Re: Scout Names on Websites?
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Mon, 21 Oct 1996 12:15:24 -0600
On Sun, 20 Oct 1996, Henry Grabkowitz wrote:
>
> We're in the process of creating a presence on the Web (of which I am
> Webmaster of the moment) and I have a question. Given the era of Youth
> Protection, I have adopted the position that no Scout's name should appear
> on the Web pages. We established a single mailbox for the troop so that
> troop email can be screened.
Our Emergency Management Explorer Post 493 Web Page has a "members" page
with a photo of the member, both youth and adult, but only uses the first
name of the individual. All inquiries concerning the post or web page are
sent either to me as District Exploring chair/associate advisor, or to the
web page manager for technical information. Although affiliations and
schools are shown for each youth member, it would be difficult for anyone
to obtain a phone number, home address or e-mail address for the youth
member without a great deal of creativity and research.
The idea of having the parent's sign an informed consent to allow the
photo and first name of the youth member to appear on the web page is
a very good approach; that way, those who have concerns can understand
that the information that might be published will not expose the youth
member to direct contact by unknown persons. Otherwise, if the parent
chooses to not allow the name of the member to appear, that is fine as
well. None of our Explorer's parents had concerns once is was
explained how the information would appear. Our members are of course
Explorers who range from about 14-21 so it may be less of a concern that
it would be for younger Scouts..
We also list some general attributes/information about each
person to give a flavor about their background and individual interests.
Additionally, we link to a variety of agencies with information related to
the post specialty such as FEMA, Red Cross, CU Natural Hazards Center; and
to the district Explorer Post Matrix which lists all posts by specialty,
and has e-mail and web page links for those that have electronic access.
Those interested may wish to check out the web page at:
http://bcn.boulder.co.us/community/explorer/
Best wishes..
Bob Amick, Explorer Advisor, High Adventure Explorer Post 72, and
Exploring Chair, Arapahoe District, Longs Peak Council, Boulder, CO
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
