January 27, 2004

Mr. Roy L. Williams
Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, Texas 75038

Dear Mr. Williams,

I was very surprised to receive from you a prepared text that you wish me to sign, expressing my support for the Boy Scouts of America. Where there is much about what the Boy Scouts do that I admire and I am a former Scout myself, I was under the impression that you considered people like myself to be unworthy of association with the Boy Scouts. I am a gay man, which according to your policy as I read it in various court decision means that I am neither "morally straight" nor "clean." Why do you want a person you so characterize to be signing a tribute to you? So I will not be agreeing to any of the three drafts you sent me, because it seems to me hypocritical of you to ask me to sign it, and even more hypocritical for me to do so.

BARNEY FRANK

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
National Office
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079, Irving,
Texas 75015-2079
97'2-580-2000

January 9, 2004

The Honorable Barney Frank
United States House of Representatives
2252 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Frank,

For 94 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been preparing young people to make better choices over their lifetimes. Through the efforts of more than 1.3 million volunteers, Scouting teaches its 3 million youth members important lessons about leadership, character, and service.

In 2004, we will build on this legacy of service by launching a national service initiative called Good Turn for America. This national call to service is a collaborative effort of some of the most respected service organizations in the nation, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army. U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona has agreed to serve as our honorary national chairman.

We would be honored if you would lend your support to this important effort. Together, we will continue to positively influence the lives of young people throughout the nation. I have included a limited edition Good Turn for America coin as a token of my appreciation, as well as a brochure that provides more information on the initiative and sample letters of support for your reference.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions regarding Good Turn for America, please contact Mr. Willie Des, group director for Development/Strategic Initiatives, at 972-580-2102.

Sincerely,

ROY WILLIAMS
Chief Scout Executive

(date)

Roy L. Williams
Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079

Dear Mr. Williams:

On behalf of the [ district] I commend the Boy Scouts of America for its efforts to promote and build a culture of service across our nation. More than ever before, our country needs the support of organizations like the Boy Scouts of America to help build stronger families, neighborhoods, and communities.

I am pleased to support Good Turn for America, and I look forward to another century of service from the Boy Scouts of America.

Best wishes in your continued efforts on behalf of America's youth.

Sincerely yours,

(name)
(title)
 

(date)

Roy L. Williams
Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079

Dear Mr. Williams

It is my great pleasure to support the Boy Scouts of America and the Good Turn for America initiative.

We in the [district] share your dedication to service and young people. We look forward to many more efforts in support of Good Turn for America.

Congratulations on the excellent work you are doing and your proud history of service to our great country.

Sincerely yours,

(name)
(title)

(date)

Roy L. Williams
Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, Texas 75015-2079

Dear Mr. Williams:

The [district] congratulates the Boy Scouts of America on its long history of service, and proudly supports the Good Turn for America initiative.

The vital lessons of leadership and service young people learn in the Scouting program prepare them to make significant contributions in all aspects of the life of the nation. I am honored to be a part of that effort through Good Turn for America.

I encourage and commend the Boy Scouts of America for their efforts on behalf of our communities.

Sincerely yours,

(name)
(title)