The Rules of the Game

Created for use at the Key Man Conference several years ago, the Brotherhood Contract was liberally "borrowed" from the Full Value Contract concept of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation's LifeSkills Conference.  It has been a very successful way of framing any DeMolay program, and it resonates with all of our members.  The Fidelity Pledge is used at the beginning of every Conference as a way of reminding the DeMolays what their responsibilities are during the time they share together.  These two elements have worked hand in hand to create an environment for growth and learning in DeMolay.

“The Brotherhood Contract”

All DeMolays agree to conduct themselves according to these basic ground rules:

·        SAFETY FIRST – The physical and mental/emotional safety of our brothers is paramount and must be protected by all.  We carefully consider how to conduct any activity to minimize physical risk.  No horseplay.  No name-calling or bullying. No unnecessary risks. No physical violence.  Period.

·        SHARED VALUES – We believe that the Seven Cardinal Virtues of DeMolay are the building blocks of adulthood, and to be treated like adults we need to act appropriately and take responsibility for our choices.

·        POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE – DeMolays agree to support and encourage one another by practicing “valuing behaviors” like active listening, giving encouragement and supporting with positive reinforcement.  We value individuals as well as the group, and treat everyone with respect, kindness, courtesy and caring. Tolerance is a primary teaching of DeMolay, and we celebrate our differences, rather than divide over them.


·        LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER – Each DeMolay has the right to respectfully express his opinions, desires, and needs. Giving and receiving honest and constructive feedback is the beginning to finding one’s true self, and helping each other grow in our skills and relationships.

·        OPEN TO NEW IDEAS – Nobody “knows it all.”  DeMolays and Advisors are still learning about the Order, about leadership, about people, about themselves. Be open to new ideas and understanding a different perspective on what you think you already know.  When you stop learning, you stop living.

·        ACHIEVE – Moving forward in life means setting goals, and working hard to reach them.  But, you can’t step all over those around you to get where you want to go.  Serving others and helping your brothers to reach their goals will take you further along the path toward accomplishing your own objectives!

 “The Fidelity Pledge”

I promise that I will try to live by the DeMolay Virtues  in all that I think, say and do, and will expect the same effort from my brothers and Advisors.

When I fail to do so, I will take responsibility for my decisions, make appropriate amends, if possible, accept the consequences of my actions, and be as forgiving of my brothers as they are tolerant of me.

DI Rules and Regs - What You Need to Know - Part IV

As I recover from Convention (and gear up for Key Man) the days only seem to get busier. I've been getting lots of responses back from the post-Convention survey that I sent out. If you attended Convention 2012 and would like to fill out a quick survey on how you thought the event went, drop me a line at webmaster@pademolay.org and I'll get one emailed to you right away. I have 30 or so responses right now, but I'd like to get to 50 before drawing some conclusions and sharing them with you.


Today we are going revisit a series of posts that I started earlier this year - a discussion of the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations. Every Chapter must have a copy of the Rules and Regs of DeMolay International, however, in many cases they are out of date, misplaced, or just forgotten. Frankly, much of what is contained in the document has little to no bearing on what you do in a local Chapter, but there are some very specific sections that are important for you to know about. In the PA DeMolay version of DAD Training we discuss these, but sometimes we don't look at them as closely as we should. I hope this will help new and veteran advisors alike.

As a warning, some of these posts are going to be a bit longer, as we show the section of the Rules and Regs and then talk about it.



Today we're taking on Part IV: Article 18 - Meetings

318.1      Stated Meetings.  Stated meetings of a Chapter must be held at least monthly.

Discussion: This one is pretty simple. Your Chapter has to meet at least once a month. 

318.2      Special Meetings.  Special meetings of a Chapter may be called by the Master Councilor, with the approval of the Advisory Council, but no business may be transacted other than conferring of degrees, unless specified in a notice mailed to each member at least five days before the meeting.

Discussion: This is a throw back to our Masonic roots. If the Chapter needs to have a meeting other than what is scheduled, the Master Councilor can call for one, with the approval of the Advisory Council. To do so, he must send out a letter to each member, at least five days in advance, and specify what the meeting is about. Only the items that were specified can be discussed or acted on that that meeting.

318.3       Conduct of Business.  Business of the Chapter must be conducted while the Chapter is open on the Initiatory Degree.

Discussion: Again, a Masonic hold over. This permits members who have only seen the first of our two degrees to participate.

318.4      DeMolay Degree, When Opened In.  When the Chapter is opened in its highest degree, all preceding degrees are opened and it may pass from work in one degree to work in another without other form than the declaration that it does so.

