Events Archives — Masons of California https://freemason.org/leader_cat/events/ Together we make a profound difference Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:50:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.5 https://freemason.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-Layer-1-32x32.png Events Archives — Masons of California https://freemason.org/leader_cat/events/ 32 32 December 2020: Officer Installation https://freemason.org/the_leader/december-2020/ Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:20:18 +0000 https://freemason.org/?post_type=the_leader&p=4054
  • This Year, Officers Are Being Installed Online
  • Tips for Hosting a Virtual Officer’s Installation
  • Your December Checklist
  • For Your Trestleboard
  • Question of the Month

    • The post December 2020: Officer Installation appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>

    The Leader
    DECEMBER 2020: Officer Installation

    Contents

    This Year, Officers Are Being Installed Online

    Once again, it’s time to ring in a new year—and with it, a new crew of lodge officers. This year’s a bit different, though. Sticking with the unofficial theme for 2020, officers’ installations are going virtual.

    For a 300-year-old fraternity, that’s required pivoting to develop a ceremony that’s sufficiently meaningful, as befitting a sacred ritual. Typically, that's not particularly easy: To change even a single word in the Masonic ritual language requires a vote by Grand Lodge at an Annual Communication. Instead, the newly developed virtual installation ceremony has been kept entirely intact. The only difference this year is that there is no floor work during the ceremony. “The idea of making the installation ceremony ritual virtual isn’t as crazy as it sounds,” says Ricky Lawler, the grand lecturer and a member of the Grand Lodge Ritual Committee. “We’ve already found that most lodges are conducting Zoom meetings and gatherings over the internet.”

    So, this year, instead of planning an in-person installation ceremony, a lodge simply has to create a Zoom meeting (or any other video-conferencing platform). Because the installation ceremony is ordinarily a public affair, there is no requirement that the meeting be private or password-protected. In place of the floor work, participants will be given the floor—so to speak—over a Zoom call when their part of the ritual comes up. To help create an appropriate atmosphere during the ritual, the ritual committee has put together a PowerPoint slide deck of Masonic imagery, which a lodge can have playing during the ceremony itself. According to Lawler, lodges should reach out to their inspector to get the slides and for any other questions they might have. All things being equal, the event should go off without a hitch, even if it feels a bit different this time around.

    If that feels a little too unusual, don’t worry—you won’t have to get used to this whole virtual ritual thing forever. Says Lawler, “This will not become the norm for lodge rituals. If anything, this is an emergency measure we’ve taken.” It is true that an important feature of Masonic rituals are the in-person interactions between participants—and some things are bound to be lost when you translate such a human interaction into an online format. Though, truth be told, there are some benefits to this emergency measure. For one, it offers the perfect time to take advantage of conducting a joint installation with another lodge—say your sister lodge. For instance, on December 16, Riverside Lodge No. 635 and Elk Grove Lodge No. 173 will be hosting a joint installation; two lodges on opposite ends of the state, there’s no doubt they would never be able to achieve this in an ordinary year.

    Then again, there’s nothing ordinary about this year.

    Tips for Hosting a Virtual Officer’s Installation

    For detailed instructions, Lawler encourages lodges to contact their inspectors, all of whom have been debriefed on this year’s changes. Alternatively, officers can access a how-to video here, using access code e41=%Yqt.

    In general, however, here are some things to keep in mind when planning your own virtual installation.

    Tips for moderators

    • It’s a good idea to reach out to members well in advance of your installation. Make sure those less tech-savvy among you know how to access the ceremony once it’s live and how to operate the basic tools of the platform (especially the mute button—see below).
    • Practice! You all know the installation ritual by heart, but don’t let that lull you into a sense of complacency. This year will be different—so give yourselves time to practice in this format in advance of the official day.
    • Require all members to “mute” their profile. When you get 10 to 20 or more people on one video conference, the background noise of all 20 can create a distracting cacophony. Members can unmute themselves when it’s their turn to speak or if they have a question.
    • Encourage your participants to utilize the “chat” function of most video conference platforms. If one of your participants has trouble hearing other members, or needs to let you as the moderator know something, they can type it in and it will appear for all to see without disrupting the flow of the meeting. These chats can usually be aimed at the entire group or just the moderator.

    Tips for participants

    • It’s best to treat this year’s installation exactly like in-person ones. If you wouldn’t go to lodge looking disheveled and wearing your pajamas, don’t log onto the installation ceremony that way either. By taking the effort to put yourself together, you can get into the right headspace. The saying, “The clothes make the man” is still true here.
    • By that token, be conscious of where you’re going to be sitting for the installation ceremony. Remember, everyone on the line can see immediately behind you. Maybe move that dirty clothes hamper two feet to the right and out of the shot. Make sure you aren’t backlit (like having a window directly behind you.) All the same tips that make for a good selfie apply here: Have your camera eye level or higher and avoid distracting backgrounds.
    • Be patient. This is new for everyone.

    Reminders and Masonic News

    Member Restoration Campaign 2021

    The Member Restoration Campaign is once again active for 2021. Last year, the program offered members who’d been suspended for non-payment of dues a simple way back to good standing. More than 1,300 of them—about 12 percent of those who were approached—took it up. This year, we have an opportunity to reach out to even more of our suspended brothers and provide them with an easy and fair way to restore their membership and join in all the aspects of Masonry that make our fraternity so special. In order to participate, lodges must opt into the program by passing the 2021 Restoration Campaign Resolution by a 2/3 vote at stated meeting. Lodges that took part in the 2020 campaign can opt back in by passing the Continuation Resolution. LEARN MORE

    Pay Dues Online!

