Brethren,
We are off to a great start this year, and your Officers have many new initiatives and fundraising activities planned to support our Strategic Vision and build off the great programs and traditions our Lodge has always enjoyed. We are truly blessed to have such a large “brain-trust” of Past Masters and Senior Mentors to help guide us along the way. Your team of Officers are here to support OUR Lodge, so your input is always welcome. We now have a suggestion box near the office for your input. Remember, we are all Brothers and meet on the level.
We have discussed this previously, but here’s our Strategic Vision and the “Five Pillars” to support our vision. Our Committees this year align with each pillar, so our focus is more directed and unified.
Strategic Vision: Ensure the Long-Term Stability of The Villages Masonic Lodge by Making Good Men Better.
The Five Pillars:
Community Outreach:
- Having a recognized and respected public image.
- Strengthening community connections and building relationships.
- Demonstrating compassion and improving society through charitable activities.
- Actively engaging with similarly minded groups (i.e. IOOF) within society.
- Using all means of dialogue, including social media, to communicate effectively.
- Continue and Strengthen our Adopt a School Program and others.
- Volunteer manpower at local events. (i.e. Soup Kitchen, Squares, Golf Tournaments, etc…)
Charitable Contributions:
- Identify and support worthy charities in our local community.
- Support the Grand Master’s Charity.
- Support the First Ladies Charity.
- Support Masonic Youth.
- Support Scouts and other local youth programs.
- Continue the very successful “Bikes for Books” program
Membership Development:
- Increasing new members and reinstatements.
- Decreasing demits and non-paying dues (NPDs).
- Providing leadership and growth both inside and outside of the lodge room.
- Creating an enjoyable and respectful environment amongst the Masonic family.
- Improving member experience and engagement through a monthly First Friday Breakfast, quarterly social trips, etc…
- Mentorship of new and transfer members.
- Focusing on attracting and retaining younger members.
- Internal Communication:
- Providing frequent, regular, and consistent communication to members.
- Using multiple communication channels, including a new Zoom proposal to reach diverse and confined audiences.
- Ensuring communication is simple and easy to understand.
Financial Strength:
- Enhancing financial stability through effective finance and development efforts.
- Membership Dues - Increasing membership endeavors to boost revenue. Especially Dual/Transfer members.
- Fundraising Activities – Continuing current fundraising activities and identify new possibilities including a Spring and Fall Gun Raffle, Holiday Gift Card Raffle, and others..
- Investments and Endowments - Promoting Wills, Trusts and Gifts.
Masonic Education:
- Promote the intellectual, moral and spiritual growth of our members.
- Provide opportunities for members to learn about Masonic history, rituals, and philosophy.
- Offer workshops, a Rusty Nail Degree, and seminars on topics relevant to Masonic life and personal growth.
- Provide classes on Masonic Etiquette.
- Promote SOI, MLT, LOT, MM1-3 for all Brothers, especially new and dual/transfer members.
- Schedule an annual workshop for reading and discussing the Masonic Digest to stay current with changes enacted at the Grand Lodge and to ensure our Lodge By-Laws stay current and update the By-Laws if required.
Once again, it takes the entire Lodge Team to be successful, so please don’t hesitate to provide any input to make OUR Lodge better.
Fraternally,
Brother Bruce Ferri, Worshipful Master
(559) 287-8332 or bruce@ferricapital.com