Discussion: Now here is an odd-ball rule! Basically, when you open your Chapter on the DeMolay Degree, you can switch to working in the Initiatory Degree without any declaration. What does this really have to do with operating your Chapter? Not much, I'm afraid.

318.5      Quorum.  Eight members are a quorum for the transaction of business.

Discussion: For a quorum to be reached in your Chapter, you have to have at least 8 voting members present. In PA, we handle this a bit differently. Check out the EO's policy on this at http://www.pademolay.org/resources/pdf/noquorum.pdf

318.6      Request for Special Meeting.  The Master Councilor shall, upon the written request of fifteen members, call a special meeting in accordance with Section 318.2.  The request shall state the purpose of the meeting.

Discussion: This piece provides a way for the members to over-rule the Master Councilor and force him to have a meeting to transact a specific piece of business, even if he doesn't want to.

318.7      Voting by Proxy, Prohibited.  A member may not vote by proxy.

Discussion: If a member wants to vote, he needs to be present to do so.

318.8      Exclude Objectionable Persons from Chapter Functions.  Any member of the Advisory Council who is present may exclude from Chapter meetings, or entertainments or functions held by a Chapter, any member, any visiting DeMolay, Senior DeMolay, Mason or other person, whose presence is objectionable or detrimental to the peace and harmony of the Chapter.

Discussion: This article provides a way for any adult volunteer to stop or prevent an unpleasant situation that might arise. It grants pretty broad powers that most Advisors don't know they can exercise.

318.9      Visitors.

      (a)   A Mason who is in good standing and has been examined by a member of the Advisory Council of a Chapter or vouched for by a Mason is eligible to visit a tiled Chapter or witness any of the secret work.

                (b)   The father, mother, stepfather, stepmother and legal guardian of a candidate for the degrees or of a member of DeMolay, and any other individuals who have attained the age of 21 permitted to attend by the Executive Officer, may, after giving a pledge not to reveal the secrets of DeMolay, visit a tiled Chapter.  (2001)

Discussion: Who can visit your Chapter? Just about anyone, as long as the the EO has given his approval and the Chapter is okay with it. In PA, your EO has automatically approved any adult invited by your Advisory Council, as well as any adult family members, teachers, administrators, clergy, government officials, and law enforcement personnel.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

DI Rules and Regs - What You Need to Know - Part III

This is the third in a series of posts that details some specific information from the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations. These articles are in response to questions we have gotten from local leaders asking what the official rules are for their Chapter and position.

Every Chapter must have a copy of the Rules and Regs of DeMolay International, however, in many cases they are out of date, misplaced, or just forgotten. Frankly, much of what is contained in the document has little to no bearing on what you do in a local Chapter, but there are some very specific sections that are important for you to know about. In the PA DeMolay version of DAD Training we discuss these, but sometimes we don't look at them as closely as we should. I hope this will help new and veteran advisors alike.
As a warning, some of these posts are going to be a bit longer, as we show the section of the Rules and Regs and then talk about it.

This time we take Part III: Article 17 - Officers.

317.1      Officers.  The Officers of a Chapter are:

      (a)   Master Councilor

      (b)   Senior Councilor

      (c)   Junior Councilor

      (d)   Treasurer

      (e)   Scribe

      (f)    Senior Deacon

      (g)   Junior Deacon

      (h)   Senior Steward

      (i)    Junior Steward

      (j)    Chaplain

      (k)   Almoner

      (l)    Marshal

      (m)  Standard Bearer

      (n)   Orator

      (o)   Seven Preceptors

      (p)   Sentinel

             (q)   Organist

Discussion: This is pretty simple - it's just the officers of the Chapter.

317.2      Selection by Election.

      (a)   The Master Councilor, Senior Councilor and Junior Councilor are elected by written ballot for a term of three, four or six months, as set in the Chapter bylaws.

Discussion: Basically you have to elect the Councilors of your Chapter, via a written ballot, with three optional term lengths. In PA, we only authorize a six month term.

317.3      Selection by Appointment.

      (a)  The Treasurer and Scribe are appointed by the Advisory Council and serve at its pleasure until their successors are appointed and installed. The Advisory Council may appoint one advisor to serve as both Treasurer and Scribe. (2010)

              (b)  The remaining officers are appointed by the Master Councilor and occupy their stations at his pleasure.

Discussion: Due to banking regulations, the Treasurer and the Scribe are no longer elected. In most cases the person filling this role is now an adult. Otherwise, the Master Councilor can fill any unoccupied positions.

