The FAQ's About DeMopoly

Today we have a special guest contributor! Brother Alex Rauschenberger, State Master Councilor, has taken the time to draft up a "Frequently Asked Questions" about his DeMopoly program. Check it out and get ready to DeMopolize your Chapter!

For those of you who have not heard yet, this year Pennsylvania DeMolay is DeMopolizing the world through a unique incentive theme known as DeMopoly!  As you may be able to tell from the spelling, this is based on the classic board game Monopoly, but with quite a few twists.  DeMopoly is specifically built for Pennsylvania DeMolay and the different activities that we have. It combines two different competitive incentives together.  The first offers individuals an opportunity to complete different personal goals to earn DeMopoly dollars - which can then be spent on prizes. The other is a Chapter competition, which utilizes the DeMopoly Board. Each space on the board is a different goal and the Chapter must complete those goals throughout the year in order to win prizes!  Now, like every good game, DeMopoly comes with a Rule Book to explain all of the different objectives. But, like almost every game out there, gray areas exist where the rules are not as clear as we would like.  So, let’s try to answer some of the more frequently asked questions!

What defines a Service Project?

A Service Project for DeMopoly is defined as a Chapter going to help a Masonic organization in an activity that will aid another party, such as bell ringing for the Salvation Army or at a fundraiser of some kind.  This question stems from the Masonic Unity Section of the DeMopoly Board and brings up several other interesting questions.

What defines “as a Chapter”?

Often on the DeMopoly Board, events are referred to “as a Chapter” to show the need for the entire Chapter to be involved in the event in some way.  For some of the Chapters in Pennsylvania that could be a little difficult because membership is not as strong as it once was.  When “as a Chapter” appears with a  space it is simply saying that the Chapter’s members must have all known about the event prior to the date and at least one member needed to come out to participate and support the event.

What can be called a “Masonic Event”?

This is a pretty simple one; a “Masonic Event” would just be an event that a Masonic Body is hosting/attending.  It applies to the game board when a DeMolay Chapter takes the steps to attend that function as well and aid the other Masonic Body in their goal.  

How do we define “Promotes DeMolay”?

“Promotes DeMolay" can be defined as anything a Chapter does that gets the name of DeMolay out there in the public’s eye.  This can be the Chapter participating in some kind of event that gives them recognition or something along those lines. 

What can be considered a “Public Official” and how do we “honor” them?

This is one of the times the actual rules can stray away from the book.  Ideally, this spot is meant to encourage a Chapter to take the steps to honor someone who has made a big difference in the community.  Usually, this would be someone like a State Representative or maybe the Mayor, but not always.  Honoring a Teacher or perhaps the Chief of Police in your town would also count towards this space.  The only requirement is that the person you are honoring as made a difference in your community for the better.  As for honoring them, you can do a variety of different things and the only limit to the ways you can honor someone is your own imagination!  Anything from a dinner in their honor to presenting them with a certificate detailing the reason you are honoring them is great!

Can we “kill two birds with one stone” by holding one event that counts for multiple spaces on the board?

The answer is, YES!  Each space on the DeMopoly board was put there as a generalized goal that each Chapter should strive to complete throughout the year. If the opportunity presents itself to have one event that completes two or more of these goals that is wonderful!  We strongly encourage the Chapters to do all that they can to earn each space on the board. This is just one easy way that Chapters can do that and it also goes to show for good planning.

The New Hotness

Most members and friends of PA DeMolay are aware of the State Master Councilor's new incentive theme for this year - DeMopoly. Based around the timeless board game of Monopoly, this program aims to get members more involved with their Chapters and, in turn, the Chapters with the jurisdiction. The program ties very closely to the Outstanding Chapter Competition, dove-tailing with it nicely.

The flashiest piece of this program is the DeMopoly kit, which is going out to every Chapter in Pennsylvania. It contains everything needed to get involved. This includes a copy of the rules, a nice board to keep track of  accomplishments, some resources for the members, and of course a few surprises. The kits come in a great package, designed by "Dad" Matt Blaisdell. The boxes and materials look amazing - but therein lies the challenge.

It's a testament to Matt's work that the program is getting such traction outside of Pennsylvania. Today, I received an email (the third of its type) asking how a copy of DeMopoly can be purchased. Because of the design and attention to detail that the program has been given, many people think that PA DeMolay has developed a version of Monopoly with a DeMolay theme that can be played. This is not the case. You cannot play any games with the DeMopoly kit. We are not making any money off of this program (nor would we try to.) The theme is Monopoly, but the implementation really has more to do with the Outstanding Chapter Competition than the board game. Please know that we are very excited to see the world taking notice of our programs, but we cannot sell you a copy of DeMopoly (even if you wanted it as an incentive campaign and not a board game.)

If you'd like the full report of what DeMopoly is, check it out on the PA DeMolay website.

