Hey Scout Family, The mission statement of BSA says, "The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law." Today, we are going to practice being "brave" & speak up for our entire scout family. When we attend anything scouting, we see our scouting family. A mix of people from different upbringings, personalities, strengths, weakness', family structure, gender, social class, economic class, cultural background, religions, ethnicities, (dis)abilities and races. It's absolutely beautiful & is our strength. We celebrate our commonalities and differences with open minds, build lifelong relationships, and engage in educational programs that open new opportunities to all our scouts. We are dedicated to teaching our children, the next generation, to be able to learn to interact with our environment beyond an understanding outside ourselves, our cities, and even our own homes (yay camping!). Along with the mission statement of the BSA, it is needed to say that there is no greater time to "prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes" than to stand up NOW, esp when we are in hard times. And it is indeed a highly charged time that we live in. We have (had) to worry about public health due to COVID19. Now, we are mourning the loss of another innocent African-American, because he was a person of colour due to racism, like others before him. Now, not only the nation but the world is joining us in the protest to show that black lives matter. How can we each make sure that we do the same? By (truly) living the scout law. The 12 points of the scout law are just a setting foundation which we should operate from in our own daily lives. A Scout is: * Trustworthy * Loyal * Helpful * Friendly * Courteous * Kind * Obedient * Cheerful * Thrifty * Brave * Clean * Reverent We want & need to acknowledge the history of racism in the country, our communities & our daily lives. It is around us & if we don't address it, we will only stay stagnant. When we don't address it, it means, if one person hurts, we all hurt! What has transpired in the loss of African/African-American lives at the hands of racism have deeply saddened all of us, bringing tears to our eyes, and bravery to our souls to speak up. Even as I write this, I am genuinely holding back tears because no human should feel less than esp for their race. Racism and xenophobia have no place in our organization, our communities, and our world, and we are standing with the African & African-American community. For those of us experiencing racism, get support, message me ANYTIME (that is what I am here for), and, most importantly, take care of you. You are not alone. Know that our community is holding you close. Give frustration and anger a positive outlet. I am working on some proactive ideas currently & would love if you want to join in so message me if you want to help or you can wait to hear on them. There is a protest tomorrow morning that I just found out about from a scout parent & I will attach & leave to each family to choose if they want to attend. This is not an official cub scout event, just an FYI so we can choose individually to show support! It is one of many events going on around us. Of course, be safe for your health & safety as well. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture launched Talking About Race, an online portal providing over 100 tools and resources on the topics of race, racial identity, and how they influence every aspect of society. I encourage you all to visit & learn something new! Learn about the First Black Troop 33 Eagle Scout as well. To every person in this community, know that we see you, we hear you, we are with you, and we support you! If you are a person of colour, you are in this scout family just as the rest of us are. You have a pack/troop home here. You are not alone, especially in this community. Again, if you have experienced something, please step forward and say something-- call me, email me. That is what I am here for, even if just to listen to you. You are all amazing blessings to this scout family & thank you for being part of it! Yours in Scouting, Ms Victoria (she/hers) Pack 33 Cubmaster #blacklivesmatter #scouton #scoutingathome #allaboutscouts |
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