Beta Sigma Phi programs are designed to accomplish two aims. They should INFORM THE CHAPTER and PROVIDE THE GIVER THE CHANCE TO GROW IN POISE, CONFIDENCE AND SELF EXPRESSION. This can only happen if the members prepare, present and discuss the programs.

Give each member a chance to create a program. It is a good idea to have a different member lead the discussion after each program presentation. You get originality, variety and spontaneity that way.

Programs presented by two or more members have several advantages.

• Each member will find different references, giving wider coverage of the subject.
• You receive more than one perspective.
• Each member will stimulate the others to make their presentations the best possible. It will help if they meet to plan their program and work out a summary to highlight their presentation.
• An emergency absence will not leave you without a program.

With a touch of humor and change of style you can add interest and enjoyment to your programs. Try skits, a panel, or a round table discussion. You can use buzz groups, visual aids to a lecture, or a symposium. Mock radio or television programs or quiz shows break the routine, and so do question and answer sessions or chalk talks.

Visit a gallery or museum. Use singing, tapes, CD's or a musical instrument. Even the usual visual aids, movies, slides and posters make the program live. Demonstrations bring them to life, too, particularly if the audience participates. Pantomimes, musicales, or games liven up the presentation.

Outlines for specific program topics are available from International. They are guides and offer suggestions. Use any good book, periodicals, or reference work that bears on your subject. Librarians can advise you about references and arrange for materials from state or provincial libraries that aren't available locally. THE TORCH shares successful ideas as well.

Show your chapter how the information you give can be used or enjoyed in everyday life.

A chapter librarian should file current reference material such as newspaper and magazine clippings, information via the Internet, charts and pictures. She can use expandable paper files or computer files, with one pocket for each specific reference. Members can give her materials they have found and thought suitable for a possible program.

Hold a program idea exchange with other local chapters. Or, research on the World Wide Web!

And have fun learning new things .. about yourself, others and the world around you.