Alpha Kappa Alpha
Initiation Ritual
1977
Pledge
Ceremony
Introduction
into membership of the Ivy Leaf Pledge Club must involve this pledging ceremony
and this pledging ceremony is a part of induction into full
membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The pledge ceremony follows voting on
candidates, signing of affirmation
cards , approval of Regional Director , and acceptance by the candidate of an
official written invitation to affiliate with the Pledge Club.
Pledging
shall take place no longer than six weeks prior to initiation , except where
university Pan Hellenic and/or college or university regulations dictate
other procedure. In these exceptions, copies at the respective college or
university regulations should accompany requests for permission to
make these exceptions.
In
alumna chapters, the pledging shall take place two to six weeks prior to
initiation.
At
the time of pledging, a pledge card shall be signed by each candidate. These
cards are to be kept on file by the chapter. If the person is not initiated, the
reason must be recorded on the back of the card.
The
candidates assemble in the ante-room where they are questioned by the Sentinel
as to their desire to become pledgees of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
All
candidates are then conducted by the Sentinel assembled. (Soft music is
played.)
1.
Song, " I Think I Shall Never Know"
I
think that I shall never know
Another love
that thrills me so,
Dwells
in my heart by night, by day
As
does my love for A.K.A.
I
think that I need never fear
Where
heart. are loyal,
true and dear.
Secure
I am at work, at play
Of
such are these--the A. K. A.
I
think when I shall come to die
There'll be
no need of fear or
sigh,
For
if I'v e been an A.K. A.
Life
owes me naught
I've
lived my day.
2.
Speaker or
Bible reading (Ruth 1:16 - 17 )
3.
Poem, "The Ivy"
Pushing
the clods o f earth aside,
Leaving
the dark where foul things hide,
Spreading
its leaves to the summer sun,
Bondage
ended freedom won;
So
let my soul like the Ivy be;
Rise,
for the
sun shine calls for thee,
Looking d
own upon things below;
Twining
itself in branches high,
As
if the frail thin owned the sky;
So
let my soul like the Ivy be;
Heaven,
not earth's the place for thee.
Wrapping
itself round the giant oak,
Hiding
itself from tempest's stroke;
Strong
and brave is the fragile thing,
For
it knows one secret how to cling,
So
let my soul like the Ivy be;
Hear
the mighty One,
Lean
on Me.
Green
are its leaves when the world is white;
For
the Ivy sings through the night,
Keeping
the hearts of oak awake,
Till
flowers shall bloom and spring shall break;
So
let my soul through the winter's rain,
Sings
the sunshine back again.
Opening
its green and fluttering breast,
Giving
the timid birds a nest,
Coming
out from the winter wild,
To
make a wreath for the Holy Child.
So
let my life like the Ivy be.
A
help to man and a wreath for Thee.
.
Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha operates within the national Organization according
to a constitution which meets the requirements for affiliation.
.
Chapter systematically work to include in its membership outstanding college
women from different racial, occupational, religious and cultural groups.
Our
program is organized so that the sorors have opportunities to know mare about
the sorority locally and nationally.
We
are committed to a policy of shared responsibility and cooperative effort
between graduate and under graduate sorors in the work of the Sorority.
We
are concerned with the needs of all women and girls.
We
aim to maintain good working relationships with churches, schools, and social
and civic agencies.
We
fulfill our obligations as member of the national organization by:
1.
Participating in the Boule and in the National Program;
2.
Assuming our share of responsibility for the support of the national work in the
following ways;
3.
Following and improving practices recommended by the Directorate, which are:
.
4.
Sending in such reports on our works as requested by the Directorate and Alpha Kappa Alpha Office
The types of reports are:
.
One
aspect of the pledge period is the learning of the preparation of these reports.
Are
you willing to comply with this perspective? If so, will you individually kneel,
raise your right hand and then repeat after me.
The
candidate kneel before the table while the Basileus reads the following pledge
which the candidate repeat after her. Each candidate then signs her name in the
pledge book.
The
Pledge
I,
, desiring to become a loyal and faithful member
of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, do pledge myself to respect, obey and defend
the Constitution, By-laws and Rituals of the organisation and
to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Alpha. Kappa Alpha Sorority.
After
all the candidates have taken the vow and signed their names in the pledge book,
the Sentinel gives each a lighted pink or green candle and a small pot of ivy.
While this is being done, the Basileus repeats the last two lines of the Ivy
Hymn:
So
let my life like the Ivy be.
