I'm sorry, I don't have any of the questions that were asked, as I was just one of the fellows in the 'audience.' My memory of these is that the WM didn't have a set of preplanned questions that he asked, rather it was just a free flow kind of thing.
“MWPGM, another great article and an excellent idea for lodges!
When I was in the East, I tried something similar. Each month I had one of our officers give a short introduction and share a bit about themselves. It turned out to be a great way for the brethren to meet and really get to know the officer line on a more personal level.
That's excellent too! Thanks for passing it along. I think that in Masonry we often only see specific facets of those Brothers we aren't as close too, anything that can allow us to know a more complete picture of them has to be a good thing.
Interview questions outside the Lodge, and a summary read in Lodge? Live interview during Lodge? How to get reticent Brothers comfortable talking about themselves?
Always a live interview. As my memory serves, I believe that the WM did it both at dinner, and in Lodge at various times.
Your mention of reticent Brothers is certainly a concern, but I think that probably goes away after a bit of practice. Perhaps the more talkative Brothers could be interviewed first so that everyone see's that it isn't so bad to be asked about oneself?
There is a lot of desire for meaningful conversations and experiences among my generation. Though it can be challenging to know what is meaningful if we do not inquire it of our Brethren, or share our own interests.
I think creating the opportunity to provide anonymous, or recognized, feedback is a great way to accomplish this. Perhaps a short form for a Brother to offer positive, constructive, and suggestive statements that could be discussed on the floor during a stated?
This could be slips of paper, an online comment box, or even a Google form. This could be shared with the Lodge after collection, or even just the Line, to provide opportunities for further discussion or acceptance of the coming years agenda in relation to the will of the Lodge.
This might allow those less comfortable voicing opinions to still have their desires brought before the Lodge. I think the better we can accommodate our Brethren’s interests, the higher our attendance, and support for Lodge events will be.
I really appreciate you bringing this up as it is a topic that is rarely given as much attention as it deserves. Have a Blessed one Brother!
Thank you for the suggestion. I was at a meeting where the WM presented a topic called “Unconference”. He asked the brothers to write on a sticky note a topic that they would like to learn more about. After that, he collected the notes and stick them to the wall. Then he asked all the brothers to approach the wall and mark the three topics they were more interested in discussing at lodge as educational topic. After reviewing the marks, he put them in order of votes and presented the lodge with the topics for the whole year. He asked the ten brothers that had more votes to present and expand them at the stated meetings. Everyone knew what topics were going to be discussed during the year and prepare themselves for them. That lodge delivered topics during the year that the brothers selected and were interested in learning more about. The attendance increased after they share this with the district. I think it was a great idea and we should emulate it.
I read about the 'unconference' concept years ago, and always kind of wondered if it could be adapted well to Freemasonry. I've always thought it quite a good idea, so am pleased to know that a Lodge gave it a try! It would certainly make choosing educational topics easier, and would ensure that everyone felt like they had their voice heard.
A topic I used in my workshops was "Positive Aspects of My Life That Have Occurred Because I Became a Mason." This produced great stories, including brothers helping brothers, meeting their spouses, getting jobs, two brothers settling a labor dispute, and a brother reconnecting with his son after years apart due to an argument.
We also had brothers share their important values and how they used them in their lives
I found that this type of sharing is a powerful part of our fraternity, and when given a safe space, brothers will respond, making it truly meaningful.
I really like your topic! Thank you for sharing it. I think that Masons would find it to be really fascinating, and a good reminder of Freemasonry's promise. Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for the creative suggestion
I hope you find a good use for it!
Thank you for sharing this idea. Could you further share some of the interview questions if you have them ?
Fraternal greetings!
I'm sorry, I don't have any of the questions that were asked, as I was just one of the fellows in the 'audience.' My memory of these is that the WM didn't have a set of preplanned questions that he asked, rather it was just a free flow kind of thing.
“MWPGM, another great article and an excellent idea for lodges!
When I was in the East, I tried something similar. Each month I had one of our officers give a short introduction and share a bit about themselves. It turned out to be a great way for the brethren to meet and really get to know the officer line on a more personal level.
That's excellent too! Thanks for passing it along. I think that in Masonry we often only see specific facets of those Brothers we aren't as close too, anything that can allow us to know a more complete picture of them has to be a good thing.
I’ve always thought this a terrific idea.
But I don’t have a sense of the mechanics.
Interview questions outside the Lodge, and a summary read in Lodge? Live interview during Lodge? How to get reticent Brothers comfortable talking about themselves?
Always a live interview. As my memory serves, I believe that the WM did it both at dinner, and in Lodge at various times.
Your mention of reticent Brothers is certainly a concern, but I think that probably goes away after a bit of practice. Perhaps the more talkative Brothers could be interviewed first so that everyone see's that it isn't so bad to be asked about oneself?
Well put MW Brother.
There is a lot of desire for meaningful conversations and experiences among my generation. Though it can be challenging to know what is meaningful if we do not inquire it of our Brethren, or share our own interests.
I think creating the opportunity to provide anonymous, or recognized, feedback is a great way to accomplish this. Perhaps a short form for a Brother to offer positive, constructive, and suggestive statements that could be discussed on the floor during a stated?
This could be slips of paper, an online comment box, or even a Google form. This could be shared with the Lodge after collection, or even just the Line, to provide opportunities for further discussion or acceptance of the coming years agenda in relation to the will of the Lodge.
This might allow those less comfortable voicing opinions to still have their desires brought before the Lodge. I think the better we can accommodate our Brethren’s interests, the higher our attendance, and support for Lodge events will be.
I really appreciate you bringing this up as it is a topic that is rarely given as much attention as it deserves. Have a Blessed one Brother!
Thanks for this, I do think your 'suggestion box' idea is a good one, either old school, or electronic.
I am happy to discuss the details. It’s a fairly simple thing to do with a WorkSpace account.
Thank you for the suggestion. I was at a meeting where the WM presented a topic called “Unconference”. He asked the brothers to write on a sticky note a topic that they would like to learn more about. After that, he collected the notes and stick them to the wall. Then he asked all the brothers to approach the wall and mark the three topics they were more interested in discussing at lodge as educational topic. After reviewing the marks, he put them in order of votes and presented the lodge with the topics for the whole year. He asked the ten brothers that had more votes to present and expand them at the stated meetings. Everyone knew what topics were going to be discussed during the year and prepare themselves for them. That lodge delivered topics during the year that the brothers selected and were interested in learning more about. The attendance increased after they share this with the district. I think it was a great idea and we should emulate it.
Fraternally
VW Jaime Speicher
I read about the 'unconference' concept years ago, and always kind of wondered if it could be adapted well to Freemasonry. I've always thought it quite a good idea, so am pleased to know that a Lodge gave it a try! It would certainly make choosing educational topics easier, and would ensure that everyone felt like they had their voice heard.
Thanks for sharing this!
A topic I used in my workshops was "Positive Aspects of My Life That Have Occurred Because I Became a Mason." This produced great stories, including brothers helping brothers, meeting their spouses, getting jobs, two brothers settling a labor dispute, and a brother reconnecting with his son after years apart due to an argument.
We also had brothers share their important values and how they used them in their lives
I found that this type of sharing is a powerful part of our fraternity, and when given a safe space, brothers will respond, making it truly meaningful.
I really like your topic! Thank you for sharing it. I think that Masons would find it to be really fascinating, and a good reminder of Freemasonry's promise. Thank you for sharing it!