One path to a better tomorrow

If you could fix one thing that would bolster millions of American families, what would it be?

Our vote: Help far more boys grow up to be confident, responsible men.

The foundation of our society would be strengthened immeasurably. By helping boys grow into real men — and by real men we mean those who live ethically and seek to improve the lives of others — many of our greatest ills would be dramatically lessened. More families would remain not just intact, but flourish. Substance abuse and crime, including domestic violence and all other forms of abuse, would fall. The impact on divorce, child support and abortion would be tremendous. There would be no downside, no hidden costs, no weakening of one critical area to bolster another.

So what’s stopping us? Certainly not the absence of practical solutions.

For more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America has been training boys and young men to become tomorrow’s leaders — leaders in families, companies, communities and beyond. In the Spokane-North Idaho region, nearly 2,000 Scouts are active year-round in programs that help them grow into good men. There’s room for many more.

We encourage families to look toward scouting as a readily available, proven path leading to a better future. We also call upon the community to support the Scouts’ many local programs, honing a wide array of skills through the time-tested process of learning by doing.

Next Thursday at 7:30 a.m. in The Coeur d’Alene Resort, the Scouts’ annual leadership breakfast will take place. The event is open to anyone willing to contribute to make scouting even more successful throughout our region.

Please contact any of the following community leaders and Scouting supporters to reserve your seat at this important fundraiser: Mark Koerner, Mike Aagesen, James Curb, Rod Colwell, Jeanette Laster, Mark Whitt, Tom Murn, Joe Morris, Anne Hagman, Bill Reagan, John Thurston, Steve Griffitts, Jack Wheir, Craig Brosenne, Mike White, Jim Thompson.

You can also call Boy Scouts of the Inland Northwest for more information: (509) 325-4562

One boy at a time, we can make America greater.