317.4      Qualifications, Generally.  Each officer must be an active member of the Chapter and, unless otherwise directed by the Executive Officer, hold an obligation card, except that the Treasurer must a legal adult. Advisors may be appointed to serve as Scribe and Treasurer. (2010)   

317.5      Qualifications, Master Councilor.  A member may not be elected Master Councilor unless he has served as Senior or Junior Councilor, or the Advisory Council, by formal action, concludes that the best interests of the Order would be promoted by the election of the member, or for a new Chapter.

Discussion: So, who can serve as an officer of your Chapter? These two sections lay out the rules for service, including the extra criteria for Master Councilors.

317.6      Election.  The elective officers are elected by a paper ballot cast by the individual members present only.  A majority of the ballots, not counting blank ballots, is necessary for election.

Discussion: Yep, it's an election - fair and true.

317.7      Installation.  Officers must be installed at the same meeting at which they are elected or within forty-five days thereafter as determined by the Chapter.

317.8      Holding Over.  Each officer of the Chapter holds office until his successor has been elected or appointed, and installed.

317.9      Absence.  Absence of any officer from three consecutive meetings of the Chapter, without excuse approved by the Chairman of the Advisory Council, creates a vacancy in the office.

Discussion: These three sections deal with how officers enter and leave office. Everyone must be installed and hold office until they have a successor. If you don't show up, you can be removed from office.

317.10  Presiding Officer.

      (a)   The Master Councilor presides at meetings of the Chapter.

                (b)   If the Master Councilor is absent, the Senior Councilor or Junior Councilor, in the order of rank, act as Master Councilor.

Discussion: The Master Councilor is in charge. Makes sense to me!

317.11  Resignations.

      (a)   Any officer of a Chapter may resign.

                (b)   The resignation of any officer may be demanded and his place made vacant by resolution presented at a stated meeting, held over, and considered and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members present at the next stated meeting, if the action is approved by the Executive Officer.

Discussion - Anyone can quit at any time. While we don't like people to just walk away, sometimes there are circumstances that require them to.

317.12  Vacancy in Office.

      (a)   Master Councilor or Senior Councilor.  When a vacancy occurs in the officer of Master Councilor or Senior Councilor, the next lower elective officer, who is willing to accept the vacant office automatically succeeds to the vacant office.  If a vacancy in an elective office is not filled by automatic succession, an election is held, after two weeks notice to the membership.

      (b)   Other Offices.  Vacancies in other offices are filled by appointment.

Discussion: If one of your main officers does resign, this is what DI says you must do.

317.13  Duties of Officers.

      (a)  Master Councilor.  The Master Councilor:

    (1)  Shall see that these rules and regulations are observed by the Chapter.

    (2)  Shall see that accurate records are kept and just accounts rendered.

    (3)  Shall see that all reports and remittances to DeMolay International are made at the time required.

    (4)  Shall see that initiations are held at least once in his term of office.

    (5)  Shall preside at meetings of the Chapter.

    (6)  May call a special meeting of the Chapter, and must do so if requested under the provisions of Article 18.

    (7)  Shall appoint officers as set forth in this Article.

    (8)  Shall appoint Standing Committees, petition visitation committees and special committees, in accordance with Article 19.

    (9)  Shall superintend the observance of Obligatory Days during his term of office.

                        (10)  Shall perform all other duties appropriate to his office and those assigned to him by the bylaws of DeMolay International, these rules and regulations, the Chapter bylaws, DeMolay International or the Executive Officer.

                (b)   Scribe.  The Scribe shall:

    (1)  Record all the transactions of the Chapter proper to be written.

    (2)  Keep the records for inspection.

    (3)  Collect all fees and pay them immediately to the Treasurer and take his receipt therefore.

    (4)  Keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements, showing separately the funds collected for and belonging to DeMolay International.

    (5)  See that the property of the Chapter is at all times cared for and keep an accurate inventory.

    (6)  Make the reports required by these rules and regulations or requested by the Grand Secretary, and submit the proper remittances.

    (7)  Make reports the Advisory Council requires.

    (8)  At the expiration of his term, deliver all books, papers, money and other property to his successor, or to another person the Advisory Council directs.

    (9)  Give notice of meetings as provided by these rules and regulations or the Chapter bylaws.

    (10)  Send notices of the dates for Obligatory Days.

                        (11)  Perform all duties appropriate to his office, and those assigned to him by the bylaws of DeMolay International, these rules and regulations, the Chapter bylaws, DeMolay International or the Executive Officer.