    Lodge dues for 2021 are due December 31, 2020. With the new payment service available this year through iMember 2.0, members can now pay their dues by credit card and get immediate access to their new dues card. Log in to iMember today to get started. PAY DUES NOW

    Your December Checklist

    Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your December checklist.

    Executive Committee

    • Hold installation of officers, or continue to prepare for installation.
    • Meet with the inspector to review your plan for the year.
    • Prepare to attend 2021 leadership retreats—details to be released soon.

    Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee

    • Urge presumptive master, wardens, and senior deacon to perform their Master Mason’s proficiency soon, if not already completed.
    • Prepare 2021 budget to present to the lodge in January.
    • Budget for, and prepare to attend, 2021 leadership retreats.
    • Ensure that all committee assignments have been determined. After installation as master, confirm Audit, Charity, and Membership Retention Committee appointments.
    • Review all candidates’ progress toward advancement.

    Secretary

    • Continue sending out dues notices and collecting member dues.
    • Begin preparing secretary’s annual report to present to the lodge in February.
    • Review the list of suspended members sent to you by Grand Lodge and determine if your lodge wants to participate in the 2021 Restoration Campaign.
    • Budget for, and prepare to attend, 2021 leadership retreats.

    Treasurer

    • Begin preparing treasurer’s annual report to present to the lodge in February.
    • Budget for, and prepare to attend, 2021 leadership retreats.
    • Ensure that the lodge financial records are up to date and bank accounts are reconciled.

    Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.

    For Your Trestleboard

    Use this content to spread the word about the Distressed Worthy Brother Relief Fund and MCYAF’s Telehealth services.

    This month:
    Distressed Worthy Brother Relief Fund
    MCYAF Telehealth

    Question of the Month

    Last month we asked how has meeting virtually affected lodge participation. Of those that responded:

    • 65%- Fewer members than usual are participating. 
    • 17%- Other Answers. (Members from out of area check in to meetings, Fewer members due to lack of knowledge or desire to use technology,  We have a mix of local and out of state participants)
    • 15%- The same as before.
    • 4%- More members than usual are participating. 

    Here is your next question.

    The post December 2020: Officer Installation appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>         September 2020: Masonic Lecture Series https://freemason.org/the_leader/september-2020/ Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:18:28 +0000 http://freemason.org/?post_type=the_leader&p=2926
  • Want to Keep Your Lodge Engaged? How About a Talk?
  • Tips for Hosting Your Own Lecture Series
  • Your September Checklist
  • For Your Trestleboard
  • Question of the Month

    • The post September 2020: Masonic Lecture Series appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>

    The leader
    September 2020: Masonic Lecture Series

    Contents

    Want to Keep Your Lodge Engaged? How About a Talk?

    As lodges pass into the sixth month without in-person meetings, the challenge of keeping members engaged is growing ever-more acute—especially as the novelty of hosting Zoom meet-ups begins to wear off. Lodges are finding that many of the same rules about hosting dynamic meetings apply equally to cyberspace as they do to in-person events. Luckily, going virtual has opened lots of possibilities for exciting and appealing programming—like talks, lectures, and discussions—that can be hard to plan for in the real world.

    Going Beyond the Zoom Hangout

    Adam Hanin, master of Acalanes Fellowship Lodge No. 480, realized his members were getting burned out on their weekly Zoom calls. So he decided to liven things up. “My job as master is to keep lodge relevant to members—to keep Freemasonry on their minds,” he says. Thinking back on the topics of discussion that had invigorated their early Zoom meetings—and taking his cue from the Grand Lodge’s own online speaker’s series—Hanin made a list of potential speakers he could invite to his lodges’ next meet-up. The following week, the group was joined by Masonic scholar Mark Kolto-Rivera, a past grand historian for the Grand Lodge of New York and author of Freemasonry: An Introduction, who spoke about the history and future of Freemasonry in a post-COVID world.

    That first lecture attracted about 30 people, including several prospects and members’ spouses. Since then, Hanin has invited three other speakers to present lectures on a wide range of topics, from a discussion on race in America to the esoteric art of memory. Each subsequent speaker has attracted more people than the one before. “What this experience has shown me is that bringing in an external perspective is valuable to our members and prospects—it’s an invigorating reprieve from us talking amongst ourselves,” Hanin says.

    In addition to the lodge’s invited speakers, members have also tuned into the Grand Lodge Online Speaker Series, which this summer partnered with the noted research lodge Quatuor Coronati, to present weekly speakers on American Freemasonry. That partnership will last into the fall, with a new slate of speakers for the winter being announced at a later date.

    In the end, Acalanes Fellowship hasn’t done away with its regular Zoom meetings, either. In fact, Hanin has found that by offering these lively lectures, his membership has brought a newfound energy into its other interactions—and to planning new ones. Looking ahead, Hanin has plans for a virtual open house to engage the several new candidates they’ve recently attracted as a result of the speaker’s series. “This is certainly a year unlike any other,” Hanin says. “As masters, we need to step up and meet the challenge head on. If we don’t, we might return to lodge with fewer members than when we left.”

    Tips for Hosting Your Own Lecture Series

    Whether it’s a lecture series like Acalanes Fellowship’s, or an open house like other lodges have done, there are simple ways officers can keep their members engaged in the fraternity even from a distance. “Always start with your members’ interests,” Hanin suggests, “It’s true what they say: Give the people what they want.” With that clear admonition in mind, below are some evergreen tips for managing virtual meetings and events, whatever the topic.

