Brothers –
As summer begins to wind down and the new academic year approaches, it’s time to turn our thoughts to the exciting season ahead. For many of us, the transition from the leisurely days of summer to the more structured cadence of the school year brings a renewed sense of purpose. Band camps are kicking off, schedules are filling up, and the rhythm of our lives picks up pace once more.
One of the most crucial aspects of this transition is our focus on membership recruitment and retention. As we move into the latter half of the biennium, we have a unique opportunity to meet and even surpass our membership goals. For the 2024-2025 academic year, we aim to start with at least 4,000 Active members, and by the end of this academic year , we hope to welcome at least 2,000 new initiates into our fraternity. I share these numbers with you to be transparent about our goals and to emphasize the collective effort required to achieve them. With your support and initiative, I am confident that not only will we witness a positive trend in our membership, but we will also surpass our targets. Remember the influence you hold as a member of our Brotherhood. From one-on-one conversations to actively inviting interested band members to your recruitment events, your efforts have the power to strengthen Kappa Kappa Psi in ways you might not have imagined.
While these goals and metrics serve as valuable benchmarks for our success, it’s essential to remember that our primary objective is to engage and inspire both current and potential members in a meaningful way. Chapters should enter the new year with a clear and actionable plan for fostering connections, building a supportive community, and creating an inclusive environment where all members can thrive. Of course, if you find yourself needing guidance in this area, please do not hesitate to reach out to your district and national leadership for help. We are here to support you!
With this in mind, I am excited to share with you our August 2024 updates!
AUGUST UPDATES
Update #1: Recruitment and Officer Training Workshops
We are thrilled to announce a comprehensive set of training sessions designed to support our chapters in their recruitment efforts and officer responsibilities. Presented by our National Committee on Curriculum Development and our National Committee on Chapter Operations, these workshops throughout August are tailored to equip all Active members, particularly those in or aspiring to leadership positions, with the skills and knowledge necessary for success.
Membership Recruitment and Chapter Vice President of Membership (VPM) training sessions will provide invaluable insights into effective strategies for engaging potential members. A well-thought-out engagement plan is crucial not only for attracting new members but also for ensuring their retention by making them feel valued and included. Workshops will cover everything from initial outreach to creating a welcoming environment for new members. By attending these sessions, participants will be better prepared to face the challenges of recruitment and retention with confidence and clarity.
Additionally, our Chapter Officer training sessions are designed to help current and aspiring officers plan ahead and prioritize their responsibilities. Effective leadership starts with preparation and awareness, and these workshops will guide officers in setting achievable goals and understanding their roles. This proactive approach will ensure that you are ready to face the new year with confidence and clarity. Be sure to register and share this information with your chapter members to maximize the benefits of these sessions.
Membership Recruitment & Chapter VPM Sessions
- Chapter VPM Training Workshop: August 5, 2024 @ 7:30pm CT | REGISTER
- Membership Recruitment Workshop: August 20, 2024 @ 7:30pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Calendar Office Hour: August 26, 2024 @ 7:30pm CT | REGISTER
Chapter Officer Sessions
- Chapter President Training: August 12, 2024 @ 7:00pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Treasurer Training: August 13, 2024 @ 7:00pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Secretary/Historian Training: August 14, 2024 @ 7:00 pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Service Officer/Chair Training: August 14, 2024 @ 8:00pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Parliamentarian Training: August 15, 2024 @ 7:00pm CT | REGISTER
- Chapter Officer Transition Training: August 15, 2024 @ 8:00pm CT | REGISTER
Update #2: Crown Pearl Goals
The National Council is excited to launch our new engagement model, The Crown Pearl Goals. This initiative provides chapters and brothers with specific goals to strive for and methods to engage with the national vision, plan, and requirements. Detailed information about The Crown Pearl Goals will be included in our Fall 2024 Informational Mailer. This model is designed to help us all align our efforts and work together towards our shared objectives, fostering a stronger and more united brotherhood.
These SMART/SMARTIE goals aim to help us grow collectively as an organization and Chapters that complete 10 out of the 15 goals will be recognized as “Crown Pearl Chapters.” The goals for 2024-2025 are divided into three categories:
CHOPs Goals: Chapters are required to submit their Chapter Personnel Report with all dues paid on time, submit their Chapter’s Road to Wisdom Calendar, and turn in the Initiate Reporting Form with dues paid promptly. Additionally, chapters must complete their Spring Activity Report on time and invite their district leadership team to a chapter meeting, which can be conducted virtually.
Strive for Five Goals: Chapters should highlight a service project they have completed, participate in the Month of Musicianship, and attend Founders Circle programming. They are also encouraged to send brothers to their 2025 District Convention and submit their Graduating Senior Report.
Growth Goals: Chapters are encouraged to meet monthly with their Director of Bands or Sponsor, initiate at least five new members, and increase their fundraising efforts by 5%. Additionally, they should host a band social and intentionally interact with a chapter outside their own.
