Programs
We have developed two Community Service based programs vital to the development of our prospective members and the growth of our fraternity’s mission. These two programs are Men Interested in Esquire and the Promise Program.
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Our Program Mission Statement: Capitalize on our talents, energy, and selflessness to enhance the quality of life in the Petersburg/Virginia State University communities through individual and collective community programs and partnerships with other organizations.
MIE PROGRAM
The MIE program is for those interested in membership into Esquire, and it introduces aspiring members to the acts and values by which Esquire members dedicate their lives to developing young men to better themselves, our communities, and all humankind. The MIE program is comprised of three pillars: Mentorship, Internship, and Entrepreneurship.
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Mentorship
Mentorship is the foundation and key element that influences a young brother's successes and failures as he navigates through the academic and social stresses of college. We believe mentorship should be based on today’s research-based best practices and benefit both the mentor and mentee. Our mentors are the MIE Cadre, and they stand ready to assist you in finding the unique solutions that help you become the best version of yourself. Prospective members will have a chance to review our Cadre of Mentors. Their vast backgrounds and experience make them eminently qualified to add value to your academic, professional, and personal pursuits.
Internship
There are many ways during your collegiate experience to conduct your internship research and find rewarding career experience. Our Cadre have interned across a broad spectrum of career fields. Some of their experience includes interning in the Virginia State General Assembly in the office of now former governor and senator Douglass Wilder, the office of former Petersburg City Manager James Bond, and in various positions at Virginia State University. These practicums combined with years of career experience make our Cadre eminently qualified to assist you in your desired intern endeavors.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship will be the culminating event for all the hard work and study in school. Brothers of Esquire will assist those passionate about becoming entrepreneurs. Our Cadre support young entrepreneurs by helping identify the private venture or partnership new members aim to establish and providing the networking skills and opportunities needed to reach their goals. We recognize that entrepreneurship is not easy, and many of our brothers have gotten where they are in business through trial and error. Their successes and failures should serve as inspiration and direction to your business endeavors.
The Promise Program
Matriculating through the MIE Program is gateway to entering the Promise Program. You will complete all screening criteria, fraternity admission requirements, pay a $380.00 initiation fee, and then be selected to be initiated into the fraternity by undergoing a three-week initiation called the Promise Program.
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The Promise Program is tailored to be community service based. This means you will be provided opportunities for the majority of your time to be spent participating in the community
without compensation. Provided community service opportunities include service at public libraries, local churches, food pantries, soup kitchens and other civic action groups.
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You will also be required to learn about the history of Esquire and will receive an examination at the close of each module. Upon completion of the Promise Program, you will be notified of your selection and will then be formally inducted into the Brotherhood.
Esquire XIII has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing of any kind. Hazing and aiding and abetting another person engaged in hazing are strictly prohibited.
Promise Program; Five-Step Journey to Becoming an Esquire
Step One: “Be Ye Always a Gentleman.”
Step Two: Intake
- Submit an application on-line or through a member.
- Background Check and in-person interview.
- Pay $380.00 initiation program fee.
Step Three: Selection for Promise Program
- Start Page Stage.
- Demonstrate an intellectual investment in high academic performance.
- Complete the Esquire Fraternity Education Modules and Exams.
Step Four: Start the Squire Phase
- Investment in self-improvement; demonstrate engagement in opportunities for personal
development and leadership.
- Investment in Service; volunteer to support schools, community initiatives, and/or programs
serving marginalized populations.
- New member fundraiser to support fraternity programing and initiatives.
Step Five: Completion
- Complete The Promise Program, participate in membership ceremony followed by new member showcase/performance.
Becoming an Esquire is an ongoing journey of self-improvement and commitment to the values of the fraternity. Interest Group meeting dates are being coordinated for Fall and Spring Semesters of the
2023 -2024 school year. Announcements will be available in your Residence Halls and on all social
media platforms.
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Community Engagement
After fall collegiate Homecoming celebrations, which aid university scholarship funding and charitable donations to the Petersburg Library Foundation, we look forward to lending our services to local communities through clothing and food drives and partnering to support local food kitchens. An initiative to integrate potential new MIE members into assisting in local library/community relations is under development.
International Outreach
There is much interest in extending our community service outreach abroad. In the mid 80's our collegiate chapter's received designated names in Swahili. As there is much need for work with the under privileged in many parts of Africa, especially in the outlying villages, we look forward to developing the impact we can make as a brotherhood. An exploratory committee will soon form to see what options are available to the brotherhood to support international causes.