    • For a list of Masonic speakers, check out this list of speakers and experts on Freemasonry. Research lodges like Quatuor Coronati also keep up-to-date speakers’ lists you may find useful.
    • Zoom offers a feature called “webinar” (in paid accounts). This type of meeting allows multiple people to serve as panelists, each with similar authority as a moderator. This type of format is great for when you invite outside speakers to present, giving them the opportunity to do things like share their screen, read participants’ messages, and ask and answer questions.
    • It’s a good idea to reach out to your members well in advance of using any new technology. Make sure everyone has the right information about accessing the meeting once it’s up and going, and how to operate the basic tools of the platform (especially the mute button—see below). It might be worth your while to host a Zoom tutorial before your first member engagement event. Planning in advance will make the event itself go smoother.
    • Encourage your participants to utilize the “message” function of most video conference platforms. If one of your participants has trouble hearing other members, or needs to let you as the moderator know something, they can type it in and it will appear for all to see without disrupting the flow of the meeting.

    Your September Checklist

    Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your September checklist.

    Executive Committee

    • Make plans for your lodge master, wardens, or other representatives to attend the virtual Annual Communication this October. Your vote is important to the future of Freemasonry in California.

    Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee

    • Identify and approach members for 2021 open elected and appointed officer positions.
    • Urge presumptive master, wardens, and senior deacon to perform their Master Mason’s proficiency soon, if not already completed.
    • Urge respective officers to answer the master, senior warden, and junior warden questions early.
    • Identify and approach members for the 2021 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees.
    • Set calendar for 2021 and identify event leaders.
    • Continue preparing 2021 budget.
    • Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain.
    • Review all candidates’ progress towards advancement.

    Junior Warden

    • Continue tracking 100% officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.

    Secretary

    • If lodge per capita has not yet been paid, submit payment ASAP.
    • Prepare to send out dues notices and begin collecting member dues, starting Oct. 31.

    Treasurer

    • If lodge per capita has not yet been paid, submit payment ASAP.

    Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.

    For Your Trestleboard

    Use this content to spread the word about the Distressed Worthy Brother Relief Fund and MCYAF’s Telehealth services.

    This month:

    Distressed Worthy Brother Relief Fund
    MCYAF Telehealth

    Back to Top

    Question of the Month

    Last month we asked what feature of iMember 2.0 are you most excited for. Of those that responded:

    • 53%  Automatic email/text/call reminders. 
    • 49% Lodge social media feed.
    • 36% Digital dues card payment.
    • 27% Masonic affinity groups.

     

     

    Here is your next question.

    Back to Top

    The post September 2020: Masonic Lecture Series appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>         March 2020: Public Schools Month https://freemason.org/the_leader/march-2020/ Mon, 23 Mar 2020 20:42:29 +0000 https://freemason.flywheelsites.com/?post_type=the_leader&p=371
  • This Public Schools Month, No Effort Is Too Small
  • Get Schooled: Public Schools Month Fundraising 101
  • Your March checklist
  • For your Trestleboard
  • Find it on freemason.org
  • Question of the month

    • The post March 2020: Public Schools Month appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>

    The Leader
    MARCH 2020: Public Schools Month

    Table of Contents

    This Public Schools Month, No Effort Is Too Small

    Charity comes in many shapes and sizes—something California lodges demonstrate each year during Public Schools Month. This year, as the fraternity celebrates the historic 100th anniversary of Charles Adams’s 1920 Public Schools Week proclamation, it’s a lesson worth remembering. Because whether yours is a lodge with a hefty financial endowment or one that just struggles to keep the lights on, there’s always an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of local schoolkids.

    As lodges look for ways to pitch into the centennial spirit, no undertaking is too small—a fact exemplified by the members of Anaheim Lodge No. 207, where they’ve made every penny count.

    The Multiplying Effect

    Although they’re the oldest lodge in Orange County, Anaheim No. 207 still deals with the same essential concerns as upstart lodges do. “How do we engage membership? How do we keep dues low, but still make an impact in our community?” Luciano Leon, lodge master, asks rhetorically. “We’re still figuring that out.” It’s easy to get stalled on ambitious projects when you’re wrapped up with covering the basics.

    For Leon and the members of Anaheim No. 207, the answer to cracking that fundraising puzzle was simply to push forward. “We knew that if we didn’t start, we never would get anywhere,” Leon says. So the lodge started—slowly, at first. Last in 2018, they hosted a pancake breakfast to raise funds for public education. Although the event didn’t net much money—a few hundred dollars in profit—it served to break the seal. Now the lodge is preparing for its second event, a chili cook-off scheduled for April, which Leon and organizers are excited to put lessons learned planning their initial event into practice. He’s also reaching out to neighboring lodges in an attempt to cohost the event and maximize turnout. “The more lodges we can work with, the better the outcome,” Leon says. “We know our fundraising goals aren’t big, but the difference between raising $1,000 and zero is a thousand opportunities for a child in need."

    The key to getting the most out of their charitable efforts, Leon says, is working with the California Masonic Foundation. By partnering with the national nonprofit Raising A Reader, money donated through the Foundation—raised through Anaheim No. 207 and others across the state—brings the fundraising prowess of the entire fraternity to bear on a targeted solution to a critical educational issue. “The Foundation has the resources to stretch our $1,000 farther than we can on our own,” Luciano says. “Eventually, we’d like to build up a sustainable scholarship program, but for now, we’re focusing on ways to maximize our impact any way we can.”

    With enough lodges like Anaheim No. 207 making their own drop in the bucket, the Foundation is able to create a meaningful difference in the lives of some of the neediest classrooms in the state—and impact the lives of schoolkids and their families. To donate, visit the California Masonic Foundation website.

