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Ceremonies and Rituals
Kappa Delta Pi
3707 Woodview Trace Indianapolis, IN 46268-1158
317.871.4900
800.284.3167
317.704.2323 (fax)
www.kdp.org
Contents
CHAPTER INITIATIONS
Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies .................................................. 1
Initiation of Members into an Active Chapter .............................. 2
Reaffirmation Ceremony ............................................................. 8
Ceremony for Graduating Members ........................................... 11
CHAPTER AWARDS
Awarding Honorary Membership............................................... 12
NEW CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS
Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies ................................................ 13
Initiation of Charter Members of Chapter ................................... 14
Installation of Chapters.............................................................. 19
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies ................................................ 21
Installation of Chapter Officers .................................................. 22
Installation of Executive Council Officers .................................. 24
ADDENDUM to the Initiation of Members ........................................... 26
1
CHAPTER INITIATIONS
Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies
The original ritual of Kappa Delta Pi was written for the initiation of new members into the Society and was adopted by the Executive Council on March 3, 1927. The initiation ceremony ritual combined idealism, symbolism, and tradition. The ceremony was conducted in a “reverent
and esthetic” manner, with symbols that suggested inspiration, introspection, and consciousness.
Over time, revisions have been made to the original ritual, and additional ceremonies and rituals have been developed as needed. The following pages contain texts for ceremonies as authorized by Kappa Delta Pi’s Executive Council.
Suggested Procedures
Adequate preparation for any ritual is essential. Each ceremony should be performed with
dignity. Sincerity and simplicity are key concepts, and should be emphasized in all arrangements.
For every initiation and reaffirmation ceremony, a table covered with a white cloth and draped with a purple or green cloth of velvet, satin, or another soft material should be used. Four candles, either white or the Society’s colors (purple or green), should be placed prominently on
the table. These candles, which are symbolic of the four ideals, should be lit prior to the beginning of the ceremony or during the ceremony as each of the four Society ideals is described.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates and other materials should be given to each
initiate. Additional suggestions for conducting rituals are described in the Initiation Guidebook, which is available on Kappa Delta Pi’s Web site, www.kdp.org.
2
Initiation of Members into an Active Chapter
(Chapters are urged to conduct this impressive ceremony with dignity and sensitivity. The physical facility should be arranged attractively, using significant symbols of the Society, such as the key, banner, or lantern of Kappa Delta Pi, green and/or purple candles, violets, etc. The initiation team, which may be officers or other members of the chapter, should practice the
portion of the ritual that they will present. If unison affirmations are to be used, members of the chapter should face the initiating team during the ceremony. The Counselor, President, or a designated person should welcome the initiates and introduce the initiation team by name and position—if appropriate—either before or after the ceremony. This ceremony also is used when a
suspended or withdrawn chapter is reactivated.)
The Ceremony
(Initiates should be seated together at the front of the room.)
PRESIDENT: Members of the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi,
International Honor Society in Education, are now assembled to
reaffirm faith in the Ideals of our Society and to initiate into
membership candidates who seek the bond of our common
purpose: to promote excellence in and recognize outstanding
contributions to education.
PERSON PRESENTING CANDIDATES: (Name of Chapter President) and members of Kappa Delta Pi, I
present these candidates who wish to make the Ideals of our
Society their own.
(Ask members and candidates to stand.)
I present for initiation: (Full names, alphabetically by last name,
with brief biographical information, if desired, may be presented
here or later.)
PRESIDENT: The Historian (or name of another designated person) will now
relate the Society’s and this chapter’s origins.
3
HISTORIAN: Kappa Delta Pi was founded on March 8, 1911, at the University
of Illinois. The Society was incorporated on June 8, 1911. The
(Greek name) Chapter was installed by (name of installing officer)
on (date of installation).
(Additional historical information available from Headquarters
may be included here.)
PRESIDENT: What does membership in Kappa Delta Pi imply?
VICE PRESIDENT: It implies fostering the high ideals of the education profession by
assuming trusteeship of a rich professional legacy. It is our
privilege and duty as educators to transmit this legacy.
PRESIDENT: Candidates, do you accept the responsibility of transmitting this
legacy? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
PRESIDENT: What are the principles upon which the Society is founded?
