Why a new form? For some time, PA DeMolay has been considering a change in forms. The previous form was originally designed with an older member in mind, and had some content that was not relevant to younger members, or to the current generation. We feel the new form will more adequately measure all-around development among members of a variety of ages.

What's new about the form? The first thing you're likely to notice about the new form is its size. Don't panic. The reason the form contains so many pages is because of reformatting and the addition of significantly more space for responses. Some new material/questions have been added, other old material has been removed. The number of questions and amount of response required is quite similar to the old form.

You'll also find that the format has been completely revamped. The form now falls into 6 major topical sections: mental development, physical development, social development, emotional development, spiritual development, and DeMolay activity. The language has been modernized, and some dated questions have been removed or replaced. Additional questions pertaining to important issues of today are now included.

The "parent's letter" has been replaced by a "parental evaluation" section directly on the form, to be completed and signed by one or both parents. A separate letter may still be submitted as well.

Is the new form easier than the old one? Yes and no. Because of the updating, we hope you'll find that the form is more understandable, and the areas we ask about more consistently relevant to your life. So, in that sense, some DeMolays might find it easier to complete than the old form. But, the goal of the new form is to make it more understandable and coherent, not necessarily to make the award any easier to earn, in terms of personal evaluation and time required to complete the project.

Each applicant is still asked to give a self-evaluation in each major area, and to identify some of his own strengths and needs for growth. The intent of the RD process as an opportunity to learn about oneself and one's personal development in life is still the same. The form has been "modernized" and made more age-appropriate to a wider variety of ages, but is by no means "dumbed-down."

So how do I apply? The process for applying for the RD will remain largely the same. A DeMolay must be a member for a minimum of six months before applying. A form may be downloaded (see below) or requested from PA DeMolay, and after completion, will require the approval of the Advisory Council, as indicated by required signatures.

The completed, approved application should be forwarded directly to the PA DeMolay Office, 1244 Bainbridge Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, and we will deliver it to the Director of the RD Program, "Dad" Richard Fitzsimmons. "Dad" Fitzsimmons will contact you for further information, if required, and will notify both you and PA DeMolay when he has reached a decision on your award.

I already have the old form half-done. Do I have to start over? Not at all. The prior version of the RD form will still be accepted until further notice, to allow those who have already begun work on the award to complete it under the old format and procedure.

I'm a DeMolay from another jurisdiction, can I still use this form? Sorry, no. This new form is valid only for application for the RD in Pennsylvania. Applicants outside of PA must use the forms approved for use in their jurisdiction.