Senate Bill 323 which would remove the Boy Scout's exemption to California Sales and Income taxes is still waiting for Assembly approval. It is estimated it would cost the California Local Councils an additional $ 250,000.00 a year.
Link to California Report news story
OK based on this news report that's about $ 1.50/scout, and yes we'll have to raise it to support our local councils. But looking at this pragmatically, if this helps force the issue, maybe gives the councils the courage to stand up to National, and the boy scouts drop their policy, not only will the tax exemption be re-instated so will corporate donations.
Of course, for me, this isn't based on pragmatism, this is a matter of principle and getting the boy scouts to do right thing is worth the extra cost and maybe a trip or two to the State Capitol.
Youth Equality Act Link
And yes, I managed to get both my voice and picture in the last two links. Along with Steve Tenant's and scouts from troops 234 and 57.
Please forward this E-Mail
If you know anyone who would like to join our chapter or get more information please forward this e-mail to them. They can e-mail me or sign up at the links below.
