Transitioning to Senior Daughters

After prayerful consideration, a Junior Daughter may transition to a senior Daughter at 16 years old. Transitioning is a very personal and often challenging decision. It is important that she discuss this decision with her Directress, the senior chapter president, and her parents. While her Directress should take the lead role in encouraging her, it is very important that all Daughters offer their support and encouragement as she prayerfully decides to become a senior member.

Below are the steps Junior Directresses and/or senior chapter presidents can take to help make this a smooth transition.

Assign A Mentor 

Assign the Junior Daughter a senior Daughter mentor. The mentor will guide the Junior Daughter through the transition process.

Information the mentor can provide includes:

• The National Handbook and Bylaws of The Order of the Daughters of the King^®.
• A list of chapter officers/members with contact information.
• A list of chapter activities including format and dates of meetings.
• Expectations of chapter members.

Things the mentor can do for her include:

• Invite her to senior chapter meetings or help her connect with a church or Daughter’s chapter where she will be moving.
• Arrange for or even lead her study sessions.
• Arrange The Service of Transition with the clergy.
• Ensure all paperwork is properly filled out.
• Help the Junior discern if she will become a member of the senior chapter or become a Daughter at Large, which could happen if she goes to college where there is no local senior chapter.
• Stay in touch on a regular basis for prayer and fellowship.

Complete the Transition Study Period

The Policies for Junior Daughters (found in the Junior Daughters Handbook) require a period of study, or discernment, for the transition. The transitioning Junior Daughter, Junior Directress and/or senior chapter president should agree upon which form of study she should take. 

Options include:

• The National Study Guide
• A review of The National Handbook and Bylaws of The Order      

Complete Paperwork and Order Cross

All forms and checks should be submitted to the national office.

With help from her mentor or the Junior Directress, the transitioning Junior Daughter must:

• Fill out the Application for Senior Membership checking the box for “Junior Daughter Transitioning to Senior Daughter.” She should also provide her new address if she is moving or going to college.
• Select a cross and pay for a Senior New Member Packet using the National Office Order Form, section A.
  

Hold the Service of Transition

The service should be arranged by her mentor, Junior Directress, and/or chapter president along with the clergy. Found on The Services of The Order page and in both the Junior and senior Handbooks, The Junior Directress Manual, and A Daughter's Book of Services, this service is for Junior Daughters who are to be admitted into The Order as senior members. It is a beautiful service that honors their time as Juniors while making their vows as a senior Daughter.

To review, a transitioning Junior Daughter should:

• Have a mentor
• Have a Transition Study period
• Fill out all paperwork and submit it to the national office
• Pay for her senior cross and dues, if necessary
• Hold The Service of Transition