Scouting America: A New Chapter for the Former Boy Scouts of America
By Associated Press | Wed 8 May 2024 05.21 AEST
The long-standing Boy Scouts of America organization is undergoing a transformation by changing its name to Scouting America, marking a historic moment in its 114-year history. This rebranding comes as the organization emerges from bankruptcy proceedings triggered by a wave of sexual abuse allegations, aiming to shift its focus towards inclusivity.
After years of internal struggles, the Irving, Texas-based organization is embracing change by opening its doors to previously excluded groups. From allowing gay youth to integrating girls into its ranks, the organization is striving to revitalize its membership numbers. The announcement of the name change was made at the annual meeting in Florida, signaling a new era for the organization.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Under the leadership of Roger Krone, the organization is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all youth across America. Initiatives such as accepting gay youth in 2013 and lifting the ban on gay adult leaders in 2015 have paved the way for further changes. The inclusion of girls in Cub Scouts and the flagship Boy Scout program, now known as Scouts BSA, has been a significant milestone.
In 2021, nearly 1,000 young women achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, exemplified by individuals like Selby Chipman. The growing participation of girls in scouting reflects a positive response to the organization's evolving policies and values.
Empowering Girls in Scouting
The decision to allow girls to join the Boy Scouts sparked enthusiasm among families like that of Bob Brady, who quickly formed an all-girls troop. Despite initial skepticism from some adult leaders, the integration of girls into scouting activities has been met with acceptance and support. The success of Brady's daughters and other girls in achieving the Eagle Scout rank demonstrates the impact of this inclusive approach.
While the organization faced challenges during the pandemic, resulting in a decline in membership numbers, it continues to adapt to meet the diverse interests of today's youth. From traditional camping experiences to modern activities like robotics and digital technology, Scouting America offers a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and skill development.
Looking Towards the Future
With the implementation of a $2.4 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan, the Boy Scouts of America can now focus on its mission while addressing the needs of abuse survivors. Angelique Minett, the first female chairperson of Scouts BSA, emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in shaping the organization's future, highlighting key issues such as sustainability and program improvements.
As Scouting America prepares for its official name change on its 115th birthday in 2025, the organization aims to send a clear message of inclusivity and acceptance to all individuals. By embracing diversity and fostering leadership skills, Scouting America is poised to embark on a new chapter in its storied history.
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Scouting Forward: Boy Scouts of America Rebrands Amid Bankruptcy and Abuse Allegations | US News
Celebrities take looks from the “Garden of Time” for the “Met Gala” party
On the first Monday of May, the Metropolitan Museum in New York witnessed the holding of the largest annual party on the international fashion calendar. It is the Met Gala, which coincides with the opening of an exhibition revealing more than 250 rare designs that summarize milestones in the history of international fashion.
“The Garden of Time” is the title that the stars adhered to when choosing their looks. The party’s organizers suggested that they choose designs that explore the concepts of rebirth and renewal, using nature as a metaphor for the impermanence of fashion. What did their most prominent choices look like in this area?
– American model of Palestinian origin, Gigi Hadid, shined in a look signed by Thom Brown that was distinguished by its refreshing character. Her white dress was embroidered with more than 2.8 million beads, and took 5,000 hours of manual work by a team of about 70 people.
– The star Zendaya was keen to appear in two looks instead of one at this party. Her first look mixed the colors dark blue and black, and it was signed by Maison Margiela and designed by John Galliano, who wanted to remind us of his collection that he prepared for Dior in the spring of 1999. As for the second design, Zendaya chose it from the archives of Givenchy, as its design dates back to 1996, and she coordinated it with accessories. Headwear from the Alexander McQueen Spring 2007 collection.
Penelope Cruz
Jennifer Lopez
Demi Moore
Zendaya
Zendaya in another look she appeared during the ceremony
Sarah Jessica Parker
Shakira
Kim Kardashian
Queen Latifah
Kendall Jenner
Nicole Kidman
– The star Jennifer Lopez shined with a luxurious design from the house of Schiaparelli, which took about 800 hours of hand embroidery and required more than 2.5 million silver foil and beads. She coordinated it with diamond jewelry from Tiffany&Co, which included a necklace made of platinum and yellow gold, with a diamond stone weighing more than twenty carats in the middle, in addition to diamond grains weighing more than 75 carats in total. It was accompanied by earrings, a wide bracelet, and two rings, one of which was decorated with a rare yellow diamond stone.
