Be Different Spotlight: Northeast Chapter

The following post is part of a series entitled the “Be Different Spotlight.” This post will display a chapter’s effort to grasp the concept of the theme for this year. Each chapter was challenged by the State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard, to “Be Different.” 

Challenge Accepted! This is the story of how Northeast Chapter embraced that challenge...

Northeast Chapter, from the city of brotherly love, has accepted the challenge to “Be Different” and has gone above and beyond. While some chapters are bringing in new activities, fund-raisers and service projects, Northeast has decided to even change their logo. The new logo, which you can see to the side of this post, has embraced the city that Northeast resides in, Philadelphia. Designed by soon to be Chapter Advisor, “Dad” Alex Swift; the logo displays the Liberty Bell with the DeMolay shield inside. 

The members of Northeast chapter have decided to run different programs that will enhance membership recruitment and retention within the chapter. The members held a “Brotherhood Bowl” football game with Tacony Lodge Number 600, one of their sponsoring bodies. Members of Northeast Chapter and Tacony Lodge were divided into teams for a fun filled event. A few prospective members also took part in the brotherhood activity. The members of the chapter also decided that they will hold a “Frat Party.” The event is scheduled to take place on November 29^th at the Tacony Lodge from 12PM to 5PM. Members and prospects will enjoy food, watch football games, play frat party style games and partake in tossing a football around outside. In other words, the chapter plans to have their own tailgate party.  If you are interested in attending, contact “Dad’ Alex Swift at aswift5648@gmail.com for more details.

Many other original ideas have taken place for Northeast as well. Brothers Jeffrey Hample and Lorenzo Rodrgiuez came up with and performed a ceremony for Educational Day, devoted to the importance of our school systems. At Tacony Temple’s annual Pancake Breakfast, the members held a bake sale and opened a toppings bar in which donations were accepted. Other events planned for the future include attending a 76ers game, holding a LAN party and visiting the Benjamin Franklin Museum.

Northeast Chapter has completed the challenge to “Be Different.” What has your chapter done in order to change things up a bit? Send in program details or write a post for your chapter and send it to me at JAPullin@pademolay.net.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin  

  

Be Different and Be Charitable

Today we have a special guest blog post. This post is from Sarah Sellers, Pennsylvania DeMolay's State Sweetheart.

As a DeMolay, you know that the Pennsylvania State Charity is the Children's Dyslexia Centers. You know that throughout the year, you and your brothers strive to raise money to donate to this charity, and after all of your hard work, a check is presented at Convention to the Scottish Rite Representative. You also know that this year, your State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard, has challenged each chapter to "Be Different," be it in membership recruitment, community service, or chapter events. As your State Sweetheart, I also present the challenge of "Be Different"; however, I challenge you to be different in how you donate to your State Charity. Yes, raising funds throughout the year is still acceptable – in fact, it is highly encouraged – but change up how you raise these funds. You could even change up how you become involved with your local learning center. Be Creative. As long as you are embracing PA DeMolay's theme and are connecting with the Children's Dyslexia Centers, anything goes.

You may be thinking, "Yes, I am ready to 'Be Different!' The thing is, I'm not sure how." If you are
stuck or having doubts, that is perfectly normal. No one is expecting you to come up with these new ideas on your own. For tips or advice, I suggest you use your resources. Ask the members of your chapter what they might think, or look to what other chapters have done in the past. In May, Elizabethtown Chapter organized a dodgeball tournament to raise funds for the State Charity. In October, Pilgrim Chapter donated CD players and $500 in gift cards to their local center. Other chapters have participated in their local Walk for Dyslexia, challenged lodges to raise funds, and have simply visited their local learning center. All of these are wonderful examples as to how chapters have strayed from the expected monetary donations to contribute to the charity. Even though PA DeMolay has been successful in raising funds over the years, do not be afraid to change up how it is done. When it comes to the Children's Dyslexia Centers, do not be afraid to "Be Different."

So You Want to Be the Key Man Youth Director

Today we have a guest post written by "Dad" Zack Panitzke, Director of Key Man University.

It’s that time of year again. Beginning today, we’re accepting applications to be the 2016 KeyMan University Youth Director.

The application is available [here]. We’ll accept applications until Sunday, December 6, 2015. After that date, we’ll evaluate applications and present the best candidates with a special, open-ended project. No details on the project are available now - you’ll have to apply to find out more!

In order to qualify, you must have attended at least one Key Man Conference in the past. You also must be able to arrive at Patton Campus in Elizabethtown, PA no later than 9 am on Saturday, July 30, 2016 and stay until Saturday, August 6, 2016.

Read through the responsibilities and application process below. You might also review the Key Man University online materials. Finding out what you can about the job and the employer is an essential part of any job application process.

Responsibilities

As the Youth Director, you’re responsible to be the face of Key Man University. You’ll get to work with the Directors and the rest of the staff to plan and execute the conference. Before the conference, there are a few specific responsibilities, including:

• Develop a unique program to complement the coursework and extracurricular activities at KMU.
• Assist with curriculum idea generation.
• Write introductory and closing speech material for the beginning and end of the Conference.
• Attend regular virtual Director meetings.

