National Executive Committee Approves Membership Standard Resolution
May 23, 2013
BSA Membership Standards
Scouting Family:
We appreciate your participation and support of Scouting as we help equip your children with the life skills to become good, strong citizens. Throughout Scouting’s 103 years, our focus has remained the same — to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve. During the recent membership policy review process, we have continued to stay focused on that which unites us, reaching and serving young people to help them grow into good, strong citizens. As an integral part of the Scouting family, I want to take a moment to briefly update you about our membership policy.
In February, the Boy Scouts of America embarked on the most comprehensive listening exercise in its history to consider the impact of potential changes to its membership standards policy on the organization and gather perspectives from inside and outside of the Scouting family. This review created an outpouring of feedback from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.
On May 23, following this review, the approximately 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. 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.
Sincerely,
Wayne Brock
Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America
After 37 years of service to the Alabama-Florida Council, Bonita Hovey has decided to retire effective May 31st. We are saddened by her departure and yet joyous for her. In Bonita’s own words, "You don’t work at a place for 37 years unless you love what you do."
In honor of her dedicated service, the Council Executive Committee, by special proclamation, has declared Thursday, May 30, 2013 as Bonita Hovey Day. A daylong celebration will be held to give volunteers and staff an opportunity to share their best wishes. We will have refreshments throughout the day with a special presentation for Bonita at 5:30 PM.
Please join us as we celebrate the years of service Bonita has given to the Alabama-Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Cards of congratulations, plus donations for a retirement gift can be sent to:
Alabama-Florida Council
Boy Scouts of America
C/O Bonita Hovey Day
6801 W. Main Street
Dothan, Al 36305-6937
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Welcome to the Alabama-Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America Homepage.
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
The BSA serves youth through its local councils. Each council helps chartered organizations such as religious groups, social organizations, service clubs, etc. in its geographic area to effectively use the Scouting program and to expand the Scouting to other community groups.
The Alabama-Florida Council is one of the 300 plus local councils chartered by the National Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Alabama-Florida Council serves more than 4,000 youth with 1,100 volunteer leaders and professionals in eight counties of southeast Alabama and two counties of north Florida.
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and,
in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.
The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan.
Alabama-Florida Council |
6801 West Main Street |
Dothan, Alabama 36305-6937 |
(334) 793-7882