VICE PRESIDENT: Education is a vital societal force that encourages universal welfare
and individual progress. Education is the cornerstone of democracy
and the foundation for personal fulfillment. Honor societies
conduct rituals and ceremonies to impress upon their members the
ideals and duties to which they adhere. Members of Kappa Delta Pi
have cherished the Society’s Ideals and accepted the concepts of
duty established when the organization was founded. New
members of Kappa Delta Pi should be aware of the duties which
education imposes and uphold the Ideals of the Society.
PRESIDENT: We present, for your acceptance, the Ideals, which guide members
of the Society.
4
SECRETARY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The first Ideal is that of Fidelity to Humanity. This Ideal implies
faith in the potential of human beings and in the improvement of
the human condition through education; compassion in the contacts
one has, as an educator, with humanity; and dedication to the
concept that through continuous education based upon equal
opportunity, persons of all ages, races, and creeds will find
increased opportunity for experiencing more meaningful lives. All
of this is implied in the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity? If so, you will
answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.”)
TREASURER: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The second is the Ideal of Science. This Ideal implies that, as an
educator, one will be faithful to the cause of free inquiry and strive
to eliminate prejudice and superstition by withholding judgment
until accurate and adequate evidence is obtained. One will not
distort evidence to support a favorite theory; not be blinded by the
new or spectacular; nor condemn the old simply because it is old.
All of this is implied in the Ideal of Science.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Science? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Science.”)
5
MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at
the end of the section.)
The third Ideal is that of Service. This Ideal is the very essence of
education which seeks advancement, not merely for self, but for
society as well. The incentive of the great educators of the world
has been their desire to serve humanity. Service in education
implies living so that others are strengthened and inspired, and
striving for the achievement of justice, peace, and a better way of
life for all. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Service.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Service? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith in the Ideal of Service.”)
COUNSELOR: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The final Ideal is that of Toil—the will to do the task that must be
done whether the task pleases one or not, and faith in the social
necessity and intrinsic reward of the education profession. It
implies working with such faith and zeal that others are won to the
cause of education. If one life has been given greater freedom and
nobler vision, toil has not been in vain. All of this is implied in the
Ideal of Toil.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our faith
in the Ideal of Toil.”)
6
PRESIDENT: (Refer to the Society banner, which should be prominently displayed.)
Our Society’s emblem incorporates the scroll, the stylus, the
beehive, and the characters K (Kappa) Δ (Delta), Π (Pi). Many of
the treasures of antiquity, which form the foundation of modern
education, rest upon scrolls of papyrus. The golden scroll,
therefore, is the foundation of our emblem. The shaft running
through the scroll is the stylus, the first instrument known to be
used in making letters and figures. The beehive symbolizes toil.
The characters, K (Kappa) Δ (Delta), Π (Pi) represent our motto—
Knowledge, Duty, Power—words expressing the entire meaning of
our educational ideals.
PRESIDENT: The purpose and Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi are now known to you.
Are you ready to assume the obligation of membership in Kappa
Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I am.”
CANDIDATES: I am.
PRESIDENT: Please repeat after me the obligation of the Society: I promise to
abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi and to
cooperate to expand the influence of its purpose and Ideals.
I now declare you members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor
Society in Education, pledged to be faithful to its Ideals, and
worthy to enter into the bonds of fellowship with its members.
7
COUNSELOR: (Call forward initiates individually and present the certificate and the Creed, and extend congratulations. Ask the initiates to sign and date the creed when they receive it, prior to returning to their
seat.)
Initiates, you have just taken upon yourself the obligation of the
Society as given to you by our Chapter President. To assist you in
knowing and honoring this commitment; you are receiving a copy
of the Kappa Delta Pi Creed which will be yours to keep. Please
sign and date the Creed you receive prior to returning to you seat.
(Ask initiates to stand before reading.)
