Grand Lodge Royal York Hotel July 16 th

Grand Lodge, Royal York Hotel July 16 th, 2008

Our Journey So Far o V. W. Bro. Garry Fitzpatrick o W. Bro. Martin Skulnick o Bro. Stephen Brash o Bro. Graeme Boyce • Started in January 2007 • Early on decided that we were not about saving Lodges from going dark. • Focused on vitality • Vitality survey done from Oct. 2007 – Jan 2008 • Workshops on Lodge vitality • Assumptions were challenged • The journey has just begun

Vitality Survey Brotherly Love Relief Truth Temples Festive Boards Communication Lodge Management AC+ C+ B BC+ B+

Freemasonry’s Relevance in the 21 st Century In order for Freemasonry in Ontario to thrive and grow over the next 25 years, it is critical that we comes to terms with our relevancy in modern society. We need to define and embrace our “Raison d'être” BBf. B 0787 Important to ask ourselves both ‘why’ and ‘how’. If we are to make the Craft relevant to a new generation of Freemasons then we need to understand the world they live in and the challenges they face. “Strong organizations are motivated by dynamic purposes; lesser ones exist on wishes and inclinations. ” Kenneth Hildebrand

Modern Society is Accelerating BBf. B 0787

Life for Many is in Perpetual “Fast Forward”

Where are the Answers to Life’s Questions ?

Modern Man is Overwhelmed What is the meaning of manhood ? What values and virtues should I live my life by ? How do I become a good man ? Do ‘role models’ still exist ?

“The search after the great man is the dream of youth and the most serious occupation of manhood. … Man can paint, or make, or think, nothing but man. He believes that the great material elements had their origin from his thought. … Other men are lenses through which we read our own minds. Each man seeks those of different quality from his own, and such as are good of his kind; that is, he seeks other men. ” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our Purpose ? What is the PURPOSE of a Masonic Lodge? To host annual Ladies nights ? To provide a succession of officers through the chairs ? To encourage memorization of the ritual ? To sit on committees ? To eat delicious Roast Beef dinners with friends?

What were you Expecting ? Think back to your initiation… What were you most excited about?

The Masonic Lodge’s “Raison d'être”. WHY DO MASONIC LODGES EXIST: To make good men better. HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS: Through a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols.

From Darkness to Light Freemasonry exists first and foremost to transform men. Transformation takes place because one is initiated into a fellowship of men. Within that fellowship that he is introduced to his own path of self improvement — a journey which enables him to harmonize his personal need for fulfillment within a collective well-being. This pathway is nothing less than the road to mature masculinity. Robert G. Davis 33°

Lodge Vitality

MEMBERSHIP BBf. B 0787

MEMBERSHIP EXISTING MEMBERSHIP BBf. B 0787

MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS EXISTING MEMBERSHIP BBf. B 0787

MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS EXISTING MEMBERSHIP BBf. B 0787 EXTENDED MEMBERSHIP

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CRAFT STEWARDSHIP BBf. B 0787

MEMBERSHIP BBf. B 0787 MECHANICS OF THE WORK

MEMBERSHIP CRAFT HISTORY BBf. B 0787 MECHANICS OF THE WORK

MEMBERSHIP TRUTH CRAFT HISTORY BBf. B 0787 MECHANICS OF THE WORK

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LODGE MANAGEMENT BBf. B 0787

LODGE MANAGEMENT BBf. B 0787 FINANCIAL MANAGMENT

LODGE MANAGEMENT BBf. B 0787 FINANCIAL MANAGMENT COMMUNICATION

ADMINISTRATION STRATEGY & GOAL SETTING BBf. B 0787 FINANCIAL MANAGMENT COMMUNICATION

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COMMUNITY BBf. B 0787

COMMUNITY BBf. B 0787 OUR TEMPLES

COMMUNITY BBf. B 0787 OUR TEMPLES OUR MONEY

COMMUNITY OUR TIME BBf. B 0787 OUR TEMPLES OUR MONEY

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Vitality Achieved BBf. B 0787

Objectives “Achieved” ! Masonic Vitality Program (MVP) (Circa 2007) LRPC Sponsored Trip LRPC Sponsored Publicity Event ED S U OC LRPC Sponsored Education TS N E EV F Y T ICI L B U LRPC P sponsored R L New Mason AL C I T Night BBf. B 0787 AC NT T E M P M O L ER DEVE T N A L T P R IC G O E T A H R S LRPC ST LRPC Newsletter/ Magazine Develop the framework and tools for a Lodge Health check and Masonic Vibrancy Program (MVP) DESIGN PHASE 6 -9 Months Testing, revision and application of Health Check and MVP with 2 -3 lodges within the District Role out the completed MVP to the District and beyond (2 -10 years) TESTING & REVISION PHASE 12 -24 Months PRODUCTION PHASE 24 -36 Months Ongoing

9 -Step Logic Tree Framework 1. Can you measure the vitality of your Lodge ? 2. Do you know what your Lodges root-cause problem is ? 3. What are you currently doing to address it ? 4. Do you have a solution ? 5. Do you have the desire and determination to execute the plan? 6. Do you have the time needed to execute the plan? 7. Do you have the right team and skills to execute the plan? 8. Do you have sufficient funds to execute the plan?

Closing Thoughts • Vitality is up to YOU and your Lodge • Make it happen • There is no journey without a destination