Kates steps out into the streets slower than usual- her pregnancy had caused her to be exceedingly cautious as she moves around. But once she reaches an opportune place, she clears her throat and speaks clearly.

For the past month I have been entirely focused on building up my organization and putting together a core group of people that I can rely on, who can serve as an important part of the larger Detroit operation. Though it has taken a good deal of work, I look around me today and I am pleased with the stability I find in my organization. Having established this, today I embark on the first of several changes, projects, and ventures for The Renaissance that will be announced in the streets over the next two weeks.

Recent discussions have sparked reflection on my part of what is considered member whoring and the process in which new men and women are added to various crews. Some have stated that member whoring exists when an unsolicited invitation is extended. Some have expanded that definition to include any invitation that is extended by the crewleader, regardless of what sort of interaction has taken place. While I personally have always been steadfastly against anyone being invited to a crew without any effort on their part, there appears to be almost as many unique views on this as there are people. I am not here to argue for any official stance on this issue, as I'll support whatever Godmother Marietta thinks is best. This debate has, however, changed how I'll be operating the policy of invitations for my family, as I'll be looking to take advantage of certain relatively new aspects of our world.

From this day forward (with the possible exceptions of when the offspring of a Renaissance Made Man presents himself or herself to me... or an occurrence in which a Detroit leader is killed) every new member of my organization will be brought in by one of my Made Men, rather than the more traditional process in which I or my RHM/LHM are asked for and subsequently dole out invitations. By giving every one of my Made Men the ability to extend this invitation, I also hope to reaffirm the importance of this rank in our business.

Anyone interested in becoming an associate in my organization should note the list of people in my profile that can currently bring in a new associate. They should contact one of these people and impress them enough that this member of the Renaissance will vouch for them and extend them an invitation. This person, along with their Caporegime, will be their mentor and superior until they either die or achieve the rank of Made Man themselves.

If you notice an occurrence in which one of my Made Man extends an invitation to a thug who has none no work to earn it, please let me know immediately.

Please feel free to mail me if you have any questions.

Skate begins clapping as to the news that Kates has brought to the streets.

I'm glad to hear this and just like every other mafioso I have my own views. This will put the associate to use. I myself started out as an associate and now am a Made Man in Detroit, an honor I hold close to my heart. I hope too to have the chance as having my own associate under Rhuarc.

Skate shakes Kates soft hand and goes off to bother Rhuarc about being given the opportunity to have his own associate.

Mike finishes clapping

I am proud to serve under you Boss

Doc listened as people clapped for her after her speech. He stepped up smiled, shook her hand and gave her a kiss on each cheek.

Having just recently come off the boats not to long ago I have recently encountered the actions you speak out against here. I was astonished to see so many leaders coming to me and trying to recruit me into "this thing of ours". I always expected that one would have to work in order to find out about such things let alone become a part of them. I was lucky enough to catch wind of your organisation through a friend of the family and followed the more traditional route into this business by means of interviews to see if I was truly deserving of a position as an associate. I admire your actions here today, both the stance against what has been coined as 'member whoring' and because of your excellent use of valuable resources. ie making good use of your mades. I do hope that other organizations see the changes you are making to our community and follow your lead.

LessThan claps

Bravo ma'am.  This has moved us one step closer to holding our values and ways of life.  I am proud to call myself a member of the Renaissance for the mafia values you uphold.  Again I commend you; Bravo.

Recro nods in agreement

"Well done madam excelled your self again in another great speech where my sentiments felt the same way, my you and Detroit continue to prosper under its growing light"

Recro smiles tilts his hat continues back down the side walk

Don_Travats finished clapping and said : it's a great honor to be in your family and really admire your management skills and how you control the family .

I for one think this is brilliant. The responsibilities it adds to the made men in families is something that has been long needed. I know for a fact this venture will result with extreme positivity. I know that I will be strongly considering a similiar ordeal once my crew has the growth and experience required.

Cheers.

Thank you, Mr. Googlez. And i'm glad to hear it!

Good idea Kates and good of you to bring this to peoples attention I'm sure you'll have many applicants.

I'd like to remind people, particularly new arrivals to these shores, about this policy of The Renaissance.

I will continue to take steps to place more focus on the sponsor/associate relationship, as well as making abundantly clear the great divide between the ranks of Wise Guy and Made Man.

Please make sure, if you're interested in becoming a part of the Renaissance, that you're up to date with this policy.

Odd enough... this can be seen as extending the ability of a family to "member whore" since now the number of persons who can invite new members has grown quite a lot.

I am sure the utmost care has been to put controls and watches in the family to make sure that each and every made man who brings in a new person, is bringing in a person only after the most meticulous and careful vetting.

I don't see why 'member whoring' is a problem. 10 guys earning me money is better than 1 guy earning me money, and it stands to reason I'll get those 10 guys a whole lot quicker if I'm not overly concerned with taking on only well rounded and developed criminals as associates.

Already spoken at length elsewhere regarding the problems of 'member whoring'. It is not simply a member = money scenario.

~T~