    Back to Top

    Get Schooled: Public Schools Month Fundraising 101

    Your lodge doesn’t have to raise millions to make a meaningful difference this Public Schools Month. Here are some tips on starting low-cost programs to support your local schools. Also remember to tell your community about all you do for local education. Use this press release template to get the word out.

    • Scholarship amounts don’t have to be huge. Even a $500 scholarship can make a real difference to graduating seniors from a local high school. Remember, it isn’t just the money that’s important—it’s the recognition and the knowledge that their community has invested in them. Invite the awardees to a stated meeting and give them a certificate along with a check to the school of their choice.
    • Make an effort as a lodge to achieve 100 percent officer giving. It’s a huge first step toward building a culture of philanthropy in your lodge.
    • Your lodge doesn’t have to do this alone. Take the example of Anaheim No. 207 and partner with your neighboring lodges on events or programs you can cohost. Two lodges mean twice the resources and twice the marketing—an important factor in successful fundraisers.

    Whether you’re hosting Public Schools Month events in your community’s local schools or donating to the work of the California Masonic Foundation, know that your lodge is continuing a 100 year legacy of support—something we can all get behind.

    Back to Top

    Your March Checklist

    Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your March checklist.

    Executive Committee

    • Share with your lodge any plans for celebrating Public Schools Month in April.
    • Arrange a member outing to a Public Schools Month Celebration.
    • Schedule inspector’s official visit and examination of the books, due by end of the month.
    • Attend, or make plans to attend, the Master & Wardens Retreat. Register now.

    Senior Warden

    • Begin preparing 2021 program plan.
    • Begin preparing 2021 budget, remembering to set aside funds for retreat attendance
    • Begin preparing 2021 officer appointments.
    • Begin preparing 2021 installation of officers.
    • Review all candidates’ progress towards advancement.

    Junior Warden

    • Begin tracking 100% officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.

    Secretary

    • Continue to collect delinquent dues from members (were due on January 1).
    • Send list of members with late dues to the master for the Retention Committee.
    • Send any suspension notices.
    • Charity Committee considers remissions.
    • File financial reports with Grand Lodge (unless your lodge uses Intacct, in which case you do not need to submit anything).

    Treasurer

    • If your lodge has employees, file W-3 with IRS along with copies of all W-2 forms.
    • File financial reports with Grand Lodge (unless your lodge uses Intacct, in which case you do not need to submit anything).

    Audit Committee

    • Audit lodge books, to be completed by end of April.

    Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.

    Back to Top

    For Your Trestleboard

    One of the fraternity’s favorite traditions is fast approaching! If you haven’t already, start rallying your lodge for Public Schools Month. Use this ad to spread the word.

    This month:
    2020 Public Schools Month
    UCLA International Conference on Freemasonry
    MCYAF Telehealth

    Back to Top

    Find it on masonicfoundation.org

    Since 2018, California Masons have made gifts and pledges to the California Masonic Foundation’s Let’s Write the Future campaign that amounted to nearly $6.5 million. In 2019 alone, money from these types of gifts allowed the Foundation to expand the Raising A Reader program into 91 new classrooms and close in on its goal of putting expert vetted reading material in the hands of 1,000 of the lowest-performing California classrooms; dispersed nearly $300,000 in scholarships to deserving high school students; and once again support California teachers by offering cash awards for the California Teacher of the Year. Even if your lodge doesn’t have a lot, by donating to the CMF, every penny that you do give is multiplied by the generosity of others. Donate today!

    Back to Top

    Question of the Month

    Last month, we asked how your lodge supported Job’s Daughters. Of those that responded:

    • 40% - By hosting a chapter
    • 36% - We don’t, but we do host another youth order
    • 28% - By mentoring chapter members
    • 40% - Other (Annual donations, host and support youth meetings and events, fundraising support)
    Back to Top

    The post March 2020: Public Schools Month appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>         June 2019: Opening Your Lodge’s Doors https://freemason.org/the_leader/june-2019/ Mon, 24 Jun 2019 18:34:10 +0000 https://freemason.flywheelsites.com/?post_type=the_leader&p=457
  • The First Step to Opening Your Lodge's Doors
  • Cheat Sheet: Event Planning 101
  • Your June checklist
  • For your Trestleboard
  • Find it on freemason.org
  • Question of the month

    • The post June 2019: Opening Your Lodge’s Doors appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>

    The Leader
    June 2019: Opening Your Lodge's Doors

    Table of Contents

    The First Step to Opening Your Lodge's Doors

    Many towns in California have a building bearing the square-and-compass insignia on its cornerstone, making the Masonic brand a familiar and trusted one across the state. Today, Masonic lodges represent a unique opportunity for the fraternity to help foster a sense of community in their own towns. California Grand Lodge is dedicated to helping lodges throughout the state become vibrant and active forces in their community—that’s why this September has been named Masonic Lodge Open House Month by Grand Master Wright.

    However it can be difficult for many lodges to take that first step. The good news is that small gestures can have a huge impact. The appropriately named Wisdom Lodge No. 202 in Pasadena, for instance, has done just that, welcoming groups of local police and firefighters to a dinner for each of the past 17 years in which they recognize a different officer.

    The tradition began in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, according to lodge secretary Levon Keshishian, when two firefighters from Pasadena traveled across the country to assist in the search and rescue efforts. “The lodge wanted to honor the selfless spirit of those two firefighters, who went beyond the call of duty,” Keshishian says. So in 2002, the sitting Master invited the two men to a special evening at the lodge, where the firefighters given an award for their service. Out of this first evening came the Serving Beyond the Call of Duty Awards, which Wisdom Lodge now gives out each September.

