FRUSTRATED SCOUTMASTER
09-04-2007, 06:30 PM
Hello Everyone!
I just received our Council Newletter and in there was an article about Scout Participation in Political Events.
It Stated: "with the presidential election coming up in 2008, it is a good time to restate the BSA long-standing policy regarding participation of Scouts in political rallies and other political events."
"Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Plrdge of Allegiance, however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers' platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind.
Volunteers must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over the other. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniform Scouts and leaders in political events is MANDATORY."
I wonder how many of us were aware of this policy? I think that we need to pass this on to every Scout and volunteer that we know so as to keep us all out of potential trouble and embarassing situations.
Yours in Scouting,
Bob Klimas
Unit Commissioner
Concord District
Central Nortyh Carolina Council
I just received our Council Newletter and in there was an article about Scout Participation in Political Events.
It Stated: "with the presidential election coming up in 2008, it is a good time to restate the BSA long-standing policy regarding participation of Scouts in political rallies and other political events."
"Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Plrdge of Allegiance, however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers' platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind.
Volunteers must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over the other. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniform Scouts and leaders in political events is MANDATORY."
I wonder how many of us were aware of this policy? I think that we need to pass this on to every Scout and volunteer that we know so as to keep us all out of potential trouble and embarassing situations.
Yours in Scouting,
Bob Klimas
Unit Commissioner
Concord District
Central Nortyh Carolina Council