Philosophy
The Debutante Guild was founded primarily to offer young women the opportunity to develop a commitment to volunteer service. Because the most effective volunteer work is performed with dignity and a respect for others, we must offer our young women the opportunity to accomplish these skills.We also believe the relationship between mother and daughter is very special, a relationship we have an obligation to encourage and enhance. To this end, we must offer opportunities for mother-daughter participation in projects for enrichment not only of the family but also of the community.
At the culmination of our program, the Debutante Ball, the Debutante Guild of the San Marino Woman's Club recognizes the accomplishments of the debutante and allows her to be presented wearing the gold medallion of the SMWC.
This presentation is given in her twelfth (12th) year prior to graduation from high school.
Standing Rules
General Obligations1. Regular meetings shall be held the first Monday evening of each month, October through June, unless otherwise order by the Debutante Guild of the SMWC Board.
2. Elected officers shall be Chairman, First Vice-Chairman (Program), 2nd Vice- Chairman (Ball Chairman) 3rd Vice-Chairman (Membership), recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Advisors. The Chairman must be approved by the executive Board of San Marino Woman's Club.
3. The Chairman shall appoint with the approval of the elected officers the standing committee chairmen as required.
4. Dues shall be $10.00 yearly. Delinquent after November meeting. Monthly fees for Guild as described by Debutante Guild Board. Presentation fees to be set yearly by the Debutante Guild Board.
5. Written response is required of mother and daughter of this guild to Debutante Tea, Ball and all other invitational affairs.
6. Ticket shall be purchased by sponsor and Debutante Guild for the Debutante Announcement Tea and the debutante ball. Should a member not be able to fulfill any of these obligations she must present oral or written explanation to the Guild chairman prior to the event.
7. Sponsor and Burdette obligation to the Guild shall be dual in all respects: membership, service, financial for a minimum of four years.
8. All events that can be, will be prepaid and the money is not refundable. Any amount not used for no-shows will be donated to the Debutante Guild Ball Fund.
9. Any changes in these standing rules must be approved by the Executive Board of the San Marino Woman's Club.
Membership
1. The Guild Chairman shall appoint a committee to review applicants for membership into the Guild. This committee may include, but shall not be limited to Membership Chairman, Guild Advisors, Burdette Advisor, Grade Level Representatives and Guild Members. The purpose of this committee shall be to review and recommend to the Guild Board prospective members of the Guild who will make a commitment to uphold the goals, policies and ideas of the Guild.2. The Membership Committee shall use, but not be limited to, the following criteria in recommending membership (Exceptions and recommendations shall be made by the Debutante Guild of the SMWC executive Board).
a. All Burdettes should be sponsored by their Mothers or Grandmothers. The Sponsor will be a member of the SMWC in good standing (that is all dues and fees paid). The Sponsor will also agree (by signing the membership application), to comply with the Standing Rules and Policies of the SMWC, and the Debutante Guild, to assume financial responsibility for the Burdette and herself in Guild activities, and to serve on various committees of the Guild as requested by the board. It is desirable but not mandatory that the Sponsor be the Mother.
b. Written statements of recommendation by two people known by the applicant will be submitted. The Guild application shall be completed and signed by the two sponsors of the SMWC and where applicable by a Burdette member. The applicant must indicate a willingness to participate in community and Guild activities.
c. Past history of various school, other clubs, and church activities.
d. Summary of participation in volunteer community projects.
e. Honors or awards achieved.
f. Future personal goals of Burdette.
g. Reason why Sponsor and Girl want to join our Guild.
h. The first year in the Debutante Guild shall be considered the "Probation Year."
i. Upon approval by the Membership Committee, a letter will be sent to prospective members to inform them of acceptance into the Guild.
3. The membership of Burdettes at each grade level, 7th through 12th, shall be limited to 15. As vacancy occurs in membership, applicants who are on the waiting list will be admitted upon invitation of the Membership Committee.
4. The Debutante Guild will not accept members into the 12th grade, unless there are special circumstances which must be approved by the Debutante Guild of the SMWC Board.
Requirement for Good Standing of Sponsors
1. The sponsor shall
Attend three General Luncheon meetings including December and May meetings. If Sponsor is a working woman she will fulfill this obligation by attending three meetings of the Business and Professional Evening Guild. If Sponsor is a member of the Juniors she may attend three Junior Meetings.
2. The Sponsor shall
a. Attend all Debutante Guild of the SMWC meetings unless excused absence.
b. Attend Debutante Announcement Tea.
c. Attend Debutante Ball.
d. Work on Debutante guild Philanthropic projects.
e. Minimum four years membership in the Guild.
f. Work on General Club Ways and Means project.
g. Serve on Guild committees as requested by Chairman.
Requirement for Good Standing for Burdettes
1. The Burdette shall
a. Attend all meetings. Must sign attendance sheet and check in with Community Service Chairman monthly.
b. Attend Debutante Announcement Tea.
c. Attend Debutante Ball.
d. Serve on committees as requested.
2. Community Service-specific number of hours to be determined by the Guild.
a. All club Ways and Means Benefits.
b. Helping at any San Marino Woman's Club activity.
c. Candy Stripers
d. San Marino Public Library.
e. Kidspace.
f. Modeling or self-improvement training.
g. Other projects as approved by the Board.
3. The Burdette shall volunteer an additional hour service for each unexcused no-show activity and volunteer two additional hours of service for meeting missed without excuse.
4. If a Burdette or sponsor has not been attending meetings regularly or is lacking in service hours, a private meeting will be held with Burdette and Sponsor, Membership Chairman and one other Board Member to seek a solution to the problem.
5. The grade level taking the self-improvement course shall have class fees included in their yearly dues since this is a mandatory class (10th grade level). This shall be paid in September with their dues.
Awards
Special award given for 25, 50, 75, 100 hours of service beyond the required ten hours of service. Annual Lorene Land Award given for most service hours per year.
Code of Conduct
1. The Guild does not authorize or condone any parties before a Guild function.
2. The Debutante Guild of the SMWC does not allow the consumption of alcohol or other substance of abuse by Burdettes, guests, Debs or escorts attending a Guild function. Any of the above arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave the event.
3. Any person attending a Guild function and appearing in an erratic or unacceptable manner will be asked to leave.
4. It is a requirement of the guild that all sponsors and Burdettes remain for an entire Guild activity unless otherwise excused.
5. If there are behavior problems, girls will be talked to by two sponsors. If this is not effective, then the matter will be referred to the Executive Board. The mother will be notified.