TAHAWK 1420 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I came across an article about a man who feels he got a lot out of a youth organization. "The lessons that I first learned at home and at church and later at [the organization]... kept me from getting into any serious trouble. " ... Of course he didn't know that then. He was simply thrilled to have a place to play, a place to be around boys his own age. "We were being taught good lessons along the way, but as a kid, that's not what I went there for." Still [the organization] . . . made an indelible mark upon him in his thirteen years there. [He]... recalls with affection a number of the ... staff members who acted as counselors and mentors to the many boys who came through the doors. . . . "Having an adult tell a child something positive ... is a powerful thing. Words are powerful. I remember leaving . . . and walking home and thinking, 'Wow, I can do something.... I never forget it." Seems like words that would be good to remember. Link to post Share on other sites
NJCubScouter 1389 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Would that be any particular youth organization? Link to post Share on other sites
TAHAWK 1420 Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 Yes, it would. Link to post Share on other sites
blw2 433 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 .... and why the covert approach? Ok, direct question.... What is the youth organization referenced in the article? Link to post Share on other sites
TAHAWK 1420 Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 I was hoping for thought and a reflection of that thought in posts. Does the value of the observation to us, as Scouters, depend on the organization - or the author.? BSA is constantly presenting words that it incorrectly attributes to BP. Are those words less valuable? Link to post Share on other sites
vumbi 44 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 No, the content of the observation is what counts to me. I am glad to attribute the thought to the author if I can but most persons are capable of producing astute observations from time to time. And I am glad to listen to them or read them when they occur. It doesn't matter even if the thought is from someone whose identity has become lost to time. Link to post Share on other sites
DarinStapleton 0 Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 For me the phrase "make a difference" is completely meaningless. Instead you should think about "What I have to do to contribute?" Like a real scouter! There are many successful companies who made big from just a small but effective idea. Link to post Share on other sites
TAHAWK 1420 Posted October 9, 2015 Author Share Posted October 9, 2015 For me the phrase "make a difference" is completely meaningless. Instead you should think about "What I have to do to contribute?" Like a real scouter! There are many successful companies who made big from just a small but effective idea. Do you have someone in particular in mind whose phrase, as used, you find meaningless? I Googled "make a difference" and got 137,000,000 hits, so it's hard to focus in. It may have reached "good job" status - or "have a nice day." Link to post Share on other sites
Stosh 3452 Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 John Wilkes Booth "made a difference." He changed the course of American history. That's gotta count for something. Link to post Share on other sites
TAHAWK 1420 Posted October 9, 2015 Author Share Posted October 9, 2015 It seems likely that most who urge us to "make a difference" mean "help change X for the better." Of course, they get to define "better." Link to post Share on other sites
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