WORKSHOP

1. WORKSHOP GUARDS

2. Welcome to the GUARDSworkshop training Thank you for saying “YES” when asked to serve as your chapter’s guard

3. As you begin. . . . • Great way to get to know your sisters • If you have served before, there have been some recent changes • If you are new to this office, don’t be afraid to ask questions • Chapter’s board buddy is always willing to help • Other chapter members who have served in the past • International website • Instructions to Officers of Local Chapters (IOLC) • Requires little preparation time

4. Meeting Responsibilities: • Prepare for the meeting • Make sure table is available for president and recording secretary • Exclude children, except for infants, during chapter meetings, rehearsal of exemplification and initiation • Take the password

5. Taking the password - • Traditional method • Guard comes forward, gives password to president • Guard takes password from each member (begin with recording secretary • Report – “Madam President, all present are entitled to remain” • Optional method • Guard takes password prior to beginning of meeting • Members responsible for finding guard if not at door • Come forward after 3rd tap of gavel • Give password to the president • Report – “Madam President, all present are entitled to remain” • Use only if everyone present is member; otherwise appears impolite

6. A few things to remember: • Take password from sister sitting with a candidate prior to escorting candidate to the table • If sister arrives for a meeting during Ceremony of Initiation, she cannot be admitted until the completion of the ceremony • If someone doesn’t know the password • President gives the password to the sister • If someone says it wrong or uses the wrong word, report to president after meeting; do not correct the member

7. Preparing for Initiation - # 1 • If a cloth is to be used: • Must be all white • In place before meeting begins • May be removed after the ceremony of initiation is over • Refer to Page 4 of the handout (single candidate) or Page 5 of the handout (up to 3 candidates) for arrangement of articles on table • Bring in initiatory emblem with letters facing the guard • Ribbons should be secured under emblem • Rings may be looped over points of emblem just prior to bringing to the table

8. Preparing for Initiation - #2 • Emblem • Place in center of table with letters facing president’s place at table • Proceed around table to loosen ribbons under emblem points • Take rings off points and extend tassels outward in straight line • DO NOT reach across emblem at any time • P.E.O. pin and closed Bible • Place pin in easel position at appropriate spot on table • Open Bible and lay it flat on table

9. Preparing for Initiation - #3 • Gavel • Placed to left of Bible • Table is ready • Take place at table • President takes her place and signals to other officers

10. Ceremony of Initiation • Guard IS a part of the circle • Be alert to assist candidate if necessary • Signing the President’s Book • Guard places book to right of Bible • May rest on ribbon • Cannot touch Bible (President may pick Bible up if table is small) • Once signature is complete • Remove book from table • Hold until ceremony ends

11. You are almost finished!! • Immediately following ceremony • Remove the emblem • Fold ribbons over top of emblem • One hand under emblem and fingers of other hand on top to prevent ribbons from slipping as carried out of room • Return to table for Bible and gavel • Arrange table for president and recording secretary to resume their places • Guard returns to place at door to relieve assistant guard

12. Tips for Folding the Ribbons • Turn star upside down • Take ribbon and hold it up • Fold ribbon in half toward you • Fasten ring over point of star • Fold ribbon in half toward you a second and then a third time • Slide ribbon under elastic band underneath point of star • Store star upright in box.