Can you start an organization similar to girl scouts/ boy scouts as long as it doesn't include the title?

Question

I am curious as to whether you can start a troop organization similar to girl/boy scouts. As long as you don't call it girl/boy scouts and you don't use what the two organizations use. Could I get sued for starting a troop similar to girl/ boy scouts but I don't have the name girl/boy scouts?

Answer 1

Well, I'll assume you're in the U.S.

The First Amendment of the Constitution prohibits the government from interfering with our rights to peaceably assemble.

So, yes, you can form any kind of group you want.

As long as you avoid trademark infringement and such (as you realize -- don't call it an existing group's name, or steal too much of their lingo, or any of their symbols).

You might want to see what similar organizations already exist.

If we knew why you want something that ISN'T Boy/Girl Scouts, we might be able to help you.

Is it the "god stuff" that you want to avoid?

Or what?

Answer 2

You are allowed to organize a group or club and have the club do whatever it wants to do.

People join the Scouts for the logistical support. If you don't want this, you don't have to have it. Scouts offer camping facilities, training, literature, awards, fund raising networks, crafts, uniforms, insurance, and worldwide recognition. You can do the things Scouts do except use the awards, titles, and uniforms. Some councils will even rent you their camping facilities, sell you the handbooks and equipment.

There was a time in our history where every town had its own automaker. Now we have about 10 for the nation. You don't have to go down the same path as the others, but sometimes it is much easier. The Scouts can offer nearly 100 years of experience and guidance.

Sincerely wish you the best in your endeavors.

Answer 3

They "own" the name Boy/Girl Scouts, not the idea of "scouting". You wouldn't get sued for starting a group like that.

There is a group called the Spiral Scouts that is structured something like the Boy/Girl Scout programs but is focused on Pagan or "minority faith" kids; it's a great program. There are also organizations like the Royal Rangers (which from what I recall of my Southern Baptist childhood is a very religiously geared, church based group for boys only) that use the same sort of structure as traditional Boy/Girl Scouts. I'm sure there are others but I don't know any off the top of my head.

Answer 4

You could certainly start an organization that is similar to Boy/Girl Scouts.

However, you might have a very difficult time getting a 501(3) (c), which the gov't grants you to make you a legitimate charitable organization. They're going to ask you why start this brand new organization if there's already an organization out there doing the same thing? Without that designation, you really can't do any fundraising, nor could you apply for any grants.

Answer 5

If you want to start a group that meets regularly, that teaches moral value, that gives awards for doing various challenges I think that you should go ahead. Make one the challenges be the name. Where will you meet, where will you get funding? Make up a booklet that shows an outline of a your weekly plans and your needs for each meeting.Crafts refreshments Will you open with prayer, or music. Will you have a pledge? This should be recited at some point. Another thing to present is a background check you can obtain. I think it is a great idea and one worth going for

Answer 6

Campfire Girls did it...lots of Christian organizations do it...like AWANA and Pioneer Girls.

You just can't copy their logo or anything that is their proprietary right.