Alpha Phi Omega
National Convention

Phoenix '96



Proposed Legislation
(by Committee)

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Legislation for the Scouting Committee

Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter Scouting
Reference #: A-2

In furtherance thereof, for and on behalf of Alpha Phi Omega: Section 2.
Amend by deleting "Alpha Phi Omega" and inserting "the Scout Oath and Law"
Amend by deleting the entire last sentence, beginning with "The rich heritage..."

Rationale:
We have come to accept the rationale beyond the moves to differentiate ourselves from the organization of the Boy Scouts of America , but we do not accept the disassociation from the Scout Oath and Law. We feel so strongly on this issue that it is very difficult to put down every rationale, but we will try to list just a few. The current Purpose reads as if we were found on one set of principles and recognize that, but now we have moved on to another set of principles that are some way related to the originals. This change would make it clear that this has not occurred. We have always been taught it is incorrect to use the word being defined in the definition. The Purpose, should, in essence, say who we are and it is foolish to say Alpha Phi Omega is the principles of Alpha Phi Omega. And finally (for now), if we misunderstand what is going on (which we greatly hope we have not) and there are members of Alpha Phi Omega that do not feel that the principles of the Scout Oath and Law are worth following, not just due to their association with the Boy Scouts of America, but fundamentally, then we believe they should form a new organization devoid of such principles. We pledged Alpha Phi Omega because, like our founders, we believed that Scout Oath and Law are an excellent standard of manhood to stand the test of time and by getting others to join an organization that promoted these principles and by following them, we were improving society. After the last convention, we and others like us (many who were never Boy Scouts), began to believe this organization was disavowing these same principles. We hope this change is passed and we can once again set out on the challenge presented to us by our founders, "To do our best to due or duty to God and our country..." and "to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly..."


Submitted by Alex Kohr, Service Vice President, Zeta Theta Chapter Scouting
Reference #: A-6

Article II - Purpose
Amend by adding a "*" after "...the Boy Scouts of America." and adding a separate paragraph with the meaning of the "*" written out, explaining that we are a separate entity from the Boy Scouts of America. The word in ( ) could be left out. The following is how it would look:

"...the Boy Scouts of America* as embodied in its....."

*Alpha Phi Omega is a separate (legal) entity from the Boy Scouts of America.

Rationale:
This should be voted this way because it flows better and sounds less conceited than the current version of the Purpose (not defining a definition with itself) and it still gets the point across that the Boy Scouts of America are NOT responsible for our actions. Besides, we are based on these ideals and not some other undefined ideals. Why should we butcher something that flowed and sounded right with this extra add on of "The rich heritage of Alpha Phi Omega is derived from the fellowship of the principles of the Boy Scouts of America as embodied in its Scout Oath and Law.
It just does not sound correct the way it is.


Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter, Drexel University Scouting
Reference #: A-7

Article II - Purpose
Amend by deleting "Alpha Phi Omega" and inserting "the Scout Oath and Law"
Amend by deleting the entire last sentence, beginning with "The rich heritage..."

Rationale:
We have come to accept the rationale beyond the moves to differentiate ourselves from the organization of the Boy Scouts of America , but we do not accept the disassociation from the Scout Oath and Law. We feel so strongly on this issue that it is very difficult to put down every rationale, but we will try to list just a few. The current Purpose reads as if we were found on one set of principles and recognize that, but now we have moved on to another set of principles that are some way related to the originals. This change would make it clear that this has not occurred. We have always been taught it is incorrect to use the word being defined in the definition. The Purpose, should, in essence, say who we are and it is foolish to say Alpha Phi Omega is the principles of Alpha Phi Omega. And finally (for now), if we misunderstand what is going on (which we greatly hope we have not) and there are members of Alpha Phi Omega that do not feel that the principles of the Scout Oath and Law are worth following, not just due to their association with the Boy Scouts of America, but fundamentally, then we believe they should form a new organization devoid of such principles. We pledged Alpha Phi Omega because, like our founders, we believed that Scout Oath and Law are an excellent standard of manhood to stand the test of time and by getting others to join an organization that promoted these principles and by following them, we were improving society. After the last convention, we and others like us (many who were never Boy Scouts), began to believe this organization was disavowing these same principles. We hope this change is passed and we can once again set out on the challenge presented to us by our founders, "To do our best to due or duty to God and our country..." and "to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly..."


Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter Scouting
Reference #: A-72

PREAMBLE
Amend by deleting "Alpha Phi Omega" and inserting "the Scout Oath and Law"
Amend by deleting the entire last sentence, beginning with "The rich heritage..."

Rationale:
We have come to accept the rationale beyond the moves to differentiate ourselves from the organization of the Boy Scouts of America , but we do not accept the disassociation from the Scout Oath and Law. We feel so strongly on this issue that it is very difficult to put down every rationale, but we will try to list just a few. The current Purpose reads as if we were found on one set of principles and recognize that, but now we have moved on to another set of principles that are some way related to the originals. This change would make it clear that this has not occurred. We have always been taught it is incorrect to use the word being defined in the definition. The Purpose, should, in essence, say who we are and it is foolish to say Alpha Phi Omega is the principles of Alpha Phi Omega. And finally (for now), if we misunderstand what is going on (which we greatly hope we have not) and there are members of Alpha Phi Omega that do not feel that the principles of the Scout Oath and Law are worth following, not just due to their association with the Boy Scouts of America, but fundamentally, then we believe they should form a new organization devoid of such principles. We pledged Alpha Phi Omega because, like our founders, we believed that Scout Oath and Law are an excellent standard of manhood to stand the test of time and by getting others to join an organization that promoted these principles and by following them, we were improving society. After the last convention, we and others like us (many who were never Boy Scouts), began to believe this organization was disavowing these same principles. We hope this change is passed and we can once again set out on the challenge presented to us by our founders, "To do our best to due or duty to God and our country..." and "to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly..."


Submitted by Paul F. Romain, Beta Iota Chapter Alumni Scouting
Reference #: R-3

Proposal:
Whereas Alpha Phi Omega is based on the Principles and Traditions of the Boy Scouts of America, and whereas the earning of the ranks of Eagle Scout (BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA), Golden Award (GSA), or Quartermaster Award (Sea Exploring, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA) exemplifies an adolescent's ability to: exhibit Leadership, develop Friendship, and provide Service, be it Resolved that the National President will appoint an individual(s) to develop and produce suitable recognitions of achievement (i.e. certificates), so that Chapters may be able to present said recognition to local recipients of said ranks, and that the appropriate persons at the National BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA & GSA offices be informed of their availability.

Rationale:
1. Service to Campus & Chapter: Public Relations. May entice recipients to visit campus and/or join APO.
2. Service to Community & Nation: Will provide encouragement to recipients to continue in their endeavors.


Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter Scouting
Reference #: R-11

Proposal:
The Scout Oath and Scout Law should be prominently displayed in the National Pledge Manual.

Rationale:
At its current size and location, the Scout Oath and Scout Law are hard to find and read. Since they are the cornerstone of what Alpha Phi Omega was founded on, we feel it deserves to be more prominently displayed.


Submitted by Zeta Theta Chapter Scouting
Reference #: O-3

Rituals, Toast Song and Other Publications: In any instance, change the Purpose as such:
Amend by deleting "Alpha Phi Omega" and inserting "the Scout Oath and Law"
Amend by deleting the entire last sentence, beginning with "The rich heritage..."

Rationale:
We have come to accept the rationale beyond the moves to differentiate ourselves from the organization of the Boy Scouts of America , but we do not accept the disassociation from the Scout Oath and Law. We feel so strongly on this issue that it is very difficult to put down every rationale, but we will try to list just a few. The current Purpose reads as if we were found on one set of principles and recognize that, but now we have moved on to another set of principles that are some way related to the originals. This change would make it clear that this has not occurred. We have always been taught it is incorrect to use the word being defined in the definition. The Purpose, should, in essence, say who we are and it is foolish to say Alpha Phi Omega is the principles of Alpha Phi Omega. And finally (for now), if we misunderstand what is going on (which we greatly hope we have not) and there are members of Alpha Phi Omega that do not feel that the principles of the Scout Oath and Law are worth following, not just due to their association with the Boy Scouts of America, but fundamentally, then we believe they should form a new organization devoid of such principles. We pledged Alpha Phi Omega because, like our founders, we believed that Scout Oath and Law are an excellent standard of manhood to stand the test of time and by getting others to join an organization that promoted these principles and by following them, we were improving society. After the last convention, we and others like us (many who were never Boy Scouts), began to believe this organization was disavowing these same principles. We hope this change is passed and we can once again set out on the challenge presented to us by our founders, "To do our best to due or duty to God and our country..." and "to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly..."