When you voluntarily join an organization, whether it be a church, civic club, fraternal association, or a similar group, you are initially and permanently influenced by the manner in which the organization conducted the ceremonies of your reception. You will remember whether the surroundings were neat or cluttered, and wonder why certain events transpired. In short, you will make a critical analysis of the whole proceedings that will have a lasting effect on your attitude to that organization. The conclusions you draw from your analysis are a direct reflection, whether good or bad, upon the caliber of the officers of that group. While we might be reluctant to pass judgment, such an analysis of our personal experiences is a normal human response. Having passed through the ceremonies, you now wish to meet the other members and will be influenced by the warmth and hospitality which they extend. In the event you have been favorably impressed with the aspects of your reception, up to that point, you will normally desire to establish yourself as a contributing member of the group. To do this, you will have to learn the background, rules, procedures, and programs of the organization. How can this be accomplished...? When the veils have been removed from this allegory, we find a simple outline upon the tracing board:
The article on pages 16 and 17 was submitted by Sir Knight Charles A. Garnes; H.P.D.C., P.G.C. of Pennsylvania, and the Chairman of the Committee on Public Relations. He is a member of Duquesne Commandery No. 72, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania. Write: Charles A. Garnes, 1700 Jamestown Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-4944 or e-mail: charles.garnes@verizon.net
April 2005
17