Why Your Lodge Needs A Mentor Program I Am My Brothers Keeper Why Your Lodge Needs A Mentor Program

Why me? "Something has to be done by somebody, and it's just pathetic it has to be us” Jerry Garcia If he could figure that out, It doesn't take a brain surgeon! You need to fix this!

The problem The attrition rate in our lodge is deplorable. 60% of all our new candidates leave and do not come back. What project have you ever worked on that 60% loss was acceptable? Of the 40% who are left, 20% are not “productive members” they are either “just “come-outers” or sick and shut ins. You are left working with the last 20%!

You have a leak! In the past how have we been dealing with this? We turn up the volume of new members to overcome the loss! This is not the best way to fix a Leak! Get More Members! Studies show a majority of these members are difficult, if not impossible to get back once lost.

Is this new? Masonry has always had this problem to some extent. What has changed? Why is this now a problem?

Every lodge is one term away from extinction, status quo, or success. The Effect Of This “He’s not coming out why should I?” Morale sinks Artificial worry sets in Masters plans begin to drop Morale sinks more Real worry sets in Lodge Fails Every lodge is one term away from extinction, status quo, or success. -G. Mason

The fact is: The mentor program stems the loss of active masons. OK, So how do I Fix This? Grand Lodge has given you a gift! A Gift to save your lodge! The fact is: The mentor program stems the loss of active masons.

Why Now? This used to be done informally with the ritual instructor. When The New Member learned the obligations and their meaning, a relationship was formed with the instructor, and he became a “mentor” until the new member met new friends. To some extent this was lost when new members memory work was reduced, but also when instructors time was diminished.

How does this help? Program keeps members involved. Believe it or not it is less work for you with better communications. Keeps the lodge on track for its 5 year plan. Easier to meet and exceed goals

Let me tell you what it did for Me! When I took on WM at the last minute….. Full line of officers. Lots of new petitions. Members fighting for who gets to be an appointed officer. More active lodge that to some extent runs itself on it’s 5 year plan.

Is it perfect? Of course it is! (required GL content) Tailor it to suit your lodge and its strengths It was developed in New Hampshire and some things within just do not fit My Lodge (In my opinion) so I just adjust it. Give it a try. You have nothing to loose but attrition