The question of membership eligibility in the traditionally all male Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle corps has been discussed internally and externally for decades. For eighty years, however, it has escaped a comprehensive formalized process of evaluation and review.

Forward Performing Arts, as the legal entity of the Madison Scouts, is required to advance mission-based initiatives consistent with its long term vision. The timing has never been more appropriate for research and study on this subject in order to gain a complete understanding of the situation as well as gather feedback from a multitude of direct and indirect stakeholders. This process will help to identify all considerations relevant to a decision on member eligibility in the Madison Scouts.

The Forward Performing Arts board of directors has established a membership eligibility committee of non-board participants as well as a board-populated ad hoc committee to explore the issue in depth. The committees will dissect the legal, financial, ethical, and mission-driven considerations of member eligibility in an effort to lead to the most informed decision making process possible. Research and opinions on this issue will be sought and considered from many and presented to the Forward Performing Arts board of directors for consideration and action.

One of the key tools to be utilized is a survey crafted by the member eligibility committee and designed to gain a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder attitudes as well as internal and external impacts of member eligibility within the Madison Scouts. The purpose of this survey is to explore the question with transparency, honest curiosity, and fastidious care such that the results help to advance a well-informed decision. Data collected will be presented in a summary finding and presented to the board for consideration later this year.

You are invited to participate in the online survey by going to the following link:

https://goo.gl/forms/wWQ6eNmyOPfFgskw1

We appreciate your willingness to participate and provide your valuable and candid feedback.

