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Twenty
Questions on DeMolay
2. What are the requirements to join and what is the process for joining? 3. What is the induction ceremony like? 4. What are the vows of a DeMolay? 5. How do DeMolays learn leadership skills? 6. How does a young man learn good character in DeMolay? 7. What makes the members want to learn these skills? 8. How much time does it take to be a DeMolay? 9. What types of activities does a DeMolay chapter have? 10. Why haven’t I heard of DeMolay? 12. Is DeMolay a religious organization? 13. Who sponsors a chapter of DeMolay Youth Leaders? 15. How did DeMolay and Masonry come to be associated? 16. Is DeMolay a junior Masonic organization? 17. Who supervises the activities of a DeMolay chapter? 18. Why do the young men refer to Advisors as “Dad”? 19. As a parent, how can I be involved? 20. What is expected of a young man that joins DeMolay? 21. (BONUS QUESTION) So, how do we get started?
1. What is DeMolay? DeMolay International is the world’s largest fraternal organization for young men age 12 to 21. It is specifically designed to provide a good moral environment to young men while teaching leadership skills. The ultimate aim is to build better young men which will, in turn, encourage men to become better citizens, husbands, fathers, friends and leaders of the future. To be a member of DeMolay a young man must: · Be between the ages of 12 and 21; · Be of good character and reputation; and · Have a belief in God, a Supreme Being, or Deity. In order to join, the young man must complete a brief membership application and submit it to the chapter along with the chapter’s membership fee. The chapter then votes on the potential member. After being elected to membership, the candidate will be asked to attend a 2-part induction ceremony. 3.
What is the induction ceremony like? The DeMolay induction ceremony is the beginning of a young man’s commitment to better himself by becoming a DeMolay. This orientation and explanation sets DeMolay apart from other organizations, because young men present it to all new members. The ceremony itself contains two sections or “degrees”. The first is called the Initiatory Degree. It is a solemn event in which the young man is acquainted with the founding principles of DeMolay. The second section is called the DeMolay Degree. It is a play portrayed by the DeMolay members. The subject of the play is loyalty because it tells the story of Jacques DeMolay (who was the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar in the 14th century). The lesson of the story for today’s youth is to always be loyal to your beliefs, family, friends, and commitments. 4.
What are the vows of a DeMolay? · I promise to be a better son · I promise to love and serve God, my country and my fellow men · I promise to honor and protect every woman · I promise to slander no one · I promise to aid and uphold the public schools · I promise to be loyal to my friends and brothers
5.
How do DeMolays learn leadership skills? DeMolay prides itself on preparing young men for careers above and beyond education. Education is vitally important and DeMolay supplements it with specific training. A process of exciting increased responsibilities teaches leadership skills. The Chapter has office positions which members may hold, such as Master Councilor (president) and Senior Councilor (vice president). Members move through the ranks and obtain higher offices, much like business positions. Each position carries more and more responsibilities. If he participates, here are just some of the things that a young man will learn in DeMolay that will prepare him for leadership, giving him a head start on his classmates in the race for scholarships and jobs: · Public speaking · Appearance and image maintenance · How to plan events such as dances and banquets · How to run a business meeting / parliamentary procedure · How to prepare agendas · How to assign, utilize, and execute committees · Time management skills 6. How does a young man learn good character in DeMolay? Upon joining DeMolay, the young man will interact with other quality young men and Advisors who are dedicated to upholding the aforementioned virtues. Young men act more upstanding when in the company of other quality young men. Acting in an upstanding manner becomes a habit. This habit helps demonstrate good character now and serves to mold a mature way of thinking as he obtains adulthood. 7.
What makes the members want to learn these skills? Few young people are mature enough to desire this type of training without some type of fun. When DeMolays tell their friends about it, they discuss the fun aspects. DeMolays have a great deal of fun and all the while they are learning to act with good character as they learn leadership skills. In order for fun to be had, members learn that they must plan it. Chapters routinely have dances, attend sporting events, hold fund raisers, play games, or sports. These events are a lot of fun, but the key is that the members are learning in the planning process. 8.
How much time does it take to be a DeMolay? The young man is invited to all events and can spend as much or as little time as he desires. Most chapters have two meetings per month to plan their activities. In addition to the meetings are whatever events they are holding during the month. There is no requirement to attend functions; however we hope that parents will encourage a six-month trial period. Usually after six months the young man is familiar with DeMolay to truly see the enjoyment and benefits. 9.
What types of activities does a DeMolay chapter have? Within certain parameters, the activities of a DeMolay Chapter are limited only by the imaginations of its members. Members of DeMolay chapters plan and hold social functions, fundraising projects, civic service projects, athletic activities, travel opportunities, and much, much more. Insurance restrictions prohibit chapters from engaging in certain activities such as skydiving and bungee jumping. However, overall, chapters have a wide range of activities from which they can choose as they plan their project calendars. In addition, there are opportunities to serve in statewide and international capacities, to visit other states and other DeMolay chapters, to earn scholarships and prizes, and interact with our sister organizations, the Rainbows and Job’s Daughters for young ladies. 10.
Why haven’t I heard of DeMolay? Young people have so many options today, with after school activities, church, sports, hundreds of cable TV stations, and the Internet, that it’s hard to add an activity that might compete with all those other distractions. DeMolay chapters have a tendency not to promote themselves as much as they should and the members, many times, don’t talk to their friends about the fun activities that are offered. In addition, in this television and Internet age, the news would rather focus on the bad acts of young people rather than those concerned about themselves and contributing to their communities…like DeMolay members! You may not have heard of DeMolay perhaps, but maybe you’ve heard of some of the people who were DeMolays as teenagers. Have you ever heard of these famous DeMolay alumni? Entertainers Walt Disney, John Wayne, Burl Ives, Buddy Ebson, and Mel Blanc; newsmen Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite, David Goodnow, and Paul Harvey; writer John Steinbeck; Coach Tom Osborne; Astronaut Frank Borman; Governors Carroll Campbell and Mel Carnahan; athletes Fran Tarkenton and Pete Rose; or former President Bill Clinton? These are just a few of the millions of leaders that have passed through the membership rolls of DeMolay. 11.
Is DeMolay a charity? Yes. DeMolay is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity by the IRS. Therefore, contributions to the organization generally are tax deductible. Our adult workers generally may deduct certain expenses incurred by volunteering for a chapter (such as gas, tolls, lodging, etc). 12.
Is DeMolay a religious organization? No. Among the requirements for membership is the belief in a Supreme Being, but not one of a particular doctrine, sect, or denomination. A young man’s religious convictions are his own. DeMolay members include those that follow Christianity, Judaism, Mormonism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other religious groups. DeMolay does not involve itself in religious discussions. It merely recognizes the importance of faith in a young man’s life. Through the virtue of Reverence for Sacred Things, we seek to remind our members to rely upon and use their own faith in life, as well as respect the beliefs of others. 13.
Who sponsors a chapter of DeMolay Youth Leaders? DeMolay is sponsored by the Masons of the community. It is one way Masonry gives back and remains active in the community. By sponsoring this group to teach leadership, morals, and good citizen character, Masons are active in preserving our future. Masons feel DeMolay helps ensure that the leaders of tomorrow are given proper guidance today. Each DeMolay chapter is sponsored by a group of Freemasons, a Masonic Lodge, or some appendant Masonic group such as Scottish Rite, York Rite or Shrine. The responsibilities of a sponsoring body are: to provide the chapter a place to meet free of charge; to provide adult leadership and guidance through maintaining an active Advisory Council; and to assist the chapter whenever and however needed. 14.
Who are the Masons? Today’s Masons are men who have joined together for mutual improvement in an organization that provides the basic framework in which to improve themselves morally and spiritually while giving back to the community through various community service and charitable undertakings. Traditionally the caliber of men who seek membership in the Masonic Order are among the most charitable and civic minded individuals in any organization. Like DeMolay, it provides a social interaction in an environment for men that requires high morals and good character from its members.
No. In most towns the Masonic Hall is prominently marked. In many locations the meeting time and day of the local lodge is published in the newspaper or on a town welcome sign. Primarily three things have contributed to the impression that the Masons are a secret organization: 1. The meetings of local lodges are restricted to members only. 2. The fact that Masons have certain modes of recognizing each other such as a word or sign that is kept confidential. This is to ensure that those involved and attending functions are members of the fraternity and not trying to get into meetings out of idle curiosity. 3. Unlike other organizations, Masons do not hold large membership recruitment drives. They choose to focus on each individual membership application. 15.
How did DeMolay and Masonry come to be associated? The founder of DeMolay, Frank S. Land, was himself a Mason. As DeMolay grew and new chapters were being formed in the 1920’s, Land realized that each DeMolay chapter would require a group of quality men to provide guidance and supervision for the young men. He felt that requiring DeMolay chapters to be sponsored by Masonic Lodges or a group of Masons would ensure that there would always be service oriented men of quality and character to serve on the Advisory Council of a chapter. 16.
Is DeMolay a junior Masonic organization? No. The Masons do not sponsor DeMolay to someday obtain Masons from its members. They are merely concerned with preparing young men for the future. Future membership in the Masonic fraternity is strictly up to the young man once he reaches the age for joining Freemasonry. 17.