                (c)   Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall:

    (1)  Keep an accurate account of all his receipts and disbursements, which must show separately the funds belonging to the Chapter and those initiation fees and other assessments collected for DeMolay International. (2010)

    (2)  Pay out disbursements only by checks signed by the Treasurer and one member of the Advisory Council after approval by the Chapter and the Advisory Council.  No authorization of the Chapter is required for payment of funds belonging to DeMolay International. (2010)

    (3)  At the last meeting of the DeMolay Year, render a report of his official acts during the year.

    (4)  At the expiration of his term of office, deliver all money and other property of the Chapter in his possession to his successor, or to another person if the Advisory Council directs.

                        (5)  Perform all duties appropriate to his office, and those assigned to him by the bylaws of DeMolay International, these rules and regulations, the Chapter bylaws, DeMolay International or the Executive Officer.

                (d)   Almoner.  Under the direction of the Master Councilor, or the Advisory Council, the Almoner shall disburse the charity funds of the Chapter, as secured by passing the box of fraternal assistance at meetings of the Chapter, as the Master Councilor directs.  The amount collected shall be applied first to the relief of a distressed worthy member, or the relatives of one, and if there are none, then to the relief of needy deserving persons.

                (e)   Other Officers.  Other officers shall perform all the duties appropriate to their offices, and those assigned by the bylaws of DeMolay International, these rules and regulations, the Chapter bylaws, DeMolay International or the Executive Officer.

Discussion: Wow! There is a lot here! You should read this section thoroughly and understand the duties and requirements of each position in your Chapter. Everyone has a job to do and if done right, it makes for a smooth running Chapter.

I hope you found this discussion useful. While it is pretty dry, it's important to know what the DI rules and regs really expect of your Chapter.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

DI Rules and Regs - What You Need to Know - Part II

This is the second in a series of posts that details some specific information from the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations. These articles are in response to questions we have gotten from local leaders asking what the official rules are for their Chapter and position.

Every Chapter must have a copy of the Rules and Regs of DeMolay International, however, in many cases they are out of date, misplaced, or just forgotten. Frankly, much of what is contained in the document has little to no bearing on what you do in a local Chapter, but there are some very specific sections that are important for you to know about. In the PA DeMolay version of DAD Training we discuss these, but sometimes we don't look at them as closely as we should. I hope this will help new and veteran advisors alike.

As a warning, some of these posts are going to be a bit longer, as we show the section of the Rules and Regs and then talk about it.


This time we take a look at Part II: Article 15 - Membership

315.1   Residence, Election of Members.  A person who resides in the territory of a Chapter may not be lawfully elected to receive the degrees from any other Chapter, except one having concurrent territory, without consent of the Executive Officer of the Jurisdiction where the applicant resides.

Discussion: This is an interesting rule, because it describes the area from which Chapters can recruit members. However, most Chapters don't have a defined territory, so this section is often overlooked. It is more or less a carry over from times when there were several Chapters in one area and rules needed to be established to make sure that each Chapter had a sufficient area to recruit from.

315.2   Eligibility.  An application for membership may be received only from a young man who has passed his twelfth birthday and who has not reached his twenty-first birthday and who is recommended by two members of the Order, or by a Senior DeMolay, or by a Mason.  The applicant must be sponsored by a Mason.  Membership shall be considered on the basis of character and moral qualifications as prescribed in The Sacred Landmarks of the Order of DeMolay.  (1999)

Discussion: This is the section that establishes the age for DeMolays - 12 to 21. It says he must also be recommended by a two members of the order, or by a single Senior DeMolay, or by a Master Mason. All applicants must be sponsored by a Master Mason. The rest of it talks about moral character and the Sacred Landmarks of DeMolay (which is a whole other discussion.)

315.3   Application Received.  Every application for membership or for affiliation must be received at a meeting of the Chapter.

315.4   Visitation Committees.  Unless otherwise directed by the Executive Officer, all applications for membership or for affiliation when received, shall be referred by the Master Councilor to a visitation committee which shall inquire thoroughly into the character and fitness of the applicant and report in writing, by the next stated meeting, when the application for membership will be voted on.  The visitation committee must report favorably or unfavorably, by a majority of its members.  If the committee fails to report at the proper time, the Master Councilor may continue the committee or appoint a new committee.  When desirable, an advisor may make the visitation and report instead of the committee.

