Ceremony Logistics

Preparing for Initiation Ceremonies

Your KDP initiation ceremony is one of the most important events you’ll host as a chapter. Many members consider it second only to graduation in recognizing academic achievement. With good planning, you can create a meaningful experience that celebrates your new members and makes them feel like they truly belong. 

The Tradition Behind Our Ceremony 

The original KDP initiation ritual was adopted by the Executive Council on March 3, 1927. It was designed to combine idealism, symbolism, and tradition in a ceremony that would inspire new members and help them reflect on their commitment to education.  

Over the years, we’ve updated the ceremony to reflect our evolving values while keeping its core meaning. In 2024, KDP introduced our Core Values of Community, Belonging, Leadership, and Celebration.  Today’s initiation ceremony celebrates these values and creates a joyful experience that welcomes new members into our community. 

Every time you conduct an initiation, you’re continuing a tradition that has welcomed hundreds of thousands of educators into KDP over nearly a century. 

 

Planning Your Ceremony (Start 2-3 Months Ahead) 

Choose your date and venue first. Popular venues may book up quickly. 

Send save-the-dates early. Your guest list might include faculty, administrators, family members, and community leaders. Give them plenty of notice so they can plan ahead. 

Order supplies at least 3 weeks before your event. This gives you buffer time if there are shipping delays. 

Plan your timeline backwards from the event date: 

  • 8-10 weeks before: Reserve venue, set date. 

  • 6 weeks before: Send invitations. 

  • 3 weeks before: Order supplies. 

  • 2 weeks before: Confirm headcount, finalize program. 

  • 1 week before: Set up rehearsal with officers. 

Required and Optional Supplies*  

You must have: 

  • 3 candles (white or KDP colors) and matches/lighter or battery-operated candles 

Nice to have: 

  • KDP pins for new members 

  • Fresh flowers or simple decorations for the table 

*Use the most recent branding for all initiation materials. 

For certificates: Order pre-printed certificates with names, or get blank ones and use our template to print names yourself. Don’t handwrite names unless you have professional calligraphy skills. 

Tech Needs: 

  • Microphone system (test it beforehand) 

  • Camera for photos 

 

 

Setting Up Your Space 

Choose the right venue. A chapel, auditorium, theatre, or lecture hall works best. Use a standard classroom as a last resort—your initiates deserve something special.    

Seating arrangement: 

  • Put initiates in the front rows, seated alphabetically by last name. 

  • Guests sit behind initiates. 

  • Reserve a few seats up front for family members who want photos. 

Stage/front setup: 

  • Table with white or KDP tablecloth 

  • Three candles (white or KDP colors) arranged on the table (representing past, present, future)* 

  • KDP banner displayed prominently 

  • Lectern or podium for speakers 

 

 

 

Running the Ceremony 

Use the KDP program template to build your event agenda. 

Keep it under an hour. The actual ceremony script only takes a few minutes, but calling names and handing out certificates adds time. 

Use the official ceremony script. Customize it by adding: 

  • Your chapter name and location 

  • Names of all initiates 

  • Brief introduction for each initiate (optional but personal) 

Speaking roles: 

Chapter officers and counselors should lead the ceremony. Decide ahead of time who reads which parts. 

Certificate presentation: 

Call initiates forward one by one. Have them stay at the front for a group photo or return to seats immediately (decide beforehand so it flows smoothly). 

Sample ceremony flow: 

  • Welcome and opening remarks (5 minutes)
  • Reading of KDP history and values (10 minutes)
  • Calling of names and certificate presentation (15-20 minutes)
  • Closing remarks (5 minutes)
  • Group photo (5 minutes) 

What if initiates don’t show up? Have a backup plan. You can mail certificates to no-shows later but adjust your program accordingly. 

Popular Add-Ons 

Guest speaker: A 10-15 minute keynote from a distinguished educator works well. Keep it short and inspiring. 

Graduating member recognition: Use our graduation ceremony resources to honor seniors. Present them with honor cords or other regalia. 

 

 

 

After the Event 

Host a reception if possible. Even simple refreshments help people mingle and celebrate together. This is where new members really start to feel part of the community. 

Follow up with gratitude:  

  • Thank guest speakers with a note or complimentary KDP membership. 

  • Send congratulations messages to new members. 

  • Follow up with members who couldn’t attend. 

Share the success: 

  •  Post photos on social media (with permission)
  • Send announcements to local media
  • Add photos to your chapter website or newsletter