We greet you as colleagues in the quest for a full, knowledgeable,
and useful life. We are united in a profession whose purpose and
challenge is to inspire young and old to grow by using their
heritage; to develop a concern for the needs of others; and to
strengthen moral character and personality so that collectively, as
members of Kappa Delta Pi, we may be worthy examples of a rich,
wholesome life. To these purposes and challenges, in firm faith,
we devote our lives. So to teach, that our words inspire a will to
learn; so to serve, that each day may enhance the growth of
exploring minds; so to live, that we may guide young and old to
know the truth and love the right. To the fulfillment of these
objectives, we pledge our efforts and our faith.
As a member of Kappa Delta Pi you will be expected to exemplify
a commitment to equity by preparing yourself for the diversity —
ethnic, social, language, ability, and otherwise—you will face
every day as an educator.
It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to welcome
you into Kappa Delta Pi.
8
Reaffirmation Ceremony
(If the chapter wishes to recognize members transferring from another chapter, this ceremony may be used. It also should be used when charter members of a chapter are reaffirming membership.)
The Ceremony
(Reaffirming members should be seated with initiates at the front of the room.)
PRESIDING OFFICER: The chapters of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in
Education, exist to promote excellence in and recognize
outstanding contributions to education. Any person who has been
initiated into membership in a chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is eligible
to seek membership in another chapter of the Society.
ASSISTING OFFICER: For what purpose do members of Kappa Delta Pi seek membership
and fellowship in this chapter?
PRESIDING OFFICER: Individuals request membership in this chapter for the purpose of
continuing professional fellowship and growth in education.
You have heard a brief statement about the rights, privileges, and
responsibilities which are to become yours as you renew your
membership in Kappa Delta Pi through affiliation with the (Greek
name) Chapter. With these in mind, do you desire to become a
member of this chapter? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: The Assisting Officer will present the candidate(s) for membership
and state the name(s) of the chapter(s) into which he or she was
first initiated (or from which they hold current membership, if
different).
9
ASSISTING OFFICER: I have requests for membership in the (Greek name) Chapter of
Kappa Delta Pi from the following qualified candidate(s):
(Candidates come forward as their names are called. The Assisting Officer will read each name followed by: “Initiated by or transferring from Greek name Chapter.”)
PRESIDING OFFICER: Candidate(s) for membership in the (Greek name) Chapter of
Kappa Delta Pi, do you this day reaffirm your adherence to the
Ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil which
you accepted when you became a member of Kappa Delta Pi? If
so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATE(S): I do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: I now declare you a member in the (Greek name) Chapter of
Kappa Delta Pi (or, if the chapter is being installed, simply
“Kappa Delta Pi”). It is our sincere hope that your membership in
this chapter will bring genuine opportunities for mature
consideration of the challenges facing educators and for fostering
professional growth.
We greet you as colleagues in the quest for a full, knowledgeable,
and useful life. We are united in a profession whose purpose and
challenge is to inspire young and old to grow by using their
heritage; to develop a concern for the needs of others; and to
strengthen moral character and personality so that collectively, as
members of Kappa Delta Pi, we may be worthy examples of a rich,
wholesome life. To these purposes and challenges, in firm faith,
we devote our lives. So to teach, that our words inspire a will to
learn; so to serve, that each day may enhance the growth of
exploring minds; so to live, that we may guide young and old to
know the truth and love the right. To the fulfillment of these
objectives, we pledge our efforts and our faith.
10
On behalf of the membership of this Society, I welcome you to the
(Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (or, if the chapter is
being installed, simply “to Kappa Delta Pi”).
11
Ceremony for the Graduating Members
(This is an optional ceremony, which may be used immediately following the initiation ritual to recognize graduating members at the same meeting. It is appropriate at any time during the final semester leading to graduation. This ceremony is only appropriate for members who are current with Headquarters and meet minimum chapter activity requirements. Lay cords or stoles on the
table next to initiation paraphernalia, such as chapter charter, candles, cloisonné pins, creeds, and certificates.)
COUNSELOR: During the initiation ritual we just reaffirmed our commitment to the Ideals of the Society. The Society impacts the lives of others only as far as we, the members, continue to live the ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil. This means we continue to promote education
that develops more meaningful lives based on unbiased science. We inspire and strengthen others, and promote peace and social justice by working to create self-actualized lives. The Kappa Delta Pi motto of Knowledge, Duty, and Power is our way of life.
