Canopy of Stars Workshop

Agenda 7:00 – 8:00 Sign-in, Coffee and doughnuts and fellowship 8:00 – 8:30Welcome and brief on desires of the WGM and WGP 8:30 – 9:00Introduction of Grand Officers and Escorts 9:00 – 9:15Philosophy of Instruction 9:15 – 9:45New membership development 9:45 – 10:30Where we were, Where we are, and Where we want to be. 10:30 – 10:45 Break

Agenda cont. 10:45 – 11:00Building a Future 11:00 – 12:00 Cultivating Grass Roots for Growth 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 Initiation 2:00 – 2:10Break 2:10 – 3:00Grand Officer Breakout Sessions 3:00 – 4:00Management/membership Groups 4:00 – 4:15Break 4:15 – 5:15Group Reports 5:15 – 5:45Summary/Evaluation

Desires of the WGM and WGP (Maryann and Chuck)

Introduction of the Grand Officers and Escorts by Jane Wullbrant (GGCCM & PGM)

Philosophy of Instruction for Today’s Session

1900s – 1930s Loyal Isolationists Proud Hardworking

1930s – 1950s Patriotic Joiners Giving of themselves Determined Positive toward USA & Fraternal Organizations

1960s – 1985 Baby Boomers Dropouts Me generation Non-joiners

1985 – Present Millennial Generation Breath of Fresh Air Potential Joiners Smart Collaborative Eager Time efficient Less/More formal Visual Learners Enjoy ritual beauty Adjust to changing circumstances

Summary – Already exploited for membership 1985-Present – Available We must make OES attractive to non- members Perceptions – Govern individual choices How do we make OES attractive? How do we form positive perceptions? Change?

Where We Were 1973 – General Grand Chapter Population = 2,692,996 members Colorado OES = 32,133 members in 134 Chapters 2007 – GGC = 606, – Colorado = 6,xxx in 45 Chapters

Where We Are Losses since 1973 (77%) GGC = 2,086,232 Colorado = 26,xxx 89 Chapters Is There a Need? Years of Losses

Where We Want to Be? More Members, especially men More Chapters Full Chapter rooms Pleasurable activities More initiations Fun activities Community presence

Do We Need Change? Current Paradigm – Pattern of Loss If one keeps doing what one has always done, one will keep getting what one has always gotten. How do we expect to get different results if we keep doing what we have always done? Failed methods of the past do not result in success for the future.

Alter Course or Cease to Exist!

Building a Future Develop realistic goals Planning Manage change Fund our efforts Tolerance Consideration

Planning & Development Identify Problems or needs Establish priorities Setting a specific goal for each priority Select the best methods to achieve each goal Identify resources and creating the will to work Building a budget to support your plan Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing your priorities

Grass Roots Growth GGC – Cultivating Grass Roots for Growth Available at: Membership resource file

How do I Begin? Revitalization – not easy – Commit to a long haul Active members – survey strengths and weaknesses to best utilize talents. Define Chapter problems Talk to inactive members Survey those who attend

Attendance Positive attitude Meals, pot luck, stew, chili (Theme) Invite other Chapters Send Flyers Make Phone Calls Give rides Have greeters (Chapter Mom/Dad) Baby sitting (use youth groups) Newsletter Mentoring Guidance handbook

Attendance (Cont.) Study Sessions Ritual Practices Theme Nights (Food & Dress) Send notes to members who miss meetings. Plan outside social events Be supportive of new ideas Plan activities that all can attend and afford.

Meetings Keep business moving Make it interesting Abbreviate introductions Have an agenda Don’t let meeting go too late Have theme nights Have recognition nights Programs Entertainment Guest speakers

Finding New Members Top 10% dinners Prospect night Public dinners/breakfasts Historical tours Holiday refreshments and songs Activities with your lodge Open house Local newspaper articles

New Members OES brochures Open installations – Invite friends Holiday parties for/with children Booths at community events Bring a friend to events Wear OES emblems to community events Encourage new members to invite friends to join

Enjoy Your Lunch See you at 1:00