Update#3: Chapter Resource Folders and Continued CFR Office Hours
Over the summer Vice President of Membership and Expansion Dr. Rorrer has been working with our new Chapter Field Representatives (CFRs), Ari Wright and Mason Thomas, to develop resources to help our Chapters. As part of this, we have started by compiling all of our resources into one common location, the Chapter Resource Google Drive. This drive is organized so you can find resources by subject or by office. As we continue to develop resources we will update this drive so that you all have access to the best resources you need to succeed as a Chapter.
If you are still looking for more Chapter support, we encourage you all to schedule a ‘Chapter Office Hour’ with our CFRs. These office hours can be used for whatever your Chapter needs, be it helping with planning, talking through recruitment plans, or understanding OPUS. Sign up today to take advantage of this resource!
In the upcoming weeks the CFRs will be announcing their travel schedule for the Fall Semester, but in the meantime please do not hesitate to reach out if your Chapter needs support by emailing the CFRs at cfr@kkpsi.org or Dr. Rorrer at nic@kkpsi.org.
Update#4: National Committee Updates & Interest Form
Throughout the first year of the biennium, our national committees have accomplished remarkable work, and we owe a great deal of gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who have made this possible. Their efforts have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward and ensuring that we remain aligned with our mission and values. However, we also recognize that committee members may need to step away due to changes in availability and capacity. This ebb and flow is a natural part of our organization’s dynamic.
With this understanding, I am excited to announce the launch of our 2024-2025 National Committee Interest Form. If you are passionate about contributing to the growth and success of Kappa Kappa Psi, I encourage you to consider serving on one of our national committees. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the fraternity on a deeper level, collaborate with like-minded brothers, and make a meaningful impact. Please complete the interest form by Thursday, August 29, 2024.
These committees may vary in size but all have limited space, so I hope to finalize appointments by the beginning of September 2024. For more information about each of the committees and their specific charges, you can visit our Biennial Charges. Please note that we are still working to finalize some of the newer committees so those charges are not reflected in this document yet. Here are all of our National Committees:
| Chapter Operations Communications Curriculum Development Data & Assessment | DEIA Expansion Fundraising & Development History & Archives | Nominations Programs Ritual Education Sponsor & Director |
Update #5: Fall 2024 AEA Scholarship Recipients
In our unwavering commitment to “Striving for the Highest,” we recognize that excellence extends beyond the realm of service to others; it is also deeply rooted in our members’ success in the classroom and their academic achievement. We take immense pride in congratulating our outstanding AEA Scholarship Recipients who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic pursuits.
Distinguished Scholars
- Alyssa Cumpston (NED – Nu Gamma Chapter at Robert Morris University)
- Jackson Snyder (WD – Beta Omicron Chapter at Arizona State University)
- Kevin Rodriguez (SED – Kappa Lambda Chapter at Winston-Salem State University)
- Mary Swope (NED – Nu Gamma Chapter at Robert Morris University)
- Morgan Wadsworth (NED – Alpha Omega Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh)
- Stefan Sundin (MWD – Iota Omega Chapter at Iowa State University)
- Tyler Irving (MWD – Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Colorado at Boulder)
Their achievements stand as a testament to the multifaceted nature of our commitment to excellence, encompassing both service to others and personal academic growth. As they continue to inspire with their accomplishments, we celebrate their academic prowess and look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make on the world. Congratulations to these bright minds, and may their success serve as a beacon for others to follow in their pursuit of excellence!
Learn more about the AEA Scholarship Program
Upcoming Updates & Announcements
Southeast District Governor Appointment: I will be sending out another email to announce my new SED Governor appointment later this month.
#MyKappaKappaPsiJourney Video Series: Be on the lookout on our social media channels for our new video series.
Fall 2024 Informational Mailer: Expect this “chapter officer starter kit” to hit your inbox around August 15, 2024.
September National Month of Service: We are looking for Active members to be a part of our first VPSA Chat of this year, which will focus on our National Month of Service. Sign up to be one of our guests!
2023-2024 (Year 1) Annual Report: We are hard at work compiling all of our reports from Q1 and Q2 into a comprehensive report for our members. This report will provide a detailed overview of our achievements and progress over the past year.
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The future of our Fraternity shines with promise, ignited by your passion and commitment. Let’s elevate this year to extraordinary heights by stepping up, taking charge, and embracing every opportunity for growth and service. Together, we will continue to build an enduring legacy of excellence, inspiring future generations of Brothers, musicians, and leaders to follow in our footsteps.
Brothers, the heart and soul of Kappa Kappa Psi’s strength and legacy lie within each of you—our devoted Actives and Alumni. Today, more than ever, our mission to support the college and university band movement is crucial. As we gear up for another remarkable year and a stellar conclusion to this biennium, let’s unite, maintain our momentum, and march forward together on #TheKappaKappaPsiJourney.
With Love and Appreciation,
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