With that out of the way, you can expect more blog posts about the DeMopoly program. We'll be clarifying some questions as well as providing updates about who's in the lead with earning D$ and DeMopolies!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

LEGO your old ideas...

It's been a while since I've written a completely new content article myself, but I finally found some inspiration to do so. PA DeMolay is quite busy over the summer - Convention, Softball, Key Man, and more - make for a packed schedule. This usually leads me to working quite a few hours in a short period of time. I know that to get through this sprint, I'm going to need something to look forward too. This is what happens when you have a degree in Psychology; you learn to motivate yourself via rewards. So, this year, my reward was to take a tentative step into a hobby I've been considering for quite some time - LEGO.

Yes, you're right. LEGO are "kids toys." However, there is a thriving community of adult fans who are constructing some magnificent pieces of out those tiny LEGO bricks. I've always enjoyed building things such as models and toy soldiers. The down side of those hobbies was the painting that comes after the piece is constructed (which I'm not very good at.) LEGO seemed to provide a great middle ground. I can construct all I want and not have to paint a thing. Perfect! As Key Man finished up, I was looking forward to taking my dive into the world of LEGO enthusiasts.

Thus far, I have not been disappointed. It's amazing how complex and detail oriented this "toy" is. The range of kits has changed drastically from when I was a kid. The pieces are familiar and new all at the same time. It's really been fun re-learning how to "play" with LEGO. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our work, we forget to take time to just do mindless activity. For some that's watching television or sports, for others it's a craft, and many enjoy reading or writing. For me, I need to be an active participant in my mindless activity, hence LEGO.

As usual, I'm sure you're asking "what does this have to do with DeMolay?" As I've sat and constructed with my LEGO, I'm forced to relearn some things that I thought I knew how to do. Reading detailed instructions is a great example. LEGO has gotten much more complex than it used to be and following instructions is key. As I worked through the diagrams, I was immediately reminded of the ritual diagrams. Following those specific instructions seems second nature, but having an eye for detail with them can be a real challenge.

I'm also forced to look at familiar pieces in a different light. A simple brick that I've seen a thousand times before can become something very different if used at a different angle or in a new way. This again reminds me to look back at DeMolay and ask how the "old" things we do can be re-imagined and used in a new way. Taking a program and redeveloping how it's used is a great way to reinvigorate excitement for it. In fact, we're doing that right now at the office with a couple programs. By applying what I've learned with my "toys," I'm finding it easier to think outside the box on these issues.

Of course, there are other lessons that can be learned as well. LEGO can be used to teach communications, problem solving, precision, and more. Perhaps your Chapter could have a LEGO modeling night after a meeting. Have the members each bring in some LEGO and ask them to build something. What would a LEGO model of Courtesy look like? Can they make a Jacques mini-fig? Could they construct a ritual diagram? The possibilities, like the LEGO bricks, can be endless.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

The 8th Precept - Manliness?

When I write these blog posts, I often try to not use the same source for material too often. However, once in a while I run across something of great value that forces me to be a little bit flexible with that. In many cases, that source is the Art of Manliness. The amount of material that is pertinent to our young men (and our adults) is really impressive and often times very apt.

Recently, they posted an article entitled "Essential Etiquette for Young Men." This is really a composite article - it have some fresh material, but it offers links to a vast amount of other articles they've posted on several related subjects. These include how to write an email effectively, how to make an apology,  effective listening, and even dating advice. These are all really great pieces.

But, I'm also a realist. I know many of you aren't going to take the time to read those articles. What I'd really like to see is a Chapter Advisor picking an article for every meeting (there are at least 6 months worth of articles available at that rate) and distill the ideas to present to the young men. Better yet - have a young man distill the ideas himself and give the presentation! Wouldn't it be great to have a "Manliness" expert in your Chapter? That would be a great mentoring opportunity for sure. It's just a thought...

On another Art of Manliness related note - if you're looking for a gift for that newly graduated / alumni member of your Chapter, check out the Art of Manliness Collection. Available on Amazon.com for less than $20, it includes two great books - The Art of Manliness and Manovationals. These two would provide great guidance for those about to set off for College or about to enter the real world.

Get out there and be manly!

Frat ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Facing Your Reputation

One of the most important lessons young people are being forced to learn revolves around their online reputations. At Key Man, the staff hosted a workshop about what you can / should post on the web and how. As I said at the beginning of that workshop, "we aren't trying to say Facebook is the devil and you shouldn't use it. Rather, we want you to harness it's power for good instead of bad." It was a great workshop and I was delighted to find that most of our young men really get it and are careful about their postings.

Conveniently, the folks over at The Art of Maniless have posted a great related article as part of an on-going series. Entitled Manage Your Online Reputation, the piece hits on all of the major aspects of ensuring that you have a good online identity. Give a read, it's certainly worth your time.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Surveys - Better late than never!

