Like most organisations Apex has its own special way of doing things. At your first Dinner Meeting you might find some of what happens a little confusing. The following should give you some insight into what is going on.

At the start of the meeting the Chairperson will call the meeting to order. Those present are expected to take their seats and become quiet.

The Chairperson will then ask everyone to be upstanding and will call on one of the members to lead the Club through the Ideals. This is an opportunity for us to remember why we joined Apex and remain proud members of the Association. You are invited to recite the Ideals with us, they are printed at the front of this guide for easy reference.

The Chairperson will then ask that all members recite the Invocation, and in some clubs a toast will be proposed, normally to “Apex and Australia”.

All members then take their seats and the meeting proper begins. We have a business session during which we take the opportunity to discuss issues that affect the Club. The Chairperson will ask each of the Club Directors in turn for their report. At the end of each report there is an opportunity for others to ask questions or to move relevant motions.

After all the Directors reports we enter General Business, which, as the name suggests, is a chance for any other business to be discussed.

Meetings aren’t all just business though, there may be a guest speaker present, or club members may take part in a public speaking game. There is also the chance to socialise with Apex friends over a meal, and to share a few drinks before or after the meeting.

At the end of the meeting we have a fines session. This is meant to be fun, during which silly things that Apex Members have done through the preceding weeks will be brought up and they pay a “fine” of twenty cents.

There are a few things that are expected of an Apex Member. They are that you will:

• Attend regular Dinner Meetings of the Club, and that you submit an Apology if you cannot.
• Take part in a fair share of service work and fundraising activities undertaken by the club.
• Follow the provisions of the Constitution, Association By-Laws and Best Practices (available from the Apex Australia website)
• Share the Apex experience with others.

• To make the ideal of service the basis of all enterprise.
• To develop by example a more intelligent and agressive citizenship.
• To provide a means of forming enduring friendships, rendering altruistic service and building better communities.
• To promote international understanding and friendship.

The Ideals - What do they mean?

The Ideals as a whole summarise the aims and aspirations of individual Apexians, Clubs and the Association.

To make the ideal of service the basis of all enterprise

• To be of service to the community and seek support of community groups, to assist Apex in its service activities
• To be of service to disadvantaged groups and individuals
• From time to time, to be involved as groups of clubs in State and/or National Service schemes or projects

To develop by example, a more intelligent and aggressive citizenship

• To care and be seen to care for all individuals in society
• To be active leaders in the community
• To be involved in activities which assist Apexians to grow as individuals
• To establish meaningful relations with other organisations so that Apex is aware of the needs of the community
• To support equal employment rights for all Australians and to develop means of finding meaningful occupation for persons for whom employment is unavailable
• To encourage pride in Australia and our heritage

Youth

• That Apexians shall commit themselves to personal contact and dialogue with the young members of the community
• To strive to reduce the hardships faced by the unemployed, in particular the young
• To work to ensure the maximum possible opportunity for young Australians to fully develop their potential
• To encourage the development of Apex youth clubs in communities where the need exists and no similar facility is other wise available
• To actively support existing viable youth organisations

To provide a means of forming enduring friendships, rendering altruistic service and building better communities

• To assist the family unit and undertake activities to strengthen this role of society
• To provide opportunities wherever possible, for family involvement generally
• To provide through service work, a meaningful process of personal involvement and a sense of achievement for all Apex members

Membership

• To make Apex membership available and attractive to young people in Australia
• To provide programs offering a range of experiences likely to encourage a greater commitment of Apexians to their membership of Apex

To promote international understanding and friendship

• To promote in the Australian community an increased international understanding
• To be involved with organisations in order to be better informed of international understanding
• To see and provide opportunities for overseas service, international friendship and overseas travel
• To provide assistance with re-settlement of newly arrived migrants and refugees in Australia
• To encourage Australians to see a better appreciation of the cultural diversity of Australia

In becoming an Apexian you will be joining an Australia-wide family of volunteers working hard toward improving life for those less fortunate. You will gain experience in areas of leadership and team participation.

New members are the lifeblood of an Apex Club. By getting involved in a club new members bring along new talent, new ideas and new enthusiasm. For this reason Apex is always looking for enthusiastic, energetic people who want to make a difference in their communities.

The benefits of membership include meeting new people, networking, building new skills and, of course, the sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others.