    After 17 years of hosting the event, members of the lodge know how to host the dinner like clockwork. That includes identifying and selecting awardees; setting a date for the event; sending invitations; and securing a caterer. The evening program consists of a dinner and a special guest speaker in addition to the awards ceremony. Speakers have included the mayor of Pasadena, superior court judges, police and fire chiefs, and the Masonic Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master.

    “This event has been a great way for people who ordinarily wouldn’t come to a lodge to enjoy an evening in ours,” Keshishian says. The benefit of hosting a regular, annual event is that it gets easier and easier to prepare for as the years go by. For Wisdom Lodge, the celebration has become a staple in the community, with the local newspaper occasionally covering the event. “Wisdom Lodge proudly has committed itself to this program and plans to continue to do so for years to come,” he says.

    Back to Top

    Cheat Sheet: Event Planning 101

    Lodges can and do host public events of all kinds, from prospects nights to fundraisers for local community groups and nonprofits. No matter what it is, follow a few tips to make sure it goes off without a hitch.

    • Give Yourself Time: At a minimum, a three-month lead time is necessary for planning a public event. You might need even longer if you’re co-hosting with another organization—many hands may make light work, but they tend to impact people’s schedules. Start with this event calendar checklist as a reference.
    • Get It on The Radar: Schedule your event when your lodge is updating its annual calendar. This makes sure your event is on everyone’s minds right at the beginning of the year.
    • Don't Forget Publicity: Establish a budget for the program that includes both publicity and the costs of staging the event. Publicity costs can be more expensive than you think, but town newspaper calendars and social media use are both budget-friendly ways to publicize your event.
    • Delegate: Create a subcommittee and appoint a chairman for the event. They can report in before or during your stated meetings to make sure everyone is kept in the loop. Communication is by far the most important thing when planning an event.
    • Get The Word Out: The best-planned event isn’t worth much if no one shows up. When promoting your event, it’s important to know your desired audience and reach them where they are. For instance, a family-oriented event can be publicized over Facebook, where parents are constantly on the lookout for news. If it’s a prospects night and you’re trying to bring in a younger crowd, consider advertising at a local community college or university.
    • Create a Publicity Calendar: A “save the date” advertisement can run four or more months in advance of an event. However, the bulk of your advertising efforts should start around three months before the event and gradually ramp up as the date draws closer.
    • Word of Mouth is Best: The most cost-effective—and just plain effective—form of publicity is personal recommendations. So encourage members to get the word out themselves; a personal invite from a member will get the best response. That starts with making sure members know about the event: Post an invitation or announcement on your lodge website, publicize it in your Trestleboard, and post an announcement somewhere in the lodge building.
    • Have talking Points: Use this media kit to help answer potential questions posed by the media, if they’re attending. Information in the kit can also be handed out at a prospects night event.

    A few other logistical preparations go a long way toward hosting a successful public event:

    • Make sure the lodge building is clean inside and out and well lit.
    • Request reservations so you know how many to expect.
    • Station members at the door to greet guests as they arrive.
    • Prepare nametags from the reservation list and give them to the potential members and their families when they arrive. And have a few blank one extra, for latecomers and people who didn’t RSVP. Make members’ nametags different from the guests so people can identify them as Masons—maybe a different color.
    • Position a table at the door with Masonic literature for guests to pick up.
    Back to Top

    Your June checklist

    Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your June checklist.

    Executive Committee

    • Remind members to celebrate Masonic Homes Month.

    Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee

    • Identify and approach members for 2020 open elected and appointed officer positions
    • Identify and approach members for the 2020 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees.
    • Set calendar for 2020 and identify event leaders.
    • Continue preparing 2020 budget.
    • Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain.
    • Review all candidates’ progress towards advancement.

    Junior Warden

    • Continue tracking 100% officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.

    Secretary

    • Send list of members with late dues to the Retention Committee.
    • Send any suspension notices via certified mail.
    • Provide necessary information so the Charity Committee can consider remissions.
    • Begin reviewing roster for accuracy in preparation for the end of the Grand Lodge membership year, June 30.

    Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.

    Back to Top

    For your Trestleboard

    Spread the word about upcoming events:

    This month:
    June 22: VIVAT! A Festive Board
    July 13: Covina Cornerstone Ceremony

    Share in your Trestleboard.

    Back to Top

    Find it on freemason.org

    As September’s Masonic Lodge Open House Month draws nearer, the Grand Lodge website has resources to help you plan, advertise, and execute a great event this fall or any time of year. Those include a toolkit to help you best utilize social media; resources to help draft press releases for print and web publications; and a comprehensive guide to prospects nights.

    Back to Top

    Question of the month

    Last month we asked how your lodge reaches out to absentee members. Of those that responded:

    • 77% - With our trestleboard
    • 73% - With phone calls
    • 36% - With personal visit
    • 14% - We don't
    Back to Top

    The post June 2019: Opening Your Lodge’s Doors appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>         March 2019: Supporting Students, Teachers, and Schools https://freemason.org/the_leader/march-2019/ Sun, 24 Mar 2019 18:51:28 +0000 https://freemason.flywheelsites.com/?post_type=the_leader&p=470
  • Supporting students, teachers and schools
  • Tips for setting up scholarships and other awards
  • Your March checklist
  • For your Trestleboard
  • Find it on freemason.org
  • Question of the month

    • The post March 2019: Supporting Students, Teachers, and Schools appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>

    March 2019

    Table of Contents

    Supporting students, teachers and schools

    When Don Travis joined Montebello DeMolay Chapter in 1954, he had no idea his Masonic career would lead him where he is now. Thanks to his help, and the help of dozens of his brothers from Montebello and Whittier lodges, Don has helped disburse at least three hundred thousand dollars over the years in scholarships and related programs to deserving local youth. “I love watching these kids, with their dreams for their future, and I’m just happy to help them get there” Don says. To him, it’s obvious why supporting public education is so important: “the kids are our future—this is a great way we can give back to the community.”

