RLCs Kick Off in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Tekes converged on Jacksonville, Florida in droves to kick off the Regional Leadership Conference season. The registration table was constantly busy and the welcome reception officially opened the symposium. Named in honor of Elmer & (his late wife) Donna Smith in 2007, Frater Smith said this is a very important time for collegiates and alumni.

"Being the president of the chapter was a tremendous learning and growing experience," said Frater Elmer. "I have always believed that experience laid the foundation for me becoming a successful teacher, coach and mentor. The greatest meaning of success is to share in a way to help others. A true TEKE can and should give back some token of appreciation. The amount is not the important or relevant point."

Frater Anthony Grant, a new member of TKE Colony 794 at Barry University, said it is important for Fraters to take this opportunity seriously. "I came to become a more effective leader and take the opportunity to enhance my skill set. There is no such thing as having enough skills, and I feel there is always something that I can improve on. I am learning how to be more efficient and lead effectively."

Friday showed attendees how to perform ritual through the "Working Ritual" and in the subsequent "Formal Ritual" practice. Saturday kicked off learning sessions starting at 9AM that ranged from Chapter Operations to Officer Round-ups to Volunteer Training. Saturday afternoon is filled with Recruitment training with the "Legend" Frater Buckwheat Perry and introducing one of TKE's new philanthropic endeavors, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In the afternoon, Fraters will be treated to a lunch featuring keynote speaker Frater Elmer Smith.

Frater Anthony said he hopes to gain valuable experience for the future success of his colony. "I am looking to walk away with a whole new perspective on how to run my chapter. I want to use the new ideas I am learning to recruit more men for my chapter and to come to future RLC's. I also want to take this opportunity to network with fellow Fraters and gain some great new contacts for the future."

There are still four more opportunities to make a Regional Leadership Conference , but space is filling up quickly. Kansas City , San Francisco , Indianapolis , and Philadelphia are still open. Don't miss out by registering today. Get your officers, future chapter leaders and new members signed up. We can't wait to see you there.