DeMolay New Year's Resolutions

As we prepare to make the best of the new year, January 1st is the time that we set personal goals to help improve ourselves for the future. Every year we set New Year's resolutions that include losing weight, finding a better job and improving our social presence. Although the goals would be different in concept, DeMolay Chapters should set resolutions as well. We should always be looking for ways to improve our DeMolay experience for the benefit of ourselves and the chapter. Here are a few goals that we should take into consideration to help improve that experience:

Membership

The organization of DeMolay thrives on membership. Without bringing in new members to share the experience, our organization will cease to exist. Chapter members should think of new ideas that they can use to bring members into the organization. What makes DeMolay appealing to you? What drives you to continue to come back to DeMolay on a regular basis? Share this information with all of your friends that are not in DeMolay and they might be interested in joining. Hold prospect parties that will draw the interest of local prospects of the community. Ask Masonic members if they have a son or grandchild who may be between the age of 12 and 21. Think outside the box and start helping improve our great organization.

Ritual Work

One goal that every member of the organization should consider is to learn a new ritual part. It can be from any piece of the ritual. Chapters may need someone to perform a ceremony for lodges, such as the Flower Talk or Ceremony of Light. You may want to learn a part for the DeMolay Degree, such as Jacques DeMolay or one of the Inquisitors. Perhaps you would like to help chapters with Installations by doing a part in this ceremony. All of these suggestions are great parts to learn and can help make the DeMolay experience better. 

Learning Your Obligations

Every DeMolay should take the time to learn the obligations that they received at the altar. The DeMolay oath and obligation should be important to every member because it is what we as members believe in. Also, learning the obligations will mean that you can help obligate members into your chapter. 

Earn Your Representative DeMolay Award

Six months after joining DeMolay, every member has the opportunity to earn their Representative DeMolay Award. This award consists of a self evaluation that measures multiple areas of life including social, emotional, physical and DeMolay. Our founder, Frank S. Land, once said that "Every DeMolay should be a Representative DeMolay." 

Become a Leader of the Chapter

One of the most important lessons DeMolay can teach is leadership. Become a leader within your chapter. You could start by taking the lead in planning an activity and working with a committee. Once you're ready, go about the process of becoming Junior Councilor and work your way to become Master Councilor of the chapter. 

These are just a few of the common goals that members of DeMolay may look to achieve. Other goals include, but are not limited to, earning merit bars, completing each lesson of the Leadership Correspondence Course and making life long friends. Good luck in your venture to make 2016 the best year of your DeMolay experience.  

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin