[7081] in APO-L
APO-BSA clarification
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (JACK@unirel.a1.clemson.edu)
Fri Oct 29 12:26:33 1993
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1993 11:56:00 EST
Reply-To: JACK@unirel.a1.clemson.edu
From: JACK@unirel.a1.clemson.edu
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L%PURCCVM.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: NAME: Jack A. McKenzie
FUNC: University Relations
TEL: 656-3861 <JACK AT A1 AT UNIREL>
To: IN%"APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU"@MRGATE
Within the past few days, several postings have addressed the APO/BSA
relationship. In order to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding, I am
"invading" your network with a response.
Last December, BSA initiated a dialogue concerning our relationship
out of a concern over an erroneous perception among some members of the
public that we were not two separate organizations. As is always the
case, these discussions were friendly and open.
Ultimately, we concluded that the mutually beneficial working
relationship that has existed for sixty-seven years will continue.
Representatives of BSA will continue to serve on our Board of Directors,
and we will continue to work together to serve the youth of our nation.
In fact, this past summer for the first time APO was represented at the
Top Hands Conference in Texas.
I will propose certain changes to our bylaws and rituals at the 1994
National Convention. These changes are not the result of any change in
the BSA/APO longstanding relationship but, rather, are designed only to
reduce or eliminate the erroneous perception of "oneness" that exists with
some members of the public. These changes will not deny our heritage or
change the history of our founding. I repeat that they are designed only
to deal with the perception I mentioned earlier.
I believe also that these changes will help APO's efforts to work
with other youth organizations, including the Girl Scouts of the United
States of America.
I encourage everyone to read the latest T&T for a more complete
discussion of my talks with BSA, but I wanted to assure everyone that no
one has severed ties with anyone. Nor should anyone be worried that these
talks took place: Friends often find it necessary to discuss issues of
common concern, and that's all that happened here.
Happy Halloween to all, and please remember National Service Day.
Jerry Schroeder
National President
