Cross & Crescent

From June 11-13, 2009, in Indianapolis, the Professional Staff of the International Headquarters hosted approximately 40 alumni brothers from across North America during the third annual Master Steward Summit.

As a key component of the True Brother Initiative, Master Stewards are selected by the General Fraternity based upon their service, experience, and geographic location. Upon selection, each Master Steward is required to make a three-year commitment.

In addition to attending the annual Master Steward Summit, Master Stewards are required to:

• Serve as a small-group facilitator for Lambda Chi Alpha summer conferences and regional conclave efforts throughout the academic year (both large-scale and small-scale)
• Serve as a resource for High Pis/Chapters working on the Outer & Inner Circle programming
• Attend and/or orchestrate at least one regional or multi-chapter retreat focusing on True Brother and the Outer Circle
• Support with his conclave’s ELC, as part of developing a stronger relationship with traveling staff to depend on one another for assistance, guidance, and chapter support
• Serve as a trusted confidant and resource of the General Fraternity regarding chapter management
• Aid in the development of programming and resources as identified by the General Fraternity

Key training and programming highlights from this year’s training event included:

• A tour of the International Headquarters
• Discussions about the nature of advising
• Review of roles, responsibilities and expectations
• Overview of True Brother programming today in Lambda Chi Alpha
• Presentation and facilitation skills training
• Outer Circle training for new Master Stewards, including Cole Recruitment, Call to Brotherhood, and Exoteric Mysteries
• Inner Circle Training
• Brain research & Millennial Generation overview
• Dealing with strong emotions
• True Leader I & II presentations
• Fraternity update from Executive Vice President Bill Farkas
• Coaching techniques & leading reflection
• Review of Centennial Conclaves and planning for next year
• True ID (Interpersonal Development) program review
• Stead Leadership Seminar and Centennial Celebration Overview
• Crisis and conflict management discussion

One additional milestone occurred at this year’s summit when former Grand High Alpha Dr. Murphy M. Osborne Jr. (High Point 1958) completed the required evolutions and took the oath to become a Master Steward. This occassion follows on the heals of last year’s when former Grand High Alpha Rev. S. George “Doc” Dirghalli (Florida 1950) also joined the ranks as a Master Steward.

If you are interested in learning more about the Master Steward program, please contact Director of Education Tim Reuter (Simpson 2003) at treuter@lambdachi.org.