From Bloomington to:

LEADERSHIP

By Francesca Cardillo, ΔΨ

The 2009 Kappa Kappa Psi North Central District (NCD) Leadership Conference hosted by the brothers of Beta Rho was held at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday Jan. 24, 2009.  Two brothers from the Delta Psi class of AZ, Francesca Cardillo and Sara Emery, travelled mid-afternoon Friday the 23rd, socialized with Beta Rho Friday evening and attended the conference Saturday morning after staying with three brothers the night before.

The featured speaker of the day was Tanya Marsh, Governor of the Western District, whose morning session focused predominantly around principles of leadership rather than specific qualities or binding lists to which a leader must adhere. The three principles she asserted were that leaders must have a shared vision, be able to articulate their values, and above all, have the ability to empower others.

The four afternoon sessions were split between the two AZs. Cardillo attended one on the aspects of leadership pronounce in the stations of the third-degree ritual and another on delegating and preparing future leaders. Emery attended one on overcoming the hurdles of member apathy and another on a page-long section of third-degree ritual that was separate from the other afternoon session.

The day ended with a presentation on the NCD Convention by Beta Rho and several announcements regarding intentions to run for district offices, potential bids for the 2010 Kappa Kappa Psi National Convention and information about the 2009 National Convention being held in Phoenix in July by National President Malinda Matney. The fraternity hymn closed the Conference and all brothers departed for home endowed with new ideas and leadership skills to help strengthen their chapters in both present and future endeavors.

BLOCK

By Sarah Emery, ΔΨ

On Feb. 21, 2009 several members of AZ drove nearly five hours to participate in one of three district block events held at The Ohio State University. Eta (KKPsi) and Chi (TBS) hosted the block. While there, we received a tour of their phenomenal band facilities. (We’re jealous!)

The Block consisted of five workshops. During the first two workshop sessions, one could choose from “Music in the Ritual,” “Committees and “Documentation.” After several AZs desperately sought coffee at lunchtime, we returned for the last two sessions of the day. These sessions were “Why I Won’t Join” and “Diversity in Service.”

District Governor Christine Beason ran the “Music in the Ritual” workshop, which was a workshop designed to expand the library of music chapters use during the ritual. While pieces like Eric Whitacre’s October were on the list, it was felt by some of the brothers that we might want to expand the repertoire we use.

Some brothers also chose to attend the “Committee” workshop that morning, District President Lizzy Thornton and District Vice President for Programs, Greg Smith, ran it. This workshop focused on the effective use of committes within the chapter and we have been focusing on implementing some of those ideas. Our use of committees is expanding and we are able to accomplish a lot more through them.

District Secretary Treasurer Zeb Watkins and Vice President for Programs Mark Renaud led the “Documentation” workshop. We learned all about keeping appropriate records - which basically means keeping a lot of records. Among the specifics discussed was how to document things digitally such as through the use of spreadsheets on Microsoft Excel and keeping written accounts of service projects, banquets, and brotherhood events for easy set-up in the future.

In the afternoon, district governor, Rod Whiteman ran the “Why I Won’t Join” workshop. He focused his lecture on keeping members active in the fraternity and preventing apathy.

Watkins and Smith ran the “Diversity in Service” workshop focusing on ways for the chapters to expand the type of service in which they engage.

 Photo by Thomas Sands, District VPM

During South Block at The Ohio State University, on Feb. 21, members of ΑΖ  spend time with Alpha Beta from Butler University, our installing chapter. Front row from left: J. Reddick, Lauren Miller (ΑΒ), J. Zmierski, Randa Mason (ΑΒ), C. Grayson, C. Kruer, S. Emery. Back row: Zeb Watkins (ΑΒ), A. Welter, F. Cardillo, R. Comerford, M. Linn, R. Rottman.

CONVENTION

By Megan Miller, ΔΥ

AZ had a great turnout for the NCD convention in Toledo, Ohio. Thirteen active brothers and a handful of prospective members were able to join in on this event and had an amAZing weekend!

AZ new initiate Sarah Weaver EA, said that while at convention she learned where our chapter fits in within the NCD and that the trip was a fun experience with the brothers in the chapter that were able to go and she enjoyed getting to know them.

We took in meetings over big brothers/dads, the ritual, keeping historical records and more. For many this was a first-time experience and came back talking about next year’s convention and the possibility of IU hosting it in the future.

Laura Clemenson ΔΥ attended a workshop on leadership and said it was helpful in looking at the chapter in multiple ways.

“The most interesting workshop at convention for me was one about finding your place in Psi. The first thing we did was arrange ourselves around the room in a line, with the PMs and NIs at the beginning and then going all the way down to seniors and above,” Clemenson said. After they had completed that activity, they broke into groups based on majors. “Then we each discussed in a group what our expertise could bring to Psi. This was very refreshing to me because it gave everyone the reality that you don’t have to be a music major to give something back to the fraternity.”

This is true for many chapter with most brothers in AZ not in the music field. We are there because we love music and what to be there to help the bands because it is a strong passion in everyone’s heart.

Clemenson said “[Convention] let me know how my love for history and archaeology could fit into a music organization such as Kappa Kappa Psi. It was the highlight of my convention experience.”

Another exciting experience that Megan Miller along with Cassey Crowell and Jayme Kasting had was attendance at a workshop on the ritual. They got to see a new and deeper meaning to each degree and where each part originated from. This was eye-opening to them because more information was given as to how the entirety of the three rituals originated. It’s exciting and interesting to see how far we, as Kappa Kappa Psi, have come concerning the details of ritual.

This was a bonding experience for so many of us and we enjoyed the brotherly atmosphere of meetings, dinners and games the last night. Those that went were able to bring back to the chapter some great ideas about membership education and newfound meanings and focus on ritual. This has been a growing year for AZ and it was great to see our numbers grow not only within the chapter but also in those attending convention and other district events.