Poll for those who are mad at the BSA

[LoveTrains]

I would send a card.

[ijack]

sending a card seems okay to me

[Deleted]

I would acknowledge his achievement when he becomes an Eagle Scout because it's still a big deal even if you disagree with the organization's policies. FWIW my brother's whole troop disagreed with a lot of the BSA's positions and went out of their way to be independent and inclusive.

[formerlyak]

I'd find out what the donation is for. Is it going to BSA in general, or is it going to help pay for your cousin's Eagle project? If it is going to support the project, I'd probably make a donation. Some of the projects the boys do are really cool and of great benefit to the community -- wheelchair accessible paths in parks, projects to help people with learning disabilities better navigate the public library, projects at local senior centers, etc. Regardless of what organization inspired the boy to do the projects, some of those community projects are very needed and could use some help in the funding department.

[Deleted]

I would send a card.

[Mrs.Beagle]

I would.

My H is an Eagle Scout though, and worked really hard at it. I don't think he even knew of the BSA's policies at the time.

Oddly enough, all of our friends who are gay are also Eagle Scouts.

[aspentosh]

Aug 21, 2012 10:51:12 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

I'd find out what the donation is for. Is it going to BSA in general, or is it going to help pay for your cousin's Eagle project? If it is going to support the project, I'd probably make a donation. Some of the projects the boys do are really cool and of great benefit to the community -- wheelchair accessible paths in parks, projects to help people with learning disabilities better navigate the public library, projects at local senior centers, etc. Regardless of what organization inspired the boy to do the projects, some of those community projects are very needed and could use some help in the funding department.

Agreed.

I don't know how old your cousin is, but it's entirely possible he has no idea what the BSA's views are and he might just assume he's helping his community.

I'd at least send a card.

[Deleted]

Aug 21, 2012 10:53:05 GMT -5 v said:

Aug 21, 2012 10:51:12 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

I'd find out what the donation is for. Is it going to BSA in general, or is it going to help pay for your cousin's Eagle project? If it is going to support the project, I'd probably make a donation. Some of the projects the boys do are really cool and of great benefit to the community -- wheelchair accessible paths in parks, projects to help people with learning disabilities better navigate the public library, projects at local senior centers, etc. Regardless of what organization inspired the boy to do the projects, some of those community projects are very needed and could use some help in the funding department.

It's building some sort of path at their super evangelical church in Georgia. Also not something I support really

And because of my cousin's family's religious affiliation and how much time they spend at Jesus camp and similar retreats, I don't imagine they're part of a super inclusive troop unfortunately.

I wouldn't donate to this project. But I would probably donate if they were building a path in a town or county park.

I would probably send a card though. But then I'd also send a letter to the BSA protesting their stance. Just to balance it out.

[Awkward]

Given the extra information about building a path for his church (I didn't know the Boy Scouts did things for churches), I'd just send a card.

[aspentosh]

I can't see the FB posts, but after the update I'd just send a card.

[CallingAllAngels]

I'm in the minority, but I wouldn't even send a card for this accomplishment to a cousin I am not close to (I have a lot of cousins though so things tend to get watered down - I don't send cards for cousins' birthdays either).

[formerlyak]

Aug 21, 2012 11:02:47 GMT -5 v said:

Aug 21, 2012 10:58:53 GMT -5 Awkward said:

Given the extra information about building a path for his church (I didn't know the Boy Scouts did things for churches), I'd just send a card.

Yup -- Boy Scouts is in fact very churchy. My FIL is involved as an adult in a Catholic-related BSA group and has received awards for his religious service to Boy Scouts, for example.

Boy Scouts being churchy is again a troop-by-troop thing. The BSA by-laws or creed or whatever, encourage accepting all religions (they list religions ranging from Mormon to Christian to Muslim to Buddhist). However, some are more geared toward one religion than others depending on who supports them locally.

Sorry, I have been following all the BSA stuff pretty closely with fi -- he's an Eagle Scout and a Scout Master with a local troop and is horrified by the recent events. He joined an inclusive scouting group and has encouraged others in his troop to do the same.

[formerlyak]

BTW, I wouldn't donate to a church-based project unless it was to help people with disabilities access the church or something like that. Even if it isn't my religion, I believe people should be able to get in to their church. But just some pretty paths? I'd send a card.

[formerlyak]

Aug 21, 2012 11:25:04 GMT -5 swizzlestx said:

FWIW, I think it's a little weird he's asking for donations. Is that how they do it?

It depends on the project. Fi partnered with a local lumber store (or something similar) who donated his materials (he did a path and benches in a local park) and had friends and family help with the labor. So he didn't need monetary donations. Some kids just get their parents to pay for their supplies. Some ask for family to help. It really depends on the project and the culture of that troop.

[80sjunkie]

I would also not send a card. He isn't close to you and you don't support this particular cause. Plus acknowledging the accomplishment may open you up to increased requests in the future.