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• Qualifications of a Forester

Ranger addresses candidate (or candidates) and says, in a friendly way; "Pay particular attention to what you hear as it is important." Take in order to Brothers Xi, Sigma, and Pi. (As a setting it is desirable to have the room darkened, with just enough light to allow the reading of the parts.) A full minute should elapse before Brother Xi begins and a half minute interval between the other readings, during which time silence is maintained by all present.

Brother Xi: (Forester)
"Neophyte (or Neophytes) _________, I represent Xi, the fundamental of eternal friendship, which is a differentiating quality between man and beast. As a person you depend on other people for your welfare, and they in turn upon you. You should appreciate the fact that all people have some good in them as well as bad, and that all men are brothers. Your duty is to help those in need in such a way that they will be better fitted to carry on their life's work. Yours should be the ever ready hand of helpfulness. Remember that the sins of omission are as great as those of commission. May you always be know as a real friend."

Brother Sigma: (Asst. Forester)
"Neophyte (or Neophytes) _________, I represent Sigma, the fundamental of honor, which, being part of the foundations of civilization, is the combination of fair play, honesty, and loyalty. Xi Sigma Pi expects you to be fair, honest, and loyal both to yourself and to your associates. To be recognized as being honorable is to have achieved the highest approbation of peers. May you so be known.

Brother Pi: (Ranger)
"Neophyte (or Neophytes) _________, I represent P:i, the fundamental of Earnest Endeavor, which makes for extraordinary success, and a exceptional ability a genius. Its keystone is efficiency and its cornerstone is indefatigable industry. Xi Sigma Pi believes that continuous and efficient industry will be rewarded with the utmost in satisfaction, namely, the consciousness of work well done. May you so strive."

Forester:
Xi Sigma Pi is the oldest and the largest national Forestry Honor fraternity originating in the colleges of the United States. The objects of our fraternity are: to maintain a high standard of scholarship in forestry education, to work for the improvement of the forestry profession, and to promote a fraternal spirit among those engaged in activities related to the forest.

Xi Sigma Pi has recognized in you the qualities which are essential in the carrying out of the aims and purposes of the fraternity. It is because of your unselfish interest in the affairs of the forestry profession, your activity in your school, your high scholastic standing, your high ideals, and the qualities of potential leadership which you possess that Xi Sigma Pi has selected you to assist in furthering its objectives.

Forester shall say: AIs it still your wish to join this fraternity?"
(The candidate(s) having so declared), he continues as folows:

Raise your right hand and repeat after me:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm)/ to further these objects/ to the best of my ability/ and insofar as is honorably possible/ the interests of my fraternity brothers/ and furthermore/ I promise to so conduct myself/ as to be ever an honor/ to this fraternity and its members/."

(As a setting it is suggested that a spot light be focused on the chapter charter. Set candidate(s) facing the chapter charter and chapter officers, with rest of members behind the candidate(s).

The Forester will then explain the Fraternity's symbol.

"The first and most significant part of the symbol is the fir tree which signifies, first, vigorous life, typical of youth second, the general study of forestry which is the original conception upon which the fraternity was founded.

"The crescent, on which the fir tree stands, is the symbol of Pallas Athene, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and patroness of the arts and industries.

"In the oval beneath the fir tree are the two Greek capital, Pi ___ Alpha, the first letters of the Greek Goddess' name.

"For the first word in the motto of our fraternity, we have chosen Zenia, the Greek word for eternal friendship; second the word Sebus which stands for manly honor and lastly, the word Para which means Earnest Endeavor.

"For a password, we have chosen the last word, Para.

"Remember as a member of Xi Sigma Pi, you have attained a distinction not within the reach of all. By accepting this honor you are obligated to act so as to be deserving of it. You have one more incentive for becoming a leader (or, "leaders") in your profession.

"Strive always to make your decisions wise and helpful to mankind. Be friendly to your associates. Be honorable in all your acts, and always make an earnest endeavor to do your best at everything you undertake. We now welcome you as a member (or members) and brother (or brothers) in Xi Sigma Pi."

The certificates of membership should be passed out at this point and each of the chapter's old members should welcome the new members.