A prospect would need to be approved by unanimous consent of his Table after having attended the required number of meetings as per your Table’s rules. Once inducted by the Table, the member is automatically recognised as member of that Association, and Round Table International.
It is recommended to prepare a membership certificate for the inductee, this would be signed by his Table’s Chairman and Secretary. One should have a a number of pins ready which will form the start of the inductee’s collection.
There is no obligatory procedure for the induction of a new member. But every induction is a unique occasion for the incoming member and should be conducted in keeping with this most important moment for a Tabler. The following simple procedure is suggested as suitable: -
RTBI Induction Procedure
The procedure is chaired by the highest ranking Tabler at the event. Typically this would be the Chairman of the Table or the National President. There could be situations where this would be a regional or RTI Council member.
Make sure that the Chairman has the attention of the attendees, and they have a drink in hand ready to toast.
The Chairman should invite the proposer and seconder to present the prospective member to the Chair. The Chairman, or his nominee, should carry out the induction ceremony using the following text:
(ADDRESSING THE PROSPECT)
“(name), you have been chosen for membership of Round Table (Association) number … (x) … because you are believed to be a worthy representative of your vocation, possessed of qualities which can be of service to our Movement and your fellow men. Your Acceptance of Membership implies that you will carry into your public and private life the Aims and Objectives for which this Movement stands. Your membership will involve you in an obligation to make regular attendances at our meetings and to support in every possible way the various activities of the Table.”
(PIN IS PREPARED IN HAND)
“In the name of Round Table Malta number … (x) … I welcome you … (name) … most sincerely into the fellowship of our Movement and the presentation of this badge is a symbol of your connection with a world-wide Movement of thousands of like-minded men. Wear this badge at all times and remember as you wear it, that you carry the good repute of the Round Table in all your affairs, for the Movement is judged by those who recognize you as a member.”
(THE CHAIRMAN TURNS TO THE FLOOR AT THIS POINT)
“FELLOW MEMBERS, please be upstanding:-
I would remind you that the obligations he has today assumed towards you and his fellow men are obligations of which you should be equally mindful. I commend to you … (name) … and ask you to drink a toast to him. ”
Sword Induction Procedure
This procedure was introduced by Round Table Romania and has since been adopted by Round Table Lithuania and Round Table Moldova. The procedure takes place in the Association’s native language. An English translation follows:
(Three knocks on the table)
Dear _________
(One knock on the table)
• Do you consider these members of Round Table as your friends?
• Answer: ___YES___________
(One knock on the table)
• Have you acknowledged our Constitution and Regulations?
• Answer: _____YES_________
(One knock on the table)
• Do you like the Round Table?
• Answer: _____YES_________
(One knock on the table)
• Considering your answers, I must ask you to kneel with your right knee on the ground and your left leg bent.
(The sword is taken by the one leading the ritual)
Our dear friend _______________,
With the consent of the knights present here,
By the powers conferred and the goodwill of God,
I name you, (touches right shoulder with the sword)
I constitute you, (touches left shoulder with the sword)
I consecrate you (touches the top of the head with the sword)
Knight of the Round Table (TABLE No AND NAME).
You may rise now as a knight
As a symbol of our camaraderie,
Please receive the pin and the banner of Round Table (ASSOCIATION).
From today onwards, all knights of the Round Table are your comrades!
Adopt, Adapt, Improve!
So help us God!
(Three knocks on the table)
You are my friend!
This is followed by the La La La (Song)
Other Traditions
The newest member within a region wears a green chain, up until the next Tabler is inducted.