A
help to man and a wreath for Thee.
The
Basileus is encouraged to commit to memory this portion of the ceremony so that
she can use her hands and facial expressions to convey the meaning and
sacredness of the ceremony.
We,
as sorors, will clasp our hand and sing our hymn. We pledge anew the kinds of
lives that penetrate the dark and light the paths of others.
We
pledge to live anew the kinds of lives that will show the way to the greatest
good and thus supreme in
service to all mankind will shine our sisterhood.
Sorors
clasp hands in circle formed a round pledges and sing sorority hymn. Candles are
then extinguished and the pledgees march from the inner room in solemn music.
Ending
of Pledging Ritual.
a.
The Ivy Pin
b.
The Ivy Club Manual (Ivy Primer)
c.
Alpha Kappa Alpha, 1908 - 1958 or Sixty Years of Service
d.
Schedule of assignments of orientation material;s to be studied concerning the
purpose of the Ivy Leaf Pledge Club; the purposes, history, ideals and
organization of Alpha Kappa Alpha in particular and Greek letter organizations in
general. (See
e.
A roster of the members of the initiating chapter with correct addresses and
telephone numbers.
f.
Date, time, and place of the first meeting of the pledgees for the purpose of
organizing the
Ivy
Leaf Club with officers, planned agenda, etc.
The
following suggestions are made for good relationships between
Ivy Leaf Pledge
Club members
and Sorors.
The
Sorors should attend the meeting of the Ivy Leaf Pledge Club as frequently as
possible. Their attendance should be fellowship rather than for criticism or
ridicule.
The
Soror should enjoy more informal and social meetings with Ivies as sisters, not
as superiors. The Sorors should not expect Ivies to perform personal errands nor
should they request gifts or treats.
The
Dean of Pledges is directly responsible to the Graduate Advisor for Ivy Leaf
Pledge Club program and activities. She alone is to make assignments. The Ivy
Leaf Pledge program agreed upon by the chapter and approved by the Graduate
Advisor, is to be sent to the Regional Director along with the material on the
candidates.
Probation
and Initiation
The
period from the beginning of the PROBATION PERIOD to the end of the INITIATION
CEREMONY is a time of great anxiety, keen anticipation and joy. This could be
labelled in the time of the making of an Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror.
The
period of probation is generally considered a period of testing and time of
group cohesiveness in its highest order for the Probates. The success of the
probation period depends on the creativity, maturity, and level of intelligent
judgement on the part of both Sorors and Probates.
The
probation period should begin one week before initiation, except on campuses
where Pan-Hellenic of administrative regulations differ.
The
activities for probation must not include any acts which may be defined as
hazing, namely, any act that is likely to cause physical, psychological or
social harm to an individual. This includes action taken or a situation created
providing mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
There
must be no consumption of foods or liquids in any pledge, probation, or
initiation ceremony.
Initiation
Ritual
The
setting for the ceremony should be beautiful and solemn. The candidates and
sorors must be properly dressed. All necessary items for the ceremony should be
in place at least one-half hour prior to the time of the ceremony. Items needed
are:
-
table
with white table cloth
-
large
white candle entwined with Ivy
-
white
candles
-
pen
-
record
book
-
coat
of arms
-
Ivy.
Sorors
should wear conservative white dresses. Neither Soror nor candidates should wear
pants. Dress should be uniform: i.e. all wear long dresses or short knee-length
dresses.
Participation
by Sorors
1.
Soror should know the National Hymn, Pledge, the Initiation Hymn, and
demonstrations of
signs
(handshakes and identifications).
2.
Sorors should stand during each degree while candidates proceed through them.
Candidates.
1.
Wear black dress for first degree.
2.
Wear white dress for remaining degrees.
3.
Know National Hymn, Initiation Hymn, Pledge.
In
the actual performance of the Initiation Ritual it is suggested that the Dean of
Pledgees or Membership Chair lady serve as the "Pilot". In this role,
she will provide an atmosphere of tranquillity and calmness for the Probates.
The
Degrees
I.
Devotion and Promise
Setting:
On a table covered in white is a HUGE WHITE CANDLE entwined with Ivy,
representing our FOUNDER, Soror Ethel Helgeman Lyle.
For
this degree ONLY, the Basileus and Pilot wear a black academic gown and the
candidate(s) wear black dress(es). Each candidate should have a white candle.
As
the candidate(s} enter, soft music is sung: "I Think That I Shall Never
Know" or a similar selection.
