Some suggestions and guidelines for holding a Legion Congress per Chapter 30, Section 5 of the Handbook:
WHAT IT IS NOT:
The One Day Congress is not a Convention in the American sense of the word. It is not intended to show off the Legion’s great numbers as at the Acies. A hotel or other elaborate facility is not a requisite. A School or Church with cafeteria or lunch room and a large hall for the discussions are sufficient. Please read the Handbook Chapter 30, Section 5 on “The Congress”.
It is not a Conference which is a two or three day affair held by the highest council in an area to highlight an anniversary or the establishment of a Senatus, etc.
It is not a Seminar or Workshop where members are divided up into small groups. The full body of the members should be together for the whole day, especially in the discussion sessions. Please read Handbook section Chapter 38 on “Patricians”, especially the paragraphs entitled “Some Patrician Principles”. The running of a One Day Congress is based on these principles.
It is not a panel or question and answer period, or a lecture by experts. The speakers should not be singled out (or chosen in the first place) because it is presumed they have “all the answers”. Ordinary local Legionaries should be asked to give the short opening talks at each session. This is a good opportunity to train your members, and since these talks are only intended to spur discussion they need not be more than seven to ten minutes in length.
A closing address should be scheduled however to be given by Father, a visiting Envoy, or one of the Senatus Officers. Local Spiritual Directors or the Bishop could also be scheduled to speak at the luncheon or at the Church service.
It is not a Forum for speakers of other movements and organizations.
It is not a discussion of problems – themes should be positive, idealistic, and Spiritual.
WHAT IT IS:
The One Day Legion Congress is a day long discussion of Legion Principles and Ideals, divided into three or four sessions with an overall theme and sub-topics which should be definite, related, and structured so that the discussion and ideas build throughout the day.
GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL ONE DAY CONGRESS
- Don’t arrange the seating audience style. Use semi-circles or chairs around the small table with the Chairperson, Speaker, Spiritual Director, and the Legion Altar. (if a long narrow room, set up along a side wall)
- Don’t put the table on a stage or elevation – the idea is informal discussion from the body; not from the Chairperson, Director or Speaker.
- Don’t use a microphone – train the members to speak out to the body.
- Don’t let the members sit when making a comment – each should stand, including the chairperson, as a contribution is made. Applause should either be given after each comment or eliminated altogether, except for times when it comes naturally.
- Don’t let the discussion get off the track – don’t let certain members monopolize the time – ask for all those who have not yet participated to do so.
- Don’t spend a lot of money. Keep the affair simple and as inexpensive (not cheap) as possible so that every Legionary regardless of means can participate fully. Have the meal catered so that no Legionaries miss the Congress sessions.
- Don’t print an elaborate program – a simple folded 8 ½” x 11” sheet or card printed on four sides is adequate.
- Don’t offer a donation to any Senatus officers who give talks at the Congress or to any other Legionaries who participate. Father or a visiting Legion notable is a different matter, and the Spiritual Director of your Counsel can advise you on this. On the other hand, Legionaries who are asked to give a major address and who come from another Council should be exempt from the registration and luncheon fees.
- Don’t keep your One Day Congress a secret – invite all the Councils in the Senatus area, in plenty of time, even though it appears they may not attend.
- Have a special evening, the night before the Congress for the benefit of Legionaries travelling a distance.
- Don’t hold a One Day Congress without submitting plans and a copy of the program to the Senatus Officers well in advance. Like any other official Legion meeting the Congress is a tremendous source of spirit, grace, and enlightenment; provided it is run according to the System. These suggestions plus the two sections of the Handbook mentioned above will help make your One Day Congress a success.