The Wisconsin Program

History 1985 – Idea was born – Shawano 1985 – Idea was born – Shawano Good men in town – couldn’t ASK them! Good men in town – couldn’t ASK them! 1986 – Jurisprudence Committee Code resolution adding “improperly” before “solicit” 1986 – Jurisprudence Committee Code resolution adding “improperly” before “solicit”

Wisconsin Program History 1987 – Revised Examinations drafted – 1987 – Revised Examinations drafted – Included history lessons. Included history lessons. Open discussion format. Open discussion format – Dispensation granted – 1987 – Dispensation granted – 3-Year Trial Period 3-Year Trial Period

Wisconsin Program Methodology Invite men to join Invite men to join Provide rich history and meaning Provide rich history and meaning Include wives in informal discussions Include wives in informal discussions Encourage questions Encourage questions Make them feel at home and contributory Make them feel at home and contributory

Wisconsin Program Methodology Solicit prospect names from all members Solicit prospect names from all members 10-man committee to narrow down names 10-man committee to narrow down names Vote on names until 10 men targeted Vote on names until 10 men targeted Each committee member assigned a man Each committee member assigned a man Phone introduction – coffee shop meeting Phone introduction – coffee shop meeting

Wisconsin Program Methodology Three degree teams established Three degree teams established  Past-Masters  Current Officers  Volunteers Four posters established Four posters established

Wisconsin Program Results 18 Master Masons raised in 12 months 18 Master Masons raised in 12 months 51 Degrees conferred in 12 months 51 Degrees conferred in 12 months Membership committee cycled through vote Membership committee cycled through vote list three times – 30 prospects contacted. list three times – 30 prospects contacted.

Wisconsin Program Results First line officer – 1988 First line officer – 1988 Majority of line officers – Majority of line officers – 1992.

Wisconsin Program Results Within 5 Years, Made Mandatory in: Within 5 Years, Made Mandatory in:  Nebraska  Michigan  Iowa  Minnesota

Wisconsin Program Today Made Mandatory in Wisconsin in 1997 Passed by Resolution in 2001

Wisconsin Program Today What it is NOT Proper Solicitation device – Proper Solicitation device – this is provided by the code this is provided by the code

Wisconsin Program Today What it IS Educational Tool Educational Tool -- 2-Parts: -- 2-Parts:  History  Symbolism Posting Lessons Posting Lessons