November is Native American Heritage Month and it is important to understand the influence of our Nation's original inhabitants. Much of the early days of Boy Scouts of America was influenced by Native American culture. One of BSA's founders, Ernest Thompson Seaton, had previously founded a youth group called "The Woodcraft Indians." The Order of the Arrow incorporates Native American imagery and ideas. One such example of Native American influence is an interesting quote I read this week from a Cherokee descendant, Stan Rushworth, who points out that to indigenous peoples the concept of individual rights is eclipsed by the notion that one has individual obligations. Rushworth said, "Instead of thinking that I am born with rights, I choose to think that I was born with obligations to serve past, present, and future generations, and the planet herself." Imagine a society where more people thought about the good of the community over their individual desires. Note that Scouting's founder, Baden-Powell said, "We must change boys from a 'what can I get' to a 'what can I give' attitude." This is not communism and this is not an anti-American concept. It is important to give back to a community that has given one an atmosphere to grow and thrive. Selfless service is a component of freedom and one should never use the concept of individual rights to justify his or her selfishness. As President John F. Kennedy famously stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." Part of what we learn as we earn the Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the Work is how to serve as productive members in these three environments which we simultaneously live in. Further, this citizenship is one of the four Aims of Scouting. I ask you, citizen, what are your obligations to the world around you?
A Scout is Helpful.