Suggested Installation Ceremonies for Chapters

#1 — Oath Of Office For New Officers. Officers to be installed are brought to the front when called by presiding officer.

PRESIDING OFFICER: Will _________________, __________________, ______________, ________________, ___________________, and __________________ please step forward.

After the officers are in place, the installing officer begins.

PRESIDING OFFICER: It is important that as_____________ (Chapter Name) officers you understand the task you face, be strong leaders, and be confident and proven support staff who have mastered the art and science of legal support professionals. By the members’ vote, it has been determined that this leadership team is comprised of outstanding individuals who truly define the term professional. A warm round of applause, please, for your 20___ - 20____ leaders.

With that applause comes a debt to each of you for your tireless efforts this next year. Before the continuity task is officially completed, I ask you to pledge to uphold the NALS principles of leadership, ideals, and standards. Please raise your right hand.

Do you solemnly promise that you will perform the duties of the offices to which you have been elected to the best of your ability, and in conformity with the bylaws of this association; that you will faithfully adhere to the NALS Code of Ethics; that you will uphold and support your association in all its activities; that in the conduct of your own personal and business affairs, you will be guided by the highest standards of honesty, justice, and fair play; and that you will, in every manner possible, promote and safeguard the interests and ideals of NALS and the welfare of the legal community?

OFFICERS BEING INSTALLED: I do.

PRESIDING OFFICER: I hereby declare you to be installed in the offices to which you have been elected or appointed. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you:

_____________________________, Treasurer
_____________________________, Secretary
_____________________________, President-elect
_____________________________, President

All officers leave the stage except the new president, who will take another oath of office.

PRESIDING OFFICER: _____________________, the ideals and standards for your association are high. It is your responsibility to see that they are maintained. A great responsibility has been placed in your hands, for on your leadership will depend the present acceptance and future worth of the _____________________ (chapter name).

The _____________ (chapter name) bylaws prescribe your legal duties, but they do not tell you what you shall do and what you shall say during your term of office. This is your privilege and your task. See that by your words and deeds you shall at all times reflect credit on your fellow members and the association _________________________, I wish you a successful year.Will you raise your right hand.

Do you sincerely promise that you will administer the office of President to the best of your ability and in conformity with the bylaws and Code of Ethics of NALS; that in all your actions you will be governed by the welfare of its members, always keeping in mind that you represent all members of ________________________ (chapter name)?

PRESIDENT: I do.

PRESIDING OFFICER: I am proud to present to you the President of the________________ (chapter name).

#2 — Oath Of Office For New Officers. Officers should come to the front of the room - face the membership and also be visible to the person administering the oath of office. Officers should be instructed ahead of time as to where to stand, the order, etc. In stepping forward, they can merely take one or two steps forward from their present arrangement. You may also want to include the appointed officers and make necessary adjustments to the suggested language.

Will the following newly elected officers please step forward as your name is called (NOTE: Be sure to add any additional officers or change officer title to conform to chapter bylaws.):

You have been elected an officer of __________ (chapter name) for the fiscal year 200___ - 200___. As an officer, your duties are prescribed in the chapter bylaws. You are a representative of all members of the chapter.

Your term as an officer of this association will surely be significant for this chapter and to the multi-level association.

As an officer, you will work with the other elected and appointed officers and the appointed committees to set policy and review plans of this chapter. As an officer, it is important that you give the same attention to this chapter’s business affairs that you would give to the management of your own personal affairs.

Please raise your right hand and repeat after me your oath and commitment to service:

I PROMISE THAT I WILL …….. TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY …….. FAITHFULLY AND IMPARTIALLY PERFORM THE DUTIES …….. OF THE OFFICE TO WHICH I HAVE BEEN ELECTED …….. THAT I WILL ABIDE BY THE BYLAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS …….. OF ______________ (CHAPTER), THE ___________ (STATE) AND NALS

(hands lowered)

I now declare you the 200____ - 200 _____ officers of _______________ (chapter), with the authority necessary to perform the duties of each office, to serve the ensuing year.

Members and guests - your new officers.