From: GMarmet@AOL.COM
Date: Wed Sep 06 2000 - 17:46:19 CDT
<< What will be the "outcome"? Could be a system like in other Scouting
nations -- an umbrella organization, with standardized aims, challenges,
and opportunities; and subordinate secular/non-secular organizations
which serve only their own kind >>
This alternative is probably not possible, even if desirable (which I
certainly am not excited about), because the BSA has not shown one hint that
it would share anything. And the BSA is the WOSM member from the USA. I
can't see it giving that up. Therefore it would have to be the umbrella
(WOSM requires only one representative from each country), and I don't see
that happening either, because it is too set in its ways (money channels) to
see its market divided up.
The BSA is the most professionalized scout unit in WOSM. Most other
countries think we are way too professional. They have a volunteer model
with very little professional service. Some, like Switzerland, don't even
sell uniforms; they turn that little task over to a private source: Hajik.
We all agree that there are arrogant professionals in this racket. You know
the ones, they figure the volunteers work for them. It is apparent that
National has acquired that feeling as well. They have a product. We, the
volunteers, are the consumers of their product. And they do everything in
their power to protect their product. In other countries Scouting is a
movement, not a product. But then, in those countries, Scouting does not
have the same market penetration we have in this country.
My view of what is going to happen? Well I figure that this current dustup
will quiet down shortly and we will go on doing what we had been. But there
will be a significant change in the way people perceive us, which will mean
that we will probably change the market we serve, subtlely perhaps, but
changed nevertheless. I see those families that think we are too
militaristic, but accepted us because of what we did for their kids, changing
their minds. I see the liberal Jewish families who may have been
"genetically" uncomfortable with our tan shirts now rejecting us. It seems
clear that UUA families will have less and less to do with us. I see us
becoming more and more conservative and, frankly, less educated, as the more
highly educated and more liberal families and denominations drift away from
us.
Frankly how long can we use the argument that some have advocated on these
boards with any sucess? You know the argument: It doesn't matter what
National says cause we do good things with your kids. Well, there are
families who are marginal now, but who support Scouting because of what we do
for their kids, who will wonder if membership in an organization with the
BSA's National committments can help their kids regardless of what we do on
campouts.
Hey, I support Scouting. But gee golly fellas and gals, its getting harder
to look some of my friends in the eye and say "Yes Scouting is about youth
and America. We are the BS of America." Well maybe.
Yours in Scouting,
G. John Marmet, ASM
Troop 160, Glenview, Illinois
Northeast Illinois Council
Owl, C.19.96, Brotherhood
