prezac

I belong to a small lodge in Nebraska. Our membership is about a hundred but it only seems like 10-15% of us are actually involved in the lodge. I was raised in Nov of 2006 and have since then tried to help my lodge with ideas of growing not just in attendance but also membership. It is now starting to come out that something needs to be done in our lodge. I have been looking over websites, our grand lodge office, and other lodge/grand lodge ideas that have been in work. I thought I would ask my brothers here personally at what could be done to help this struggling lodge. This is the lodge of my hometown and I wish not to see it go. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mr. Rezac
S.D. Wahoo Lodge #59

chgregory

My Brother,

We are happy to give you ideas and any other help we can individually or as a group. Although I certainly can't speak for everyone, I can tell you that my experience has been these are brothers who wisper good council in my ear.

One thing that is helping turn a small country lodge into a going concern has been offering programs for the members, and their wivies each month, we have even worked out kids day with the lodge where we are giving the members something for their family while finding new prospects for the youth programs. One issue in recent years had been that in order to hold the attention of a man you must also help him gain the support of his family.

I don't advocate membership drives, but I see nothing wrong with letting the community see members doing good things that support our values. We provide speakers for Boy and Girl Scouts, talking about the values that make our children grow up to be good men.

Another thing we have tried this year is to pair with local organization that are doing useful things like preserving historical (especially those with masonic ties) monuments, helping with citycleanup and resotration projects, a program to get local artists to provide work displaying art in open spaces around town. Things that will enrich the life in our little city.

We work on Ritual with other lodges to make certain our ritual team and theirs get the experience needed to be effective.

We are working with the Royal Arch, Socttish Rite, Commandery and Shrine (as well as some other groups) to help attract worthy brothers to follow the path of more light.

I believe you will find loads of great ideas from the group of active and interested brothers.

Recently, one of the posters on this board gave me suggestions that will, I hope, eventually lead to a new kind of web presence that will enable our members to do research and build on the enlightenment and interests and attract the kind of candidates we want.

Another suggeested finding jobs that fit the interest of the brothers who seem disinterested. One suggested having an official photographer. We have a guy perfect for that role who is not interested in being in line, but wants to be involved.

"Seek and you shall find, Ask and you shall receive, Knock and the door will be opened" as was promised.

S&F,

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Cliff Gregory, 32

Mystic knight

My lodge has about a hundred brothers with only 10-15% active as well. Very typical. Solid members are hard to find anywhere. And solid members is what your lodge needs period. But how to attract them? How can they find you?

It would be worth it to invest in your lodge web site. Some have made their sites very kewl. The website is the face of your lodge on the ether of the net. You may want to advertise that your lodge is having an open house to show prospective members what you are all about. It is not against Masonic law to send a few of your guys to schools to educate them with a "talk." Other groups do it. High schools, colleges, universities and even elementary schools. Hey kids remember who broke up the monotony of their day. Years later it may bring you a Mason.

You could also have some sort of fundraising event in your community. Pancake breakfast, raffle or some sale. In this way, an interested citizen can also ask you a question about what you do, how to become a Mason etc. Many have the idiotic idea from watching "The Simpsons" that your father must be a Mason or you have no business petitioning. There is much ignorance out there.

David Herman

I suggest that rather than seeking to have men join your lodge, make your lodge the kind of organization that men want to join (or become active in).

Have fund raisers, but put the money back into the community - sponsor a little league team, support the PTA, stuff like that.

Let the Scouts use your facility for their fund raiser free of charge; it helps them, and it gets people inside of your lodge hall, where some brethren can be present to answer questions (and have literature available, either home made or from the MSA or your Grand Lodge).

If you award a scholarship or present a 50-year apron, use the MSA press release kit. Do good work, yes - but also try to be seen doing good work.

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http://morelight.org

Mystic knight

Excellent ideas!

prezac

Keep them coming brothers !!! these are great ideas.