    Originally a member of Montebello Lodge No. 451, Don and the rest of his lodge joined with their brothers from Whittier in 1999 to form the consolidated Montebello-Whittier Lodge No. 323. Each lodge has a long history of supporting their local public schools, and after they consolidated their resources, they were able to make an even greater impact. Don explains how his lodge went about giving back to their local youth.

    Supporting students through scholarships

    • Each year our lodge gives out $1,000 scholarships to six public high school seniors—three from Whittier and three from Montebello school districts. This program has existed in one form or another since the late 1980s. We approach the principals every year and ask them to provide us with applicants for consideration. A committee of three readers chooses the final awardees.
    • In addition to $6,000 in scholarships, we also award another $4,000 in scholarships to local Masonic youth who are graduating high school. Also, thanks to the generous support of one of our brothers who willed us money, we are able to give out another $2,000 in scholarships specifically to students who intend to enter a trade school. All recipients must attend our June stated meeting dinner to accept their awards.
    • We’re able to afford these gifts because we set up a scholarship fund after Montebello Lodge was forced to sell its building after an earthquake in 1987. Between the interest and dividends accrued, and the generous support of brothers who willed us funds, we’re able to continue these scholarship programs.

    Alternative, less costly forms of support

    • Our lodge also funds the Junior Citizen Award program administered by Montebello High Twelve Club No. 422. High Twelve is an organization of Master Masons who meet at noon each week to support Masonic causes, especially those relating to our youth. For the past four decades, the club has been providing a Junior Citizens award each month. This award honors a student, selected by the school, from one of three different high schools in the Montebello School District. No money is disbursed, but the honored student gets a plaque and public recognition for his/her work. Montebello Whittier Lodge pays for the plaques and lunches.
    • The biggest of our school programs is our annual Lodge Public Schools Night. We reach out to principals from up to eight middle schools in the area and ask them to pick seven of their most worthy students to be honored. We host all these students and their families to celebrate their academic success. Each student walks away with a certificate and a book on the United States Constitution.

    Supporting teachers

    • Another program we offered for a while was a grant-funding program in the amount of up to $10,000 to schools in Montebello an another $10,000 to schools in Whittier.
    • We set up a committee to review applications from teachers and school administrators for needs not covered in their annual budget. The committee would review each request and determine if it fit our profile of possibilities. Ultimately the lodge membership voted for the final awardees.
    • Over the time span we were involved in this program we purchased a white board, a computer package, a long list of needed library books, Lavaliere microphones, etc.

    The importance of recognition—for the awardee and the lodge

    • Each of our scholarship and award programs involved bringing the students either to lodge during a stated meeting or to the High Twelve luncheon. Not only do the students feel proud being honored so publicly, but the Masons get to see the results of their efforts. They get to see where their money is going to and it makes them feel good.

    Tips for setting up scholarships and other awards

    It took decades of hard work for Montebello-Whittier Lodge to get to the place they are today. Your lodge doesn’t have to give out thousands of dollars to make a difference. Here are some tips on starting low-cost programs to support your local schools.

    • Scholarship amounts don’t have to be huge. Even a $500 scholarships can make a difference to graduating seniors from a local high school. Remember, it isn’t just the money that is important—the recognition is too. Invite the awardees to a stated meeting and give them a certificate along with a check to the school of their choice.
    • Think outside of the box. If you don’t have the funds yet to start a scholarship program, think of a way you could help teachers. Consider creating a $500 grant program for a local school. Or just award that money each year to a local school library—that money can buy a lot of books, and you can write the name of your lodge in the inside cover of each book to remind posterity of your lodge’s commitment to education.
    • Your lodge doesn’t have to provide all of the funding. Think about offering funds on a cost-share basis, that way you’re not only giving money to public schools, but helping them leverage funds from other sources.
    • Don’t think your lodge has the manpower to manage such programs? Your lodge can vote to donate to one of the California Masonic Foundation’s many initiatives that support public education. This past year alone, support from lodges like yours allowed the California Masonic Foundation to distribute $385,000 to support literacy and college success in the state.

    If you have any questions, or are seeking advice on creating your own scholarship program, reach out to Don Travis at pmdtrav@aol.com.

    Your March checklist

    It’s a big month for getting organized: The secretary, treasurer, and hall association all present reports at the stated meeting, and the annual lodge audit begins.

    Executive Committee

    • Share with your lodge any plans for celebrating Public Schools Month in April.
    • Attend regional Public Schools Month celebrations organized by the California Masonic Foundation’s Public Schools Advisory Councils.
    • Arrange a member outing to a Public Schools Month Celebration.
    • Schedule inspector’s official visit and examination of the books, due by end of the month.
    • Attend, or make plans to attend, the Master & Wardens Retreat. Register now.

    Senior Warden

    • Begin preparing 2020 program plan.
    • Begin preparing 2020 budget, remembering to set aside funds for retreat attendance.
    • Begin preparing 2020 officer appointments.
    • Begin preparing 2020 installation of officers.
    • Review all candidates’ progress towards advancement.

    Junior Warden

    • Begin tracking 100% officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.

    Secretary

    • Continue to collect delinquent dues from members (were due by January 1).
    • Send list of members with late dues to the master for the Retention Committee.
    • Send any suspension notices.
    • Charity Committee considers remissions.
    • File financial reports with Grand Lodge (unless your lodge uses Intacct, in which case you do not need to submit anything).