It's pretty late in the day, but I promised everyone a blog post for each day this week. Today, we are going to share the results of the survey we did at the Key Man Conference 2012.

DeMolay Grand Master Town Hall Responses

On Thursday, August 9, 2012, “Dad” Greg Chiles, Grand Master of DeMolay International, visited the 27^th Annual Key Man Conference, held at Patton Campus, Elizabethtown, PA. “Dad” Chiles held a “town hall meeting” facilitated by PA DeMolay. Questions were developed and asked of the crowd, the results of which “Dad” Chiles commented on. Responding were 76 DeMolays and 30 Adult Volunteers, covering 8 jurisdictions in the United States and 2 in Canada. Following each response, a number appears, representing the percentage of responses from each group.

Question 1 (DeMolays): How many years have you been involved with DeMolay?

A: 0-2  (45%)

B: 3-4  (39%)

C: 5-6  (10%)

D: 7+   (6%)

Question 2 (Advisors): How many years have you been involved with DeMolay?

A: 0-4 (17%)

B: 5-9 (9%)

C: 10-14 (14%)

D: 15-25 (14%)

E: 25+ (46%)

Question 3 (DeMolays): How often do you use the DeMolay International website? (located at http://www.demolay.org)

A: Daily (5%)

B: Weekly (10%)

C: Monthly (10%)

D: Occasionally (30%)

E: Yearly (5%)

F: Less than once a year. (40%)

Question 4 (Advisors): How often do you use the DeMolay International website? (located at http://www.demolay.org)

A: Daily (18%)

B: Weekly (13%)

C: Monthly (11%)

D: Occasionally (26%)

E: Yearly (3%)

F: Less than once a year. (29%)

Question 5 (DeMolays): What is the biggest challenge facing your home Chapter?

A: Not enough members. (31%)

B: Poor communication. (33%)

C: Not enough Advisors. (4%)

D: Little Masonic support. (9%

E: Other (23%)

Question 6 (Advisors): What is the biggest challenge facing your home Chapter?

A: Not enough members. (12%)

B: Poor communication. (27%)

C: Not enough Advisors. (42%)

D: Little Masonic support. (7%)

E: Other (12%)

Question 7 (DeMolays): What is your impression, so far, of the Kingdom of DeMolay program?

A: I see no value. (26%)

B: Unsure (15%)

C: I can see the potential. (36%)

D: I’m sold! (23%)

Question 8 (Advisors): What is your impression, so far, of the Kingdom of DeMolay program?

A: I see no value. (30%)

B: Unsure (22%)

C: I can see the potential. (35%)

D: I’m sold! (13%)

Question 9 (DeMolays): Do you think the language in the DeMolay ritual should be modernized?

A: Yes (26%)

B: No (74%)

Question 10 (Advisors): Do you think the language in the DeMolay ritual should be modernized?

A: Yes (34%)

B: No (66%)

Question 11 (DeMolays): How often do you use DeMolay Capes / Robes in your home Chapter?

A: Every meeting (and Installations, etc.) (13%)

B: Formal meetings (and Installations, etc.) (26%)

C: Installations, Induction Ceremonies, and Special Occasions (38%)

D: Never (23%)

Question 12 (Advisors): How often do you use DeMolay Capes / Robes in your home Chapter?

A: Every meeting (and Installations, etc.) (24%)

B: Formal meetings (and Installations, etc.) (16%)

C: Installations, Induction Ceremonies, and Special Occasions (37%)

D: Never (23%)

Question 13 (DeMolays): What is the most important part of the DeMolay experience for you?

A: Meeting new people. (9%)

B: Leadership opportunities (like being Master Councilor) (26%)

C: Travelling around the jurisdiction and more. (6%)

D: Learning new skills. (18%)

E: Brotherhood and social activities. (41%)

Question 14 (Advisors): What is the most important part of the DeMolay experience for you?

A: Providing a good program for my son. (7%)

B: Being a mentor. (93%)

C: Meeting other Advisors. (0%)

D: Learning new skills. (0%)

E: Supporting my Lodge. (0%)

Question 15 (DeMolays): What is the best way to communicate with you about upcoming events?

A: Phone Call (31%)

B: Paper Newsletter (2%)

C: Email (9%)

D: Facebook (20%)

E: Text Message (33%)

F: Twitter (or a similar service.) (5%)

Question 16 (Advisors): What is the best way to communicate with you about upcoming events?

A: Phone Call (17%)

B: Paper Newsletter (7%)

C: Email (59%)

D: Facebook (14%)

E: Text Message (3%)

F: Twitter (or a similar service.) (0%)

Question 17 (DeMolays): How much of an impact has DeMolay had on your life?