Basileus:
You have chosen ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA as your Sorority; your choice is a wise one.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is more than a sisterhood. It is a SYMBOL: A symbol
of love, faith, and promise. It is the first GREEK LETTER organisation founded
at Howard University, Washington, D.C., in 1908.
Alpha
Kappa Alpha has established itself as a dynamic group which initiates new
movements and new programs. It serves, therefore, as a t raining ground for
women who will assume increasingly greater responsibilities for leadership in
their expanding communities.
In
the years to come, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
will continue to be a channel through which individuals may find together what
they cannot find separately or
independently -- security, a sense of responsibility, the response of friends
and opportunities for experiences in mutually rewarding service.
Do
you wish to unite with this group of women
who are dedicated to the expansion of their college and communities by assuming
greater responsibilities?
Pilot
to Probates:
Repeat after me: I do
Basileus:
Let us pray. Repeat after me:
Open then
my eyes, O God, that I may behold the wondrous works of this great organization.
Make me to understand the ideals and purposes of this sisterhood so that I may
continue the great work
so nobly begun.
Take
from me any selfishnes and lack of purpose which could keep me from following
the ideals of the organization. Awaken within me holy desires, inspire me with a
new enthusiasm of the revered FOUNDERS and grant me wisdom and strength that I
may render service to all mankind. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Are
you willing to accept the responsibilities and obligations which will be yours as a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority? If so,
repeat after me. " I do."
Basileus
to Probates: I
sincerely dedicate my time and talent to the growth and development of the
program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. This I promise in deed and truth.
The
Basileus lights a candle from the single white candle on the table representing Soror Ethel Hedgeman
Lyle. From her candle, she lights the Pilot's candle, who lights the first
candidate's candle and it is passed on to each candidate until all the
candidates have lighted candles.
Basileus:
Pass
on this torch, pass on this flame; remember from whence the glory came; and eyes
are on you as you run beyond the shining of the sun. Repeat
until all candles are lighted.
Pilot
to Candidates:
Repeat after me.
Candidates:
I take the torch from you. I will be true. I will be free and clean of heart,
and strong to beat the glory to its goal.
To
Our Founders, we bow candidates
bow their heads.
Our
purpose seal: I will for honor of thy name, pass on the torch, pass on the
flame.
The
Pilot then leads the candidate out of the room as the Sorors sing softly.
Candidates
assemble in the ante-room where the following questions are asked by the Pilot:
Pilot
to Candidates:
Are you willing to accept the responsibilities of a Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority? If so, repeat after me: "I am."
Candidates:
I am.
Pilot:
Do you solemnly promise obedience to the laws governing this organization? If
so, repeat after me: "I do."
Candidates:
I do.
Pilot:
Those who are not willing
may withdraw. Pilot
alarms the door.
Sentinel,
stationed at the door:
Basileus, there is an alarm at the door.
Basileus:
Attend the alarm, Sentinel.
Sentinel:
Basileus, the Pilot with the candidates who desire to be admitted to our order
is here.
Basileus: Have
the Candidates made satisfactory answers
to the questions and expressed their desire to unite with us?
Sentinel:
I will ascertain. Sentinel ascertains from the Pilot.
Pilot:
They
have.
Basileus:
Then, admit them. Pilot enters with the candidates, and lights are
lowered.
Basileus
to Candidate:
Are you willing to be submissive and in every way to subjugate yourself to the
highest authority?
Pilot
to Candidates:
Repeat after me: " I Am."
Candidates: I am.
Basileus:
What proof have you.
Pilot
to Candidates:
Repeat after me: I show my submission by kneeling." Candidates
kneel a few minutes. Nothing but silence prevails.
Basileus:
Candidates, arise.
The
pilot and sorors lead the candidates in a line in a winding way. The sponsor of
each candidate should be at her side. The Basileus repeats this phrase seven
times: "Life is a winding maze, and intricate labyrinth through
which we must wander all our days."
Candidates
are then taken to the ante-room after the seventh intonation.
Pilot:
Candidates, are you willing to enter deeper into the mysteries of our
organization? If so, state after me. "I am. "
Candidates:
I am.
Pilot
knocks at the door.
III
Faith and Trust
Sentinel:
Basileus, there is an alarm at the door.
Basileus:
Sentinel, attend the alarm.
Sentinel:
The Pilot with the candidates.
Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority is perpetuated through the faith and trust its
members
have engendered in the ideal and aim of the organization.