Discussion: I'm grouping 315.3 and 315.4 together. Basically, every application for membership must be read at a regular meeting of the Chapter. Then, unless the EO says otherwise, the Master Councilor must set up a group of members to act as a Visitation Committee. They will go meet with the potential member and report back to the Chapter their feelings on the applicant. Notice, it says they should report it in writing, but we know that this rarely happens. It also allows for an Advisor to make the visitation instead of the members. Here in PA, we prefer that the young men complete the visitation.

315.5   Election for Membership.  Election for membership or for affiliation must be only at a meeting of the Chapter and unless otherwise directed by the Executive Officer, after a visitation committee has reported.  A secret ballot shall be conducted in the following manner:

(a) The Master Councilor reads the name of the applicant and the facts set out in his application.  If applicable, he states whether the report of the committee is favorable or unfavorable and may give any information reported by the committee.  If applicable, an unfavorable report by a committee of visitation or any members thereof, or an objection to an application by any member of the Chapter before balloting on the application, shall be referred to the Chapter Advisor, or in his absence to a member of the Advisory Council.  The Advisory Council shall decide if the unfavorable report or objection itself constitutes a rejection.

(b) A collective ballot may be taken if there is more than one applicant to be balloted on.  If no more than one black cube appears, the applicants are elected.  If two or more black cubes appear, there must be an individual ballot on each application.

(c) When there is an individual ballot, if no more than one black cube appears, the applicant is elected.  If two black cubes appear, the ballot shall not be declared, but shall lie over until the next meeting when another ballot shall be taken.  If three or more black cubes appear, the applicant is rejected.

(d) When a ballot lies over, an applicant is rejected if three or more black cubes appear on this second ballot, otherwise the applicant is elected.

Discussion: Now that an applicant has been visited, when are they allowed to officially join? That's what Section 315.5 covers! It describes how a Master Councilor will call for a ballot and what information he must share with the Chapter about the Applicant. Please note - that we have modified balloting procedures in PA - you can find them here.

315.6   Rejected, May Apply Again.  

(a) When an applicant for membership has been rejected, he cannot again apply to any Chapter for three months.

(b) When an applicant for affiliation has been rejected, he may again apply after one month, and the application must then lie over for two weeks before ballot.

(c) An applicant rejected upon application must, when applying to another Chapter, disclose his former rejection.

Discussion: What if the applicant does not receive a favorable ballot? Then follow the rules in 315.6!

315.7   Objection Filed.  After an applicant has been elected and before the beginning of the conferral of the Initiatory Degree, a written objection signed by three members of the Chapter may be filed with the Chapter Scribe.  The objection must be considered by the Chapter and voted upon.  If sustained by one-third of the members present the degrees cannot be conferred, and the applicant is rejected.  After an applicant has received any degree, objections can only be sustained by regular trial before the Advisory Council.

Discussion: We don't really see objections any more, but this Section tells us what to do with them.

315.8 Initiation Fees and Dues.  No applicant may be initiated until he has paid the initiation fee.

Discussion: Yes, you have to pay a fee. Pretty simple, right?

315.9   Receiving Degrees.  An applicant elected for membership must present himself at the proper time and place to receive the degrees within three months of election.  If he does not, or does not show good cause for his delay, he forfeits election for membership and must apply again.

315.10   Enrollment.

(a) Every applicant who receives the Initiatory Degree in any Chapter becomes a member of the Chapter which elected him, and his name is entered upon its roll.

(b) The Grand Secretary shall mail a Leader's Resource Guide to the members when the Initiatory Degree is reported.

(c) The Grand Secretary shall issue a patent when both the Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees have been reported.

(d) An applicant who does not present himself to receive the DeMolay Degree within twelve months is placed in an inactive category and shall be so reported by the Grand Secretary.  Members in this category are not eligible to receive a Senior DeMolay certificate or card.

Discussion: Basically, every member is supposed to see the Degrees within three months of joining DeMolay. This means the full degrees, not the Obligation Ceremony. Is your Chapter following this rule? Once he does join, a new member get some welcome materials. But wait - read Section D! Technically, if a member doesn't see the Degrees in 12 months, he's not actually a member and can't be a Senior DeMolay!

315.11   Application for Affiliation.

(a) A member applying for affiliation must present in addition to his application, a transfer certificate, or a certificate from his Executive Officer.  His application for affiliation must be on a regular application blank marked "Affiliation", and be accompanied by the affiliation fee.

(b) Applications for affiliation must be acted upon in the same manner as applications for membership.

