Does this strike anyone else as wrong?

[Digit]

I was checking out which middle school was assigned to my home as I am in the process of selling and noticed the following. There was not an equivalent club for females. Why can't girls be included in this club?

Ambassadors

The Salem Ambassadors is a service oriented organization which consists of 7th and 8th grade boys who were nominated by their teachers to participate. Students are actively involved in various team building sessions to help each individual become a better leader, but also unify all into a brotherhood . The Ambassadors are also responsible for assisting the Salem community whenever needed. This may be in the form of greeting families at after school functions or becoming a mentor to the elementary school students during our Monday meetings. Also, one weekend per month is dedicated to volunteering at a local organization; such as The Food Bank or The Ronald McDonald House. Finally, college tours are taken in order for the students to understand the importance of a higher education. Please check out The Ambassadors website at www.deletedwebsite to view the member roster and photos of our experiences.

As a female, I feel this is wrong. I would not mind if boys had their own club and the girls had a separate but equal club although I do not see the necessity of keeping them apart.

[elleng]

1. I agree, girls should either be admitted also,

or have a separate service 'club.' Neither do I see necessity to keep them apart BUT, at that age, might not be an entirely bad idea.

[SheilaT]

2. It's also possible that this club got started

many years ago, when that kind of thing was more acceptable. And yes, it's long since time this was changed.

[Digit]

8. Well, the school is only 8 years told

It was built to take care of the increased population and not just a school rebuilt due to age.

Besides, it is 2012.

[SheilaT]

16. Oh, my! An eight year old school!

I'm speechless.

[seabeyond]

3. my son was recommended and participated in a leadership org. girls and boys. it was a very good

program.

that is disappointing.

[Bluenorthwest]

4. Which of the 25 towns called Salem is this?

nt

[Digit]

9. Okay, no problem

It is in Apex, NC

[MagickMuffin]

5. So does this imply that females are incapable of doing any of these things???

This may be in the form of greeting families at after school functions or becoming a mentor to the elementary school students during our Monday meetings. Also, one weekend per month is dedicated to volunteering at a local organization; such as The Food Bank or The Ronald McDonald House. Finally, college tours are taken in order for the students to understand the importance of a higher education.

This really sends up a red flag that females are not capable of performing these duties. That they are inadequate somehow. Girls deserve the same opportunities as their male counter parts.




ETA: I didn't realize the website isn't there. Too bad I was wanting to check it out!

[avebury]

7. I agree. nt

[Digit]

10. Here is the website for the club

http://thesalemambassadors.weebly.com/

Here is the website for the school.
http://www.salemms.wcpss.net/index.html

Yes, it struck me when reading it that there was nothing a female couldn't do.

[OneGrassRoot]

6. I agree with you. Strikes me as very wrong. :( n/t

[Victor_c3]

11. totally and completely wrong

I have two little girls (ages 2 and 4) and I've become very aware of the differences between how men and women (even more so boys and girls) are treated. My wife is a feminist and she has opened my eyes to a lot of the differences.

So much of the ways women and men are treated differently is through inconspicuous indoctrination. Girls are taught from a young age to be passive while boys are lauded for their aggressiveness and outgoingness (is that a real word?). Girls are complimented first on how they look rather than their intelligence or some other attribute.

I constantly pound into my oldest daughter's head that she is a big strong girl and she'll grow up to tough and smart like her dad and mom. Not that I don't ever tell her how pretty she looks, but I make sure it is never the first thing I compliment her on. I try to catch myself whenever I underestimate my daughter because she is a girl and I try to play with her like a would play with a boy her age. I chase he around the yard, wrestle her, we play catch and throw balls at each other. She even knows what a "hurts dont-it" is! Whenever I tell her I'm surprised with how well she does something I tell her to say "Don't underestimate me, Daddy!"

I think a lot of guys are intimidated and feel uncomfortable by women who have self esteem and natural leadership abilities. However, if we want our girls to grow up to be strong women, this is exactly what they need. An organization like the ambassadors that you mentioned above would be awesome. If I were you, I'd ask the school a couple of uncomfortable questions and raise a stink about it if you need to. I know I'd do that for my daughters.

[Blue_Tires]

12. There isn't an equivalent club for girls?

I'd think a little noise from you and a few of like-minded parents could get the ball rolling pretty quickly..

[msanthrope]

14. They have a "ChickLit Club." I think I'm gonna go vomit. nt

[msanthrope]

13. Apparently, you get the "ChickLit Club." Girls ONLY!!!!

http://salemchicklit.weebly.com/

Jeebus H. Christ. Call the ACLU and see if they will sue these fuckers into the ground for you....

[HopeHoops]

15. Is that from like 1902 or something?

"7th and 8th grade BOYS"? I can see why girls aren't allowed in the cub scouts and boys can't become brownies, but good fucking grief. It might just be time to contact the ACLU to see what THEY have to say about it.

[MineralMan]

17. Good question. There are several other clubs associated with that school,

though, so...

http://www.salemms.wcpss.net/clubs.html

The Project Unity organization seems pretty equivalent and is co-ed.

[Digit]

19. It does not strike me as equivalent at all n/t

[Digit]

18. Check out this line for the boys only club....

This line is part of the Ambassador Club:

"Finally, college tours are taken in order for the students to understand the importance of a higher education."

I see no mention of a club which allows females that give the same opportunity or convey the same message. Are they saying it is not important to women as well?

Middle school is a prime time to speak with children of both sexes about higher education.