Hey all, it’s Little D! I’m finally getting my patch! I’ve been a prospect for about a year now, but before that, I was just a hang-around. I’ve been asked to write some tips on being a prospect.
It’s not easy. Before I became a prospect, I was just a hang-around. I had to jump into situations and volunteered for rides, and even though I was down for the cause, that didn’t mean the club had to be down for me. Over time they saw that I was serious, and Sunny D let me become a prospect. If you thought it was hard being a hang-around with no benefits, trust me, it’s even harder when you become a prospect. That’s because all eyes are on you now. Meaning everything the club needs you have to deliver, and you better do it right. There were times when I just wanted to give up, but I stuck it out because I realized that because I was now a little brother in the family, they stuck their neck out for me even harder. No matter how much of a hard time they gave me, the club always gave a harder time to anyone who bothered me.
One of the best things about joining the Patch-Tag is that I learned a lot about myself and I’m proud of the man I’ve become. I feel a certain level of responsibility, and I’m proud that my brothers trust me. I feel like I’ve become a better man because of the level of respect I have to carry myself when I’m wearing the patch.
What is required to become a patch holder? As a prospect all you have to do is keep your mouth shut and never talk to any outsider about club business. Show up to church on time, typically earlier to help set up, and just remember to keep your ego at the door. If you can’t respect older members, or if you can’t understand that you’re at the bottom of the chain, you’ll be smoked out immediately. Make yourself available for all events, and do what your told. It seems so simple, but I can’t tell you how many prospects I’ve seen drop off because they couldn’t show respect, show up on time, or drop their egos at the door. Most importantly, do NOT embarrassed the club. The Patch-Tag is huge on carrying yourself with respect, if you’re out in public and wearing club colors, you better not cause any trouble that could bring a spotlight on us.
It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t always fun, but I’m proud to say I’ve become a better man with the Patch-Tag of South Florida. I love that my brothers keep me out of trouble and my girls love the way I carry myself now. I’ve seriously grow 10 years older within the club.
Little D
Prospect