77-10   Resolution on Inner City Youth

Background

Inner city young people often have very little chance to experience relationships other than those formed on the streets. In addition, the activities in which they have opportunities to become involved, can be very limited and are often destructive.

While it is difficult to reach all inner city young people, there are many organizations that provide structured activities and moral leadership. Such organizations include Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Boys Clubs, Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), and other organizations. These programs live or die on the strength of their volunteer leaders.

The future of our society lies in its youth, and thus, they must be provided with sufficient opportunities to experience caring relationships and growth-producing activities.

Resolved:

1)         That LSM-USA local groups and members are encouraged to support local youth organizations;

2)         That LSM-USA members and local groups are encouraged to provide volunteer service to these organizations by starting and/or sponsoring local programs, and by sharing talents and skills, such as counseling, teaching, and leadership training, in existing programs;

3)         That a committee co-chaired by Frank Vella and John West of the Southeast Region, is established to provide information and encouragement to interested groups and individuals;

4)         That this committee report on the progress of the implementation of this resolution to LSM-USA in the form of articles for the LSM-USA NEWSLETTER.

Actions Taken

+          No action was taken on a national level. Any actions or involvement of local groups concerning this resolution which may have occurred during the past year were not reported to the national office.

+          The national office does receive the LUTHERAN SCOUTER. It is published by the department of National Youth Agency Relationships, Lutheran Council in the USA, 360 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10010 and is available free to all Scout leaders whose troups are chartered through Lutheran congregations.