Proposed Changes to How Our Admonition is Introduced and Used
The Proposed Admonition Ceremony
National OA leadership has proposed a new “Admonition” ceremony. It takes place during the Ordeal as one of a series of game-like interactions, interspaced between talks and short work projects.
Text of the Proposal
THE ADMONITION
The admonition is spoken reverently to fellow members as a heartfelt reminder of our solemn purpose. One member comes before another member face to face and places the right hand on the other’s shoulder. With earnestness and sincerity, the first member speaks the words of the admonition.
To love one another.
The other member responds in kind with the same words.
To love one another.
The exchange is completed by the hand clasp of the Order of the Arrow, made with the left hand entwining the lowest fingers. The admonition is a bright, guiding light for our Order. To know and greet one another with the admonition is to be welcomed without reservation.
Questions to Consider
- Does “welcomed without reservation” mean you have to do this?
- How does this face-to-face, hand-on-shoulder exchange feel compared to the traditional whispered words in your ear?
- Will everyone feel comfortable doing this? Will you?
- Who approved mandatory touching and forced intimacy?
- What problem does this solve?
Detailed Analyses
The Current Admonition: What We’re Losing
The Shoulder Tap Contradiction: Youth Protection as Weapon
Additional Analyses (as developed)