Centennial Memory #95: Chester Chapter Named Chapter of the Year

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

In January of 1968, Chester Chapter was named the DeMolay International Chapter of the Year for 1967. One would wonder what was involved in order to earn Chapter of the Year. The judging was done on a 5 category base: administration, membership, ritual work, special activities or awards, and chapter activities. Although several PA DeMolay Chapters have placed in the top for consideration, the first, and only, to achieve this accomplishment was Chester Chapter. For a full review of what earned them the Chapter of the Year, below you will find pages explaining their accomplishment of each phase of the judging, found in the January issue of the DeMolay International Cordon Magazine. It is important to note that Chester Chapter would go on to win the title again the next year as well.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Meet the Candidates: Andrew Santilli for Deputy State Master Councilor

It's almost time for the annual PA DeMolay Convention, so why not get to know our candidates for State Office. We have two candidates for the office of Deputy State Master Councilor. Here is our second, Bro. Andrew Santilli of Chester Pike Chapter. 

I have been in DeMolay for six years now, and naturally I have experienced many ups and downs as a state officer, a chapter member, and a brother in general. My failures have given me invaluable insight into how better to serve my brethren, and I want to run for office to help them prove on a global scale that we aren’t some average fraternity struggling to survive, but that we are and will be flourishing in our communities. DeMolay has helped me realize not who I am, but who I need to be. A learner, a servant as well as a leader, an honest embodiment of our obligations, and someone who creates a better future right now, every single day.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience is recurring in the presentation of the Flower Talk to an extensive number of Masonic lodges in the country. Not only is it a very practical application of skills we learn like public speaking and Masonic service, it is a very direct experience of how DeMolay can influence people. To be able to see the expression on someone’s face during the presentation, and to be able to speak deeply with new people around the country is an experience i will cherish forever.

Who are some of you DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

Obviously many people have had a significant impact on me in DeMolay. To keep it short, the two men that I thought of first were my grandfather, and “Dad” Jerry Richards. Before I was old enough to join, it was my grandfather who lit that fire in me and has held me to the highest standard of being a man and DeMolay. Dad Richards has given me invaluable support, both emotionally and in his guidance as I have made my way through different areas of being a DeMolay. He has driven me countless hours and prepared me to handle anything that was thrown at me.

What are your goals if elected to serve as a State Officer?

This is one of SMC candidate Tyler Moyers goals as well, but I want to ensure that every member is proficient in his obligations. I also want to see that for the first time in a long time, Pennsylvania experiences positive growth in membership. A third goal for my term is to see that the money raised for state charity is in excess of ten thousand dollars for the year. And finally, the existence of a squires program in every chapter by years end would be incredible.

Meet the Candidates: Andrew Santilli

Convention is right around the corner, which means it will be time to vote for PA DeMolay's Elected State Officers. This series will introduce you to each candidate as they prepare to run for office. They were all asked to provide a short biography and an answer to the three questions below.

My name is Andrew Santilli and I am running for the office of State Senior Councilor for Pennsylvania DeMolay. I am currently 16 years old and a Junior at Marple Newtown High School. I play baseball on a Legion Baseball team, Football for my high school, and Chess (tournaments in Philadelphia). I am highly interested in reading, writing, shooting, hunting, fishing, sports, and video games! My favorite school subjects include Physics, Math, History, and Philosophy. My favorite vacation spot is Vermont, and my favorite food is probably clam chowder. The countryside is the place to be, and I love my 2 dogs, 4 cats, ferret, and guinea pig. 

If you are elected to serve, what do you hope to accomplish?

If elected to the office of State Senior Councilor this coming convention, I hope to accomplish giving back to DeMolay as much as it has given to me, which is a heck of a lot! This might sound cliché, but it’s true; ever since I joined DeMolay, I have developed as a person tremendously and have had more fun than the average teenager. It is my duty as a brother of a world-class order to return this kindness by starting with the simple things like ensuring membership goals are reached, visiting chapters on a regular basis, and generally being a role model and friend to all members. Going slightly further, I hope to sincerely and actively stress our core values as DeMolay’s, meaning that if we do not seriously adhere to our oaths, precepts, and moral guidelines, then we as DeMolays are not living up to the standards of this great order we claim to be part of.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience?

Reflecting on my life as a DeMolay thus far, my greatest DeMolay experience is definitely being elected Master Councilor of Chester Pike Chapter. Having the title opened an infinite amount of doors regarding opportunities, ideas, and people that I can’t begin to pretend I would be where I am without having held a gavel in my hand for a time.  From life lessons to communication skills to growing as an individual, I couldn’t trade this experience for anything even if I tried.

Who are some of your DeMolay influences?

I could write a very long list of DeMolay influences, and it is going to take everything in my power to narrow it down to a few. To start, Mom and Dad Richards took me in as a shy boy when I first came to the chapter; they taught me the ropes and helped mold me into the man I am today. Second, Dad Freedman has been an inspiration to drive forward toward being a better person. Finally, and most importantly, my grandfather has been my ground, my rock, my mentor, and especially my friend through not only my DeMolay career, but my entire life, and most of me as a person would be missing without him.  

Selling the DeMolay Product

In order for DeMolay to grow, chapters must find ways to sell the organization to the general public. DeMolay is a worldwide organization, however when brought up in conversation with our peers, a lot of people know nothing about us. As members and advisors, it is our job to get the word out to the community. Sometimes that means putting on the salesman hat and selling the organization the best that we can. How do we do that? Here are some examples of how to sell DeMolay, and some examples from chapters in Pennsylvania to prove that these methods work.

