Sad, and about to be more stressed

Tonight, parents were asked to attend the girl scout meeting, and it was because the leader had mentioned to co-workers that we would be selling cookies soon, and she got an email back from one that said because of the situation in Colorado, they would no longer be supporting Girl Scouts, and wanted her to know why they wouldn't be buying any cookies.

In case you don't know, a 7 year old boy, who identifies everywhere as a girl (home, school, with family, everywhere), wanted to join Girl Scouts. This particular council decided that since this child identifies with everyone as a girl, as long as the dues were paid, they could join (and from further reading, I don't think they ever did, but could have). When Girl Scouts of the USA was asked, they basically said it was a council by council decision, and that if this child identifies as a girl and the troop/council was ok with it, then they would stand behind the council. People have since called for a boycott of Girl Scout cookies, and it has hit our troop as well.

On the subject of cookie boycotts, I just want everyone to know that any money made off of cookie sales stays with the local troop, and supports those girls. It never hits the national level, and doesn't support other councils and troops. Also, the girls decide what to do with the money they raise - our girls have decided to either plant flower gardens in front of habitat homes, or use the money to make the local parks more handicap accessible. So, when you boycott cookie sales, you're not affecting Girl Scouts of the USA at all - you're affecting the local troops. If you have problems with Girl Scouts as an organization, please take it up with them, and don't punish the local girls.

Now, on to the larger issue. Our troop leader was very conflicted about this story, and some other info she found out regarding Girl Scouts of the USA as an organization. Because of this, she decided to step down as the troop leader, and if no one steps up, the troop will have to be disbanded. Also, during her decision making, she decided to talk with her pastor, and he decided that Girl Scouts could no longer meet in the fellowship hall of the church. And out of the leader and 4 assistants, I know at least 2, maybe 3 will be leaving, and there will also be probably close to 8-10 girls leaving the troop as well.

I honestly can't fault any of them, because I completely understand having convictions and having to stay true to them. However, I also fail to see how this affects our troop, and how this is any different that any number of other situations that Cadence may be put into in the future. I know a lot of parents kept commenting that they didn't want to have to explain to their daughter about transgender or homosexual children/adults, and they were afraid this would bring those conversations up. Well, what if a transgender child showed up in your daughter's class? What if one of her friends mentions "Aunt John" (I have a friend who affectionately calls her brother that) and your daughter comes home asking about that? Or what if you're watching something on tv and a commercial comes on that deals with one of these issues, and your daughter asks questions (that has also already happened here)? Are you going to completely ignore it and pretend the question wasn't asked? I'm all for sheltering her as much as possible, and not having conversations that aren't needed, but I also don't see the point in completely avoiding controversial topics, especially when they are so widely discussed in the world around us.

Tonight, I agreed to step up as leader if one is needed (yes, even with baby girl #3 arriving in June), and I'm pretty sure that we will have a new meeting place by the next meeting. I hate that this is happening, but will be honest with Cadence with any questions that she has. I figure with as much Project Runway, Tabitha Takes Over, and other Bravo shows we watch, if she's not asking questions about sexuality by now, she probably doesn't care yet. And if she doesn't care, I'm not going to make a big deal out of it. The thing I'm upset about most is that she LOVES all of the girls in her troop, and if half of them leave, she's going to be really upset. I hope that it doesn't turn out to be as bad as what it seemed like tonight.

And on a happy note, if anyone wants to buy cookies, they go on sale January 21 (Saturday!) Please let me know if you want to order any, and if you live far away, please support your local troop. The girls will greatly appreciate it!