    Treasurer

    • If your lodge has employees, file W-3 with IRS along with copies of all W-2 forms.
    • File financial reports with Grand Lodge (unless your lodge uses Intacct, in which case you do not need to submit anything).

    Audit Committee

    • Audit lodge books, to be completed by end of April.

    Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.

    For your Trestleboard

    One of the fraternity’s favorite traditions is fast approaching! If you haven’t already, start rallying your lodge for Public Schools Month in April. Use this ad to spread the word.

    This month:
    2019 Public Schools Month
    2019 Symposium Ad
    Age Successfully at Acacia Creek

    Share in your Trestleboard.

    Find it on freemason.org

    Public education is one of our fraternity’s most treasured causes – and it is one that we have championed for hundreds of years. The California Masonic Foundation is dedicated to the support of students and teachers in our state. Each year the California Masonic Foundation gives $1,000 to each of the five California teachers of the year in recognition of their important contributions to public education in our state.

    Additionally, California Masonic Foundation continues to champion programs like Raising A Reader, which is an award-winning literacy program that provides a rotation of high-quality books to children, along with parent education around the importance of book sharing and its role in literacy development. In the last six years the California Masonic Foundation has raised $1.6 million for this program, and with your help, it hopes to raise another $2.5 million. Donate now.

    Question of the month

    Last month we asked how your lodge supports local youth?. Of those that responded:

    • 93% - Provide financial support
    • 70% - Provide meeting space
    • 70% - Brothers attend youth order special events and fundraisers
    • 70% - Brothers serve as adult leaders/advisors
    • 59% - Invite youth to all appropriate lodge events
    • 44%- Brothers attend monthly youth order meetings
    • 44% - Promote youth fundraisers/activities on lodge social media
    • 44% - Provide space in Trestleboard for youth articles/updates
    • 33% - Host special events to honor youth orders
    • 7% - Helped start a new local chapter/bethel/assembly

    The post March 2019: Supporting Students, Teachers, and Schools appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>         February 2019: 100 Years of Masonic Youth https://freemason.org/the_leader/february-2019/ Sun, 24 Feb 2019 18:57:15 +0000 https://freemason.flywheelsites.com/?post_type=the_leader&p=473
  • 100 Years of Masonic youth
  • Prepare for Youth Orders Month
  • Your February checklist
  • For your Trestleboard
  • Find it on freemason.org
  • Question of the month

    • The post February 2019: 100 Years of Masonic Youth appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>

    The Leader
    February 2019: 100 Years of Masonic Youth

    Table of Contents

    100 Years of Masonic youth

    DeMolay International celebrates its centennial this year, marking a century since Mason Frank S. Land had the idea for a boy’s club based on fraternal values. The female orders of Job’s Daughters and Rainbow for Girls followed, and today, the three organizations provide friendship, values, and life skills to young men and women ages 10 to 21.

    In the Southern California city of Thousand Oaks, Conejo Valley Lodge No. 807 makes it possible.

    Like all youth orders, this community’s DeMolay chapter and Job’s Daughters bethel rely on local Masons for support. Conejo Valley Lodge proudly steps up in a number of important ways. Master and DeMolay advisor Brandon Lippincott; secretary and Senior DeMolay Stephen Wurtzel; and past master and Grand Master's Youth Service Award recipient Steven Cooley explain.

    Adult advisors

    • To succeed, the youth orders need a dedicated, cohesive group of adult advisors. Young people are incredibly intuitive, and pick up on any discord among the adults. Advisors should be as supportive and positive with each other as they are with the youth.
    • We have a very cohesive advisory group, made up of Masons from Conejo Valley Lodge, Simi Valley Lodge No. 806, and Channel Islands Lodge No. 214, as well as non-Masons.
    • Adult advisors often get as much out of our involvement as we put in. We form close friendships with each other, and witness young members grow into extraordinary adults.

    Year-round activities

    • We try to have at least one brother attend every youth meeting. A lodge presence is one of the most meaningful ways to show these young people that we care.
    • We always support youth order special events, from attending their installations to donating to fundraisers. For example, the DeMolay chapter recently sold movie theater tickets for a special viewing of Aquaman as a fundraiser. With the help of our brothers, the theater was packed.
    • We do not charge the youth orders rent for our hall, a critical savings for them.
    • The youth orders often play a central role in our lodge’s special events. They present the flag at our installations, and DeMolay gives a special presentation for mothers at our annual Sweethearts Dinner. The youth feel valued and get to learn what goes on at lodge. Everyone gets to experience the true meaning of brotherly love and fraternal family.

    Youth Orders Month and DeMolay Centennial

    • In support of Youth Orders Month, we are challenging everyone to attend both of our local youth meetings in March.
    • We’re encouraging brothers to participate in SoCal DeMolay’s Honorary Degrees event, part of DeMolay’s centennial. It’s an opportunity for Masons who were not in the youth order to receive DeMolay degrees and become life members. Sign up at scjdemolay.org/honorary-degrees.

    Benefits to youth

    • The youth orders instill core virtues and values in their young members, making them exemplary citizens and leaders.
    • The youth orders prepare young people for the rest of their lives – teaching them public speaking, management skills, and event planning, as just a few examples.
    • Young men and women gain a support network for life, connecting them with lifelong friends and trusted adults.
    • In addition, DeMolay is a wonderful opportunity for young men to learn about Masonry.

    Benefits to the lodge

    • Being involved with the youth orders is an ongoing source of pride and inspiration for our brothers. These young men and women bring fresh perspective, energy, and life experiences into our lodge.
    • Through their presence in the community, the youth orders promote Freemasonry in general.
    • There is something special, and especially fun, about getting the whole fraternal family together. The youth orders remind us that when our Masonic family comes together, we can accomplish amazing things.

