Remarks for an Induction Ceremony for Sigma Kappa Delta, Psi Alpha Chapter

The Sigma Kappa Delta, Psi Alpha chapter of Odessa College welcomes all of its inductees. We are eager, proud, and blessed to have you here. All of you have contributed to the life of this honor society in some way already. Maybe you were here and participated. Maybe you served. Maybe you helped promote what we do. It is simply a statement of fact to note that you have done positive things for the life of the college. Formalizing you as members is a matter of gratitude.

On behalf of the national organization, I want to express a welcome message. Please do go to the Sigma Kappa Delta website and see what you would like to do. There are additional opportunities for publishing, service, and community beyond what we offer here. I can attest that members nationwide do a lot for their area, their schools, and each other. As I said on Poetry and Storytelling Night, it really is impressive how well self-expression and service can fit together.

A brief note about the organization you have joined. Yes, we do service. Yes, we promote literacy. Yes, we encourage self-expression. Yes, we try to get people to meet and talk to each other. It is vital to communicate the "vibe" that all of these things have in common. People are scared to join or commit to anything in this area. They've seen bad coaches, to take only the most obvious example, get away with so much. Winning can't justify those actions, and losing certainly can't. The "vibe" that runs counter to a culture of constantly having to prove yourself is more relaxed and more welcoming. It doesn't mean a lack of accountability, but it is a different sort of accountability. Are you willing to be present for others? To listen? To serve when you can? To try to say something? That's all that's needed.