Faith
is believing ─ believing so deeply that we act, we live what we believe.
Trust
is to commit something to the care of another.
You
will continue to demonstrate your faith and trust by following those orders
given to you.
It
is not posible to know if Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will provide sweetness to
the bitterness in your life ─
but you must believe that it will.
It
is not promised that the path of life, often strewn with thorns, will be more
smooth as a Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority ─ but you must believe
that they will be.
The
bonds of sisterhood are strong that faith and trust are blind with no
reservations.
Have
you this faith and trust in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority?
Pilot
to Candidate: Repeat
after me: " I have."
Candidate:
I have.
Complete
silence must prevail for two to three minutes.
Basileus:
Each soror in succession will shake the hand of each candidate as an indication
of our faith and trust.
Candidates
are then conducted to the outer room.
Pilot
to Candidates:
Your faith and trust have brought you to this point. Do you wish to proceed
further?
Candidates:
I do.
IV.
Fidelity and Love
Setting:
On a table covered in another area; white candles, ivy and /or roses. Where
possible, there should also be a coat of arms.
Pilot
to candidate in ante-room: The
significance of this degree in fidelity and love. Do you desire to continue in
this work? If so, repeat after me: "I do."
Candidates:
I do. Each candidate is given an unlighted white candle.
Pilot
knocks at door; Sentinel. answers.
Sentinel:
Basileus, there is an alarm at the door.
Basileus:
Sentinel, attend the alarm.
Sentinel:
It is the Pilot with the candidate.
Basileus:
Admit them. Candidates and Pilot are admitted, Candidates stand in
a semi-circle in front of the Basileus who stands behind the table.
Basileus:
You have passed the degree of obedience and faith. You have shown willingness to
accept the ideals and mandates of our organization; you have expressed your
faith in the ideals and aims of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Now, are you willing
to pledge your allegiance to Alpha Kappa Alpha that you will remain steadfast in
your attachment to this Sorority, and promise us your constant effort in its
behalf?
Pilot
to Candidates:
Repeat after me: I am.
Candidates:
I am.
Candidates
kneel and take the following oaths.
I,
, do solemnly promise to keep secret the manner of initiation, pledge and
obligations of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
I,
, do solemnly promise always to live up to the ideals of the organization, to
stand by Alpha Kappa Alpha in every undertaking, to render assistance to any
soror at all times, and to refrain from any expression of ill-will. I shall keep
in my heart these words: Set a guard over my mouth: keep watch over the door
of my lips.
I,
, do dolemnly promise to promote the bands of sisterhood by precept and
example.
I,
, do solemnly promise to love and revere the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and
to do all in my power to perpetuate the organization.
As
each candidate rises, her candle is lighted, a wreath of ivy is placed on het
head and the badge is placed upon her over her heart.
Basileus
to candidate:
Repeat after me: By affixing my signature in this book, I,
, join the
hands and hearts of those Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha who continually strive to
capture a vision fair. She then signs the Chapter initiation record book.
Basileus:
Your
vows have been said, and your pledge made. By so doing you have accepted a
wonderful challenge that requires your
continuous interests, devoted efforts and a lifetime of service.
You
are entering the last phase of this sacred hour, and are about to join hands
with those Alpha Kappa Alpha women who continually remind themselves of the
pledge they made and the loyalties they owe.
May
you always remember that you are not only joining with individuals but you are
uniting with the Alpha Kappa Alpha. May you also become increasingly aware that
the pledges and the vows which you have made before God and in the presence of
Alpha Kappa Alpha women here assembled who believe in you and the potentialities which you have for the perpetuation of our
sisterhood and the advancement of Alpha Kappa. Alpha are a sacred trust to be
honored in such a manner that what Alpha Kappa Alpha is will be in each one of
you.
You
have chosen Alpha.
Kappa Alpha Sorority as your sorority. In Alpha. Kappa Alpha Sorority we merge
our endeavors with others and together we raise our standards high for all to
see.
Together
we accomplish far more than ever we would as individuals. A backward look at our
sorority reveals a history of which we may be proud. That glory is not mine nor
yours. It belongs to our predecessors, those women under whose leadership the
sorority grew in strength and service.
We are
proud of the past. We thank God for the past, but in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
we
must
always look forward to a new era of service. For in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
challenging days will be ahead. Our very existence as an illustrious
organization demands that we meet the challenges of social, economic, and
religious charges with courage and imagination. We, in this sisterhood, are
bound together by affection, by common interests, beliefs and inspiration. We
welcome you tonight as new sorors, with warm hearts and open arms.
