build a vibrant lodge

A Blueprint for a Successful Future

table of contents

4 | A Rewarding Member Experience 10 | Strong Lodges and Halls Nurture strong relationships between brothers. Share the work of lodge leadership. Create unique customs and traditions that clearly Establish short- and long-term goals. demonstrate why membership and active Ensure revenue supports lodge goals. participation are special. Maintain accurate membership and Admit enthusiastic men who have made friends financial records. in the lodge. Ensure timely reporting to maintain Orient Prospect and give new members tax-exempt status. extra support. Create a plan to preserve your hall. Enable meaningful member participation and contribution. Cultivate and coach new lodge leaders. Prioritize member communication. Increase public visibility.

7 | Resources for Lodges 14 | Positive Impact on Society Be proactive about relief. 8 | Memorable and Meaningful Degrees Support California Masonic charities. Make every degree special. Give back to your community. Help candidate coaches propel advancement. Celebrate and encourage individual impact. Develop deep ritual appreciation. Encourage ongoing learning. a rewarding Lodges create a deep sense of and provide a highly member experience rewarding member experience.

Nurture strong relationships between brothers. Strong lodges are built upon friendships between brothers, and meaningful connections are resources developed one relationship and interaction at a time. Finding common interests with members Member Center you don’t know well will encourage friendships and participation in lodge life, resulting in a On The Level and stronger lodge. Pass It On

ideas to try The Leader Sept. 2016, Aug. 2014, • Starting with active members, invite a • Ensure members from throughout the Jan. 2014, Aug. 2013 brother you’re not close to for coffee each lodge build friendships with prospects month. Recruit your executive committee before extending membership applications. and other active members to follow suit. • Host regular social events to give brothers an opportunity to connect in a casual setting.

Create unique customs and traditions that clearly demonstrate resources why membership and active participation are special. Member Center Creating meaningful practices that are unique to your lodge gives members an opportunity On The Level and to connect and feel pride. Pass It On Engage and Retain ideas to try The Leader • Write down existing customs and • Identify the types of customs most Sept. 2016, Aug. 2014, traditions – ritual regalia, dress code, important to your lodge (ritual excellence, Jan. 2014, Aug. 2013 candidate requirements, special meals, family-friendly meals, community service, events, etc. Review the list with your Masonic education, etc.) and reflect this lodge, and ask brothers which of these are emphasis on your lodge website to attract most meaningful to them. men with similar interests. • Ask members why they joined, and why they stay. Listen for what is important to them, and ask them to suggest new traditions.

4 Admit enthusiastic men who have made friends in the lodge. resources Each brother shapes your lodge’s future. Engage only with prospects who demonstrate a desire Member Center for deep relationships, curiosity to learn and improve themselves, and dedication to building On The Level and something momentous. Admit these men only after they have built a network of friends at the Pass It On lodge. Making a friend a brother is one of the most important activities of a lodge – educate Take Five and orient prospects before providing an application. First a Friend ideas to try Member Skills and Interests Survey • Invite good men in your life to attend a • Educate prospects by reviewing the The Leader social event or mixer to meet the lodge Member Guide, discussing lodge customs Nov. 2016, Dec. 2013 and learn about the fraternity. and traditions, and setting expectations for participation. • Create a structured orientation process, ensuring each prospect builds friendships • Provide applicants and candidates with within the lodge before applying. Masonic education resources, such as a reading list of books and reputable websites.

Orient prospects and give new members extra support. resources Prospects who become members are likely to remain active when they understand the value Member Center of their contributions to the lodge. Position them for success. Member Guide Engage and Retain ideas to try The Leader • Survey new members to better understand • Ask new members to participate in Dec. 2012 their talents and interests, and connect committees to make an immediate them with like-minded brothers. contribution and to build relationships. • Host “new member” evenings to give members and their families an opportunity to connect.

5 Enable meaningful member participation and contribution. resources Engaged members are emotionally committed, actively participate, and have a clearly Member Center defined, meaningful role in the lodge. Help brothers understand that their presence and Engage and Retain participation matters. Member Skills and Interests Survey ideas to try Member Survey • Encourage attendance at meetings and • When brothers propose new programs On The Level events by asking brothers to send regrets or events, be receptive – and encourage to the master if they cannot attend. Follow them to take the lead in their development up with absent brothers and read regrets and execution. aloud, if possible. • Survey members’ skills and interests. Suggest involvement opportunities based on responses.

Prioritize member communication. resources In a successful lodge, members are connected and aware of lodge life. Officers share goals, The Leader challenges, and progress with members, and members share their opinions, perspectives, Oct. 2016, July 2016 and ideas with officers. Open communication boosts engagement and encourages healthy relationships. Lodge Services The Lodge App ideas to try Lodge Website Template

• Create a communication plan to ensure • Schedule regular check-ins to request all members receive important news feedback and ideas – at stated meetings, and updates. Include your website, app, during events, or one-on-one. Trestleboard, social media, phone tree, and mailings. • Partner tech-savvy members with those who are less experienced to teach them how to participate in online dialogue.

6 resources for lodges

Most resources noted in this book can be found on the Resources and Publications page of the Member Center at freemason.org, in the following sections:

• Communications tools • Masonic education • Membership development tools • Lodge support documents • Member assistance

Services from The Leader Monthly E-Newsletter Visit freemason.org/lodgeservices This monthly email is sent to all for more information about: lodge officers and includes:

• Intacct • Best practices from lodges around the state • Tax preparation services • Monthly to-do lists for most lodge officers • PayPal • Reminders of upcoming events • Real estate support • Quick links to important documents • Lodge app • Lodge website template and hosting services View all past issues of The Leader at • The Vault freemason.org/Leader • Iron Mountain Archival Storage

Helpful Contact Information Member Services: Communications: Masonic Assistance: (415) 292-9180 (415) 292-9180 (888) 466-3642 [email protected] [email protected] masonichome.org

Intacct and Financial Lodge Support Committee Administration Services: freemason.org/ (415) 292-9170 lodgesupportcommittee [email protected]

7 Memorable and The ritual experience is our most cherished custom. Its teachings Meaningful Degrees transform members’ lives.

Make every degree special. resources Receiving the degrees of Masonry should be one of the most important experiences in a man’s life. A Mason receives each degree only once and through each degree he is transformed. Member Center Participating brothers have the honor of carrying the torch of Masonic light to a new member. Engage and Retain Member Skills and ideas to try Interests Survey Member Survey • Ensure candidates have sufficient time to • Give each candidate a role within the absorb lessons before each degree so lodge to bind him closer to the fraternity. On The Level they can fully benefit from the experience. • Celebrate degrees through a special • In addition to the proficiency, ask the meal, festive board, or thoughtful candidate to write a paper to reflect presentations and mementos that will upon his personal growth as a result of have lasting significance. each degree.

Help candidate coaches propel advancement. resources Each candidate’s success begins with his coach. Help coaches succeed by creating structured support and accountability measures, and praising coaches for a job well done. An Member Center Candidate Learning Center accountability system helps ensure that both the candidate and coach are focused on the Candidate Guides for candidate’s transformation and individual study. Each Degree ideas to try Sample Candidate Progress Report • Ensure each coach has only as many • Set a degree schedule at the beginning The Leader candidates as he can comfortably devote of the year so the coaches and candidates May 2016, June 2014, himself to coaching. have a goal for their proficiencies Oct. 2012 • Ask coaches to report on candidates’ and degrees. advancement at each stated meeting and • Train coaches so they can best support praise their progress. candidates on the ritual and the deeper meaning of Masonry.

8 Develop deep ritual appreciation. resources Meaningful practices that are unique to your lodge give members an opportunity to connect The Leader and feel pride. Keep the excitement of self-improvement and learning alive after the degrees June 2016, June 2015 by dedicating time to this endeavor. California Freemason ideas to try Masonic Education Articles • Encourage discussions about the ritual • Establish regular ritual rehearsals to in your lodge, focusing on the meaning ensure officers’ skills are up to date for behind the words. Ask brothers to explain each degree. how sections of the ritual have grown more meaningful for them over time.

Encourage ongoing learning. resources Each Mason’s connection to deepens throughout his lifetime, as he grows within the craft and as a man. Inspire your members to continue to seek wisdom through ongoing Member Center Masonic studies. Masonic Education Committee Speaker List ideas to try Freemason.org Events • Host lectures and discussions of Masonic • Encourage members to attend Grand Masonic Education ritual and symbolism. Ask brothers to Lodge-sponsored Masonic education The Leader present original research, invite scholars events, such as the California Masonic Feb. 2017, Feb. 2016, from other lodges, or screen and discuss Symposium, as well as educational events Nov. 2014, March 2014 a Masonic education video. at nearby lodges. Henry Wilson Coil Library & • While brothers practice the ritual, ask • Ask brothers to read and discuss articles Museum of Freemasonry them to reflect upon its significance, and in California Freemason magazine, which masonicheritage.org share how it has inspired them. is mailed every other month. Other Northern California Research Lodge Archive Papers Southern California Research Lodge’s Magazine

9 strong lodges Strong lodges and halls support and halls the good work of our members.

Share the work of lodge leadership. resources Leadership requires teamwork and delegation. Each lodge’s Executive Committee must Member Center participate in planning and executing lodge goals, contributing their unique strengths Succession Planning Guide and perspective. Lodge Conversations

ideas to try The Leader Jan. 2017, Feb. 2015, • Convene a monthly Executive Committee • Ensure each officer has clear July 2014 meeting during which officers prepare responsibilities on what he must report agendas for stated meetings, track each month. candidates’ progress, assess budget and • Permit officers to make mistakes and find reporting responsibilities, and keep lodge solutions for correcting them. plans in focus.

Establish short- and long-term goals. resources In order for your lodge to build a successful future, you must establish and benchmark goals. Begin by envisioning where your lodge should be in three to five years, then set achievable Member Center monthly or annual goals as stepping-stones towards that vision. Strategic Planning Guide Lodge Conversations ideas to try The Leader • Devote a lodge meeting or retreat • Give regular updates and celebrate May 2015, March 2015, to developing a long-range plan. Set progress. Update annual goals throughout Feb. 2013 goals for membership, finances, future the year to keep them current. leadership, and material assets.

10 Ensure revenue supports lodge goals. resources In the history of our fraternity, dues and fees have helped lodges prosper and provide for Member Center future generations. Preserve the financial well-being of your lodge and hall by ensuring your Revenue Planning Guide dues and fees are sufficient to support your three- to five-year goals. Lodge Conversations

ideas to try Historical Dues Charts • Create a five-year projected budget and • Create perspective by benchmarking Lodge Support Committee calculate the income from dues and fees current dues and fees against historical or freemason.org/ that you will need to make your vision statewide figures. lodgesupportcommittee a reality. • Ensure transparency by explaining this budget and any fee changes with your members. Help them understand how the right level of dues and fees are needed to attain your shared goals.

Maintain accurate membership and financial records. resources Accurate membership and financial records are critical to lodge viability and can help avoid Member Center interpersonal conflict. Create accountability and reporting processes to keep records accurate Lodge Conversations and current, so that you can spend more time on building friendships, learning, and positively impacting society. Lodge Services Intacct ideas to try Tax Preparation Services

• During Executive Committee meetings, • Update “live” documents currently Real Estate Support review the accuracy of member stored in The Vault on freemason.org. For The Vault records and financial statements. Plan long-term archival storage, use storage Iron Mountain Storage to correct any errors, and identify solutions provided by Grand Lodge. process improvements. The Leader Feb. 2014 • Regularly remind members to update their personal information in the Member Lodge Support Committee Center following moves or other freemason.org/ life changes. lodgesupportcommittee

11 Ensure timely reporting to maintain tax-exempt status. resources Every lodge is an independent nonprofit organization with reporting responsibilities to Grand Member Center Lodge and government entities. It is essential to comply with government regulations to Lodge Conversations maintain your lodge’s tax-exempt status. Losing tax-exempt status is costly and complicated Lodge Services to restore. Intacct ideas to try Tax Preparation Services Real Estate Support • Establish an annual reporting schedule • Contact Grand Lodge’s Member Services The Lodge Vault early in the year, detailing which reports and Financial Services teams to learn are due to Grand Lodge and government about resources and services to ease Iron Mountain Storage agencies. Use the Lodge Conversation reporting; many are offered at no charge. The Leader (Monthly) document as a guide. Lodge Support Committee • Read The Leader each month to review freemason.org/ tasks that must be completed by each lodgesupportcommittee officer in the coming month.

Create a plan to preserve your hall. resources If your lodge has a hall, it is likely the lodge’s greatest material asset. It must be thoughtfully Member Center managed to give a positive impression to members and prospects, and to operate as an Lodge Conversations effective business. The master and senior warden are directors for the hall and are responsible for serving as full and active members. They should advocate for creating a vision that the hall Lodge Services Intacct association can use to develop an efficient operating plan. Tax Preparation Services ideas to try Real Estate Support • Develop a multi-year maintenance and • If your hall requires improvements or a capital plan. Calculations must include lease, sale, or purchase, contact Grand furnishings, appliances, utilities, and taxes. Lodge Real Estate Services and the • Ensure your hall has adequate insurance Masonic Property Committee for support and security, complies with zoning and required approval. and use requirements, and fulfills tax-exempt reporting.

