We build! That’s what we do.
For those able to attend and represent your lodges at Annual Communication, I hope you had a great time renewing friendships and meeting Brothers from across the state. We build these real, human connections which make Freemasonry so special. It has been one of the greatest parts of my own Masonic journey. The friendships formed on trust and mutual respect span diverse backgrounds and demographics. Indeed, a wonderful and unique thing to experience.
At AC, you heard some of our plans laid out on the trestleboard, stemming from our Grand Lodge strategic plan. I’m a big believer in the strategic planning process and the plan. Over the years, the leadership team has used it to work toward a common vision of WI Freemasonry. Without a plan, our unique progressive leadership structure could lead to challenges due variance from year to year. Most importantly, the plan helps keep lines of communication open between our team. I’d encourage your lodges to establish a plan with your officer teams and meet to update and adjust the plan as new leaders come to the East. The lodge planning guide can be a useful tool to help get started.
Our primary focus continues to be education, membership, & brotherly love. The education committee will be introducing efforts to improve engagement with our new & existing membership. I hope you’ve seen their work presented in your lodges. If not, you can sign up for their monthly newsletter on WIMasons.org. Education is imperative to add value to our members’ experience. Take advantage of the featured articles in the WMJ, emails, podcasts, symposiums, & speaker series. Print one out and bring it to lodge for some discussion. Our new District Education Officer role was formed to help get this wonderful content out to your lodges. If you need help with getting a program started, please reach out to your district team and we’ll be happy to assist.
On the membership front, our WI Membership committee continues to set the bar with unique programs to help drive membership inquiries. Our WI Freemasonry Acts of Kindness program’s charitable efforts are published and amplified by our social media coordinator. Showing the public the great work done by lodges across the state gives men a great reason to physically or virtually knock on our door. The district membership reps provide a warm welcome and ensure we are following up on potential candidates. The program has garnered national attention, and we’ve assisted other jurisdictions to start their own state’s initiatives. Our team will continue to look for ways to improve our programs by offering quality surveys to measure candidate and member experiences. Armed with real data, any potential changes can be measured and brought forward for our delegate’s consideration at Annual Communication next year.
Our efforts to enhance brotherly love will start with our Masonic Service & Assistance programs. The fund has been available for those needing financial assistance since it was founded. Watch for additional proactive S&A offerings this year to offer training sessions on budgeting, facilities management, estate planning, grief counseling, and other topics. Our leadership team will also be joining districts in community service projects as we meet for quarterly full staff meetings. The first will be in SE WI in September.
Yes, this year may feel a bit different as we continue to evolve and make some operational changes and build efficiencies. I will always remain true to our core tenants of brotherly love, relief & truth.
We build! Let’s go forth and do our work as men & WI Freemasons!
Thomas W. Stevens
Grand Master
