Building Masonry

Our issue is not so much that we need better marketing as it is we need to manufacture Masons.  We need to be the kind of organization that people want to be part of and provide (manufacture) the activities that people want.  This is happening. 

Next year, 2016, will be the two hundredth anniversary of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar.  What are some things we can do to become a manufacturer of Masons?  Here are three actions every York Rite Body should take if they want to attract men entering the fraternity today.

Know Yourself.  Know the core values of your York Rite organization.  If you are not sure, figure them out or come up with your own explanation.  Write the values down and give them to every new member.  Display them in your buildings.  Place them on your website.  Include them on your social page.  Add them to your communications.  Distinguish them from the core values of all other Masonic Organizations.  Leave no question unanswered about these core values.  Regularly discuss and review what your Chapter, Council or Commandery is doing to follow, enforce, and uphold its core values.

Understand your uniqueness.  The most popular organizations are compelling in direct relationship to their uniqueness among all other organizations.  What is unique about the York Rite?  Understanding what is unique about the York Rite means placing it within the family of Freemasonry.  Communicate our uniqueness to the family of Freemasonry.  Understand how the core values of the York Rite contribute to its uniqueness.  Build programs and activities that reinforce the uniqueness of the York Rite.

Be attractive.  Understand that being attractive comes from the late Latin word attractivus or "a medicine with drawing power."  Make the York Rite attractive as an organization.  Consider how attractiveness and excellence in practices go together.  Make your agenda compelling.  Consider excellence in all things as the standard by which your Chapter, Council, and Commandery operates at all times.

Be the local York Rite Body that clearly understands our organizational values and mission. Embrace what is unique and even eccentric about the York Rite, as this is the path to raising interest and curiosity among our initiated brothers in our Lodges.  Understand the importance of being an attractive organization, ever realizing that your attitude, convictions, and knowledge of the York Rite will determine whether or not your Masonic friends and acquaintances will want to follow your choice and example in expanding their organization beyond their Craft Lodge.