Boy, am I steamed!  The following was waiting in the mail when I got
home last night:


					1300 South Amphlett Blvd.
					San Mateo, Ca 94402
					(415) 341-5633
					May, 1992


Dear Neighbor:				

The threat is a reality.  United Way is cutting off the funds for Boy
Scouts of San Mateo.  40% of our funding, gone.

Why?  Because we do not accept self-proclaimed homosexuals as
Scoutmasters for our Boy Scouts.  We must refuse to bow down to United
Way directions--they violate our basic principles.

Should we start a bitter fight against United Way?  No, that's not our
style.  Sure, our survival is at stake, but that won't force us to take
the low road and lash out at United Way.

As Scouts, we're committed to the high road.  It's all mapped out in the
Boy Scout Oath and our motto, "Be Prepared."

Can we be prepared for financial independence?  Yes we can, and we're
looking forward to it.  It's a challenge!  But that's not all it is.

It's an opportunity, too--another opportunity to exercise our principles
of achievement, leadership, teamwork and community service.

We can all take pride in the accomplishments of our team of over 8,500
Scouts plus families, friends, volunteers and leaders in the schools,
religious organizations and businesses throughout San Mateo county.

With everyone working together, success is a certainty for our ongoing
traditional Scouting programs.  We plan to continue pourinr energy and
Scout- power into all our special programs such as Scouting for Food and
innovations such as the Safe Rides program we pioneered.  Our community
needs us as essential partners in service.  As independents, we're
determined to redouble our energy in community service.

The immediate problem is how to achieve financial independence.  The
solution is obvious.  We ask you to start now to contribute *directly*
to us, instead of channeling contributions through United Way.  Direct
contributions can make us stronger than ever before.

Did you realize that United Way keeps a substantial portion of every
dollar you designate for the Boy Scouts?  Every $1 is reduced to $.88 to
cover United Way administration costs.

We will all be *better off* financially, if you start now to make your
contri- butions *directly* to our San Mateo County Council.  The need is
urgent.  We don't want to be forced to cut our Scout programs, or reduce
our community service activities.  It's vital that you respond now, so
we can be *prepared* fo independence when United Way support ends at the
close of this coming fiscal year.  Thank you for your support.

Sincerely

(signed)
Tim Gorman
Scout Executive

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There is also a detach and mail coupon below the letter with helpful dollar
amounts in boxes for the sender to check and mail, along with a check.