DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2017 2018 GRAND

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DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2017 -2018

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2017 -2018

GRAND LODGE OFFICE SPACE We are paying too much for our office Ø The

GRAND LODGE OFFICE SPACE We are paying too much for our office Ø The Finance Committee has approved the sub committee recommendation to purchase a building in the Calgary region Ø Approximately 1500 square feet required Ø Look at placing historical records in the Provincial Archives Ø Ø GL of Manitoba has such an arrangement Ø Saves cost of keeping required historical files in-house and reduces space requirements Timing to purchase is good with the economic downturn Ø A committee is being formed to screen buildings Ø

COMMUNICATION Ø Millennials more likely to use apps than web pages – inexpensive to

COMMUNICATION Ø Millennials more likely to use apps than web pages – inexpensive to set up – GL of Manitoba has one v Calendar online v Alberta Freemason available v Confirm attendance at functions v Advertise events v Link the lodge data base with names, addresses and phone numbers v Addresses with a picture of the lodge meeting places Ø Lodge meeting nights Ø Encourage on-line banking to pay dues/events Ø The Beta version of our web is open for input and comment – need feedback Ø Need for regular communication between the DDGMS and the Grand line v Did it once this year and it was beneficial v will do prior to each General Purposes Meetings (except at the Annual Communication)

ADMINISTRATION Ø Eliminate the expensive hard copy of the C & R – obsolete

ADMINISTRATION Ø Eliminate the expensive hard copy of the C & R – obsolete on delivery Ø Ø Give new members a USB stick but also maintain the web version Grand Lodge has a new data base – lodge secretaries have access: v Can input home addresses, email addresses and phone numbers v Maintains member history which can be accessed v Input degree information with confirmation of the GL Secretary v No need to maintain a lodge data base Ø Use the data base in real time rather than DDGMS to gather/store statistics: Number of members Ø Attendance Ø Semi annual return Ø Other Ø

ADMINISTRATION (CONTINUED) Ø Grand Lodge has taken steps to reduce costs Ø The Procurement

ADMINISTRATION (CONTINUED) Ø Grand Lodge has taken steps to reduce costs Ø The Procurement Policy is working v Ø Reduced the Grand Communication costs significantly this year and next Grand Lodge is going plastic - like the rest of the world v Plastic dues cards with a bar code means no reissuing of cards each year v Saves work for Grand Lodge and secretaries – it pays out v Issue cards to new members; about 300 per year v Lost cards can be easily reissued for a price v If cards are required at the Grand Communication use the bar code to confirm dues are current

OFFICER TRAINING The program isn’t accomplishing the task Ø It needs to be reworked

OFFICER TRAINING The program isn’t accomplishing the task Ø It needs to be reworked Ø We need the lodges to take ownership Ø Options: Ø Ø Take training on-line, in modules – interact with instructors – others doing it v Convenient for the brethren in the far reaches v Uses familiar technology for new member v Schools are using it more all the time Take the training to the lodges in modules Ø Conduct a field day in several regions once a year with all the expertise available Ø

SELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS Ø More lodges moving to the 7 Step Program Ø

SELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS Ø More lodges moving to the 7 Step Program Ø The DDGMS need to explain it to lodges who aren’t using it – great process Ø The candidate application form contains a statement about police checks: v. The Grand Lodge Form says police checks “may” be required v. Some lodges have changed their by-laws to state police checks “will” be required – their choice

DDGM ELECTS - TAKE NOTE DDGMS are members of Grand Lodge – you too

DDGM ELECTS - TAKE NOTE DDGMS are members of Grand Lodge – you too are the enemy DDGMS have a vote at the Board of General Purposes – participate! If difficulties are experience with reports just ask – there are 14 on the DDGM Team Good communication skills are critical – repeat often to get the message across Communicate issues - don’t throw the Grand Master under the bus – he doesn’t like surprises It does not violate our principles to offer constructive criticism Not every lodge is a 10 out of 10 – can’t improve on perfection And yes, the Grand Line needs to work more closely with the DDGMS – we are a team

DDGM ELECTS Deliver the Grand Master’s Message to the lodges Ø Higher Education Bursary

DDGM ELECTS Deliver the Grand Master’s Message to the lodges Ø Higher Education Bursary Fund – our no. 1 charity Ø Encourage members to run for elected positions Ø Communicate events: Ø Ø v Spring Work Shop v Annual Communication v Upcoming 50 year jewel presentations in your respective Districts v Upcoming lodge 100 th year anniversaries v Officer Training – when we get it working v Grand Master’s Levy January 1 st When something goes wrong, remember, it is we, not they!

MASONRY – FUN WITH A PURPOSE Building character - Improving self worth Fellowship –

MASONRY – FUN WITH A PURPOSE Building character - Improving self worth Fellowship – if you are not having fun you won’t come Leadership training Public speaking Education Community participation – Bursary Fund, donations, working with youth Transportation for shut-ins – hospital treatment Automation - more leisure time – we are the answer

SOME THOUGHTS Grand Lodge shouldn’t be just “policemen – leaders Need to share “best

SOME THOUGHTS Grand Lodge shouldn’t be just “policemen – leaders Need to share “best practices” with everyone Reintroduce the web listing of speakers with topics of interest – lodges can access for educational topics Members are open to advice – help if asked Without dictating, offer suggestions – lodges create members; Grand Lodge Officers can advise if asked Our infrastructure is dated and does not project a dynamic image - a housing crisis is developing even in our largest cities

MEMBER PARTICIPATION Ø Too few stepping forward to run for elected office v Ø

MEMBER PARTICIPATION Ø Too few stepping forward to run for elected office v Ø Note the number of candidates for DDGM elected from the floor this year. Need to encourage younger members to participate on the Committees and the Board v Use the conference call system for members living in remote regions – saves time and expense plus broadens the participation in our fraternity Approach potential candidates to let them know they have qualities we need to manage our affairs Ø We could use help to upgrade our meeting places– could use sweat labour – improves our image Ø

GOVERNANCE Ø Ø How well are we governed? Ø Sheer numbers on committees and

GOVERNANCE Ø Ø How well are we governed? Ø Sheer numbers on committees and the Board does not guarantee results Ø It is a proven fact the optimum committee size is between 5 -7 members Ø Ontario with 34, 000 members and 42 Districts has reduced its Board of GP from 35 to 15 Re-examine our processes Ø Ø De. Molay has moved to a corporate model from a fraternal model Streamline our operation Ø Constitution and Regulations – move items from one section to another Ø Use the policy and purposes section for process – supposedly done for the Procurement Policy Ø The time to move changes to the Constitution and Regulations is lengthy

A VISION FOR GRAND LODGE Ø With the approval of the Grand Master a

A VISION FOR GRAND LODGE Ø With the approval of the Grand Master a Vision Team is to be immediately established: Representation from North, Central and Southern Regions v Design a structure for the 21 st century: Ø Board of General Purposes Ø Committees Ø Administration A goal to become more effective and efficient No “sacred cows” Improve processes to meet the needs of our members Maintain transparency Improve communication Reduce costs where appropriate v Ø Ø Ø