PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE
Let us examine this theme carefully to develop the most comprehensive of meanings.
What is a passport?
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A document which verifies the country of which you are a citizen.
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A key that unlocks gateways to unknown or unexpected opportunities or areas.
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An opening or door to a vast wealth of life, learning and friendships.
Let us share our ‘keys and gateways’ with each other. Each person has a definition of adventure. From quiet meditations to extreme sports in our homes or remote parts of the world, adventure has broadened and enriched your lives by adding learning of new things, new people and new ideals and new ways of solving problems. What I feel for this theme is a ‘passport to adventure’ in Beta Sigma Phi.
Reviewing our lessons when we first joined this organization we discussed etiquette, decorum, courtesy, thoughtfulness and compassionate caring. We are a family of women who find pleasure and comfort thru our associations with people in our life through learning and friendship.
During our Pledge training we were guided to understand the purpose of Beta Sigma Phi, the code of conduct by which a sorority sister is known. The art of gracious living is exemplified by “social amenities”. Emily Post has said, “courtesy is kindly consideration for others.” Correct manner of formal and informal introductions, proper etiquette in formal and informal invitations is key to a ‘socially accepted courtesy’.
Topics to discuss:
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Agenda or Calendar
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Beta Sigma Phi Badges and Insignia
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Our motto “I am Thy sister”
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Why was yellow rose chosen as our flower?
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What are the colors & meaning of Beta Sigma Phi?
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What are the colors & meanings IN Beta Sigma Phi?
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What is the ‘handshake’ of a sister?
Several items very important to each of us is our rituals. According to the Invitation to Life (pledge training manual) the Opening Ritual should be repeated in unison while holding hands. The Closing Ritual is not repeated holding hands. The Mizpah is always repeated holding hands.
Membership status in sorority has several levels:
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Active member—chapter member in good standing
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Inactive member—chapter member who does not come to all meeting but pays dues
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Leave of absence—chapter member who does not pay dues and cannot come to meetings
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Member at Large—member not affiliated with a chapter.
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What are the traditional socials of your chapter?
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What are the traditional socials of City Council?
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How are these functions funded?
Chapter and International dues are regulated separately. Each Chapter Executive Board determines the needs of the chapter and what the proportional cost would be. If more money is needed, the chapter has fund raisers.
International dues are determined on a larger scope. In the beginning, the sisters were guaranteed paid in full dues after 25 paid years. In our present experience, we, Life Time Members are being asked to contribute to the operating funds of International.
One of the greatest offerings in Beta Sigma Phi is the cultural program series. We learn of new things by listening and presenting the topics in our program books. In our Ritual and four years in Exemplar chapters, the program booklets were sent by International to each chapter for a study guide. After this time, chapter had a committee of sisters to write the guidelines for program study—current events, world affairs, family issues, health and wellness care and other topics.
The basic to program presentation and enjoyment is PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE! Outline, bring or cite sources. Use quotes, stories or provide thoughts. Use visual aids. Watch your presentation technique—put your heart into the meeting. Speak directly to your audience, modulate you volume. Most important, listen to questions, answer to the best of your knowledge and involve the whole group. In closing, summarize the material content so your audience knows you are finished and what the main points were.
Pick your topic from a BSP program book or one you have which is particularly close to your heart in giving a “PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE”.
Janice Swope
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