(c) If a DeMolay is elected for membership in the new Chapter, the Scribe of the Chapter shall immediately notify the DeMolay’s former Chapter and the DeMolay is a member of the new Chapter from the date of election.

(d) A DeMolay’s standing is not impaired by rejection of his application.  He remains a member of his former Chapter until that Chapter receives notice of his election by another Chapter and deletes his name from its rolls effective the date of his affiliation election.

   

315.12   Dual Membership.

(a) Dual membership in Chapters is permissible with the approval of each Executive Officer concerned.  All requirements for membership by affiliation must be met.  If a DeMolay is elected for membership in the Chapter applied to, the Scribe of the Chapter shall immediately notify the DeMolay's other Chapter, and the brother shall be a member of both Chapters from the date of his affiliation election.

(b) A member may not hold office in more than one Chapter at the same time.

Discussion: Sometimes guys want to be members of more than one Chapter or to change what Chapter they belong to. This Section explains the process for that. It's pretty simple.

315.13   Obligation Card Required.  Unless otherwise directed by the Executive Officer, a member must, by standing examination in an open Chapter meeting, demonstrate that he has committed to memory the obligations and examination queries of both degrees in order to vote or hold office.  When a member has demonstrated his proficiency, he will be issued an obligation card.

Discussion: The Obligations card remains a point of contention in PA DeMolay, especially for sports tournament participation. The key to this section is "Unless otherwise directed by the EO." I advise that you read the PA DeMolay policy on obligations cards.

315.14   Member At Large.

(a) When a Chapter surrenders its Letters Temporary or Charter, or the Letters Temporary or Charter are suspended or forfeited, a member of the Chapter may affiliate as a member-at-large.

(b) The application is made to the Grand Secretary.  The Grand Secretary shall issue a membership card entitling the member-at-large to all privileges of a member of the Order, except that he may not vote or hold office in any Chapter.

(c) A member who has moved from the vicinity of his original Chapter and who is unable to obtain a satisfactory reply regarding a transfer can be accepted as a member-at-large upon application to the Grand Secretary.

(d) A member-at-large in good standing may apply for affiliation with any Chapter.

Discussion: What happens when a young man wants to join DeMolay but there isn't a Chapter close by? Then we go to this Section for direction.

315.15   Senior DeMolays.

(a) When a member of the Order reaches the age of twenty-one, his active membership in the Order ends unless serving as an elected International, Congress or Jurisdictional Officer who was installed in office prior to his twenty-first birthday. Such officers shall not be reclassified as Senior DeMolays until completion of the term of office or resignation or removal therefrom, whichever occurs first.

(b) A Senior DeMolay who does not hold a Senior DeMolay certificate or a Life Membership card cannot, as such, visit any DeMolay Chapter.

(c)  A Senior DeMolay who holds a Senior DeMolay certificate or Life Membership card will be permitted to visit a DeMolay Chapter, but without the right to participate in the business or activities of the Order, except as provided in these rules and regulations. (2009)

315.16   Former Member May Secure Senior DeMolay Certificate.  A former DeMolay may secure a Senior DeMolay certificate by making application to the Grand Secretary.

Discussion: The status of Senior DeMolay is valued by many and this Section discusses how that title is imparted. Note sub-section B - you aren't technically allowed to visit another Chapter as Senior DeMOlay without a card or a certificate! 

315.17   Charter Members.  All members initiated into or affiliated with a Chapter prior to the granting of a Charter are Charter Members.

Discussion: This deals with the opening of new Chapters and doesn't really affect much.

315.18   Resignations.  An Active or Senior DeMolay may resign his membership and request that his name be removed from the Chapter and DeMolay International rolls by written letter to the Advisory Council and the Executive Officer in the case of an active DeMolay, and to the Grand Secretary and the Executive Officer, in the case of a Senior member.  Upon approval by the Advisory Council, the Executive Officer and the Grand Secretary, the individual will be notified and the resignation will be recorded.

Discussion: If someone truly wants out of DeMolay entirely, they have to follow this procedure.

DI Rules and Regs - What You Need to Know - Part I

Last week I was chatting with my long time friend "Dad" Zack Panitzke. We were discussing how to improve things with the Chapter he is working with in Virginia. At the beginning of this year he was elected Chairman of the Advisory Council. Now, he is trying to learn his place in the Chapter and get a better handle on his role. As part of that discussion, I asked him if he had looked over the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations as it pertains to local Chapters. O_o best describes the look I got in return.

