Proposal-20110618-VPMD-02

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Proposal Vice President of Membership Development 02

• Council Member Name: Natalie Swierzbin
• Council Position—Proposal Number: VPMD—02
• Meeting Date for Proposal: November 19, 2011
• Objective this proposal falls under: 10.0 BD
• What costs are associated with this proposal? None
• Additional Pertinent Information:

Intent: The intent of this proposal is to ensure that chapters are planning and executing The Ritual in the manner it was intended to be executed, with the utmost respect and professionalism. Chapters sometimes perform The Ritual “on the fly”, which can detract from the seriousness of the ceremony.

Ritual Preparation Program

The Ritual preparation program would be an additional supplement to The Ritual handbook, which would include the following details:

• Choosing a location:
  • Quiet, out of the public eye
  • Suggestions: campus meeting room/ballroom, special place on campus (not in a “high traffic” area), residence (make sure there is enough room for all Brothers/initiates to stand comfortably, and that there is enough room to move around in)
• Lighting:
  • Candles are placed on the altar, however as this may not be sufficient light for initiates to view the fraternal shield, or the Brothers to read their individual speaking parts, lighting is left to the discretion of the Chapter.
  • Suggestions: If holding the ceremony at night, have each Brother hold a candle (electronic candles work well and can be used multiple times).
• Attire:
  • The Ritual book states that attire shall be “semi-formal”. Chapters are left to their own discretion as to how to dress from that description.
  • No jeans shall be worn.
  • Suggestions: Brothers in black/initiates in white, White shirts/khaki pants, choir robes
• Additional tips: If holding The Ritual outside, have towels ready for initiates to kneel on, so they do not get their clothes dirty when kneeling. For ladies, wear shoes that you would be comfortable standing in for an extended period of time.

• Suggestions for Execution
  • Refer to The Phi Sigma Pi Ceremonies book for layout of the room
  • Assign Brothers to lead the initiates around the room when their eyes are closed. (Often Bigs will lead their little around the room)
  • Assign speaking parts to Brothers a few weeks ahead of time. If your chapter does not memorize individual parts, Brothers should be familiar with their parts. Print out individual parts of slips of paper, so that each Brother does not have to share Ritual books.
  • Hold a “dress rehearsal” of the entire ceremony at the meeting prior to The Ritual. This rehearsal should not be held immediately prior to the ceremony. This is an ideal opportunity to also review fraternal secrets with the Chapter. Also during this rehearsal, review what time everyone should meet at the assigned location. (Brothers should arrive at least a half-hour before initiates)
  • Speak in a slow, clear manner, and loudly enough for initiates to hear.
  • Signing of the roll book: Brothers should stay quiet until the roll book is signed.

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• What is the motion to be made on this?

I move to adopt a Ritual preparation program for the planning and execution of The Ritual.