Dear New York DeMolay:
I hope this note finds you in good health, good spirits and doing well.
DeMolay International has approved virtual induction ceremonies so that we can have our friends join us in the fun we have in DeMolay! In reviewing the guidance issued by DeMolay International, and in consultation with the State Advisory Council and the State Executive Committee we have the following guidance for virtual induction for New York DeMolay.
This is new territory for us as an organization and we wanted to lay out a few guide posts for this process.
1. At this time, no in-person induction ceremonies are permitted in New York due to the current lock down issued by our Governor and the current restricted imposed by the Grand Lodge of New York. This is a health and safety matter. This policy will change as the situation improves. If you have a question about this, please reach out to me.
2. Per the bylaws of DeMolay International at least two registered DeMolay advisors must be present at a virtual induction. (314.7(e).
3. A young man may not be elected and be inducted at the same meeting. Having dealt with a similar issue in another masonic body, it is NOT sufficient to open a chapter, elect a person close the meeting just to open another meeting ten minutes later. It has to be on a different calendar day, this is in accordance with 204.3(k).
4. Members must be elected by a secret ballot. Per DeMolay International, use of a survey or a poll is NOT sufficient. Therefore, I am requiring that an advisor be designated to be the collector of the ballots. That advisor may NOT be a relative or legal guardian of the applicant. Please note: while 314.11 permits an advisory council to declare an applicant elected or rejected that requires PR approval and additional reporting details are required as outlined in 204.3(l).
5. DeMolay International requires that an advisor must meet with the candidates and the parents to provide an overview of the process and the explanation of the degree provided by New York DeMolay. We have included that in the approved version of the ritual. The advisor portion is required.
6. Those present at this virtual event shall be limited to the parents or guardians of the young men seeking to become members, Active DeMolays, Registered Adult volunteers and those otherwise authorized by the local advisory council. Please remember parents are always welcome and should be encouraged to participate
7. Obligations must be done on a volume of sacred law at the discretion of the young man joining. We want to make sure that we are fully inclusive of all faith, beliefs and practices, please be accommodating.
8. The online ceremony must be the proscribed version authorized by New York DeMolay. This has been emailed to the chapter advisors and chairmen.
9. Any DeMolay inducted virtually should witness the full form degrees as practically as possible. Per the Grand Master not to exceed one year.
10. While virtual chapters mean your cousin from Sheboygan could, in theory, join a New York DeMolay Chapter that is NOT the intent. If your chapter wishes to induct a young man who does not have some form of residency in our Great State or an adjoining state or province that needs to be approved by me.
11. The decision to host a virtual induction ceremony is at the discretion of the chapter with approval from the local advisory council. While we are authorizing this as practice, it is NOT a requirement.
12. Chapters that are not in compliance with this policy will not have the option of doing virtual inductions.
13. A question was asked if a chapter could put on a full form degree via zoom. At this point that will be done on a case by case basis and require the approval of myself and the Ritual Team.
14. All inductees should be reported within 10 days.
15. Inductees brought in this way will count towards the 20% off of convention. If convention does not happen, we will apply a $20 discount to the next state event within 1 year of the induction.
16. Chapters may host other chapters for these ceremonies. If you wish to partner with a chapter outside of our Great State, please check with me first.
I know that is a lot of bullet points and a lot of rules and guidance. If you have questions please reach out, if you want a clarification please reach out, if you disagree with something reach out and let’s discuss it. My email is pwbrusoe@gmail.com and my phone is 518-588-3631.
Let us go out and share the brotherhood of DeMolay!
Yours in the light of brotherhood,
“Dad” Brusoe