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One more issue before we get to the fun stuff; Safety on the Internet.
Before starting a web site for your unit, you should create a policy for
your unit and get it approved by your unit committee. Your policy should
include:
| Youth Protection |
How will you protect the safety and identity of scouts (and leaders)
in your unit? Decide what can and can't be published, including first
and last names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Decide whether
Scouts will be identified by name in photos. You should also determine
if guest books or discussion groups will be moderated. |
| Commercialism |
The Boy Scouts of America forbids any form of commercialism on unit
web pages, including advertisements, sponsor logos or links to e-commerce
sites. This includes logos for service providers. Improper commercialism
or links can threaten your non-profit status. |
| Links |
Links on sites should be pertinent to Scouting and the focus of
the site. Problems arise when the sites you link to also link to inappropriate
sites. Special care should be taken to ensure links from these links
are monitored. Your policy should describe the review and monitoring
process to ensure all links are appropriate for your website and audience. |
| Political Concerns |
While the Boy Scouts of America is charged with teaching patriotism
and good citizenship, your website cannot endorse or support political
views, questions or ideas. Political views of leaders and sponsoring
organizations must be kept separate from the unit web page. |
You may choose to use Cub Pack 175's
safety policy as a starting point for your own.
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