To this end, Kappa Delta Pi continues to provide the tools that support professional growth for members who embark upon a life of service following graduation from baccalaureate, master, or doctoral programs.
This support includes opportunities to meet other educators who value the same ideas and commitment to education, career planning, and network support.
Membership does not end with your collegiate years. We expect your commitment to continue to develop leadership skills through membership in a local Professional/Alumni Chapter or by volunteering on a KDP committee. Earn continuing education credit through KDP’s Webinar
series, read publications and e-newsletters, participate in practicing teacher sessions at Convocation, or present at KDP conferences.
Kappa Delta Pi provides support throughout your life-cycle as an
educator, from novice teacher through distinguished teacher to emeriti.
(Ask graduates to come forward and receive the honor cords when their names are read. If time and numbers allow, briefly state a contribution each graduate has made to the chapter.)
12
CHAPTER AWARDS
Awarding Honorary Membership
(Please check the Society Bylaws for Honorary Membership eligibility requirements.)
The Ceremony
PRESIDENT: Will (name of Honorary Member) please come forward? It is our
privilege as the (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi,
International Honor Society in Education, to recognize you for
your distinguished service. You have provided evidence of your
devotion to the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity and loyalty to the
Ideal of Science and all that it implies in the promotion of free
inquiry. Your professional career is testament to your faith in
Service, of your untiring zeal in your work, and of your
commitment to those for whom you are responsible. You have
demonstrated your willingness to Toil so that the ideals of
education may be more clearly understood, more successfully
applied, and more vitally realized in an educated citizenry.
Because you have exemplified the Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi, on
behalf of the (Greek name) Chapter, I am pleased to welcome you
as an Honorary Member, with all the rights and privileges thereof.
It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to present you
with this certificate.
13
NEW CHAPTER INSTALLATIONS
Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies
The original ritual of Kappa Delta Pi was written for the initiation of new members into the Society and was adopted by the Executive Council on March 3, 1927. The initiation ceremony ritual combined idealism, symbolism, and tradition. The ceremony was conducted in a “reverent
and esthetic” manner, with symbols that suggested inspiration, introspection, and consciousness.
Over time, revisions have been made to the original ritual, and additional ceremonies and rituals have been developed as needed. The following pages contain texts for ceremonies as authorized by Kappa Delta Pi’s Executive Council.
Suggested Procedures
Adequate preparation for any ritual is essential. Each ceremony should be performed with
dignity. Sincerity and simplicity are key concepts, and should be emphasized in all arrangements.
For every initiation and reaffirmation ceremony, a table covered with a white cloth and draped with a purple or green cloth of velvet, satin, or another soft material should be used. Four candles, either white or the Society’s colors (purple or green), should be placed prominently on
the table. These candles, which are symbolic of the four ideals, should be lit prior to the beginning of the ceremony or during the ceremony as each of the four Society ideals is described.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Certificates, Creeds and other materials should be given to
each initiate. The Creeds should be signed at the initiation ceremony. Additional suggestions for conducting rituals are described in the Initiation Guidebook, which is available on Kappa Delta Pi’s Web site, www.kdp.org.
14
Initiation of Charter Members of Chapter
(This ceremony is to be used by Society officers when installing charter members of a chapter. If other members of Kappa Delta Pi are present, the installing officer can invite them to take part in the ceremony and assign them specific sections of the ritual to conduct. If Kappa Delta Pi members are not present, the installing officer will conduct the ceremony alone.)
The Ceremony
(Initiates should be seated together at the front of the room.)
INSTALLING OFFICER: Education is a vital societal force that encourages universal welfare
and individual progress. Education is the cornerstone of democracy
and the foundation for personal fulfillment. The purpose of Kappa
Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is to promote
excellence in and recognize outstanding contributions to education.
The Society endeavors to maintain a high degree of fellowship
among its members, promote professional growth, and honor
achievement in educational work. To these ends, Kappa Delta Pi
invites to membership only those persons who exhibit
commendable professional qualities, worthy educational ideals,
and sound scholarship, without regard to race, age, culture,
religion, gender, or disability.
