If you think about it, labor unions are a lot like Scouting units. Both consist of a group of similarly minded people who are all working toward a common goal.
That explains why thousands of Scout leaders are also union members. Scouting honors this dual role with the George Meany Award, given by the AFL-CIO’s central labor council and by each AFL-CIO state federation.
So who was George Meany? He was president of the AFL (American Federation of Labor) from 1952 to 1955 and then remained president when the AFL merged with the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) in 1955.
He thought that free trade unions and the labor movement were important components of the fabric of America—much like Scouting.
The award is meant to honor union members—men and women—who make contributions to their community through the BSA. That involvement can take on a number of forms. Union members could help advance the use of the American Labor merit badge, form Scout units that are chartered to unions or labor groups, and bring Scouting and labor unions together for the betterment of the community.
Contact your local council for information on how to apply for the award or find more information here.
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