Every Chapter must have a copy of the Rules and Regs of DeMolay International, however, in many cases they are out of date, misplaced, or just forgotten. Frankly, much of what is contained in the document has little to no bearing on what you do in a local Chapter, but there are some very specific sections that are important for you to know about. In the PA DeMolay version of DAD Training we discuss these, but sometimes we don't look at them as closely as we should. So, I'm starting a series of blog posts that will talk about each section, one at a time. I hope this will help new and veteran advisors alike.

As a warning, some of these posts are going to be a bit longer, as we show the section of the Rules and Regs and then talk about it.

Today, we tackle Part I: Article 14 - The Advisory Council

314.1      Advisory Council Required.

                (a)   A Chapter must have an Advisory Council, at least three of which members must be Masons in good standing.

                (b)   All Advisors must be at least 21 years of age and recommended by the sponsoring body.

                (c)   No person may serve as an Advisor until they have successfully completed the DeMolay adult worker training program and the Executive Officer has approved the adult worker application. (2011)

                (d)   Any Mason in good standing, Senior DeMolay, or the father, mother, stepfather, stepmother or legal guardian of a DeMolay and any other individual permitted by the Executive Officer may serve as an Advisor.

                (e)   To be eligible to serve as Chairman, an Advisor must be a Mason in good standing.

                (f)    Every Advisor must annually by December 31st of each year sign and file with the Executive Officer a completed adult worker application, a certificate of change or a certificate of no change. (2001) (2005) (2010) (2011)

Discussion: This is the basic article that defines what an Advisory Council is and who can serve on one. Key points are the age of Advisors (21), who is eligible to serve, and how an Advisor qualifies and renews. Pretty simple stuff, actually.

314.2      Appointment. All Advisors and adult workers are appointed by the Executive Officer.  He may only appoint a person to serve as an Advisor or as an adult DeMolay worker after confirming that the person has successfully completed the DeMolay adult worker training program and has completed and filed an adult worker application. (2001) (2011)

Discussion: Again, a simple article. It just describes who has the final say on our Adult Volunteers - specifically, the Executive Officer.

314.3      Vows.  Each member of an Advisory Council shall take a vow of allegiance to DeMolay International and the Executive Officer, and be duly installed.

314.4       Term.  The term of Advisory Council members is one year.

314.5      Vacancies.  Vacancies are filled by the Executive Officer.

314.6       Removal.  The Executive Officer may remove any Advisory Council member who does not or will not perform his duties in accordance with the bylaws, these rules and regulations, or as directed by the Executive Officer.

Discussion: For ease, I parts 314.3 to 314.6 together, as they are all short. Basically, each Advisor takes a vow to support the order. Advisors serve for one year and any vacancies are under the authority of the EO. The key here is 314.6 - any Advisor can be removed at any time. Period. No reason must be given and no appeal can be made. The EO has total control. This makes it easy for the EO handle sticky situations.

314.7      Duties.

                (a)   The Advisory Council has duties assigned to it by the bylaws, these rules and regulations, DeMolay International, the Grand Master and the Executive Officer.

                (b)   The Advisory Council governs the activities of a Chapter consistent with these rules and regulations and as directed by the Executive Officer.

                (c)   An Advisory Council must organize and select a Chairman and a Chapter Advisor.

                (d)   The Advisory Council shall meet at least monthly and a full record of each meeting shall be made.  Each member of the Council has a vote.

                (e)   At least one member of the Advisory Council must be present at all meetings of the Chapter. (2003) (2005)

Discussion: This article defines exactly what an Advisor has agreed to do by serving. In a nutshell, they agree to work on the Advisory Council and obey the authority of the other leaders. They also agree to elect a Chairman and Chapter Advisor, to meet monthly, and keep minutes.

314.8      Chairman.  The Chairman of the Advisory Council presides at its meetings, and performs the other duties required of him by his office or the Advisory Council.

314.9       Chapter Advisor.  The Chapter Advisor:

      (a)   Is the liaison between the Advisory Council and Chapter members.

      (b)   Sees that the Chapter is conducted in accordance with the bylaws of DeMolay International, these rules and regulations, the directives of the Grand Master and Executive Officer, and the Chapter bylaws.

      (c)   Sees that the directions of the Advisory Council are observed.

                (d)   Performs other duties the Advisory Council assigns to him.

Discussion: In the previous article, the Advisors agreed to elect a Chairman and Chapter Advisor, but what do those jobs entail? Well, 314.8 and 314.9 tell you! The Chairman presides at meetings of the Advisory Council (amongst other duties) while the Chapter Advisor is the conduit between the young men and the rest of the Advisors. Of note is the fact that the Chapter Advisor is actually the one responsible for making sure that rules and regulations are followed with the young men. 

