Chambellans may perform inductions within their own region, but they may not perform inductions outside of their region unless authorized to do so by the Bailli Délégué.

By tradition, international officers (members of the Conseil Magistral) and Bailli Délégués of other countries are permitted to participate in our ceremonies, but only if approved by the Bailli Délégué des Etats-Unis.

Induction financial considerations

Part of the induction fee covers the cost of sending an inducting officer and his/her companion to the induction site. The Bailli should obtain a sufficient number of inductees (this number to be determined by the Bailli Provincial) to create a fiscally viable situation. In cases where there are too few candidates, the possibility of having them inducted when a neighboring bailliage has a ceremony scheduled should be explored.

Expenses of the inducting officer

Transportation costs are reimbursed by the National Office based on the current reimbursement policy. The cost of overnight accommodations at a first class hotel (standard or better rooms) is borne by the Bailliage for the night of the induction and other nights if a longer stay is requested by the Bailliage. Also absorbed by the local bailliage is the cost of the induction dinner for both the inducting officer and his/her companion. It is appropriate for the local Bailli to furnish transportation from the airport to the hotel and to and from the induction dinner or other events.

Selection of a date

The date for an induction is arranged between the Bailli and the Bailli Provincial. This should be done as early as possible and before a date is finalized with the host establishment. It is the responsibility of the Bailli Provincial to notify the National Office once a date has been established.

Role of the National Office

Ribbons and Livre d’Or pages will be prepared and sent from the National Office provided the Bailli Provincial advises the Office that the induction has been approved. The Office must receive a list of names of the individuals to be inducted and of those to be elevated at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled date (earlier when possible). Payment of the induction and dues fees for new members and the promotion fees for elevations must be received by that time as well. Pages for the Livre d’Or will be prepared based on a list from either the Bailli or the Bailli Provincial.

Preparations and Protocol

The Bailli should communicate in advance with the inducting officer regarding the arrangement of the room in which the ceremony will take place and the availability of both a Chaîne banner and an inducting implement (sword/spit), both of which may be obtained from the National Office, if necessary. The Bailli has the responsibility of making certain that chapter officers are assigned to perform the various duties that are required. A public address system should be made available if the gathering is large.

Optimally, the induction ceremony precedes the reception so that the inductees have an opportunity to display their newly awarded decorations at the reception, and so that the inducting officers can enjoy the reception free of responsibility. Alternately, the induction is scheduled after the reception. In either case, sufficient time should be allowed for the ceremony, and inductees should arrive in ample time for orientation and preparation.

The inducting officer and his/her companion should be introduced to as many members as possible during the reception.

It is suggested that the inducting officer and the Bailli schedule a meeting with the bailliage’s officers during the time of the visit. This provides an opportunity for the sharing of ideas and for the discussion of any areas of concern.