– Australian star Nicole Kidman chose her look from the Balenciaga house, as she wanted to focus on the theme of time more than the theme of the garden in the proposed title for this party. Kidman’s dress was inspired by a previous design presented by the house’s founder, Cristobal Balenciaga, in 1951. This dress was distinguished by its monochrome style and its long skirt covered with feathers.
Fashion model Kendall Jenner adopted a look signed by designer Alexander McQueen for the house of Givenchy, and her design dates back to the year 1999. Her dress was distinguished by its cuts close to the body and its black color mixed with gold glitter.
– The star Penelope Cruz looked radiant in a look that bore the signature of Chanel, which consisted of an off-the-shoulder dress decorated with layers of black-silver lace. She coordinated it with diamond jewelry consisting of a necklace, bracelet, and ring, which she chose from the Chanel fine jewelry collection.
Star Demi Moore caught attention with her look, which consisted of a black dress with an innovative design, decorated with pink flowers, designed especially for her by Harris Reed. She coordinated it with diamond jewelry from Cartier’s Nature Sauvage collection, which will be launched at the end of this May, from which Moore chose a diamond necklace and earrings adorned with more than 10 carats of emeralds.
Shakira adopted a striking red look, signed by Carolina Herrera, which consisted of a tight dress accompanied by a huge rose-shaped cap, the execution of which required 30 meters of ghazar silk. She coordinated it with a bag of the same color and diamond jewelry.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker shined in an innovative, classic look designed by Richard Quinn. Her dress was distinguished by its sugar color and silver embroidered lace material, and she coordinated it with an innovative hat, embroidered socks, and a silver bag in addition to a very long pearl necklace.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian collaborated with Maison Margiela for her special look for this party. The house’s designer, John Galliano, made for her a silver lace dress covered with rose decorations and accompanied in the upper part by a gray wool sweater.
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Celebrities take looks from the “Garden of Time” for the “Met Gala” party
Judge speaks plainly after Trump once again violates gag order: “If necessary, I will impose a prison sentence”
Donald Trump has been fined again by the judge for violating his gag order. It is already the tenth time since the start of the trial against him that he has been fined. The judge therefore spoke plainly to the former American president.
A new week in the trial against Trump surrounding the hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, a new riot. The former president was fined $1,000 by Judge Juan Merchan for the tenth time because he violated the gag order in his trial. Trump has already attacked jurors several times on his own social medium Truth Social and other media, and according to Merchan he is endangering them.
In this case, Trump had said in an interview broadcast on April 22 that the jury was “picked too quickly.” “95 percent of them are Democrats. Everything there belongs to the Democrats.”
© via REUTERS
When he handed down the fine, Merchan also used threatening language against the former president. “Mr. Trump, as you know, the District Attorney has filed three separate motions to criminally convict you of contempt. It appears the $1,000 fines are not a deterrent for you,” he said. “You are the former president of the United States and possibly the next president… But I have to do my job, and part of that is protecting the dignity of the justice system.”
“It appears the $1,000 fines are not a deterrent for you”
Juan Merchan
Judge, against Trump
Merchan called Trump’s actions “a direct attack on the rule of law.” “I cannot allow this to continue like this. So as much as I do not want to impose any prison time… I want you to understand that I will, if necessary and appropriate.” For violations of the gag order, a judge in New York can impose fines of up to 1,000 euros, but also a prison sentence of up to thirty days.
Tenth offense
It is already the tenth time that Trump has violated his gag order during the trial. Last week he was fined $1,000 nine times and given a clear reminder to treat the court in New York with the necessary respect. Because he failed to do so again, an additional fine was imposed. He did not respond to Judge Merchan’s words in court.
Multiple testimonies are scheduled for Monday on the twelfth day of the trial against Trump, including from Stormy Daniels herself. The case revolves around the hush money he made her pay to prevent her from coming public about the night they spent together. She received $130,000 from the president, which in itself is nothing wrong with it, but according to the New York prosecutor, it would have been campaign money that should not be used for that purpose. Trump has maintained for years that this is a politically motivated process and a witch hunt.
Judge Juan Merchan (left) during the interrogation of Hope Hicks, ex-Trump employee. — © REUTERS
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