February 18, 2020
Dear Valued Supporters,
Today, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.
Importantly, the Western Los Angeles County Council has not filed for bankruptcy. Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization. Unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual. In short, there will be no changes to the local Scouting experience.
Through the generous contributions from you, our most dedicated supporters, the Western Los Angeles County Council is well positioned to continue serving local youth and families for generations to come. Please be assured that restricted donations – made in the past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purposes. In addition, Friends of Scouting (FOS) and other annual donations made to councils will continue to fund necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to our local Scouting programs. Now more than ever, your generous and ongoing support remains critical to delivering the mission of Scouting in our community.
As the national organization moves forward with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, I want to make sure you know the following:
- Scouting is safer now than ever before. Approximately 90% of the pending and asserted abuse claims against the BSA relate to abuse that occurred more than 30 years ago. As you know, the safety of children in our programs is the BSA’s absolute top priority. That’s precisely why over many years we’ve developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization.
- Scouting continues. Scouting programs will continue to serve youth, families and our communities throughout this process and for many years to come. This is true here in WLACC and across the country.
- Local councils have not filed for bankruptcy. Local councils are legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization. However, the national organization is working diligently to advocate for local councils’ interests through this process.
While Scouting will continue as usual in our Council, I know you may still have questions about the national organization’s announcement. To provide further information, the national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org.
This site Resources page, where you will find a short video explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting, as well as a FAQ. The site’s Milestones page will be your best source for the latest updates throughout this process. Of course, if you have any questions about Scouting in our Council, please reach out to me or your usual contact directly.
I’d like to express my personal gratitude to you for the generosity and support you have shown the youth in our communities. Your commitment to furthering the Scouting movement in
Los Angeles County has been instrumental in our ability to deliver an enduring program that prepares our members to be the future leaders of our communities and our nation. All of your contributions help create positive experiences that give young people the tools they need to succeed now and throughout their lives. And for that, you have the thanks of our entire Scouting community.
Sincerely,
Matthew Thornton
WLACC Scout Executive
