" PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS"

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS

Every person likes to have nice things said about them, particularly in front of their friends and associates.  It’s a human trait.  Each person is an individual and is proud of certain personal achievements.  Don’t forget that it’s embarrassing for most people to speak about themselves—don’t overdo it.  The better we know our new members, the better we will be able to relate to them.

Make each new member feel important—because she/he is important—by “presenting” them in Chapter.  The first meeting they attend after being initiated would be a good time to do this.

Assign a member to seek out the background of each new member.  Thorough preparation is important.  Advise the new member that she will be presented at the next meeting.  Honor her feelings if such would obviously overwhelm her—she might not appear for another meeting.  At the first meeting after the initiation—with her consent—present this new member and tell about her achievements.

By “presenting” new members you can:

a.       Avoid calling on them immediately following an initiation ceremony and thus embarrassing them.

b.       Encourage them to attend the next meeting so they can be presented.

c.       Create a favorable impression of Chapter in their mind.

d.       Get to know them better and thereby be able to fit them into the Chapter program in an applicable area.

HOW TO KEEP NEW MEMBERS

Impress them with your efficiency and personal interest!

Before the Initiation

Acknowledge receipt of the petition in writing.  Conduct a cordial and dignified investigation. Send the petitioner a calendar of activities and Chapter publication. Notify the candidate in writing when and where the Initiation will be held. Invite their friends and relatives who are Eastern Star members.

At the Initiation

Designate a member to receive the candidates at the door, make them feel welcome, and direct them to the Preparation Room. This is done by someone other than the AC or Sentinel.

This member should stay with the Candidates until the AC comes to get them.

Have Candidates fill out a personal survey, indicating their interests, talents, abilities, and desire to participate.

Treat each Candidate as an individual. Present outstanding ritualistic work.

Continue the pageantry right to the close of the meeting.

Following the close of the meeting, have each member approach new members to get better acquainted and offer a sincere welcome. This should be done in addition to the official greeting at the end of the Initiation.

After the Initiation

Explain the meeting procedure.

Show an interest in each new member.

Review their personal surveys and fit them into an activity that is well-suited for them.

Involve the member in the Chapter  work—Committees; Initiations/projects; special interests and hobbies.

Encourage but don’t insist.