Thank you for attending MER!

I am currently working on doing some post-MER analysis and figured I would update and talk about some of the great work that was accomplished at MER. I have to commend the NCD for showing up ready and willing to work, ask questions, share ideas, and come up with new ones. I hope everyone has taken what they've learned and started finding new ways to update your MEPs.

Now, just a couple highlights and comments. The Who? workshop focused on recruitment and membership selection and the entire group seemed very focused while discussing with their groups. The individual groups (formed of people from different chapters) seemed to come up with long lists of everything included in the MEP up until 1st degree. It was exciting to walk around and hear everyone sharing what their chapter did and have others ask questions about specific projects. Want some more information about one of those things you heard about? Use the Online Chapter Directory to find those chapter's contact information.

The What? workshop focused on the elements of the MEP. Some great analysis of what is really required to be taught in the MEP occurred. A general consensus transpired that we should be building and focusing our MEPs around the Fraternal Foundations - the Purposes, the Code of Conduct, the Mission Statement, and the Lessons of the Degrees. Look on the district website soon for the information compiled from that workshop.

The How? workshop, guest presented by Rose Bradbourne, gave chapters the tools to implement lesson planning for their MEPs. Everyone learned they should "Stop Reinventing the Wheel" and instead just update from year to year. Find Rose's handouts on the District Website under My Downloads.

Thank you to everyone who attended! Your ideas and enthusiasm about the Fraternity helped make the day a great success. I wish everyone the best as they begin taking membership classes and educating!

Remember, although some ideas we discussed may have seemed focused, you can find different ways to apply them to your chapter, no matter how big or small. E-mail me if you're trying to figure out the best way to make this happen and we can brainstorm some possible solutions!

AEA,
Raina