1. Groupthink (Wikipedia)

2. Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an incorrect or deviant decision-making outcome. Groupthink

3. Group members try to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative ideas or viewpoints, and by isolating themselves from outside influences. Loyalty to the group requires individuals to avoid raising controversial issues or alternative solutions, and there is loss of individual creativity, uniqueness and independent thinking. Groupthink

4. The dysfunctional group dynamics of the "ingroup" produces an "illusion of invulnerability" (an inflated certainty that the right decision has been made). Thus the "ingroup" significantly overrates their own abilities in decision-making, and significantly underrates the abilities of their opponents (the "outgroup"). Groupthink

5. Masonic Service Association

6. Masonic Membership Statistics  1959 Reported membership - 4,099,219  2012 Reported Membership - 1,306,539 MSA

7. What do you think is the greatest strength of the Scottish Rite valley of Chicago? Response Percent Brotherhood/Camaraderie20 Its members/people18 Charitable work/philanthropy/helping people 8 Degree work/programs 4 Programs/activities/performances 4 Dedication 3 Education 2 Morals/ethics/values 2 Information/communication 2 Leadership 2 Large membership 2 Association with/assistance to Blue Lodge 2 Other 8 Don’t know19 Nothing 2 Everything 1 Refused 1 MSA

8. Scottish Rite N.M.J, U.S.A.

9. Value Proposition of the Scottish Rite More Inspirational meetings/events More Convenient meetings/events More enjoyable meetings/events Remembering the member: Birthday Card Holiday Card Get Well, Sympathy Cards E-Blasts & Rite Now Tenure Certificates 1st year Anniversary thank you Northern Light DVD Degree option Almoner’s Fund Assistance Value Proposition for the future of the Scottish Rite AASR, N.M.J., U.S.A.

10. APPLE

12. Member Centered Organization

13. AASR, N.M.J., U.S.A.