AIBU to be annoyed that my DD probably wont be able to join the Rainbows? (Brownies)

[RainbowGuides]

Have namechanged for this...

My DD who is 5 would like to join the Rainbows (younger Brownies), there is only one group operating in our local area. It is run from the local Synagogue and the girls that attend are all Jewish. I asked for an application and applied but was surprised to see that one of the questions asks about your religion and which synagogue you attend.

I questioned this and said we are not Jewish nor do we attend synagogue so would my DD get a place. I was told that I could apply and my name would be put on the waiting list however girls that were Jewish or attended the local synagogue would get priority. Meaning my DD would forever be on the waiting list as those that come on it after would be moved above her as they are Jewish IYSWIM and she would never actually be able to join.

My problem here is that the Girl Guides association is supposed to be a INTERNATIONAL programme that is open to girls of any religion, creed or nationality and is supposed to accept diversity and multi culturism. Their policies include equality and diversity. So why is it that the ONLY Rainbows unit in my area is only for those of the Jewish faith?

I did speak to someone at the local Brownies office and she did agree that it wasnt right and stated that if there is only 1 group in the area it is supposed to be open to all.

This is not a post slamming Judaism - so please no racial hatred posts. I just want to know if IABU to expect that this Rainbows group should take girls of any faith as that is what the Girl Guides is about and they are NOT following its ethos at all??

That is a real shame. Fair enough that the synagogue wants their own group I guess, but I would have thought they wouldn't call it rainbows/brownies as that is misleading?

I don't know... Anyway, I agree it isn't worth trying to get her in as if she is not welcome they will make it miserable for her.

Have a look on the St John Ambulance website - they have a kids club called Badgers which is quite similar, it's not all first aid, but it does of course teach them useful stuff while having fun. Two of my best friends started there, when they were older they ran the group, and they now do lots of work for them, one is also a paid red cross trainer.

Was just diving in here to say it's probably a closed sponsored unit funded by the synagogue. There are a few of these still about, of many different faiths.

If this is the only unit in your area then, it sounds like there is probably a shortage of volunteers who would be needed to open a unit. If you offer your services I am sure they will be gratefully received.

D

Sorry cross posted, didn't see you can't volunteer.

Wow that does seem outrageously unfair.

But not much you can do other than follow Wizard and ENS suggestion

That is very unfair and very prejudice. I am in now way racist so plz don't slam me for this but if there was a rainbow group run by Christian church only taking White british girls I'm sure it would be shut down in no time!! And quite rightly so. It pisses me off that others appear to be able to be picky though...

The Girl guide organisation is based on volunteers and people's good will. OP: there are simply many many people like you who do not have the time nor willing to run or even help a group.

If a Jewish synagogue wants to sponsor a group for their own members, then that's fair enough. It happens all the time in Christian Churches. It's not their fault that other communities do not do the same.

You could become a warranted guider and it would allow you to open your own.

You don't have to be outdoorsy to do Rainbows. My recollection is that it centred a lot around chocolate and crafts. Guides and Scouting lay emphasis on having a faith and because of this have run into trouble with the Humanists, who won't promise to "do my duty to God". Our local guiding and scouting groups are linked to a church and therefore a church sponsored group, but there's no pre-requisite to be a church goer. I'm quite saddened that this group is allowed to be exclusive.

DD was a girlie girl and really loved Beavers - did lots of crafts and games and got to try sports she would never have tried such as archery and wall climbing.

When i enquired because the local troupe wouldnt take dd as shes disBled i was told its up to individual leaders as they are volunteers.
Dd went to Beavers. She is the only girl and only disabled child. She loves it. In your face rainbows!

That is so so appalling Riven. Glad she likes beavers! I think Beavers/Scouts are generally more fun than Rainbows/Guides though tbh.

Oh good lord, i just read that back

Is the local Jewish community that big? Do all their little girls go to Rainbows/Brownies? I'd be amazed if your DD really could never get a place. I feel almost convinced a place will come up.

Hey could be worse, OP. I'd quite like DS to join Brownies. The operative barrier there being the S.

Weird how scouts is now open to girls but guides isny open to boys

Riven My son's best friend had similar issues - his mum found it quite hard to find any groups that would accept him due to his disabilities. It seems these groups are more selective than it appears. Thankfully he and his brother love SJA Badgers/Cadets.

I would have happily volunteered for brownies/guides in the past but was uncomfortable with the religious element. I know the 'love God' promise is now opened to any God and that some leaders don't make you say it at all but I don't believe in a God and can't really support a group established to promote religion. Such a shame there isn't a national secular organisation that does similar things.

Woodcraft folk is the secular version, my dc go, and now I run a group. I used to help with guides and brownies in my younger days, but am too atheist for them now.

All these organisations though can only work with enough volunteers, they are totally dependent on having people who can run the groups. And if there is noone to run the group, it doesn't really matter what their aims and principles are. I agree an inclusive ethos is desirable but it's still dependent on having willing adults there.

Send her to Badgers, I was there from age 5 and am still involved in St John as an adult, there is usually a good mix of boys and girls, they learn excellent life skills as well as crafts, fun etc. Most Countys also run annual camps for the Badgers and a separate one for the cadets so you will not be missing out on the outdoorsy stuff you get from guides.

BTW I went along to guides when I was about 13/14, hated it and ended up getting almost thrown out before I left. St John is waaaaay better, more structured, more interesting etc.

Does anyone know how inclusive the badgers are? My friend's DS can't access beavers as he is autistic and needs full time 1:1. His "hours" are already used up having a carer to take him to swimming lessons.

That brownie promise doesn't exactly work for polytheists or non-theistic religions like Buddhism either, does it?

That doesn't sound right. Definitely question it.

That's REALLY unfair!

Mind you, when I was a guide it was "suggested" I moved on from the group because I used to refuse to go to the monthly church/carrying the flag things.