Let
us pray.
Prayer:
Eternal Spirit, we yearn for a better understanding of spiritual things and a
closer walk with Thee, that we may interpret aright the times in which we live.
We long to be able to minister, according to Thy will, to People who are
troubled and burdened with the cares of the world.
Instill
into the hearts of Thy servants
each day, fresh confidence in Thy goodness. Deliver us from fear and worry that
we may deal confidently with the fears and worries of others. Strengthen our
faith and increase our capacity for sympathy and understanding. Make us glad to
bear one another's burdens; and be grateful for opportunities of fulfilling thus
the law of eternal life. Amen.
Extinguish
candles. Pilot collects candles.
New
members form circle within sorors' circle.
Basileus:
At this time our deepest mysteries, our secret symbols, will be revealed to you.
Remember you have already vowed to keep them secret. The sorors who have been
designated to explain the symbols now came forward.
Our
Motto:
BY
CULTURE AND BY MERIT, is taken from words formed from the initial letter of the
words, Alpha Kappa Alpha. These words are the Greek words, Askosi, Kai Axiosis.
Our
Colors:
Our
colors are Apple Green and Salmon Pink signifying Abundance of Life,
Womanliness, Fidelity and Love.
Our
Symbol:
The
Ivy signifies Strength and Endurance.
We
wear the symbols of Alpha Kappa Alpha with pride ─ pride that is born of
what we are as
individuals,
what we have done, and
what we are willing to do to keep Alpha Kappa Alpha the great organization it is
and must continue to be.
Our
Coat of Arms:
The
significance of the Coat of Arms is found in
the various symbols which taken together mean, through KKnowledge, Culture,
Wisdom, Endurance and Justice, fostered by Sisterly Love, we extend service to
all mankind.
The
clasped hands signify sisterly love.
The
dove signifies peace and virginity.
The
atlas signifies endurance and strength.
The
lamp signifies wisdom and culture.
The
scale signifies equality and justice.
The
letters "Omega Upsilon" are taken from Greek words which mean
Simplicity and Wisdom.
Our
Grip:
The
grip or handshake has three parts. First, an ordinary handshake, second quickly
followed by pressure of thumb, first and second fingers of the giver of the
grip. If the grip is recognized by the receiver, it is completed, third part, by
pressure of little finger and the third finger, finishing by ordinary handshake.
Basileus
should see
that soror helps each new member to property execute the handshake.
Our
Sign of Recognition:
The
Alpha Kappa Alpha soror making the test, carelessly places her right hand on her
left shoulder as if adjusting her slip strap. The return sign shall be made by
placing the right hand at the bend of the left elbow and casually stroking the
elbow. The above sign is accompanied by the following conversation: FIRST SOROR:
"What do you say?" SECOND SOROR: "Is it wise to say
anything?" or if the individuals are so situated that they cannot talk
while the test is being made, the conversational test may be made later. The
conversation should be continued so as not to attract attention to the test.
Our
Pass Word:
The Pass
Word shall be changed each biennium. It shall be the name of the last chapter
established before the meeting of the Boule. The pass word for this biennium is
.
Basileus
then asks new members to step within the larger circle
to sing the Initiation Hymn and then repeat together the Pledge.
Basileus:
Sorors, for the statement of our Pledge and the singing of our Hymn, we welcome
our new sorors into the larger circle which symbolizes the unity which permeates
our sisterhood. Soror
, please join us in the larger circle.
Each
new soror is named and then takes her place in the larger circle.
Initiation
Hymn
and
may this noble sisterhood be always our delight.
And
may this noble sisterhood be always our delight.
And
may this noble sisterhood be always our delight.
We
love our motto good and true and strive to do the right:
By
culture and by merit, too, we'll climb to glory's height,
By
culture and by merit, too, we'll climb to glory's height,
By
culture and by merit, too, we'll climb to glory's height.
When
cares of life o'er take us and our locks are turning gray,
We'll
always reverence A.K.A. forever and a day,
We'll
always reverence A.K.A. forever and a day,
We'll
always reverence A.K.A. forever and a day.
Our
Pledge
To
thee, O Alpha Kappa Alpha!
We
pledge our hearts, our minds, our strength:
To
foster their teachings,
Obey
thy laws,
And
make thee Supreme in Service to all mankind
O,
Alpha Kappa Alpha, We greet thee!