ML2

No problem Ed. I'll help as much as they let me w/o being registered. When they draw the line, I'll move on to one of my other hobbies. ML

Packsaddle, you're probably right. As a matter of fact, I recently received a letter from my son's council stating that his membership had expired. I contacted the Cubmaster who told me not to worry, his membership had NOT expired and that he was currently on the rolls. Trevorum, I do volunteer as a parent. I go to all the council meetings and try to help wherever. -ML

AwHeck, it's just too much information. How does the unit and district maintain it? I picture it in someone's 3-ring binder, then being forgotten or stolen and all the information lost. As far as the background checks by the county...yes they were just for the time I lived in each county, for the past 10 years. Of course, aren't there nationwide listings of sex offenders? If the name matched, further investigation could be warranted. But, with no record, then it should be case closed. No need to maintain all my information in BSA's database. But as it's been said, if that's the

"You are statistically more likely to have the information stolen by cousin ernie then from your scouting records." Cousin Ernie doesn't have access; I don't know who has access at the unit/district/council. And, they're absolved if they don't protect it. "I think most any unit would rather risk losing a good volunteer than endangering the safety of the scouts." Maintaining a database of personal information about leaders is not the only way to obtain a background investigation. I have mentioned another method of providing a background investigation without having to have my i

"You are asking for the opportunity to work at close quarters in relative remoteness with other peoples children, where who you are and what can be your expectation of proper behavior is of great importance to the other parents, the Chartering organization the council and the BSA." Actually, no. I didn't ask, I was asked, repeatedly. I would like to share my experiences and knowledge, I just don't want to unnecessarily expose myself to identity theft to do so. And the BSA wants me to absolve them of any responsibility for safeguarding my information at the same time. "Again, It is

ScoutNut, I understand BSA's reasons for the information requested, however, I do not feel that this information needs to be provided. Like I mentioned before, background checks can be done by the county clerk's office and submitted with the application. I feel that there is no need for that information to be maintained by any level in the BSA. As far as the statement absolving the BSA, I agree with you. It is there to protect those who collected the information. That, to me, says that the information is vulnerable. You're right about helping out without being a registered leade

BW, thanks for the assurances, but I feel the following information is relevant: "U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) statistics indicate that over 27 million people have been the victim of identity theft crime in the last five years in the U.S.A. The FBI has estimated that the number of victims will increase be by 500,000 - 700,000 each year. They also estimate that on average victims of identity theft take 12 months before they realise they are victims of the crime and then take 175 hours to clear their name." So while it hasn't happened so far, the stated policy statement, "

Wingnut, based on your reply, I would have to choose to protect my personal information (and my family's future). The fact that BSA wants me to sign a statement absolving the people who will maintain my information from any wrongdoing or negligence leads me to believe that due diligence is not a priority. There should be some assurance that this information will be properly maintained. I recently needed to submit criminal background checks from the county clerks of my residences for the last 10 years (for a different reason). I obtained these certified background checks and submitted t

I would like to volunteer my time as a leader in my pack, however, after reviewing the application, I am reluctant to provide the amount of information requested. Here is the information that I do not feel is necessary, relevant or safe to provide: 1. Social Security Number (SSN). This is a non-paid position, so disclosure of the SSN should not be required. 2. Date of birth. At age 40, I feel it is pretty obvious that I am over 18. 3. Ethnic background. Why is that even relevant? Is it necessary to know someone's ethnicity? 4. Driver's license number. Agai

Seriously, show your target recruits what the position entails. Set them up for success and they'll be more willing to get involved. Too many times when I'm approached to volunteer for something and I ask what is involved, I get the old "Don't worry about it, it'll be easy, there's nothing to it, we'll be here to help you. That tends to make me more leary of volunteering than convince me to volunteer. If I know what I'm getting into in advance, then I'm more enthusiastic. Try it. -ML

I'm the father of my Cub Scout son. I have heard the baby sitter term mentioned before and must say that that term does not make me want to volunteer. I find it insulting and accusing. I must counter that with the statement that I DO want to volunteer, mainly for two reasons: 1. I want to make the program better for my son's growth and development, and 2. I enjoyed being a Scout as a kid and want to do it again. As parents most of us are continually juggling competing activities. Some have a lot to juggle, some only a few. Some can juggle very well, some are uncoordinate

arichardson71, My son moved to a nearby pack. During an initial conversation with the CM, he disclosed that he had several Cubs who had come from the other pack. He also relayed to me that he had requests from the DE to help the other pack, but when he approached them, he was turned away. The pack my son is now with is one that the CC from the other pack spoke badly about. Yet, my son has been welcomed and is having a good time. NeilLup, If there was a unit Commissioner he wasn't actively involved. He was never identified nor present at any meeting. -ML

It's kinda off-topic, but I sign my tax forms and consent to having the government take my money under threat of force and in fear of my life and my families welfare. BTW, OGE, can I ask why you asked your original question concerning the other non-BSA organizations? -ML

First of all, thanks to each of you for your comments. My reason for posting here was not to complain but to solicit others' opinions, advise and comments. Second, I'd like to respond to some of the comments, first to better explain, and others to give my comments regarding their response. It's long, and I apologize ahead of time. nosretep, 1. "When they had the first fundaraiser - what was the outcome." - $3000 + 2. "EVERY parent should be involved with the cubscout program." Agreed. I believe I am involved. At a minimum, my son and I work on his scouting each week

I agree with all the points mentioned. I could debate for days the issues about the cost, appropriateness, design, fit of the uniform. Basically, I'm not impressed with the uniform. But, the issue that I believe RipVanScouter was presenting, which I agree with, is the leaders (at whatever level; Nat'l, District, Troop, whatever) who espouse the ideals of the BSA and yet blatantly or, with a wink & a nod, ignore the uniform issue. I believe the uniform is important. I don't believe that it is the most important issue, but it is important. If there are problems with the unifo