Diversity & Inclusion
The Scouting Movement, including the Boy Scouts of America and the Stonewall Jackson Area Council, is dedicated to increasing diversity in Scouting.
The BSA’s Diversity & Inclusion Vision
To partner with all families and communities in raising young people of high moral character, developing their leadership skills and preparing them to serve and thrive in a world of increasing complexity and challenge.
BSA Diversity & Inclusion website
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
This isn't just the Scout Law, these vaules provide the framework for advancing diversity and inclusiveness. By harnessing and embracing our differences, we create stronger units and a stronger society.
Native American Heritage Month
One of the very proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kans., formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day. It directed its president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, to call upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens. - https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/about/
The Indian Lore Merit badge gives Scouts an opportunity to discover the traditions, history, and customs of American Indians. The purpose of the merit badge is not to be like Native Americans but to gain a better understanding of their art, ceremonies, stories, and lifestyles. Every Scout should consider earning this badge and paying their respects to the Native cultures that can be found in and around their communities.
Local resources
Liz Harman, Assistant Council Commissioner for Diversity, gave diversity awareness presentations at the district roundtables for her Wood Badge ticket. Her presentation materials are available below.
Other resources
Diversity in Scouting by the World Organization of the Scout Movement
Diversity and Inclusion by the World Organization of the Scout Movement
Them 'N Us, a toolkit on diversity in Scouting from Sweden
Inclusive Scouting Guide from Scouts for Equality
Downloadable Guide from Scouts for Equality