What have we learned here?

Have you been at a Chapter meeting or Installation with your Executive Officer recently? If you have, perhaps you've been called on to answer the question, "What Have We Learned Today?" Some of the answers have been profound, and others have been downright silly. Without a doubt, it has been an enlightening, but fun experience for everyone.

This isn't a patented idea, and there is no copyright on the speech. Steal it and use it occasionally in your Chapter! It is just one of the many ways you can be sure you are teaching something each and every meeting. It is likely that, if you go around the room, everyone can identify something they have learned. The idea of this exercise isn't to put anyone on the spot, but rather to allow some of the members and advisors to share with their brothers. Ask 4 or 5 to participate, and then be ready to share a thought of your own.

The basic premise is that, at every DeMolay meeting or activity, we should be teaching something to our DeMolays. If that is the case, then it shouldn't be hard for your members to identify something that they have learned. However, it may take a little coaxing on your part to make them realize what they have learned.

Now, don't make the learning dull and dreary-but when it is obvious that your officers or members have learned a skill, or have exhibited a good understanding of a new concept, or a DeMolay virtue, make sure you let them know that you have noticed their new-found knowledge, and make a big deal out of it. Not only will they appreciate that you are aware of their accomplishment, it will provide positive reinforcement of what they learned.

So, what have YOU learned today?

“Dad” Thomas R. Labagh
Executive Officer