Leadership and community work are hallmarks of the Boy Scouts tradition. Recognizing inspiring leaders is also part of that tradition. This year, the Boy Scouts of America Spirit of Adventure Council will honor New England Council President Jim Brett with its 2018 Good Scout Award. The Ralph Lowell Good Scout award is named in honor of Ralph Lowell, founder of the WBGH Educational Foundation and one of Boston’s most prominent community leaders and philanthropists. The award honors those who are unselfish in serving others on an individual and community basis.
“I am humbled with this honor from the Scouts,” Brett said. “Encouraging leadership among young people is important to the future of our communities. The Boy Scouts understand that and embrace that with all of their activities. The Boy Scouts build those skills in every individual member who participates.”
The award program also raises awareness and support for the Boy Scouts’ inner-city programs, focused on youth development and character education. “The Spirit of Adventure Council has made tremendous progress in making its youth development programs available to children from all families, including Boston’s inner-city neighborhoods.”
As president of The New England Council, Brett works to forge partnerships and collaborations among business leaders to foster economic development and improve the quality of life in the region. Equally important, he has been recognized many times for his work in public service as a former State Representative as well as his commitment to volunteerism, and civic participation. As a lifelong Dorchester resident, Brett exemplifies the spirit of those growing up in the city aspiring to make accomplishments that will benefit their communities.
Brett has devoted much of his public and private sector work to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. He is nationally recognized for his work and was appointed for five terms to serve as a member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, twice by President George W. Bush and three terms by President Barack Obama. He has also served as the Chairman of the committee. In 2016, Brett was appointed as a member of the National Council on Disability by the United States Congress.
The presentation of the Ralph Lowell Good Scout Award is a special opportunity for the Boy Scouts to honor a leader who has made a significant contribution to his community and has given of themselves to the benefit of youth. The award will be presented at the Salute to Scouting Gala on November 9 at the Revere Hotel in Boston. For tickets or more information, contact Chuck Eaton at 617-272-3513 or chuck.eaton@scouting.org.
