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William R Ward wrote:
>
> Frank Filz <ffilz@mindspring.com> writes:
> > I used to be on the side of encouraging clubs to not have age
> > requirements, however, under more consideration, I'm more open to the
> > idea. In my opinion, the biggest reason is the way our country handles
> > child abuse allegations. Because of the legal climate, one is taking a
> > very large risk being involved with a "club" that allows anyone under
> > 18. [...]
>
> I think it depends on what kinds of activities the club participates
> in. I understand that some clubs have meetings in the private homes
> of their members. I can totally see how you might want to exclude
> minors in such a situation (or at least, minors without their parents
> or other parentally-designated guardian present).
>
> But my club (BauLUG / BayLTC) meets only in public spaces, such as a
> meeting room at the library, or the back room of a pizza parlor, etc.
> I think in that context, there is a far lower risk of such allegations
> being made.
Libraries are certainly a pretty safe way to hold meetings open to
minors. At a library, you have the advantage that they hold most of the
responsibility for any unaccompanied minors. A pizza parlor would be
somewhat riskier, but still, the fact that it's a "public" place reduces
the risk.
The most risky thing probably would be to give a ride to an
unaccompanied minor. Meeting at someone's house is pretty risky also
(though most of the risk will be assumed by the home owner/renter).
I would also be very wary of a "designated guardian." It's probably
pretty safe if the child's parents are happily married, but I'd be a
little concerned about the designation of a single parent (because who
knows what the actual custody agreement is). I know our church youth
activities require both parents to sign any permission forms.
Frank
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