* * * * * Forgotten Scouts Press Release Follows * * * * * Forgotten Scouts "Once A Scout, Always A Scout" (415) 626-8299 Date: December 15,1992 Release Date: Immediate To: News/Community Announcement Sections From: Allan D. Shore Project Director (510) 835-2433 Ken McPherson Forgotten Scouts Co-Founder (415) 626-8299 Gay Eagle and Boy Scouts Coordinating City Park Beautification Project in Washington DC. Forgotten Scouts is pleased to announce the coordination of a Washington, DC city park beautification project that will be held on Friday, April 23, 1993. The project will coincide with the initial weekend activities of the 1993 March on Washington For Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation. "A Good Turn for DC" project will involve the restoration and renovation of several local park sites within the greater Washington DC area by gay Boy Scouts and gay Eagle Scouts - both active and past members. The Boy Scout program is built upon helping boys and men share in the experience of doing good turns, or good deeds, for their community. Forgotten Scouts is an organization of gay Boy Scouts who are dedicated to helping the Boy Scouts of America to understand that it does not need to discriminate in order to fulfill its mission. We seek to accomplish this though educational projects which affirm that gay men and boys are now and have always been successful members of the Scouting program. The specific parks for the day's activities have not yet been identified but will be chosen based upon the need of the parks and the interest of the local communities. The primary participants for this civic improvement project will be active and past Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Friends and supporters are encouraged to participate by providing donations or coordinating assistance. Boy Scouts troops from the Washington DC area will be invited and encouraged to join us as a symbol of their commitment to civic restoration. In so doing, however, Forgotten Scouts will inform them that participation does potentially jeopardize their continued involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. "We want to do a good turn - as is expected of any Boy Scout - to say thank you to the residents and government of Washington DC for their support of the 1993 March," stated Allan D. Shore, Forgotten Scouts Co-Founder and National Good Turn Project Coordinator. Added William Boyce-Mueller, grandson of the Founder of the Boy Scouts of America: "It's also a way of demonstrating that we have not forgotten what my grandfather envisioned for the Boy Scouts, and to challenge them to regain their commitment to civic responsibility - even if some people do not wish us to remember." Donations of playground equipment, paint, tools, gardening needs, etc. are currently being sought from corporations and individuals. The exact needs for the project will be determined once the park sites are identified. "Our goal is to focus on parks in low-income areas. And to challenge other gay, lesbian and bi groups to take an active role in bettering their community," said Ken McPherson, also a Forgotten Scouts Co-Founder. Persons interested in being involved in this project are urged to contact Forgotten Scouts at (415) 626-8299. A Washington DC project coordinator is being sought, as well as project leaders who will be responsible for overseeing the activities at one or more of the selected locations. * * * * * * * * * * End Press Release * * * * * * * * * *