Pledge Procedure and Protocol:

The purpose is to prepare new recruits for becoming Full Members of PSLOD.

Section 1:  Invitation: An Invitation to Join PSLOD must be extended by a Full Member.

Section 2:  Membership Application:

(2A)    A membership Application must be completed and signed by the applicant and the Full Member Sponsor. This application must be presented at a General Meeting with the Sponsor introducing the applicant to the members. An application may be accepted at any time and the applicant will be assigned to a pledge class.

(2B)    The Membership Application must be accompanied by a non refundable Pledge Fee of $40. A Pledge badge will be issued and must be worn at all PSLOD functions. The Pledge badge will be returned to the Vice President after the pledge period.

(2C)     A pledge shall be given a copy of the By-Laws and Policies and Procedures  at the time of Application.

Section 3:    Pledge Master and Mentor:

The Vice President or designee is the Pledge Master. The sponsoring member is the mentor of the pledge.

Section 4:    Pledge Period and Pledge Classes:

(4A)    Pledge classes will begin on the first of  January,  April, July, and October.

(4B)    The pledge period shall be 90 days commencing at the beginning of a Pledge Class.

 (4C)    At the discretion of the Pledge Master, pledges may take up to 180 consecutive days to complete the pledging process without re-applying.

Section 5:     Requirements:

(5A):    By-Laws: A Pledge is expected to become familiar with the PSLOD By-Laws and its Policies and Procedures.

 (5B)    A Pledge is expected to "meet and greet" (interview) 15 Full Members. This should be a meaningful, in-person exchange of information between the Full Member and the Pledge.

(5C)    Meetings: A pledge is expected to attend a minimum of three (3) Member Meetings  and work  (3) Beverage Benefits.  

(5D)    Event: A Pledge is required to plan and host a social event for the Members and friends of PSLOD during the Pledge Period. This is usually a group effort with other pledges.

(5E)    Behavior: A Pledge may be asked to perform menial duties; no Pledge will be subjected to hazing, sexual harassment or any other demeaning behavior. Any incident of concern by the Pledge or any Full Member shall be reported to the Board of Directors immediately. The incident will be handled in accordance with Articles X  and XI  of the By-Laws (Conduct and Grievances). Under no circumstance shall sexual favors have any relevance on a Pledge's potential membership.

Section 6:   Award of Full Membership Voting Process: 

(6A)    A Pledge shall have completed the 90 day time period in a Pledge Class.

(6B)    A Pledge is expected to speak at each member meeting, and will usually be introduced by the Pledge Master..

(6C)    At the Member Meeting proceeding completion of the Pledge requirement, Full Members, during a closed session, will vote by secret ballot whether or not to accept the pledge as a Full Member. Two-thirds of the votes cast must be in favor of awarding member status to the pledge.  The pledge will be notified of the results of the voting privately by a Board Member – usually the Vice-president.

(6D)    Member fees must be paid within thirty days of acceptance as a Full Member of the Order. The annual member fee of $60 is prorated quarterly from the date of acceptance as a Full Member.