[21029] in APO-L
[APO-L] APO/BSA Relationship
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Robert Dean)
Sun Jul 23 15:48:05 2000
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Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 14:33:51 -0500
Reply-To: Robert Dean <rdean71@CS.COM>
From: Robert Dean <rdean71@CS.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
Below I've retyped a letter from Wilfred Krenek to the Chapter
Presidents, written in 1996 at the request of the 1994 National
Convention. It brings up many interesting points that I haven't seen
raised so far, so I thought it beared posting.
LFS,
Robert Dean
------------ (retyped, so please pardon any typos)
February 5, 1996
Dear Chapter President:
The 1994 National Convention requested that I explain to each chapter
Alpha Phi Omega's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. It did
so because of a recent dialogue initiated by BSA to clarify the
relationship in response to erroneous perceptions of official
affiliation by some members of the public who had noted the differences
in our two organizations' membership policies.
From our founding in 1925 by fourteen former Boy Scouts who in their
college years wanted to continue the spirit and action of service they
knew as Scouts, cooperation between BSA and APO has been close and
constant. As then National President Jerry Schroeder said about this
dialogue at the 1992 National Convention, "...we are old friends, and
friends sometimes find it necessary to talk about individual and mutual
interests, occasionally from differing perspectives."
We agreed that our mutually supportive relationship of sixty-nine years
should continue. We also acknowledged our respect for the
constitutional right of all private, voluntary organizations, including
Alpha Phi Omega and the Boy Scouts of America, to determine their own
values and membership policies. Finally, APO agreed to change certain
provisions in our National Bylaws and ceremonies that might support an
inaccurate impression of official affiliation, and this was done by the
voting delegates at the 1994 National Convention.
Alpha Phi Omega's rich Scouting heritage, including its Founding
Principles, remains. A representative of the National Council of the
BSA still serves as an ex-officio member of the Fraternity's National
Board of Directors. No one is attempting to rewrite history or alter
our cooperative efforts. Both BSA and APO recognize the opportunity for
their joint members to give continued service to their communities
through our mutually supportive relationship, and cooperation with the
BSA has always enabled Alpha Phi Omega to better extend its benefits to
more students on more campuses.
Nevertheless, BSA does not govern, control, or finance Alpha Phi Omega
in any way, and never has. Previous membership in Scouting is not
required to join the Fraternity, and APO's open membership policy means
that any student duly enrolled on a campus where a chapter exists may
become a member.
Now, if all of this sounds like it was written by a lawyer, just
remember one fact: nothing has really changed between BSA and APO except
that we are attempting to dispel any erroneous notion that either
organization governs or controls the other. My message is that simple.
I look forward to working with you to enhance our service to America's
youngsters through the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the
United States of America, CampFire, and other youth organizations.
Fraternally,
Wilfred Krenek
National President
p.s. Please share this letter with the actives and advisors in your
chapter. Many thanks.
-----------------------