Who supervises the activities of a DeMolay chapter? Activities and projects of a DeMolay chapter are always supervised by a group of adults who comprise an Advisory Council. This group is usually made up of Masons from the sponsoring body but can be any adult: male/female, Masonic related or not (such as parents, coaches, teachers, clergy, Senior DeMolays over the age of 21, etc), that has an interest in working with the young men. These advisors must go through an approval process, background verification, and receive specific DeMolay training before being able to work with a chapter. DeMolay wants to provide a safe environment for its members and the scrutiny of its adult workers is a small part of DeMolay’s commitment to youth protection. Ultimately the Advisors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the operation of chapter and ensuring that the chapter operates within the statutes set forth by DeMolay International (the International governing body). The Advisors help the members plan and carry out programs and activities of a chapter. They also supervise those activities while they are ongoing. They are also responsible for disciplinary matters that may come before the chapter. Often times they are the chapter administrators and record-keepers for paperwork that is required to be maintained. These individuals are respected members of the community who donate their time and money to assist the growth of these young men. 18. Why do the young men refer to Advisors as “Dad”? The young men who started DeMolay in 1919 did not want to refer to Frank Land as Frank. They felt this did not give him the respect he deserved. They further felt that Mr. Land was too formal. So they decided to refer to him as “Dad” Land. This was certainly the appropriate title for the man who advised and provided fatherly influence. The title became a habit and since then every advisor is addressed with the title of “Dad” or “Mom”. 19.
As a parent, how can I be involved? The involvement of parents is always welcomed and encouraged. There are many ways a parent can be involved. You can serve the chapter directly as a DeMolay Advisor or Adult Volunteer. Advisors are discussed above. Adult Volunteers help the Advisory Council with special projects such as refreshments or transportation, or may be able to bring some expertise to the chapter such as a presentation or educational program. Behind the scenes, a parent can assist with making sure the boy stays active with the chapter activities. Upon joining DeMolay, the young man will be unfamiliar with its procedures and methods. Some may even approach the first few events as being stupid or not “cool”. We ask that you give it six months. After that he will be able to make an educated decision about his involvement. After he becomes familiar with the methods and activities, chances are his comfort level will allow him to take part and lead the very activities he silently ridiculed before! Parents are welcome to attend the induction ceremonies as well as any chapter meeting or function. Some chapters may establish policies that only Senior DeMolays, Masons, and Advisors may be present for the opening and closing ceremonies and invite in guests for the actual business meeting. Many DeMolays want their parents to attend public functions, athletic events, social activities and civic projects. In DeMolay there is a place for any parent wishing to be active with their son. Involvement in DeMolay is intended to be both fun and rewarding. As with any organization there are ways for him to maximize the benefit from his membership. · Become involved. He will be expected to attend chapter meetings and activities and get involved with making the decisions regarding the chapter. · Approach his involvement with a positive, helpful attitude. His approach would include a willingness to learn, a willingness to help others learn, and a willingness to be part of the team. Together the members and Advisors share perspectives and learn from each other as they make decisions that affect the operation and future of the Chapter. · Put the precepts of DeMolay into his daily life. Some of the guiding principles of DeMolay (love of parents, reverence, courtesy, comradeship, loyalty, cleanness, and patriotism) may seem out of fashion in today’s society, but it doesn’t mean that they are without merit. A young man who can impress these beliefs in his daily life will be “ahead of the game” as he approaches manhood. · Learn about DeMolay. Part of being a good member and team player is being familiar enough with how it operates and being able to tell others about it. He will receive a handbook to help him learn about DeMolay, and the activities and processes in the chapter will encourage him to learn more about the organization. There are certain rules that must be adhered to as with any club. There are certain activities that are not permitted in ANY chapter or function: · The presence or use of alcohol or an illegal or controlled drug is prohibited at DeMolay functions. The only exception is prescriptions from a licensed medical doctor. · The possession of any type of weapon is prohibited. · Aggressive, disruptive, or destructive behavior has no place at a DeMolay function. When attending any DeMolay function or going on a DeMolay outing, he is responsible to the Advisors in attendance. While there are specific rules governing specific situations in chapters, these provide a general description. 21.
(BONUS QUESTION) So, how do we get started? DeMolay has chapters in several parts of the state. If there’s not a chapter close to you, you can contact the Executive Officer in North Carolina to see if there is interest in your area to start a chapter. If you’re lucky enough to have a chapter nearby, you can obtain a membership application and submit it to the chapter for consideration. Elsewhere in this website, you can contact the chapters or the State Staff members and they can get you started in your career as a DeMolay. What are you waiting for?
Note:
Special thanks to Louisiana DeMolay.
This document was adapted to North Carolina from a Louisiana DeMolay
publication with permission.
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