    Contact:
    Brandon Lippincott
    Stephen Wurtzel
    Steven Cooley

    *Want to read inspiring stories about DeMolay’s past, present, and future? Keep an eye out for the upcoming March/April issue of California Freemason magazine, devoted to 100 Years of DeMolay!

    Prepare for Youth Orders Month

    Your lodge’s support of Masonic youth orders gives young people a safe place to learn values and leadership skills – and your lodge a lasting sense of pride. Lodges with a close relationship to Masonic youth gain a stronger fraternal family, and a constant reminder of fraternal values.

    To ramp up support during Youth Orders Month, choose a handful of these ideas for March. Then select a few to implement year-round.

    Attend youth order events

    • Organize member visits to youth order meetings, aiming for at least one brother to be present at every meeting.
    • Encourage strong lodge attendance at youth fundraisers and special events. Make announcements at stated meeting several months in advance, and arrange transportation for elder members.
    • Attend the 2019 Symposium in June, which commemorates the DeMolay centennial. The event will feature a live, tiled demonstration of the DeMolay Degree as conferred in 1919.

    Plan a special event

    • Plan a joint community service project each year with local youth.
    • Host a youth appreciation night at the lodge to honor youth leaders and adult mentors.
    • Sponsor a recreational event like a holiday dance or game night for area Masonic youth. Let them suggest the event and lead the planning process.

    Integrate youth in the lodget

    • Invite local youth orders to stated meeting dinners, and to participate in the lodge’s community events and volunteer projects.
    • Give Masonic youth an important role to play in officer installations, cornerstone ceremonies, and other lodge events.
    • Post youth order brochures and fliers at the lodge.
    • Add links to local and statewide youth order websites to your lodge’s website.
    • Use social media to congratulate Masonic youth on their accomplishments and promote their upcoming events.

    Form meaningful connections

    • Whether after a youth meeting, while volunteering together in the community, or during a stated meeting dinner, make time for one-on-one conversation with youth. Ask them about their goals and challenges
    • Plan a special youth meeting where Masons shadow youth officers.
    • Around the holidays or anytime throughout the year, pair Masons and youth for Secret Santa or “Adopt-A-Mason” traditions.

    Provide financial support

    • If you own your hall, provide meeting space at reduced or no charge.
    • Compensate Masonic youth for serving dinners or cleaning up at lodge meals.
    • Buy tickets for youth fundraisers, even if you cannot actually attend.
    • Make room in the lodge budget to sponsor youth at leadership camps and state conventions.
    • Provide Masonic scholarship information and offer help applying. Create a lodge scholarship for Masonic youth.

    To make a lasting impact

    Become youth leaders

    • Adult leaders are crucial to youth order success. Approach local youth orders about joining their advisory board, or visit masons4youth.org for contact information.
    • As adult leaders prepare to step down, help identify new leaders to fill their places.


    Start a local group

    • If your area isn’t already served by a youth order, consider starting your own chapter, bethel, or assembly. If your lodge doesn’t have the resources to support a youth order on its own, partner with another local lodge to double your impact.
    • To get started, visit masons4youth.org.

    Your February checklist

    Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your February checklist

    Executive Committee

    Senior Warden

    • Review all candidates’ progress towards advancement.
    • Begin preparing 2020 program plan.
    • Begin preparing 2020 budget.
    • Begin preparing 2020 officer appointments.
    • Begin preparing 2020 installation of officers.

    Secretary

    • Present secretary’s annual report to the lodge at stated meeting.
    • Send list of members with late dues to the master for the Retention Committee.
    • Send any suspension notices.
    • Charity Committee considers remissions.

    Treasurer

    • Present treasurer’s annual report to the lodge at stated meeting.
    • Prepare financial reports for Grand Lodge, to be filed by end of March (unless your lodge uses Intacct, in which case you do not need to submit anything).

    Hall Association

    • Submit semi-annual report to the lodge at stated meeting.

    Audit Committee

    • Begin auditing lodge books, to be completed by end of April.

    Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.

    For your Trestleboard

    A century since its founding, DeMolay has shaped the lives of more than 1 million young men around the world and established itself as one of the fraternity’s most powerful legacies. Attend the Symposium this June to explore the youth order’s inspiring history and join its centennial celebration. Use this ad to spread the news.

    This month:
    2019 Symposium Ad
    Age Successfully at Acacia Creek

    Share in your Trestleboard.

    Find it on freemason.org

    The young men and women of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow for Girls rely on lodges and adult leaders for support and mentoring.

    Interested in getting involved, but don’t know where to start?

    At masons4youth.org, you can

    • Learn about the three youth orders
    • Submit your interest in becoming an adult leader
    • Request information about starting a local chapter, bethel, or assembly

    The role of an advisor is fulfilling and rewarding – and vital for the future of Masonic youth. Get started now at masons4youth.org.

    Download upcoming proclamations to read at stated meeting, include in your Trestleboard, announce in the lodge app, and share in any other way with fraternal family.

    Question of the month

    Last month we asked you to share something new that your lodge tried in 2018. Of those that responded:

    • 75% - Intacct
    • 46% - Tax Preparation Services
    • 21% - Payroll Services
    • 13% - PayPal for online payments
    • 67% - MARSH insurance policy
    • 8% - TULIP insurance program
    • 33% - Contacting Financial Services for financial advice and information
    • 17% - Contacting Investment Committee for help with lodge investments
    • 21% - Contacting Real Estate Services for expertise on real estate assets

    The post February 2019: 100 Years of Masonic Youth appeared first on Masons of California.

    ]]>