Ask the Chairman
Q. Dear Ray,
Why does the Order of the Arrow, i.e. the BROTHERHOOD, allow WOMEN to be
members? I strongly disagree with this and I have two Arrowmen in my family. I
would encourage women to become involved with the GIRL SCOUT organization, even
if that means they need to create a similar type of service organization?
Amy
A. Hi, Amy:
Thanks for your question.
The OA allows women over 21 to be selected for membership because the Boy Scouts
of America include them in their membership as adults and we are a Boy Scout
program.
We have had many women serve with distinction in the Order of the Arrow. One
woman currently serves on the Order of the Arrow National Committee and three
women, so far, have been chosen to receive our Distinguished Service Award. Many
women serve with distinction in troops and Varsity Teams as Scoutmasters and
Assistant Scoutmasters across the nation. These dedicated, hard-working women
use their positions to teach our boys about service. They volunteer to drive our
boys to events, help with regalia development, and serve their councils through
the OA.
But to simply address your question, we simply adopt the membership standards
set by the Boy Scout Program. Since the Boy Scouts invite women in, we also
accept women as members when they are selected by their units, districts, or
councils.
Ray
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