During the week, you’ll have a few other responsibilities as well:

• Implement your unique program, including instruction, observation, and gathering feedback.
• Preside at opening session, closing session, awards banquet, and other public presentations such as activities at the Masonic Village.
• Host distinguished visitors during meals.
• Supervise all flag raising and lowering events.
• Participate in disciplinary discussions involving Key Men and staff unrelated to zero tolerance issues. You will be the youth advocate, helping the young men communicate through the conflict.
• Be the “eyes and ears” for feedback from the attendees, including observing all aspects of the program and interacting with the members as they experience the week.
• Provide courteous lights out enforcement.

Application Process

So how do you apply to be Youth Director? Follow these steps!

1. 
   Submit your application by filling out [this form].
2. If you’re selected, we’ll notify you within one week of the application deadline.
3. We’ll present you with the challenge project. You’ll have one month to complete it as you see fit - it’s completely open-ended and intended to test you on your planning and coordination abilities.
4. At the end of the project period, we’ll contact you to schedule an interview. The interview will offer you an opportunity to talk about your project and convince the Directors that you are the best candidate for the job.
   
   The interview will be much like a real job interview, because this job comes with real responsibility. You won’t need to wear a suit, but you should look presentable and be ready to discuss your qualifications.
5. We hope to make a final selection within a week of concluding the interviews. We’ll send you an email and an official invitation by mail.

That’s it! Fill out your application and get it to us as soon as possible. We look forward to reading it!

Be Different!

This year in Pennsylvania DeMolay, the elected state officers are encouraging chapters to be different. In the upcoming days, if your chapter didn't already receive them at Game Show Weekend, you will be receiving a packet explaining the incentive program. It will have all of the features including; the Bro Tie mentor program, the Past Grand Master's Honor Apron applications, and a schedule of upcoming events.

How can my chapter be different? Here are a few things you may consider in your chapter's effort to be different:

• Plan a new event within your chapter. Be creative about it. Think of something that you may have always wanted to do but have never been able to. Coming up with a new activity will encourage members to stay active.
• Come up with a brand new membership program specifically for your chapter. Think of incentives that will encourage the guys to reach their goals for the year.
• Create a new concept for a fund raiser to donate to the Children's Dyslexia Centers. PA DeMolay asks for 100% participation from the chapters, and this year is no different.
• Find new ways to get the word out about DeMolay in your local community. Some of the options you may consider include social media, press releases or contact with the local school district.

In the coming weeks, I will start a section of this blog entitled the "Be Creative Spotlight." This series of entries will introduce each chapter and what they have done to implement the "Be Different" campaign. Please send information about your chapter's efforts to me at JAPullin@pademolay.net. My goal is to post one for every chapter in the state.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Thank You For Serving

On this special Veterans Day version of the blog, I'd like to just take the time to thank our Veterans who have served our country. Many of our DeMolay members and advisors, past and present, have served our country. Their efforts should not go unnoticed.

Patriotism is one of the seven core lessons we learn in DeMolay. We all have a special place in our hearts for our country, but some take it a step further and serve in some branch of military.  Members of the military sacrifice their lives everyday to make sure our families are safe here in America. They believe in our country and its principles. They continue to fight for their country because they know it's worth fighting for. We salute you for your dedication.

Do you have something in your life that is worth fighting for? I know for me, to answer that question, family is a big thing I would fight for. My mom, step dad, cousins, friends, they're very important to me. DeMolay to me is family, which is also worth fighting for. I believe in this organization and everything it teaches, so I would continue to work to improve it and make it better.

Take the time today to recognize those around you who have served in the military. I have a few friends overseas right now who I wish I could thank in person. Past or present, they all deserve a simple thank you for their service. On behalf of PA DeMolay, thank you for serving!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

A Royal Time for the Founding City of DeMolay

Over the past few nights, Kansas City has been celebrating their first major championship season since the Kansas City Royals won the World Series in 1985. In fact, since 1985 the Royals had not made the playoffs until the 2014 season, and in 30 years only produced 10 winning seasons. The Kansas City Royals overcame that adversity and beat the New York Mets to win the 2015 World Series Championship in five games.

I can't speak for everyone, but I've always been a fan of a feel good underdog story. To see a team overcome the odds that have been set for them for 30 years and finally win a championship, it makes a person think that anything is possible. A dynasty is great, but it gets old. It's nice to see a team succeed that hasn't in quite some time.

So what does this have to do with DeMolay? A lot more than you even realize. For starters, Kansas City is the birthplace of the organization. Founded in 1919, Kansas City produced the organization that we are proud to say we are a part of. In a way, Kansas City can be considered a hometown city for all of us.

Another reason this has to do with DeMolay is the comparison of an underdog story to the chapters in DeMolay. Chapters go through rebuilding stages just like a sports team does, in which new members become the future of the organization. Chapters struggle and find a way to overcome the struggle. They look for new leadership, build strong leaders within the organization, and work together as a unit to achieve a common goal. The Kansas City Royals did just that. They hired Manager Ned Yost in 2010, which proved to work out great for the team. They drafted well bringing in star players such as Salvador Perez, Alex Gordon, and Eric Hosmer, while making trades to bring in more young talent in Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar. Those players had time to develop into franchise leaders that all took an equal part in the current success of the team.

We can all learn a few things from the Royals. Sometimes change can be for the better. Mold tomorrows leaders in your chapter today. Trust the process and it will pay off. Just like the Kansas City Royals, I hope your home chapter reaches their goals and becomes a DeMolay champion of their own right.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin