June 19, 2015

 Dear Cradle of Liberty Scouting Family,

I am writing you today to let you know that this morning the Cradle of Liberty Council Executive Board unanimously approved an update to the council's membership and employment standards policy. The update makes clear that our council welcomes any qualified adult of good will seeking to advance our mission of character development, citizenship training and fitness in young people through our programs based on the Scout Oath and Law and imposes no membership or employment restrictions based on an individual's sexual orientation. This policy reiterates the Cradle of Liberty Council's longstanding commitment to inclusivity and to offering opportunities for any qualified person looking to be a leader for Philadelphia-area youth or employed by council.

We believe this update is the right thing to do, because we want our council to welcome and engage the best people to lead the youth we serve in order to achieve our mission to advance the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

I know that the dedicated Scouters of the Cradle of Liberty Council will remain singularly focused on doing what we do best-delivering the highest quality Scouting program to the young people of our communities. This policy renews our commitment to diversity and helps forward our mission by becoming a stronger youth-serving organization and community partner.

If you have any questions or comments, please email membership@colbsa.org or call 484-654-9267.

Most Sincerely Yours in Scouting,

James M. Papada, III

Council President

Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America

Read the full press release here [PDF]