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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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…

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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)

14. 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)…

15. 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

16. 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