Thinking Outside the Box

One of the biggest challenges in DeMolay is for us to keep the program interesting for everyone involved, members and Advisors alike. In DeMolay and in Masonry, we're constantly battled with the mindset of "That's the way we've always done it, so that's the way it will have to be." What happens if we don't do it that way? What happens if we do something different and creative? The only real answer to this question is, "You won't know until you try." 

It's very easy to get complacent in our programs. The old saying goes, "If it's not broke, don't try to fix it." Although I agree in part with this saying, sometimes its needed to be original. The same thing that worked 20 years ago, may not work today. The thing that worked 20 years ago, may need to be revisited because it will work today. With DeMolay, I've learned that there is really no right or wrong way to do most things. Sure not everything works, but you have to be open to try new things. You have to be willing to adapt to the times and to the young men around us. I've also learned that even the necessary things that need to get done, should have some element of fun mixed into the program, otherwise you may lose people's interest.

"Dad" David Labagh taught a workshop at the last Patton Campus weekend about the 30 second elevator speech promoting DeMolay. He pointed out that the same words that were in that speech when him and I were in DeMolay, are the exact same words we use to promote DeMolay today. We need to be original and find a new way to promote the program that we all enjoy. The same can be said for lodge presentations, educational experiences, and even practicing ritual work. Most lodges may have seen the Flower Talk and Ceremony of Light so many times that their tired of it. It's OK to try something else. Maybe the Shield Talk and the Historical Lecture will keep their attention. Maybe do a question answer session or a quiz style program asking what members know about DeMolay. Try something new. If it doesn't work, try something else. Be creative in your approach. See what the other members want to do and build around their ideas. Think outside the box.

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."

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

A Creative Jolt

Coming from a creative workplace and mindset, I have always scoped out books, the internet and other places for different ways to keep me motivated on a certain project. I've come to learn that a lot of these techniques can be used to motivate the creative person inside of you - to help you reach a goal.

Check this link out from one of my favorite creative blogs to get an idea how to give yourself a little jolt of creativity!

http://99u.com/articles/16136/7-ways-to-boost-your-creativity

"Dad" Matt Blaisdell

Little Ideas

When one looks back at the history of DeMolay, almost everything that we now hold dear started as a little idea. The order of DeMolay started as a club of 9 guys. That's a pretty little Chapter by today's standards. Frank Marshall wrote the ritual, by hand, in his front yard. That's a pretty insignificant place to create such an enduring piece of performance art. The first Chevaliers and Legions of Honor were created and given by "Dad" Land - not to create some long lasting piece of history, but to recognize those who helped to build DeMolay. Everything we do started as a simple idea that has been built up over time.

All of history is the same way. Take a look at this video from one of my favorite people - Adam Savage from the hit TV show Mythbusters.

As you think about your chapter and what you do in DeMolay, remember that you don't have to think big to make a difference.Some of the most important parts of our program started as little ideas that grew over time.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony