Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity is excited to gather with brothers and friends in just a few weeks for the 67th General Convention. Convention is a time for personal and professional development, spending time with brothers, and moving Phi Sig Forward through conducting the business of the Grand Chapter. Every general convention is different, and each year’s experience is unique. Here’s a list of the top five things to look forward to about this year’s event in Dallas!
- Launch of New Brotherhood Program
As you may have heard, Phi Sigma Kappa is announcing a new brotherhood development program at this year’s convention. The program will be launched over the course of the next three years, with the associate member program beginning fall 2019. At convention, brothers in attendance will learn more about the program and get to experience first-hand elements of the associate member experience. Inductors will be specifically trained to implement the program within their chapters.
- Ritual
If you’ve been to a national Phi Sigma Kappa event before, you know that one of the most special parts is getting to experience the ritual of the Fraternity with brothers from across the nation. The Beta Epsilon chapter at Pittsburg State University will lead participants through the Ritual for the Initiation of New Members and then Ritual Committee Chairman, Brother Tony Fusaro (Rhode Island ’58), will facilitate the Ritual Exemplification. This special session will educate brothers on the proper display of the ritual and give brothers a sense of just how great Phi Sigma Kappa’s history is.
- Off-Site Brotherhood Event
Another phenomenal planned event is the off-site brotherhood event where participants get to relax and enjoy some Western-themed food and games. Austin Ranch sits on more than 90 spectacular acres of rolling hills and dense woods, including a 10-acre lake. Transportation is provided and the event is FREE to all convention registrations participating in Thursday’s events. All you have to do is get on the bus!
- Presentation of Awards
General convention is always a celebration of brotherhood, but also it’s a celebration of the accomplishments of our local chapters and alumni clubs from the past year. Awards are based on an application process, released earlier this spring, and will be given for general operations such as recruitment, risk management, and philanthropy and service and the coveted Chapter of Honor and Outstanding Chapter awards. Individual awards such as Order of the Diamond Circle and Distinguished Alumnus will also be awarded. Make sure to check social media for the winners if you’re not in attendance!
- Business Meetings
The most important aspect for general convention is conducing the business of the Grand Chapter. The opening business meeting includes a voting delegate roll call, committee reports and a report from the Grand President and Executive Director/COO. The closing business meeting will be history-making in that the convention body will vote on the Grand President and Grand Council of the Grand Chapter, as well as any proposed constitution or policy changes. Each local chapter will have the opportunity to have a voting delegate make their voice heard during the election process!