BSA Policy: The Internet
Michael McDonald (scoutpro@TIAC.NET)
Thu, 31 Aug 1995 03:17:02 -0400
The following memo has been issued by the national office of
the Boy Scouts of America:
(read the memo and see the comments about my dilemma at the
end)
---begin memo---
A memo from the Chief Scout Executive Jere Ratcliffe, dated
June 29, 1995.
Subject: Computerized Communications Networks - The Internet
The position of the Boy Scouts of America regarding the
Internet is as follows:
At this time, the National Council, Boy Scouts of America,
does not sponsor, provide or hold official space for the
disseminating of information of any kind regarding programs,
activities, resources of lists of names of leaders or
chartered organizations on the Internet of other
computerized networks.
The Boy Scouts of America disseminated information through
regional offices and local councils to chartered
organizations, unit leaders, and youth members.
For example, the Exploring magazine published and
distributed four times annually is the official national
communications tool for unit leaders and youth members
registered in the Exploring program. Similarly, Scouting
magazine provides a more generalized format for BSA programs
and activities.
Individual units, youth, and adult members act on their own
as private individuals and do not represent or serve as
agents of the BSA at any time, especially when disseminating
information over computerized communication networks
(Internet, etc.).
At this time a national council task force is evaluating the
issue of alternative communication methods such as the
Internet. After a full and thorough evaluation, the findings
of this task force will be made available to all local
councils.
---end memo---
As a professional / employee (District Executive) of the Boy
Scouts of America I am faced with a dilemma. For almost a
year I have had the opportunity to provide "national
updates" to the Internet as a way of giving al volunteers an
opportunity to get (directly), the best possible information
relating to BSA news and policies.
I have in the past year been an "unofficial" information
channel. giving volunteers of Scouts-L, WWW, and Rec.
Scouting information about the Scout program as I have
received it "straight from national;" without the filtering
of the local council.
As part of the "official channel" i.e. I work for a local
council, I can't see how I could be a "private individual"
or use a "disclaimer" and give out information and not be a
representative of the BSA.
At this point I see no other course but to discontinue my
national updates. Anyone who has a perspective on my
decision can certainly e-mail me in private or comment
publicly.
At some point I may seek permission from the National
Council to continue my work, but as a busy District
Executive I'm sure they would see my time better used in
other activities (new unit organization, etc.)
Well, for now my national updates have ended, but I have
other projects in the works that should not break these
rules. Look for my massive collection of clip-art to be made
available soon as well as electronic versions of some
historic BSA publications, i.e. old handbook chapters as
well as game/activity books.
Bye for now :)
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Mike McDonald * Exploring Executive &
SCOUTPRO@TIAC.NET * Inner-City District Executive
* Mohegan Council, Worcester, MA
* Boy Scouts of America
*
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are just that, my opinions. Statements
about Scouting policy are based on the most current information
I have available, and I document my sources if asked nicely.
**************************************************************************
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
