Sydney Ireland has been campaigning to be an official member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) since age 4. Her advocacy helped to start a pilot program earlier this year that allows girls ages 5-10 to join Cub Packs. Young women, aged 11-18, will be permitted to join Troops next year. And, just last week, the Boy Scouts announced the historic name change - Scouts BSA. Unfortunately, this timeline will make it impossible for Sydney to fulfill her quest to achieve Eagle Rank. Unless the Boy Scouts allow her to join now, Sydney will not get credit for the months of work she has put into achieving the skill-based certifications for advancement. “Through her journey to become a full member of Troop 414, Sydney has developed the very character, resilience and work ethic the Boy Scouts pride themselves on,” Sonia Ossorio, president of NOW-NYC said. “She can’t change her gender, but the Boy Scouts can change their timeline. We urge Boy Scouts of America President Randall Stephenson to welcome Sydney Ireland and the other young women who will age out as full Boy Scout members immediately, and to count the merit badges they have earned while waiting for him to do the right thing.” We’re urging our supporters to take action and email Boy Scouts of America President Randall Stephenson and Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh, telling these leaders that young women like Sydney should be allowed to join the Boy Scouts now. Send your email to: Randall. Stephenson@scouting.org; pr@scouting.org; myscouting@scouting.org; Michael.Surbaugh@scouting.org; and Charles.Dahlquist@scouting.org. Supporters can also take action by signing Sydney’s online petition on Change.org, which has gained momentum and national media attention in the past year.