314.10  Financial Responsibility.  The Advisory Council is responsible for the Chapter budget, and shall review the monthly financial reports of the Chapter, and revise the Chapter budget if necessary.

314.11  Election or Rejection by Declaration.  The Advisory Council with the approval of the Executive Officer may declare an applicant elected or rejected if, in their opinion, the best interest of the Order will be served.

Discussion: A couple more short sections here, combined for ease. It basically says that the Advisors have fudiciary responsibility when it comes to Chapter funds. The second part outlines further the EO's interactions with Councils.

Now, on to the big one! 

314.12  Disciplinary Authority.

      (a)   With the approval of the Executive Officer, the Advisory Council may drop from membership in the Order a member over which it has disciplinary authority who is guilty of violating DeMolay law, who is not of good morals, or whose conduct is unworthy of a member of the Order of DeMolay.

                (b)   An Advisory Council has disciplinary authority over the members of its Chapter wherever residing, and all members of the Order of DeMolay, belonging to any Chapter, but who reside nearer to its place of meeting than to that of the Chapter in which the member holds membership.  In places where more than one Chapter exists, the Chapters have concurrent penal authority over DeMolays residing in the area who are not members of any of them.  When a member has been suspended for cause, his Chapter has exclusive penal authority over him.  A change of residence after charges have been filed does not divest the Chapter of the power to act.

                (c)   If a DeMolay pleads guilty or Nolo Contendere, or is found guilty of a felony, he may be expelled from the Order.  The Advisory Council shall obtain a certified copy of the court's order and forward it to the Executive Officer.  The Executive Officer shall notify the DeMolay by certified mail that he has thirty days from the receipt or forty-five days from mailing, whichever is later, to show cause to the Executive Officer why he should not be expelled from the Order.  If good cause is not shown, the Executive Officer shall forward to the Grand Secretary copies of all documents pertaining to the expulsion.  The Grand Secretary shall then strike the DeMolay's name from the rolls and notify the Advisory Council, Executive Officer and the former DeMolay.

                (d)   Except as provided for felonies, the power to drop from membership may be exercised only under this subsection, after notice to the Executive Officer.  Written charges and notice of hearing must be served on the member at least thirty days before the hearing.  The hearing must be held by the Advisory Council in closed session.  The member may at his choice be present, represented or accompanied by any male relative or Mason.  At the hearing, the member may answer the charges either orally or in writing.  The decision of the Advisory Council must be reduced to writing, signed by a majority of the Advisory Council present and voting, and a copy of all proceedings certified and forwarded to the Executive Officer for his rejection or approval.  The Executive Officer, shall in writing, notify the young man, the Advisory Council and Grand Secretary of his decision.  The action of the Advisory Council and the Executive Officer are subject to appeal to DeMolay International, whose decision is final.  If the Executive Officer approves a decision to drop from membership, the Grand Secretary shall strike the DeMolay's name from the rolls if no appeal has been filed within thirty days of the Executive Officer's written decision or when the appeal is dismissed or the decision is affirmed.

                (e)   The Advisory Council may suspend a DeMolay for un-DeMolay conduct for a definite or indefinite term.  A report of the circumstances of the suspension must be promptly made in writing to the Executive Officer for his approval or disapproval.  A suspension under this subsection may not exceed sixty days unless the procedures that apply to dropping from membership are followed.

                (f)    With the approval of the Executive Officer, an Advisory Council may take such other disciplinary action as is necessary for the best interest of the Order.  Such actions may include temporarily prohibiting a member from participating in or being present at activities of the Order or requiring a member to perform specific service acts.  A record of any such disciplinary actions must be entered in the minutes of the Advisory Council meeting where approved and shall be reported in writing to the Executive Officer.

                (g)   The Executive Officer may substitute himself for an Advisory Council in any proceeding under this Section.  He shall report all his actions under this Section in writing to the Grand Master. (1998)

Discussion: Whew! That was a long and complicated section! 314.12 details how a Chapter should handle a formal disciplinary process for a active member of the organization. It gives the Council the authority to expel a member for misconduct - but not before a trial has occurred. It is a very complicated and legalistic section which (thankfully) rarely gets used. If you or your Advisory Council is ever in a situation where you feel you might need to use this section, please have your Chairman contact the Executive Officer immediately so that he can assist you with this section.

That does it for our first section. Next time I do this I'll be discussion Section 15 - Membership.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony