Sixth District Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. PROTOCOL WORKSHOP 3rd Council Meeting Fayetteville, NC 19Mar11 Brothers Reginald Howell & Jack Martin

Table of Contents Purpose Protocol Definition Order of Officers Basic Rules of Introduction Standards for Speaking Standards for Award Presentations Standards for Officer Oaths Meeting Format March Order for Founders’ Banquet Grand Officer Visits

Purpose Over the years the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity out of necessity and common practice based on its organizational structure of Districts, States, Chapters, etc., developed its own individual set of rules and standards regarding fraternal protocol.

Purpose Continued As the newly appointed 6th District Protocol Officers: Primary duty is to expose and educate members of the fraternity on the agreed upon and accepted methods of fraternity protocol. Assist in the implementation of its consistent and uniform application throughout our organization.

Purpose Continued To avoid “Reinventing the Wheel”: A call is out for any existing protocol information presented at previous workshops and for manuals produced. Information compiled by Brother Adam McKee and Brother Kenneth Brown will be forwarded to my attention.

General Information There are an infinite number of fraternity protocols with various meanings and/or interpretations to include: Those addressed in the Ritual Constitution and By-Laws Others developed specifically for Grand, District, and Chapter Officers Basic brother to brother courtesies In today’s session we will look at one aspect of the protocol spectrum…

Protocol Definition “A code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence” We will explore the ceremonial forms and courtesies of precedence accepted as proper or correct in official settings with the members of our fraternity. We will also look at the practice of giving certain and proper respect and/or recognition to officers and guests.

Order of Officers The Grand Basileus is the head of the organization (CEO) and whenever he is introduced, the membership shall rise in recognition of his office. Likewise, all rights and appropriate courtesies are extended to him. The District Representative shall receive the same courtesies extended the Grand Basileus when in a District session or configuration. The Chapter Basileus shall receive the same courtesies extended the Grand Basileus or District Representative when in a Chapter session or configuration.

Basic Rules of Introduction Individuals A man is always introduced to a woman A young person is always introduced to an older person A less important person to a more important person Guests Guests are recognized from the highest ranking to lowest Guests speak from the lowest to the highest ranking Past Officers Officers who most recently served are introduced first with others following in order of seniority (lowest to highest)

Standards for Speaking During a meeting Questions coming from the floor Stand and step up to the microphone State your name, chapter, city & state, ask your question or state your business

Standards for Award Presentations Award recipients shall receive awards at the presenters left which also facilitates the correct positioning for photographs. Awardee extends their right hand to shake the presenters hand Still in a hand shake position awardee receives award with their left hand For photos both individuals simply face the camera

Standards for Officers Receiving Oath of Office The highest ranking officer by position shall stand facing the assembly from left to right. All officers raise their right hand and take their oath.

District Meeting Assembly Dist Rep is already presiding over the meeting: District Representative is notified of the presence of Supreme Council members Supreme Council members are escorted into the assembly and seated in the designated area The Grand Basileus is announced and (all rise)

Order of March for Grand Events (Please Rise/Stand): Immediate Past Grand Basileus Former Grand Basilei Brother Avery Brother Branyon, Jr. Brother Coulon Brother Norman Brother Gilmore Brother Miller Brother Jordan (Please be Seated): Undergraduate #1 Undergraduate #2 Undergraduate #3 District Representatives: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #12, #13 Grand Marshal Grand Chaplain Grand Counselor Grand Keeper of Finance Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Second Vice Grand Basileus First Vice Grand Basileus (Please Rise/Stand): Grand Basileus (Follow the listed program)…

Order of March for District Events (Please Rise/Stand): District Representative (G. B. is announced) (Follow the listed program)… (Please Rise/Stand): Immediate Past District Rep Host Basileus Past D.R.’s (Please be Seated): District Marshal District Chaplain District Counselor District Keeper of Finance District Keeper of Records and Seal Second Vice District Representative First Vice District Representative

Grand Officer Visits International Headquarters responsibilities: Notification of Districts and/or Chapters of official and unofficial visits to your area by the Executive Assistant or members of the Supreme Council Does the Supreme Council member or members require assistance (i.e. Transportation, Lodging, or hospitality) Purpose of visit (i.e. Speaking engagement, Initiation, Investigation, Memorial Service, or Pleasure) Quette accompanying brother or not Length of stay Informal meeting with local brothers