I think that no matter what we do, we have to increase dues to a level that will support our Lodges.
As for this specific Lodge, I don't think that it drastically increased its dues as a result of this program, but it does have other significant streams of income I believe. But yes, I do think that a Lodge could use a program like this to…
I think that no matter what we do, we have to increase dues to a level that will support our Lodges.
As for this specific Lodge, I don't think that it drastically increased its dues as a result of this program, but it does have other significant streams of income I believe. But yes, I do think that a Lodge could use a program like this to make its members feel better about increasing dues, knowing that the Brothers would be able to afford it.
Those that have moved away and can't possibly attend Lodge, but who maintain their membership for sentimental reasons are I think a different matter. Their situation can be dealt with reasonably I think, but doing so would force us to think as if we exist in the year 2023 and not the year 1717.
Why couldn't our Lodges implement a dues structure that adequately covered the expenses of our Lodge, and made adequate provision for a great Lodge experience. For the members who live within 100 miles of the Lodge.
And then another dues rate for those men who have moved away, will never be able to attend Lodge, but who would like to maintain their connection to it for sentimental reasons?
Why do our Lodges believe, in 2023, when computers can make all of this so very easy, that dues must be set at one single price, for everyone?
Why not charge proper dues to those who can benefit from them, but create a different tier for those who simply want to maintain a distant tie?
Personally, I think our smartest move would be to stop selling life memberships, other than Memorial Life Memberships. Generally speaking, life memberships do not work out well for our Lodges. They are sold far too cheaply, and there is little chance that prices for them will ever rise to a level that they will actually be of benefit to a Lodge as long as the Brother holding them lives.
I too continue to pay dues to two Lodges that I've moved away from, one that I'll probably never be able to attend again. For sentimental reasons, and I think for your reason No. 1.
As for your reason No. 2, I've got some thoughts, and I'll be back here with them. But Melinda says dinner is served!
Your reason No. 2, when I first moved to Lewis Co. from Snohomish it was quite a lot of culture shock as well. It took me quite a bit of time to decide which Lodge to join, and then a couple of years just sitting on the sidelines, absorbing how Masonry was different here from what it was there.
I think that no matter what we do, we have to increase dues to a level that will support our Lodges.
As for this specific Lodge, I don't think that it drastically increased its dues as a result of this program, but it does have other significant streams of income I believe. But yes, I do think that a Lodge could use a program like this to make its members feel better about increasing dues, knowing that the Brothers would be able to afford it.
Those that have moved away and can't possibly attend Lodge, but who maintain their membership for sentimental reasons are I think a different matter. Their situation can be dealt with reasonably I think, but doing so would force us to think as if we exist in the year 2023 and not the year 1717.
Why couldn't our Lodges implement a dues structure that adequately covered the expenses of our Lodge, and made adequate provision for a great Lodge experience. For the members who live within 100 miles of the Lodge.
And then another dues rate for those men who have moved away, will never be able to attend Lodge, but who would like to maintain their connection to it for sentimental reasons?
Why do our Lodges believe, in 2023, when computers can make all of this so very easy, that dues must be set at one single price, for everyone?
Why not charge proper dues to those who can benefit from them, but create a different tier for those who simply want to maintain a distant tie?
Personally, I think our smartest move would be to stop selling life memberships, other than Memorial Life Memberships. Generally speaking, life memberships do not work out well for our Lodges. They are sold far too cheaply, and there is little chance that prices for them will ever rise to a level that they will actually be of benefit to a Lodge as long as the Brother holding them lives.
I too continue to pay dues to two Lodges that I've moved away from, one that I'll probably never be able to attend again. For sentimental reasons, and I think for your reason No. 1.
As for your reason No. 2, I've got some thoughts, and I'll be back here with them. But Melinda says dinner is served!
Your reason No. 2, when I first moved to Lewis Co. from Snohomish it was quite a lot of culture shock as well. It took me quite a bit of time to decide which Lodge to join, and then a couple of years just sitting on the sidelines, absorbing how Masonry was different here from what it was there.
But in time it began to feel like home.
2023-08 resolution significantly increases the cost of life memberships, I hope the brothers pass this one.
Me too. It doesn't increase the minimums enough, but it is a step in the right direction!