The BSA’s national board meets next week, and on their agenda is a possible change to the membership policy. You can read the media statement here. Again, it’s not full and total equality, but a huge step in the right direction (more about that Thursday and Friday).
They’ve opened up a special phone number, (972) 580-2330, and e-mail address, nationalsupportcenter@scouting.org to take comments and you can leave a comment on their Facebook page. All you have to say is that you are for the policy change.
I’m just asking for two minutes of your time, as a personal favor. I’ll owe you a cup of coffee. Send a quick-email, add a facebook comment or call (they’re in Central Time by the way), just to say you support the policy change. Even if you don’t think you know anyone associated with the BSA, you do (that would be me by the way, just as one example).
I’ll be releasing a special series of blog posts over the next few days as we push to get this change enacted. And yes, I’d love to be able to go back to the camps I love to volunteer, but honestly, this is more about the safety and well-being of young people across the country. And for that reason, we can’t afford to not push as hard as we can.
So please, all I’m asking for is two minutes, not a big commitment. It would mean a great deal to me, the youth who are being told everyday they’re not as deserving as their peers and maybe even your future children.
If you’re still not convinced, read on, I’ll be making that case for equality in the following posts (links will be updated each day, or check out the main blog page):
Thursday – The case against discrimination
- A comprehensive look at discrimination and how it harms young people, the need for role models and the losses that the BSA incurs from it’s discriminatory ban. Study citations listed in the footnotes.
Friday – One month later
- An update about my own story since I released all my previous blog posts, what life has been like since leaving the BSA and the ongoing fight for equality.
Saturday – BSA camp staff and the destruction wrought by discrimination
- A moving video from a Program Director as he discusses what camp has meant to him and the fight for his rights.
Sunday – Fighting against first graders
- A recent news story about what will hopefully be the last time first graders are discriminated against by the BSA.
Monday – Story time with Mike
- Camp staff memories and the amazing alumni that I’ve worked with over the course of eleven summer seasons.
Tuesday – 1+1=3 : The business case for equality
- With a nod to days gone by at camp, I attempt to do math.
Wednesday – Scoutmaster’s Minute
- Bringing the discussion back home to Pittsburgh, home of the BSA’s founder, William D. Boyce.
It Gets Better: If you need help, please, please talk to someone you trust. If you’re thinking of harming yourself, in a bad place, or don’t have anyone to talk to, please call the Trevor Project, the call is anonymous, and they’re there to listen to you: (866) 488-7386. We’re all here for you and we care about you. You are not alone. Please be safe.