Advertise in Publications
One of the best ways to advertise DeMolay is to promote in the local community newspaper. Recently, Elizabethtown Chapter and Chester Pike Chapters have done just that. Chester Pike Chapter advertised their local flea market to the community, while also explaining briefly what DeMolay was in the advertisement. Elizabethtown Chapter publicized the activities they participated in within the community, including the Dodgeball for Dyslexia Tournament and the Chicken Pot Pie Dinner they hosted.

Promote within the local Schools
I've mentioned this example before, but since it deals heavily with the membership growth of Pennsylvania DeMolay, it's worth mentioning again. Friendship-Bray Chapter has recently sent flyers and other information to local school to help promote the organization to the young members of the community. Rob Caroselli, an FBC advisor, is also a Principal of Fox Chase Elementary School, which has helped promote DeMolay to the young men of their school. FBC has brought in 9 members to DeMolay so far this year because of this, and looks to bring in even more in the near future. Since this took place, other chapters across the state have started to put together programs to target local school districts as well.

Get your Government Officials to buy in to the product
This year for DeMolay Month, we had several DeMolay Chapters that received proclamations from local Government Officials. This means that they show support to the program. Congratulations to Allentown, Pilgrim, Friendship-Bray, Chester Pike, Elizabethtown and all the other chapters that have reached out and received support from their local Government Officials.

How did these chapters have so much success in promoting the organization? There are a few factors that go into selling your product:

Know your target audience: Recognize who it is you plan to reach out to, and find the right way to promote to that group. If you're reaching out to youth, you may want to impress upon them the fun activities that we provide. If you're trying to reach out to the parents, you may want to explain to them the scholarship opportunities, honor roll challenges and other activities that will make a parent happy. If you're reaching out to a local Representative, explain the community based activities and offer a helping hand. 

Confidence: This is one of the biggest keys to success. The way the product is presented is important to know whether a person is buying in. If your excited about what you're promoting, a customer will acknowledge that and be more likely to buy in themselves. Remain calm and remembers what drives you in DeMolay.


Keep it simple: The saying "less is more" is very true. Make sure all of the facts are covered, without dragging on for long periods of time. If they seem interested enough to ask questions, that means they are engaged and want to know more. If its a news article that you are writing, keep it to a few paragraphs.

Hopefully this helps give some insight into promoting DeMolay. Go out there and sell DeMolay proudly!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin
  

Letter in DeMolay!

In 2014, DeMolay International designed a program called the DeMolay Varsity Club. This program allows members, advisors and sweethearts the opportunity to fill out an application so they can "Letter in DeMolay," similar to how an athlete can letter on the High School Varsity level. This achievement relies on a few key elements; leadership, involvement, knowledge and planning.

A member or sweetheart can earn a "letter" by doing all of the following:

• Mentor a new member
• Teach chapter members a new skill
• Serve in a leadership position
• Attend 6 Chapter Meetings and 2 other chapter events
• Plan a new event
• Bring in 1 new member or advisor
• Complete and earn the Representative DeMolay Award
• Complete and pass 1 Leadership Correspondence Course
• A member also must learn 1 new ritual part to perform at a meeting or public event

An advisor can also earn a "letter" by doing the following:

• Recruit a brand new advisor to the advisory council
• Lead and work with chapter members to create and execute a brand new event

A total of 8 people have earned the "letter" in Pennsylvania. Here are the people that have earned it so far:

• Alicia Daniels (Reading Chapter)
• Tyler Moyer (Pilgrim Chapter)
• Eric Dye (Allentown Chapter)
• Andrew Santilli (Chester Pike Chapter)
• Brian Martin (Carlisle Chapter)
• "Dad" Brett Otto (Carlisle Chapter) 
• "Mom" Kelly Otto (Carlisle Chapter)
• Adam Neubauer (Westmoreland Chapter)

The program concludes June 30th, so there is still time to earn yourself a "Letter in DeMolay." Fill out the application and earn yours today! 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

 

Honor Roll Challenge in Philadelphia

Are you a member of DeMolay that gets honor roll on their report cards? If so, then your chapter or region may want to consider this idea. Several years ago, the Philadelphia region put together an Honor Roll Challenge for all of the members from Friendship-Bray, Northeast and Chester Pike Chapters who receive A's and B's on their final report cards. A copy of the report card is sent to Deputy Executive Officer Rick Freedman before a specific deadline. The program is back by popular demand, with the challenge being held on August 20, 2016. This year's deadline for report cards is July 8th, 2016.

You're probably wondering what happens at this Honor Roll Challenge that makes it so special. The members are taken to an awesome restaurant, as well as a fun activity afterward such as Dave and Busters, bowling or laser tag. Although I never personally had a chance to attend, several members of my chapter expressed excitement about the great time they had. This also motivated to continue working hard so they could attend the following year. The whole concept of the Honor Roll Challenge is to prove to the young men that hard work really does pay off. This program gives a great incentive to the members of DeMolay, pushing them to work hard for good grades.

One of the main teachings that makes DeMolay great is the appreciation for our educational system. This is a perfect opportunity to show that we value the future of our members. Take some time to appreciate the knowledge of the members in your chapter or region.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin