4 parade, art and wine festival, and crab feed; lodge-sponsored public schools fundraisers, blood drives, Child ID events, and more.

Transcription

1 April 2017 Lodge Culture The culture of a lodge from sociable to serious, modern to traditional is an expression of its members. A lodge that embraces this, and aligns its passions and priorities with those of its individual brothers, achieves a special sort of harmony. This is the case at Alameda Lodge No. 167 in Fremont, which is known for its inquisitive and wholehearted approach to Masonry. The lodge succeeds because it has identified what sets it apart, and plays to those strengths. Master Dinesh Chhabra explains: Key qualities of our lodge Diversity: Over the past six years or so, our lodge has welcomed brothers from more and more diverse backgrounds. Today our members come from Lebanon, South America, Asia, Europe from all over. We represent an array of races, religions, and parts of the world. Ritual proficiency: Our ritual is one of the strongest in California. We have six past masters who were once inspectors, district inspectors, or Grand Lodge officers. They are particular about the ritual work and Masonic education, and they are passing that legacy on to the next generation. Community: We consistently put ourselves out in the community, including the city s July th 4 parade, art and wine festival, and crab feed; lodge-sponsored public schools fundraisers, blood drives, Child ID events, and more. Establishing the culture We encourage prospects to come to our social events, where designated brothers talk with them about the key qualities of our lodge, what exactly we do, and what we expect of members. We don t even consider an application until a prospect has gotten to know us. We print T-shirts, coins, and other items with our lodge emblem, and provide them to new initiates so they can show lodge pride wherever they go. The most important thing we tell new members is this: Let go of any preexisting ideas about Masonry. Keep your mind open and fresh. Learning from each other Every brother who travels out of the country brings back something for the lodge. In this way, we all come to know something from new parts of the world. Because our lodge is made up of so many different cultures, we have a daily opportunity to learn from each other: how we grew up, customs and beliefs, life lessons. Brothers from distinct backgrounds offer new perspectives on the Masonic ritual. We discuss these things as a lodge, and often with our inspector. It s important for a Mason to be proud of the qualities that make both him and his lodge unique. Our brothers are excited to share their diverse backgrounds and their relationships with Masonry, and for others to share theirs. Contact: Dinesh Chhabra

2 Define your lodge identity A priority of the 2020 Fraternity Plan is to make a positive impact on society. When public schools get the support they need, that impact is made not only in classrooms, but in the future of each student. Here are some ways you and your lodge can make a difference. A priority of the 2020 Fraternity Plan is to provide a highly rewarding member experience. Start by articulating a unique identity for your lodge, and taking steps so every brother feels included. Here are tips: Survey members Ask brothers over the lodge app, social media, , and in person: What sets our lodge apart from others? What about our lodge history most inspires you? What about our lodge today makes you most proud? What activities and/or events best represent our lodge? What words describe our lodge s personality? Create a brand Identify several qualities that best describe your lodge Come up with a lodge slogan inspired by these qualities Design a lodge emblem (consider incorporating your slogan) Include your emblem and slogan on o Lodge website o Social media profiles o Letterhead o Memorabilia o Signage for your building o Trestleboard Spread the word Make up T-shirts, ball caps, bumper stickers, buttons, coffee mugs, and other memorabilia with your emblem and/or slogan. Commission a new welcome sign for the building. If your lodge is family-oriented, invite children to draw posters with the lodge branding, and decorate a bulletin board or share them in the Trestleboard. Establish new traditions that celebrate your lodge, such as a toast inspired by some aspect of your lodge s history. Tailor Trestleboard, social media, and lodge app communications to reinforce your lodge s unique qualities, whether it s a recurring article about Masonic trivia, a travel spotlight, or ongoing updates on a favorite service project. Designate brothers to introduce and explain the lodge identity to prospects. Promote the lodge identity within your strategic plan and leadership decisions. If the lodge building is a point of pride, consider a restoration project. If service is key to your identity, plan more volunteer events.

3 Your April checklist Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here s your April checklist. Executive Committee Remind members to celebrate Public Schools Month Arrange a member outing to a Public Schools Month celebration Attend, or make plans to attend, a 2017 Master & Wardens Retreat Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee Continue preparing 2018 program plan Continue preparing 2018 budget Continue preparing 2018 officer appointments Continue preparing 2018 installation of officers Review all candidates progress towards advancement Secretary Begin tracking 100% officer giving to the Annual Fund 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 Treasurer If your lodge has employees, file quarterly federal payroll tax form 941 (unless IRS has approved an annual filing of form 944, due in February) If your lodge has employees, file quarterly state payroll tax form DE9/DE9C and deposit form DE88 Prepare IRS form 990 and FTB form 199, both due by May 15 (unless your lodge has previously agreed to have Grand Lodge prepare these forms) Audit Committee Audit lodge books, to be completed by end of month Hall Association Prepare form 200, due to Grand Lodge by May 15 Prepare IRS form 990 and FTB form 199, both due by May 15 Prepare insurance premium payment, due in May Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) For your Trestleboard Through the Lodge Outreach Program, lodges help more fraternal families thanks to trainings, resources, and support from Masonic Outreach Services. Use this story to inspire your lodge, plus additional reminders from the fraternity. This month: Lodge Outreach Profile (Document on Page 5) Symposium: The Moscow Archives (Document on Page 7) Age Successfully at Acacia Creek (Document on Page 8) Share in your Trestleboard. Find it on freemason.org

4 Your lodge s heritage will live on in its historic documents and artifacts. Rely on professionals to preserve them. Iron Mountain storage offers: Archival cold storage for important items such as bound books, historical documents, awards, photographs, and memorabilia Bulk scanning of lodge documents for digital storage Special, discounted pricing for California lodges Access Iron Mountain to get started. Question of the month Last month we asked if your lodge will hold a special event for Public Schools Month this year. Of those that responded: 57% - Yes 19% - No 24% - Don t know Of those who said yes, the most popular programs involved donating money for school needs; presenting student awards; an academic competition, such as an essay or speech contest.

5 Partners in Outreach Evergreen Lodge No. 259 Susan s* husband died a year ago on Valentine s Day, just after the holidays. Although she had no relatives left to look after her, she did have her fraternal family. Susan and Harold were both members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Harold was a past master at Evergreen Lodge No. 259 in Riverside. When Harold passed away, Susan asked one of his brothers, John Channon, to organize a Masonic funeral. Afterward, John did what family does: He stuck around. He checked in on Susan, who is 90, and helped with life insurance paperwork. He stopped by every few days to go through the mail and make sure the bills were paid. He helped with her taxes and kept an eye on her living expenses. He boosted her favorite couch to make it easier to get into and out of. A longtime friend from Eastern Star, Cheryl, helped with grocery shopping and medical appointments, and she and John became a team. After a little while, Susan asked to give John and Cheryl power of attorney over her affairs. They were the two people she trusted most, she said. When Susan s health first began to fail, John and Cheryl sought out quality caregivers to come to the house. But some months later, Susan s health declined dramatically, and she could no longer afford to live at home. They realized they were out of their depth. As an inspector, John was active in the Lodge Outreach Program, and attended the quarterly meetings led by Masonic Outreach Services (MOS) staff. He decided to contact MOS for guidance. They sent an application for Susan, and began searching right away for a better living solution. They soon secured a spot at a board-and-care community, and Susan moved in last month. If not for John and Cheryl, Susan might have faced this time of loss, and the many uncertainties that accompanied it, alone. If not for MOS, she might not be in a safe living situation now. Her fraternal family and MOS continue to partner for her: MOS has approved financial assistance so she can afford housing in her new community. Evergreen Lodge has pledged full support and manpower for squaring away her house and affairs.

6 And at John s request, MOS plans to hold a training session at his upcoming Officers School of Instruction. When somebody needs help, lodge leaders need to know how to step in, John says. They need to know there are resources that they can help and that they re not alone. He wants his lodges to get the word out, because too many members hesitate to ask for help. Masonry is an organization that expects its members to give and receive assistance. We makes relief a priority, he says. When you have a way to be of use to someone, then as a Mason, you step up and do it. *Names changed for client privacy To learn how your lodge can partner with the Masonic Homes, call (888) or visit masonichome.org.

7 California Masonic Symposium The Moscow Archives San Francisco June 3 Pasadena June 4 When the German army swept into Paris in 1940, one of their first actions was to seize all Masonic buildings and ship the archives to Berlin. When they lost the war and the Russians occupied Berlin, the Communists seized those same archives and sent them to Moscow. Why did they do this? What was so important to both the Nazis and the Communists? Explore the answers to these questions at the 2017 California Masonic Symposium. $15 conference only $30 conference with lunch freemason.org/symposium

8 Friendly neighbors. Great food. Beautiful views. Acacia Creek Retirement Community, next to the Masonic Home at Union City, is full of life. From high-end fitness facilities to fine dining experiences, on-campus programs and classes, cultural excursions, and upscale amenities, you'll find everything you need and more to age successfully! acaciacreek.org (877) RCFE # COA #246