Indoctrination from Ron Hicks

Dear Exalted Rulers and Secretaries,   Congratulations and good luck in your coming year! 

As General Chairman of the VEA Indoctrination Committee, I feel that one of the most important programs in your Lodge should be your Indoctrination Program.  I know that Indoctrination is often simply treated as a "requirement" before Initiation, but by doing so, you may be losing a golden opportunity to spark the interest and participation of a new member.  We on the Indoctrination Committee believe that Indoctrination "IS" the first step in Member Retention, and that a good Indoctrination Program can lead to helping create a life-long, contributing member for your Lodge. 
              Please read the attached Letter regarding Indoctrination.  Then, if you have any questions, please contact your District Chairman. 

              Also, at the risk of interfering on the territory of the Ritual Committee, I have included some tips on performing an impressive Initiation in your Lodge.  I'm not speaking of "Contest Quality" Initiation, I am simply offering some suggestions for ways, if needed, to improve your Initiation and make it more impressive for the candidates and your members.  PGER Art Mayer used to speak passionately about Initiation, and at our State Convention once said that "So goes Initiation, so goes the Lodge."  And, I can tell you from experience, that an impressive Initiation will go a long ways in bringing your Officers together and help develop respect for the Lodge Officers.    Please see that each of your Chair Officers receives a copy of these tips.

Have a great year!!!!          

Thanks,  Ron Hicks, VEA President and Indoctrination Committee Chairman

p.s.   Please share this e-mail with any ER that does not have an e-mail address.

Frank Burns Presentation from Arlington-Fairfax

Eric Hamilton's Presentation  from Petersburg