My lodge created a monthly philosophical discussion group to consider the type of topics you have described. We developed guidelines for topics and participation. Some key elements were the topics discussed were agreed upon by the group, the proposer of the topic served as facilitator of the discussion and was responsible for providing study material one week before the meeting. Here is a link to a folder that contains a guideline document and some of the study guides used. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_kojFF6rC_QunAEgyYFIalPmwa0Jmjxf?usp=sharing
I think the most important aspects of this type of group are that everyone is aware of the topic, studies the material provided before coming, and then participates by offering their perspective. I'm not sure how this might work by inviting the public.
Thank you for this, it is really helpful. I presume that if non-Masons were invited to participate, the wise thing would be to ensure that they agree to the same guidelines as the Masons.
Heather and I teach a martial arts class. In 25+ years we haven’t had to fire a student. We fired three in the past year because they would not respect what we try to build for the group.
Prepare in advance for the rare oddball.
Have clear, simple guidelines about respectfully staying somewhere in the neighborhood of the topic.
Maybe a reminder at the start that Mr___ is our referee for the evening.
I think you are right, we would do well to figure out what to do if/when someone unsuitable became involved. A single 'rare oddball' could ruin it for everyone.
I have tried this with my Lux Magazine. Mostly to spark internal questions using others shared pieces that I come across. There are so many aspects of the Ancient Craft that our Ancients created that are never explored by us. I look forward to seeing this discussion group surface.
I think it will get fired up, our current WM doesn't give up once he sets his mind to something. I believe that the advice received here will help us figure out how we can keep it on track and positive.
Such discussions can get very messy in a mixed group, like trying to have a running club with kids, adults, cats, and horses. So few people today are capable of any real level of fruitful discussion about deep things.
Not trying to discourage such a thing just a caveat if you open it up too much. And it also risks misleading the public that what is discussed may represent some Masonic dogma.
Taking your second point first, I believe that the WM's plan would be to make it really clear in any communications that the Lodge was just the sponsor. Much like we sponsor some other things in our little City. Not present the discussions as Freemasonry.
I think we would need to be really clear about who the facilitator was for each discussion, and hopefully choose those facilitators well. I know some people who are quite excellent at leading discussions. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those!
I've got a day of Masonry planned for here tomorrow. A FC Degree in the morning in the city south of us, and an EA Degree in the evening in my own Lodge, with the guys from both Lodges hanging out at my house in between. Hopefully we can get a lot of this idea fleshed out then.
Our lodge has had some success with a monthly discussion hitting topics like leadership, vulnerability and. masculinity. We often watch TED Talks or or video resources to spur discussion. It helps that we have two brothers who are mental health professionals.
That's for sharing that experience. Through the years we too have had good experiences with inviting prospects to interesting things, beyond just the dinners like most Lodges do.
This is really awesome! Thanks for sharing it with me. I'm looking forward to our Lodge trying to adopt something similar, I think it will be a great addition for Masonry in my little corner of the world.
My lodge created a monthly philosophical discussion group to consider the type of topics you have described. We developed guidelines for topics and participation. Some key elements were the topics discussed were agreed upon by the group, the proposer of the topic served as facilitator of the discussion and was responsible for providing study material one week before the meeting. Here is a link to a folder that contains a guideline document and some of the study guides used. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_kojFF6rC_QunAEgyYFIalPmwa0Jmjxf?usp=sharing
I think the most important aspects of this type of group are that everyone is aware of the topic, studies the material provided before coming, and then participates by offering their perspective. I'm not sure how this might work by inviting the public.
Thank you for this, it is really helpful. I presume that if non-Masons were invited to participate, the wise thing would be to ensure that they agree to the same guidelines as the Masons.
Heather and I teach a martial arts class. In 25+ years we haven’t had to fire a student. We fired three in the past year because they would not respect what we try to build for the group.
Prepare in advance for the rare oddball.
Have clear, simple guidelines about respectfully staying somewhere in the neighborhood of the topic.
Maybe a reminder at the start that Mr___ is our referee for the evening.
*
Your talks sound great! I’d love to visit.
Unless I’m the oddball…
🤔
I think you are right, we would do well to figure out what to do if/when someone unsuitable became involved. A single 'rare oddball' could ruin it for everyone.
I have tried this with my Lux Magazine. Mostly to spark internal questions using others shared pieces that I come across. There are so many aspects of the Ancient Craft that our Ancients created that are never explored by us. I look forward to seeing this discussion group surface.
I think it will get fired up, our current WM doesn't give up once he sets his mind to something. I believe that the advice received here will help us figure out how we can keep it on track and positive.
Such discussions can get very messy in a mixed group, like trying to have a running club with kids, adults, cats, and horses. So few people today are capable of any real level of fruitful discussion about deep things.
Not trying to discourage such a thing just a caveat if you open it up too much. And it also risks misleading the public that what is discussed may represent some Masonic dogma.
Taking your second point first, I believe that the WM's plan would be to make it really clear in any communications that the Lodge was just the sponsor. Much like we sponsor some other things in our little City. Not present the discussions as Freemasonry.
I think we would need to be really clear about who the facilitator was for each discussion, and hopefully choose those facilitators well. I know some people who are quite excellent at leading discussions. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those!
Wish I was out there ... I LOVE leading such discussions. Must be my Philosophy degree, lol
Maybe you can visit someday! I'd be honored to sit in Lodge with you!
I’ve long wished to be part of a lodge that hosted such an opportunity.
For inspiration, maybe check out Socrates Cafe
https://socratescafe.com/socrates-cafes-facilitated-by-christopher-phillips/
and, with a specific focus, Ben Franklin Circles
https://benfranklincircles.org
C&F,
Jay
Thanks for these links! Those will be really helpful!
I’m trying to earn my keep around here.
Jay
I've got a day of Masonry planned for here tomorrow. A FC Degree in the morning in the city south of us, and an EA Degree in the evening in my own Lodge, with the guys from both Lodges hanging out at my house in between. Hopefully we can get a lot of this idea fleshed out then.
Don’t forget to raise your glass to St. Andrew at some point.
We shall!
Our lodge has had some success with a monthly discussion hitting topics like leadership, vulnerability and. masculinity. We often watch TED Talks or or video resources to spur discussion. It helps that we have two brothers who are mental health professionals.
Example: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqHfik4zY/?mibextid=WC7FNe
We welcome prospects, too, and several have commented about how much they like it.
That's for sharing that experience. Through the years we too have had good experiences with inviting prospects to interesting things, beyond just the dinners like most Lodges do.
This is really awesome! Thanks for sharing it with me. I'm looking forward to our Lodge trying to adopt something similar, I think it will be a great addition for Masonry in my little corner of the world.