Eagle1993

They want us to say “Scouts BSA”. Where do you see BSA staying “We are Scouts....”?

Some good guidance and info regarding Scouts BSA recruiting and how to handle questions about GSUSA. I would highly recommend reviewing these if you plan to setup a Scouts BSA Girls Troop. This was released to councils today. Brand-Guidance-Talking-Points-for-Scouts-BSA-Info-Sessions-1.pdf BSA-Messaging-to-Staff-and-Volunteers-12-5-18.pdf FINAL Brand Training 12-4-18.pdf

More info just announced... Not sure how you get added yet. In anticipation of the Scouts BSA launch on February 1, 2019, families are already looking for units forming in their area. To help youth join scouts, the BSA has added new functionality that allows councils to display “Coming Soon” units in BeAScout.org.

Actual this partially true. Chartering of new Girl Troops is underway. If girls are to join Feb 1 you need to have a lot of work complete by then. See attached for an example of a plan. Note the contact names will be different for your council. I’m sharing this from a private FB account that is supported semi-officially by Nationals. I recommend searching Facebook for “BSA. Family Packs/Girl Troops” and request to join. There is a lot of info there. Note: This isn’t official and just one example from a leader. Scout BSA New Troop Kit.pdf

ILL...

More info... https://www.wbay.com/content/news/Girl-Scouts-suspend-Green-Bay-troop-leader-behind-vigils-and-memorial-patch-500884872.html AP is also running this story.

GSUSA has now dismissed the Troop Leader for raising funds. Not sure why, but seems to be a policy violation. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2018/11/19/green-bay-girl-scout-leader-dismissed-after-organizing-event-crash-victims/2060509002/

I looked back at some of the Pepsi vs Coke lawsuits. Coke responded once that “... (it) seems as if Pepsi would prefer to fight in the courts rather than the marketplace.” While I don’t see this as a fight, GSUSA seems to, and instead of focusing inward to see why girls are not joining (or leaving) they are fighting in the media and court. That may work short term but long term parents and kids will find and choose the best fit for them (or none)... regardless of program names. BSA is offering refunds to any girls who joined Cub Scouts thinking it was Girl Scouts. Surbaugh also notes

Interesting NY Times article regarding the lawsuit. What I find interesting is that some GSUSA leaders are expressing frustration with their leadership not listening to the girls with GSUSA. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/09/us/girl-scouts-sue-boy-scouts.html

According to the video, BSA would be liable. For example, Pack xyz sent our flyer that includes term “girls scout”. Is sounds like GSUSA would have to prove damages from that specific flyer and BSA would be liable. For a single unit flyer, What are the damages ... 1-3 lost members? $60? I think that is the point the lawyers were making as to why cease and desist letters make sense. At least that is how I interpreted their video.

I also think the opinion of the ladies who join BSA would also be included in the equation, perhaps girl members of Venturing would have been a great group to ask. I don’t believe GSUSA should have the only and final input. They have made it clear they want nothing to do with BSA going forward. I’m sure their answer would be Backstabbing Scouts of America. I hope that is repaired long term but I don’t see a name conversation happening short term as it would appear that they are approving of this change.

The 1 hour video above, by a Trademark attorney and a patent attorney seems to make clear the only thing GSUSA can enforce is the use of the term “Girl Scouts” or very similar “girl scout” or “girl ... scout”. They seem to indicate that scout is a generic term and no organization has the right to reserve a market for that term. There is no way to protect a market (for example, Apple cannot use Trademark laws to prevent other PC sellers to sell “computers” to girls). Just as GSUSA cannot use Trademark law to prevent BSA from selling scouting services to girls. They can be called scouts,

@NJCubScouter Would be interested in your take. It seems like they believe BSA will win the big battle (the name Scouts BSA) but GSUSA may see some wins in damages (but they would have to prove them and these two expect they will be minimal). They called the BSA response “brilliant”, taking the high road and clarifying the brand do and don’ts. After listening to them I question several of GSUSA’s examples as they are not strong indicators of Trademark infringement (for example the quote from Juliette is no longer copyrighted due to age of the quote). Overall interestin

I’ve never used the terms BSA or GSUSA with new parents. I say Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. If parent is interested in scouting for little Sally I say, yep, she can join our Cub Scout Pack. I also say we have a great Girl Scout program at our school and if she is interested I can give you their contact info. Never had confusion after that.... and I will continue to help GSUSA regardless of some of their tactics.

They are fighting the trademarks for both Scouts BSA and Scout Life and they want $.

Finished reading that GSUSA guideline. I have no problem showing the uniform, emphasizing their unique brand, ensuring GSUSA money is spent on GSUSA events. Recruiting separate... sure. Many valid points. Telling a Troop of Girl Scouts that they can no longer participate in Scouting for Food because it is a BSA event crosses a line. It crosses the line of an organization more self interested in $ than doing service. I haven’t seen that and GSUSA in my area still does some joint BSA activities when it involves community service... I hope that remains.

Found this to be interesting “Girl Scouts of the USA prohibits events co-sponsored or co- branded with the Boy Scouts.” “Do not participate in, allow, or promote any co-sponsored or co-branded events or programs that use either Girl Scouts’ name, logo, colors, or likenesses together with Boy Scouts. This includes long-standing events like Scouting for Food and Pine Car Derbies.” Yep... screw the hungry if Boy Scouts are involved. What a load of crap. My sympathy for GSUSA went down a few notches...

https://scoutingwire.org/this-infographic-shows-the-right-way-to-refer-to-girls-who-will-join-scouts-bsa/

most of the girls in my daughter’s school that are in GSUSA have no desire to do the outdoor program. They sign up for the STEM, arts and crafts aspect. Sure ... glamping is of some interest but definitely not HA. When signing up for summer camp the GSUSA camp about fashion was sold out and had a waiting list... that wasn’t the case for the more outdoor focused camps. I’m sure they will increase their outdoor offerings to help stem losses to BSA but from what I see on the ground at our school the actual Troops and girls will focus on STEM and arts/crafts and going to museums. Not sure abo

@Treflienne You are probably right. My only thought is that BSA will not drop the use of Scouts and in the end, even if they are forced to change to BSA Scouts instead of Scouts BSA the confusion will remain. I did notice that my daughter (who is in both) has been seeing a lot of language from GSUSA about the power of G.I.R.L.s. Emphasize on the girl vs scout. Perhaps they are looking for a payout while keeping the name unchanged.

I wouldn’t be shocked if BSA/GSUSA settle and BSA helps fund a name change of GSUSA to Girl Guides USA. Regardless of the name BSA chooses there could be confusion and GSUSA will want to differentiate. Could be a big marketing refresh of their program and I don’t see BSA losing the term scouts. Who knows, will be interesting to watch.

From FB Post The following is an official statement from the BSA's National Council. Please be aware that any comments to the media should be made by the National or local Councils only. If you receive any media inquiries, please route them to PR@scouting.org. “We just became aware of the lawsuit filed in the Southern District Court of New York, and we are reviewing it carefully. “Our decision to expand our program offerings for girls came after years of requests from families who wanted the option of the BSA’s character - and leadership-development programs for their children

I think some of the issue is local leaders and councils being “innovative”. See below for an image used in the lawsuit.... clearly not from Nationals as their online forms crash too quickly to take screenshots.

All the issues GSUSA listed are prior to use of Scouts BSA. They know they can’t sue to block BSA from accepting girls so this is what they are left with. Will be interesting to see BSA’s response.

@Hawkwin Posted as a comment to a private FB several weeks ago. Apparently all councils are now provided national breakdowns weekly. Your DE should be able to give you numbers.