Kappa Kappa Psi—Our Mission and Identity by Michael Golemo

Kappa Kappa Psi – Our Mission and Identity…

by Michael Golemo National President, Kappa Kappa Psi

As the fall semester and the marching band season begin to fade, most chapters begin to discuss strategies for recruiting new members. Although all band members can easily see active members of our brotherhood setting up rehearsals, putting out yardline markers, wearing fraternal tshirts, singing the hymn, etc… what do you and your chapter tell potential and prospective members who and what we are?

It is likely that prospective members only see a portion of the activities, service and social events which we share. How do you communicate to our potential members why we exist and what we stand for?

Let me encourage you to share the Mission Statement of Kappa Kappa Psi with your prospective members – as well as with all active members. Our Mission Statement effectively and economically states who we are, what we do, how we do it, and for whom.

I know of many chapters that use the lessons of our Ritual in times of chapter turmoil. You can similarly use our Mission Statement to define the relevance of any and all chapter activities. Does this activity fit into the established mission of our brotherhood?

If you attended a district convention this past year, you probably noticed the Mission (and Vision) Statement which was proclaimed on a banner. Perhaps your chapter could also create a banner with our Mission Statement. You could display this banner at chapter meetings and prospective member recruiting events – proclaiming our true identity and mission of Kappa Kappa Psi. What a great way to tell a potential member why we exist!

Our Mission Statement…

Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternal organization that promotes the advancement of college and university bands through dedicated service and support to bands; comprehensive education; leadership opportunities; and recognition; for the benefit of its members and society. Upcoming Kappa Kappa Psi Award Deadlines

December 1:Fall Activity Report Deadline (On-time submission could keep your chapter eligible for NationalAwards such as the Chapter Leadership Award and Service Certificates!) January 1: Distinguished Service to Music Medal (preferred deadline) A. Frank Martin Award AEA Scholarship Stanley G. Finck Memorial Award J. Lee Burke Student Achievement Award

Other Awards which are available anytime: Silver Baton (NEW AWARD!) Top Scholar Award Academic Achievement Award Chapter Certificate of Excellence in Academics F. Lee Bowling Musical Excellence Award (secondary school students) Citation of Excellence (summer band camp)

Make certain that your chapter is doing its part to honor outstanding band members by nominating them for awards. More information on national awards can be found online at www.kkytbs.org, in your Chapter Operations Handbook, or contact your National Vice President for Programs, Mike Osborn, at osbornmi@pilot.msu.edu.

Kappa Kappa Psi Announces its Biennial Keynote Address Contest

Are you an active member of ΚΚΨ? Are you interested in being a part of Fraternal history as well as an inspiration to the National Chapter assembled in Corpus Christi?

If so, Kappa Kappa Psi is looking for that one Brother who will be selected to lead the opening session of the 2001 National Convention with an original keynote address. Not only does the winner of this competition get to deliver his/her speech, but he/she also will receive an honorarium to cover convention registration costs!

If you think you could be this Brother, please submit either a cassette or video taped version of your speech as well as a typewritten copy to National Headquarters by April 1, 2001. Send submissions to:

National Headquarters ATTN: ΚΚΨ Keynote Address P.O. Box 849 Stillwater, OK 74076-0849

For more information please contact:

Mike Osborn National VP for Programs, ΚΚΨ 317 Becket #4 Brighton, MI 48116 (810) 220-2997 osbornmi@pilot.msu.edu