Rebuilding the West Gate Grand Lodge, Royal York Hotel July 16th, 2008

Our Journey So Far V.W. Bro. Garry Fitzpatrick W. Bro. Martin Skulnick Bro. Stephen Brash 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

A- C+ C+ Brotherly Love Relief Truth B B- C+ B+ Temples Festive Boards Vitality Survey A- Brotherly Love Relief Truth C+ C+ B Temples Festive Boards Communication Lodge Management B- C+ B+

Freemasonry’s Relevance in the 21st 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” 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

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

What is the PURPOSE of a Masonic Lodge? 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?

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

WHY DO MASONIC LODGES EXIST: HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS: 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°

Making Vitality Happen in Your Lodge Lodge Vitality Making Vitality Happen in Your Lodge

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP EXISTING MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS EXISTING MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS EXISTING MEMBERSHIP EXTENDED MEMBERSHIP

CRAFT STEWARDSHIP

MEMBERSHIP MECHANICS OF THE WORK

MEMBERSHIP CRAFT HISTORY MECHANICS OF THE WORK

MEMBERSHIP TRUTH CRAFT HISTORY MECHANICS OF THE WORK

LODGE MANAGEMENT

LODGE MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL MANAGMENT

LODGE MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL MANAGMENT COMMUNICATION

ADMINISTRATION STRATEGY & GOAL SETTING FINANCIAL MANAGMENT COMMUNICATION

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY OUR TEMPLES

COMMUNITY OUR MONEY OUR TEMPLES

COMMUNITY OUR TIME OUR MONEY OUR TEMPLES

Vitality Achieved

Objectives “Achieved” ! LRPC Sponsored Education LRPC Sponsored Publicity Event Masonic Vitality Program (MVP) (Circa 2007) LRPC Sponsored Trip LRPC Newsletter/ Magazine SHORT-TERM TACTICAL LRPC PUBLICITY FOCUSED EVENTS LRPC sponsored New Mason Night LRPC STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT Develop the framework and tools for a Lodge Health check and Masonic Vibrancy Program (MVP) 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) DESIGN PHASE 6-9 Months TESTING & REVISION PHASE 12-24 Months PRODUCTION PHASE 24-36 Months Ongoing

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

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