E-MAlL: A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM

THIS MESSAGE MUST BE READ AT YOUR NEXT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

E-mail has become an inexpensive and immediate method for communicating with DeMolay members, advisors and parents. Many Chapters are using e-mail to at least supplement their phone chain and other forms of communication. This is an acceptable communication enhancement, but not all members have access to e-mail, and it should not replace regular monthly meeting notices, calendars or newsletters.

However, it is common knowledge to those who use it, that it is easy to forward e-mail from one person or group to the next. E-mail should never be considered a private communication, and should never be used to send "official" chapter correspondence or notifications, particularly in disciplinary and procedural matters.

Unfortunately some of the material sent is inappropriate, and inconsistent with the ideals of DeMolay. What passes as "adult" humor is pervasive on the internet, and it is NEVER acceptable for a DeMolay Advisor to send it to an ACTIVE DeMolay member, regardless of whether they are of legal adult age or not.

Advisors are cautioned that, even if sent by error, a communication of offensive, rude, or crude material to an active DeMolay will result in immediate dismissal from further DeMolay service. Further, you should know that distribution of obscene or pornographic material will almost certainly result in criminal prosecution. We remind you that this has been discussed before in Advisor mailings, and at DAD Training programs. THERE IS A ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY in effect.

If you are on the receiving end of inappropriate material from an Active DeMolay, or a DeMolay Advisor, you should immediately inform the sender that in your capacity as a DeMolay Advisor you will not accept such material in the future, that it is inconsistent with the principles of the Order to distribute it, and that they are opening themselves to charges of "conduct unbecoming a DeMolay" which could lead to suspension or expulsion from the Order.

We all want to be the "good guy" in our relationships with young people, but it is our duty as Advisors to set standards and expect ourselves and the members to live up to them. If we cannot handle these responsibilities, we should not be advisors.

Dad Timothy L. Shermer
Executive Officer