Your presence at this initiation ceremony indicates your desire to
become a member of Kappa Delta Pi and to seek the bond of our
common purpose: to promote excellence in and recognize
outstanding contributions to education.
MEMBER OF SOCIETY: Honor societies conduct rituals and ceremonies to impress upon
their members the ideals and duties to which they adhere.
Members of Kappa Delta Pi have cherished the Society’s Ideals
and accepted the concepts of duty established when the
organization was founded.
15
INSTALLING OFFICER: As candidates for the privileges of membership in Kappa Delta Pi,
do you desire to learn more about these Ideals? If so, you will
answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: We present for your acceptance the Ideals of this Society.
MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at
the end of the section.)
The first Ideal is that of Fidelity to Humanity. This Ideal implies
faith in the potential of human beings and in the improvement of
the human condition through education; compassion in the contacts
one has, as an educator, with humanity; and dedication to the
concept that through continuous education based upon equal
opportunity, persons of all ages, races, and creeds will find
increased opportunity for experiencing more meaningful lives. All
of this is implied in the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity? If so, you will
answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at
the end of the section.)
The second is the Ideal of Science. This Ideal implies that, as an
educator, one will be faithful to the cause of free inquiry and strive
to eliminate prejudice and superstition by withholding judgment
until accurate and adequate evidence is obtained. One will not
distort evidence to support a favorite theory; not be blinded by the
new or spectacular; nor condemn the old simply because it is old.
All of this is implied in the Ideal of Science.
16
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Science? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The third Ideal is that of Service. This Ideal is the very essence of
education which seeks advancement, not merely for self, but for
society as well. The incentive of the great educators of the world
has been their desire to serve humanity. Service in education
implies living so that others are strengthened and inspired, and
striving for the achievement of justice, peace, and a better way of
life for all. All of this is implied in the Ideal of Service.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Service? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The final Ideal is that of Toil—the will to do the task that must be
done whether the task pleases one or not, and faith in the social
necessity and intrinsic reward of the education profession. It
implies working with such faith and zeal that others are won to the
cause of education. If one life has been given greater freedom and
nobler vision, toil has not been in vain. All of this is implied in the
Ideal of Toil.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you accept this Ideal of Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
17
MEMBER OF SOCIETY: (Refer to the Society banner, which should be prominently displayed.)
Our Society’s emblem incorporates the scroll, the stylus, the
beehive, and the characters K (Kappa) Δ (Delta), Π (Pi). Many of
the treasures of antiquity, which form the foundation of modern
education, rest upon scrolls of papyrus. The golden scroll,
therefore, is the foundation of our emblem. The shaft running
through the scroll is the stylus, the first instrument known to be
used in making letters and figures. The beehive symbolizes toil.
The characters, K (Kappa) Δ (Delta), Π (Pi) represent our motto—
Knowledge, Duty, Power—words expressing the entire meaning of
our educational ideals.
INSTALLING OFFICER: The purpose and Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi are now known to you.
Are you ready to take the obligation of membership in Kappa
Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I am.”
CANDIDATES: I am.
18
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Ask initiates to stand.)
Please repeat after me the obligation of the Society: I promise to
abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi and to
cooperate to expand the influence of its purpose and Ideals.
I now declare you members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor
Society in Education, pledged to be faithful to its Ideals, and
worthy to enter into the bonds of fellowship with its members.
We greet you as colleagues in the quest for a full, knowledgeable,
and useful life. We are united in a profession whose purpose and
challenge is to inspire young and old to grow by using their
heritage; to develop a concern for the needs of others; and to
strengthen moral character and personality so that collectively, as
members of Kappa Delta Pi, we may be worthy examples of a rich,
wholesome life. To these purposes and challenges, in firm faith,
we devote our lives. So to teach, that our words inspire a will to
learn; so to serve, that each day may enhance the growth of
exploring minds; so to live, that we may guide young and old to
know the truth and love the right. To the fulfillment of these
objectives, we pledge our efforts and our faith.
It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to welcome
you into Kappa Delta Pi.
(Call each initiate forward individually, present him or her with a
certificate, and extend congratulations.)
(Initiates may be seated.)
19
Installation of Chapters
(Following the reaffirmation and initiation of charter members, the following ceremony, conducted only by a member or designate of the Executive Council, is held to establish a chapter.)
The Ceremony
INSTALLING OFFICER: Members of Kappa Delta Pi, you have expressed your desire to
pledge fidelity to the Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor
Society in Education. An even greater responsibility, however, is
being assigned to you—a new chapter of the Society.
The Executive Council of Kappa Delta Pi has found you worthy of
being entrusted with the welfare and promulgation of the purpose
and Ideals of this Society. We believe that you are deserving of
this trust and responsibility. Prior to the installation of this chapter,
however, we ask that you confirm your obligations.
Do you affirm your adherence to the purpose of Kappa Delta Pi
and to the Ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and
Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
MEMBERS: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to maintain the honor and dignity of our Society?
If so, you will answer, “I do.”
MEMBERS: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to observe the requirements of the Constitution
and Bylaws and the regulations established by the Executive
Council of this Society, and do you also promise to uphold the
Society’s standards for membership? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
MEMBERS: I do.
20
INSTALLING OFFICER: Then I declare to you, your associates, and successors that the
(Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi exists and will have
succession as such, forever. To remain an active Kappa Delta Pi
chapter in good standing, you must conduct two meetings per year,
hold one initiation per year, submit all required reports, and
observe the Kappa Delta Pi Constitution and Bylaws. You now
have all the rights, duties, and privileges of Kappa Delta Pi
chapters.
(Call designated representatives forward by name and title.)
In confirmation of these privileges and responsibilities which are
now yours and, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the
Executive Council of Kappa Delta Pi, I present this charter to
(designated representative) and thus signify the installation of the
(Greek name) Chapter.
(Designated representatives may be seated.)
21
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Preparing for Ritual Ceremonies
The original ritual of Kappa Delta Pi was written for the initiation of new members into the Society and was adopted by the Executive Council on March 3, 1927. The initiation ceremony ritual combined idealism, symbolism, and tradition. The ceremony was conducted in a “reverent
and esthetic” manner, with symbols that suggested inspiration, introspection, and consciousness. Over time, revisions have been made to the original ritual, and additional ceremonies and rituals have been developed as needed. The following pages contain texts for ceremonies as authorized
by Kappa Delta Pi’s Executive Council.
Suggested Procedures
Adequate preparation for any ritual is essential. Each ceremony should be performed with dignity. Sincerity and simplicity are key concepts, and should be emphasized in all arrangements.
For every initiation and reaffirmation ceremony, a table covered with a white cloth and draped with a purple or green cloth of velvet, satin, or another soft material should be used. Four
candles, either white or the Society’s colors (purple or green), should be placed prominently on the table. These candles, which are symbolic of the four ideals, should be lit prior to the beginning of the ceremony or during the ceremony as each of the four Society ideals is described.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates and other materials should be given to each initiate. Additional suggestions for conducting rituals are described in the Initiation Guidebook, which is available on Kappa Delta Pi’s Web site, www.kdp.org.
22
Installation of Chapter Officers
(The Counselor or, in the event of his or her election or reelection, a designated member of the Society should serve as the installing officer.)
The Ceremony
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Call elected officers forward.)
The (Greek name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor
Society in Education, has found you worthy of confidence and of
receiving the honor of leadership and trusteeship. True to the Ideal
of Toil, you have been called to labor with even greater energy for
the growth of this chapter and for Kappa Delta Pi. Your fidelity,
industry, and judgment will be critical in broadening the influence
of Kappa Delta Pi. Your zeal will increase the cooperation of your
fellow members. Your vision will make brighter the goal of our
united efforts. As our representatives, you are exemplars of the
(Greek name) Chapter.
Do you accept the position as an officer of the (Greek name)
Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to observe the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa
Delta Pi, and the Bylaws of the (Greek name) Chapter? If so, you
will answer, “I do.”
OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.
23
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Ask members of the chapter to rise and address them.)
Do you accept these members of the (Greek name) Chapter as your
officers for the coming year, and do you pledge your cooperation
in increasing the influence of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will
answer, “We do.”
MEMBERS: We do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: I now have the honor of declaring you (state names and
corresponding titles), officers of the (Greek name) Chapter. We, as
members, have pledged our confidence in and support of you as
you guide this chapter in the fulfillment of its purposes.
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Installation of Executive Council Officers
(The Society Past President or, in the event of his or her absence, a designated member of the Society appointed specifically for the purpose will serve as the Installing Officer.)
The Ceremony
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Call the elected officers forward.)
The members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in
Education, have found you worthy of confidence and of receiving
the honor of leadership and trusteeship as Executive Council
members. True to the Ideal of Toil, you have been called to labor
with even greater energy for the growth of this Society. Your
fidelity, industry, and judgment will be critical in broadening the
influence of Kappa Delta Pi. Your zeal will increase the
cooperation of your fellow members. Your vision will make
brighter the goal of our united efforts.
Do you accept the officer position on Kappa Delta Pi’s Executive
Council to which you have been elected? If so, you will answer, “I
do.”
OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: Do you promise to observe the Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa
Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
OFFICERS-ELECT: I do.
INSTALLING OFFICER: (Ask members of the Society to rise and address them.)
Do you accept these members of Kappa Delta Pi as your duly
elected Executive Council representatives for the coming
biennium, and do you pledge your cooperation in increasing the
influence of Kappa Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “We do.”
MEMBERS: We do.
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INSTALLING OFFICER: I now have the honor of declaring you (state names and
corresponding offices), international officers of Kappa Delta Pi.
We, as members, have pledged to you our confidence and support
as you guide this Society in the fulfillment of its purposes and
ideals.
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Addendum to the Initiation of Members into an Active Chapter
(The following addendum to the Initiation ceremony has updated language that could be used in translation and ease of understanding terminology. The inclusion of this information in the Ritual and Ceremonies Guide was approved by the Executive Council in March 2013.)
The Ceremony
(Initiates should be seated together at the front of the room.)
PRESIDENT: Members of the (Greek Name) Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi,
International Honor Society in Education have gathered to renew
their dedication to the Society and to connect with new members
toward the united purposes of the Society: the promotion of
excellence in and recognition of exceptional contributions to
education.
PERSON PRESENTING CANDIDATES: (Name of Chapter President) and members of Kappa Delta Pi, I
present these candidates who wish to make the Ideals of our
Society their own.
(Ask members and candidates to stand.)
I present for initiation: (Full names, alphabetically by last name,
with brief biographical information, if desired, may be presented
here or later.)
PRESIDENT: The Historian (or name of another designated person) will now
relate the Society’s and this chapter’s origins.
HISTORIAN: Kappa Delta Pi was founded on March 8, 1911, at the University
of Illinois. The Society was incorporated on June 8, 1911. The
(Greek name) Chapter was installed by (name of installing officer)
on (date of installation).
(Additional historical information available from Headquarters
may be included here.)
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PRESIDENT: What does membership in Kappa Delta Pi imply?
VICE PRESIDENT: We encourage the high standards of the education profession by
recognizing the strong professional work done before our time. It
is our honor and obligation as educators to carry this strong work
forward.
PRESIDENT: Candidates, do you accept the responsibility of transmitting this
legacy? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
PRESIDENT: What are the principles upon which the Society is founded?
VICE PRESIDENT: Education is a vital global force that encourages worldwide
prosperity and individual advancement. Education is the
foundation of equality and the basis for personal fulfillment. Honor
societies conduct ceremonies to express to their members the
standards to be achieved and the responsibilities to be undertaken.
Members of Kappa Delta Pi have valued the Society’s Ideals and
accepted the tasks established when the organization began. New
members of Kappa Delta Pi should be aware of the responsibilities
which education requires and maintain the Ideals of the Society.
PRESIDENT: We present for your acceptance the Ideals which guide members of
the Society.
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SECRETARY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The first ideal is that of Fidelity to Humanity - faithfulness to
humanity. This implies belief in the potential of human beings and
the self-actualization of lives through education; understanding
that compassion through personal contact; and dedication to equal
learning opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status,
ethnicity, or culture.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity? If so, you will
answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Fidelity to Humanity.”)
TREASURER: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The second ideal is that of Science . This implies free inquiry,
which includes protection of human subjects under the supervision
of Institutional Review Boards. Researchers, respecting the
sanctity of human life, will not alter data to support a favorite
theory, product, or benefactor. Educators will resolve to be wise
consumers of research, fighting to stamp out partiality and
irrational beliefs by evaluating research findings and then
confirming or disconfirming researchers’ conclusions. To science
be ever true.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Science? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
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(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Science.”)
MEMBER OF
THE SOCIETY: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The third ideal is that of Service . This implies service beyond the
classroom and the school, and includes the community. Members
are held to a higher standard as educators and lead by example.
Members strive by words and actions to make the world a better
place for everyone. To be a teacher, one must be willing to be
someone’s hero and embrace all that this implies.
PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Service? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Service.”)
COUNSELOR: (A candle may be lit before reading, after the first sentence, or at the end of the section.)
The final ideal is that of Toil - the hard work required by educators
to fully accomplish the task of educating others whether the task is
pleasing or not. There are many jobs that must be done: lesson
plans, assessments, and so on, whether we enjoy those tasks or not.
Not only do we work hard, but we do it with a joyful heart as we
endeavor to convince others of the necessity and importance of our
work. We work hard to assist our students to have those
breakthrough moments, to help them gain insights and become
excited about learning. If we can manage this for even one student
in a classroom, it has been worth all of our hard work. If we can
manage it for more, our joy is even greater. All of this is implied in
the Ideal of Toil.
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PRESIDENT: Do you accept this Ideal of Toil? If so, you will answer, “I do.”
CANDIDATES: I do.
(Optional: All members in unison: “And we affirm anew our commitment to the Ideal of Toil.”)
PRESIDENT: (Refer to the Society banner, which should be prominently displayed.)
The Society’s emblem combines a scroll, a stylus, a beehive, and
the Greek letters K (Kappa), D (Delta), and P (Pi). Ancient
manuscripts at the foundation of modern education were written
and preserved on papyrus. The golden scroll symbolizes our
educational foundation contained in these ancient texts. The rod
through the scroll is a stylus. While not used to write on papyrus, it
was one of the first instruments used to create letters and numbers.
The beehive stands for hard work. The three Greek characters
represent our motto—Knowledge, Duty, Power–words summing
up the purpose and focus of our educational standards.
PRESIDENT: The purpose and Ideals of Kappa Delta Pi are now known to you.
Are you ready to assume the obligation of membership in Kappa
Delta Pi? If so, you will answer, “I am.”
CANDIDATES: I am.
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PRESIDENT: Please repeat after me the responsibilities you take upon yourself
as a member of the Society: I accept the rules provided in the
Constitution and Bylaws of Kappa Delta Pi. I will work together
with other members of the Society to enlarge the impact of its
purposes and standards as I understand them.
I now declare you members of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor
Society in Education, pledged to uphold its Ideals, and worthy to
enter into the bonds of fellowship with its members.
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COUNSELOR: (Call forward initiates individually and present the certificate and the Creed, and extend congratulations. Ask the initiates to sign and date the creed when they receive it, prior to returning to their
seat.)
Initiates, you have just taken upon yourself the obligation of the
Society as given to you by our Chapter President. To assist you in
knowing and honoring this commitment; you are receiving a copy
of the Kappa Delta Pi Creed, which will be yours to keep. Please
sign and date the Creed you receive prior to returning to you seat.
(Ask initiates to stand before reading.)
We greet you as colleagues in the search for a full, knowledgeable,
and useful life. We are united in a profession whose purpose and
challenge is to inspire young and old to grow by respecting their
unique cultural legacy; to develop a concern for the needs of
others; and to strengthen moral character and personality so that
together, as members of Kappa Delta Pi, we may be worthy
examples of a rich and wholesome life. To these aspirations, we
devote our lives. We desire to teach in a way that motivates
learning, to serve in a way that develops curious minds, and to live
in a way that promotes a love of truth and morality. We promise to
aspire to these objectives.
As a member of Kappa Delta Pi you will be expected to exemplify
a commitment to equity by preparing yourself for the diversity —
ethnic, social, language, ability, and otherwise—you will face
every day as an educator.
It is my privilege and honor to congratulate you and to welcome
you into Kappa Delta Pi.