POSITION STATEMENT ON THE CRADLE OF LIBERTY COUNCIL'S STANCE REGARDING THE LEADERSHIP STANDARDS OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA MONDAY,JUNE 9,2003,9AM 1. Recently the Cradle of Liberty Council Board of Directors held discussions concerning a non-discrimination disclosure that the council has signed in order to qualify for United Way funds. These United Way funds are used specifically for the council's Learning for Life program at the request of the local United Way executive board. 2. This non-discrimination disclosure was directed to the use of United Way funds in the Learning for Life program and was not, and was not intended to be, an indication of any desire by the board to depart from the National Council policies nor should it be construed as any indication that Cradle of Liberty Council will fail to uphold any policies of the Boy Scouts of America. 3. The Learning for Life program working through schools, businesses and other community organizations delivers values based programs to thousands of children. This program is not a membership program and selection of the adults who deliver the program is up to the institution that sponsors the program. 4. The Cradle of Liberty Council is chartered by the National Council, Boy Scouts of America to conduct its various programs in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. As such the local council affirms that it will carry out all policies as set forth by the national organization. 5. Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America is strongly committed to the moral and spiritual development of Scouting youth in accordance with the values in the Scout Oath and Law. In the Oath and Law, the Boy Scout promises to do his duty to God and to be morally straight, as well as to be clean in his thoughts, words and deeds. 6. The traditional membership programs of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing have specific requirements and standards of leadership pertaining to all volunteers of which there are approximately 10,000 registered in this council. 7. Applications for leadership and membership do not inquire into sexual orientation. However, an individual who declares himself to be a homosexual would not be permitted to join Scouting. All members in Scouting must affirm the values of the Scout Oath and Law, and all leaders must be able to model those values for youth. 8. Consistent with the obligations of the Scout Oath and Law, Scouting teaches youth to show tolerance and respect for all human beings. The Scout Law requires youth to be helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind to all, and Scouts are taught to be respectful of those whose views may be different from their own. Scouting teaches both tolerance and clear moral values. Tolerance for all does not mean that all behavior must be accepted as appropriate for those in Scouting. Cradle of Liberty Council offices can be reached at 215-988-9811 or 610-688-6900. Signed: William T. Dwyer,III Scout Executive Cradle of Liberty Council,BSA |