She rightly points out that they might well have some great ideas. Why do we, who have been a part of the Craft for a long time, try to guess what the new Mason might like, when we can just make it a practice to ask?
She also points out that this will make that new Mason feel as if the Lodge values him, and that his input is wanted.
Lastly she points out that this moves this new Mason from an observer on the sidelines to a real participant in the Lodge.
What do you think?
Is this a policy our Lodges would do well to adopt?
I think it's a good idea in general. I have seen this done in other venues and have then seen the suggestion not taken and the relationship soured. It would, and have, asked "how is your experience of Lodge different than your expectations?" Gets you to a similar data point with more leeway. But in general, I think getting this input from new Masons is a good idea.
It's a good point. In our Lodge, we have an annual discussion as part of an education evening. We put the Lodge at ease and convene in a circle (the foldable wooden chairs we use are over 100 years old from former Scottish Rite apartments in our old Hall, so that's kind of cool) and we open the floor to discuss the future. It's very open and free-flowing. Key ideas are captured and shared to the Brothers afterwards. Ones we really like go to the Advisory Board and then may be put into the long term planning and taken on by a WM as part of his agenda when he gets elected. New Brothers are actively encouraged to engage and they do. Our average attendance is 70% of active members.
We started a LRP Committee That Committee feeds the other committee's with direction based on Quarterly meetings where we talk about future lodge activities that are voted on during the business session. With that we've reintroduced family nights, Held Widows functions, Hosted parades, District events, Food Events, Special education programs, Hosted entertainers, etc. The temple it self opened for some activities in some form last year 191 times of which the actual lodge accounted for 121 of those events. www.monroe244.org
with that said, we have a energy in the lodge that is positive, active and uncommon from what I see. Many men donate a lot of Money and time to make this happen.
That is really, really awesome! And the way Freemasonry will be revitalized. Unfortunately, we have far too many Temples that are opened ten or twelve times a year. None of those Lodges will survive long term.
The crazy thing was, All of the young people present wanted to do a lot. They were just waiting on some one to organize and lead. Lodges and orgs are dieing due to apathy, men focusing time on their personal lives, and a lack of leadership. There is a leadership deficit and a unwillingness to invest time and treasury in a civic good that prevails our society.
Asking members what matters to them…what a novel idea!
I believe she is on the right track. Getting new members integrated into a lodge is one of the most important tasks, and is often overlooked.
Feeling valued turns a “regular attender” into a “contributing member.”
It does seem that sometimes we miss important things!
That is a great idea. One thing I do is to ask each member how they are, their families, their jobs, etc...
It takes some time, but taking a moment to address each one of them makes the chain more stronger.
I agree. We need to get to know our Brothers on a deep, not only a surface level if we are to forge solid bonds.
I think it's a good idea in general. I have seen this done in other venues and have then seen the suggestion not taken and the relationship soured. It would, and have, asked "how is your experience of Lodge different than your expectations?" Gets you to a similar data point with more leeway. But in general, I think getting this input from new Masons is a good idea.
You are right to point out that danger. Thank you! The last thing we would want to do is seek a new Brother's ideas and then disappoint him.
It's a good point. In our Lodge, we have an annual discussion as part of an education evening. We put the Lodge at ease and convene in a circle (the foldable wooden chairs we use are over 100 years old from former Scottish Rite apartments in our old Hall, so that's kind of cool) and we open the floor to discuss the future. It's very open and free-flowing. Key ideas are captured and shared to the Brothers afterwards. Ones we really like go to the Advisory Board and then may be put into the long term planning and taken on by a WM as part of his agenda when he gets elected. New Brothers are actively encouraged to engage and they do. Our average attendance is 70% of active members.
That sounds like a superb yearly event! And the attendance numbers you mention certainly point that out. Thanks for sharing this!
I think its a very good idea so much so I have shared it to lodge page
Thank you Brother!
We started a LRP Committee That Committee feeds the other committee's with direction based on Quarterly meetings where we talk about future lodge activities that are voted on during the business session. With that we've reintroduced family nights, Held Widows functions, Hosted parades, District events, Food Events, Special education programs, Hosted entertainers, etc. The temple it self opened for some activities in some form last year 191 times of which the actual lodge accounted for 121 of those events. www.monroe244.org
with that said, we have a energy in the lodge that is positive, active and uncommon from what I see. Many men donate a lot of Money and time to make this happen.
That is really, really awesome! And the way Freemasonry will be revitalized. Unfortunately, we have far too many Temples that are opened ten or twelve times a year. None of those Lodges will survive long term.
The crazy thing was, All of the young people present wanted to do a lot. They were just waiting on some one to organize and lead. Lodges and orgs are dieing due to apathy, men focusing time on their personal lives, and a lack of leadership. There is a leadership deficit and a unwillingness to invest time and treasury in a civic good that prevails our society.