By Michael Christakis
You’ve heard of “all points bulletins,” well how about an “all leaders bulletin?” This blog is aimed at all ODK members – those in school and those at work, those on campuses and those in industry – regardless of where you sit, I want you to help your Circle.
Just over a year ago, the Society’s Board of Directors approved guidelines that permit Circles to initiate a single honorary inductee each academic year. The Board’s logic was two-fold. First, our Circles should be honoring those individuals who exhibit truly extraordinary leadership in their communities without being hamstrung by having to pay those individual’s initiation fee. Second, by encouraging Circles to identify and initiate outstanding community leaders, we further enhance our Circle’s reputation and the reputation of our Society at large.
Just last weekend, the University at Albany Circle initiated the Mayor of the City of Albany, NY – the Honorable Gerald Jennings (pictured, second from left) – along with 46 amazing student leaders.
If you’re reading this as a current officer and you haven’t already done so, give some thought to those you can honor as an honoris causa initiate who have “demonstrated outstanding achievements in the local, state, national or international community” (ODK National Constitution, Article IV, Section A, Part 4).
If you’re reading this as a member who isn’t presently engaged in the daily (or semi-annual) activities of your Circle, use this “call to identify” leaders as an opportunity to re-engage with your Circle. Who do you know who embodies the values upon which our Society was founded? Recommend that individual for honorary membership to your Circle today.
Honorary membership is an opportunity for our Circle’s to honor and celebrate leadership beyond our campuses, in and around our communities. Contact ODK National Headquarters today if you have questions or need assistance.