12 Cultivate and coach new lodge leaders. resources Leadership in Masonry requires time, energy, and preparation. Take a thoughtful approach Member Center to informing members about what it means to be ready for lodge office, both in terms of Succession Planning Guide commitment and effort. Lodge Conversations

ideas to try The Leader • List the qualities a member must have • Provide mentorship opportunities within March 2016 for each office, including the length of the Executive Committee and between Annual Leadership Retreats membership time needed to reach that lodge leaders and non-officers. level of experience. Consider that some • Ensure that prospective officers for the Lodge Management offices outside the progressive line can progressive line are able to commit the Certification Program either be testing grounds for future necessary time and are ready for the job. leaders, or long-term offices for members with an affinity for the role.

Increase public visibility. Even if your lodge is doing great work, good men may not find you if the word hasn’t spread resources beyond immediate friends and family. Make an effort to share your accomplishments with the Member Center greater community. Lodge Website Template Lodge Media Kit ideas to try Communication Tools • Build a strong online presence, using • If your lodge is planning a community On The Level and the lodge website template from Grand event, send a press release to local media Pass It On Lodge. Make it easy for prospective outlets and call reporters to pitch a story The Leader members to find your lodge. for coverage. Jan. 2016, Aug. 2015, • Encourage your members to share photos • Schedule regular information nights Jan. 2015, Dec. 2014 and news from lodge community events and invite the public to learn more or celebrations through your lodge’s social about Freemasonry. media and their own. • Create a Community Outreach Committee, responsible for increasing the lodge’s presence in the media.

13 positive impact Masonic values guide us to make on society a meaningful impact on society.

Be proactive about relief. resources As Masons, we are obliged to relieve the distress of fellow Masons and their families. It is Member Center essential to stay in touch and check in regularly with members of your lodge to offer help if Call Log they need it. Home Visit Checklist Need Request Form ideas to try Phone Script • Ensure your Membership Retention • Introduce the Lodge Outreach Program Committee checks in regularly with absent to your lodge and appoint a trainer who The Leader members, older brothers, and widows can provide guidance on reaching out Sept. 2016, Oct. 2015, who may need help. Consider including to others. Oct. 2014 spouses and partners on the committee. • Involve new members and Masonic youth Masonichome.org in outreach efforts. Masonic Assistance can be reached at (888) 466-3642

Support California Masonic charities. resources Charity has been at the heart of Freemasonry in California since the beginning. Your gift to our Freemason.org/give Masonic charities shows that vulnerable brothers, widows, children, and community members can count on us in times of need. The Leader Dec. 2016, Dec. 2015, ideas to try May 2014

• Commit your lodge to 100 percent officer • Help members understand their impact Annual Report in the giving. Then, expand to lodge committees, by visiting a Masonic Homes campus, Jan/Feb issue of California past officers, and even to all members. attending a Masonic Outreach presentation, Freemason magazine and reading the Annual Report in the • Invite a member of the California Masonichome.org Masonic Foundation team to your lodge January/February issue of California to talk about charitable initiatives and Freemason magazine. giving opportunities.

14 Give back to your community. resources California lodges have a rich history of supporting their communities. Share the benefits of Freemason.org brotherly love, relief, and truth by providing meaningful local support. The Leader ideas to try March 2017, Aug. 2016, April 2016, Sept 2015, • Ask your local public school how members • Attend (or organize) an April Public April 2015, Sept. 2014 can contribute – local schools often Schools Month celebration to recognize have wish lists of volunteer projects and teachers and students in your community. Masons4Youth.org donations that are needed. Encourage members to join a Public • Support Masonic youth by creating a joint Schools Advisory Council. service project, acting as a mentor, or attending meetings and events.

Celebrate and encourage individual impact. resources Even if your lodge is active in the community, chances are good that some members contribute Freemason.org individually. And, being a good father, husband, brother, son, employee, or mentor positively impacts our communities. Recognize and celebrate individual Masons’ accomplishments and Member Survey good work.

ideas to try • Survey members about their volunteer • Collect, and ask members to submit, and mentoring efforts outside the lodge. volunteer and mentoring opportunities Host an event to celebrate these efforts that fellow brothers may find interesting. and ask members to share how Masonry has inspired them.

15 freemason.org

MOC_LodgeBook_021318