A: None at all. (6%)

B: A little. (14%)

C: A lot. (35%)

D: I don’t know where I would be without DeMolay. (45%)

Question 18 (Advisors): How much of an impact has DeMolay had on your life?

A: None at all. (7%)

B: A little. (3%)

C: A lot. (45%)

D: I don’t know where I would be without DeMolay. (45%)

Question 19 (DeMolays): Do you think the Legion of Honor should be given to non-Masons / non-Senior DeMolays?

A: Yes (51%)

B: No (49%)

Question 20 (Advisors): Do you think the Legion of Honor should be given to non-Masons / non-Senior DeMolays?

A: Yes (82%)

B: No (18%)

Question 21 (DeMolays): Do you think DeMolay will exist in 50 years?

A: Yes (80%)

B: No (20%)

Question 22 (Advisors): Do you think DeMolay will exist in 50 years?

A: Yes (70%)

B: No (30%)

Question 23 (DeMolays): How often do Masons, who are not Advisors for your Chapter, Attend your DeMolay meetings and events?

A: Every meeting or event. (10%)

B: Once a month. (24%)

C: Once a term (6 months) (25%)

D: Once a year. (10%)

E: Seldom / Never (31%)

This question was omitted due to time. Question 24 (Advisors): How often do Masons, who are not Advisors for your Chapter, Attend your DeMolay meetings and events?

A: Every meeting or event.

B: Once a month.

C: Once a term (6 months)

D: Once a year.

E: Seldom / Never

Question 25 (DeMolays): Does your Chapter pay rent?

A: Yes (15%)

B: No (85%)

This question was omitted due to time. Question 26 (Advisors): Does your Chapter pay rent?

A: Yes

B: No

Question 27 (DeMolays): Do you believe the ritual should be presented entirely from memory?

A: Yes (69%)

B: No (31%)

Question 28 (Advisors): Do you believe the ritual should be presented entirely from memory?

A: Yes (90%)

B: No (10%)

Question 29 (DeMolays): Does the Youth Protection Program make DeMolay a safer place for you?

A: Yes (57%)

B: No (43%)

Question 30 (Advisors): Does the Youth Protection Program make DeMolay a safer place for our young men?

A: Yes (69%)

B: No (31%)

Interesting results, huh? What do you think? Leave a comment!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony 

Back in the swing...

After a long week of Key Man (and a couple of days to recover) I'm back in action blogging. To make up for the week off, I'm going to post every day this week. Most of it will be things related to Key Man, but you might get some other fun stuff thrown in, too!

So, let's get this started right with a video of PA DeMolay tossing around the Grand Master of DeMolay International. Thanks to "Dad" Greg Chiles for being such a good sport.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

PA DeMolay Hits Flickr!

Key Man Conference is less than 24 hours away from its launch! As I'm sitting in the staff meeting listening in on the expectations and duties for the next week, I can tell you now that the advisors are excited to see the leaders of DeMolay from all different areas (PA, NJ, IL, NY, MD, DC, AL, UT, Ontario and Alberta!) thrive and become leaders in their own eyes!

To keep our followers involved, I will be updating our Flickr account nightly with photos of the activities the members take part in. Check out our Flickr gallery at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pademolay/

Thousands will say that Key Man was an experience of a lifetime for them during the past 27 years, and if you ask any of our campers at the end of this week, I am sure they will tell you hundreds of great stories about their Key Man Experience. 

SMC Speaks to PA Masonic Leadership

Bro. Matt Blaisdell, then State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay, spoke at the Annual Banquet of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, on Saturday, July 14th at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.  This annual banquet usually has about 600 people at it-- 300 of the most influential Masons of PA, and their wives-- who are there for a social and fraternal experience.  To be a featured speaker at THIS gathering is a huge responsibility for anyone, and for a State Master Councilor it is usually a stressful experience getting ready for it, because he is required to turn in his text for publication in the Annual Proceedings of the organization.  They get to read and study the remarks of previous SMC's so that they don't repeat what was said by another, and also, so they can see the quality of writing that is required of them.  For every SMC this is a huge challenge, and there is writing, editing, rewriting, more editing, and then practice, practice and more practice to make sure that the text and its delivery will be heard and understood by all who are present.

I could tell you how I feel Matt Blaisdell did in representing you, but, I would rather have you watch this video, and judge for yourself.  It starts just after he mentions that his boss, the Executive Officer for PA DeMolay, was on a Church Mission Trip and could not be present, but had some advice for him:

When you get the chance, ASK MATT how he felt during the preparation, practice, and finally the delivery, and aftermath of the speech, and especially what it was like to get a standing ovation at its conclusion!

We are so fortunate in Pennsylvania DeMolay to have had Matt Blaisdell lead and represent us this past year! 

"Dad"  Tom Labagh,
Executive Officer in PA