Sixth Masonic District: Lodge of Instruction

Framework for Improvement

May 26, 2008

Prepared by:

Wor. Rich Ryder

Contributions by:

Bro. Roland Akl

Wor. David Holland

R. W. Alan Koufos

Wor. David Laronde

Wor. Bill Noun

Wor.Alan Markovich

Wor. Michael Slyman

Bro. Michael Visconti

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide the Sixth Masonic District Lodge of Instruction (LOI) a framework for creating a future vision. It is predicated on an appreciation of past accomplishments, an acceptance of present realities, and a desire to create and control its future.       

Introduction

Since 1842, when first conceived, Lodge of Instruction has adapted to meet the changing needs of members and candidates.  In 1842, the goal was to exemplify the ritual to secure uniformity in the work.  In 1927, LOI instructed candidates, members and officers in the symbolic meaning of the ritual; and in Masonic history, philosophy, customs, and administration.  The name of LOI changed in 1996.  Called the “Masonic Forum”, it strived to be more flexible, with Masonic and non-Masonic topics.  The public was invited in order to showcase Freemasonry.  Coinciding with redistricting in 2003, the name “Lodge of Instruction” was reintroduced, retaining the offering of Masonic and non-Masonic topics.*     

* Source: Operations Manual and By-Laws for the Lodge of Instruction, 2007

Current State

Lodge of Instruction now finds itself facing the need to rebrand itself yet again in order to meet the ever-changing needs of candidates and members. 

In the past few years Freemasonry has witnessed a resurgence of interest and an increase in membership, especially in the 18 – 35 year old age group.  Demographic studies clearly show that each generation has different reasons for participating in organizations.  In appealing to and attracting younger members it is important to understand their needs and motivations for joining an organization.    

Generation “X” represents people born from 1961 – 1981. They are comfortable with change, place a high value on relationships, more sensitive to people, pragmatic, attracted to groups, can be reached by storytelling, value leadership positions, and want programs to be rousing.* 

The “Millennial Generation” represents people born from 1982 – 2003. They are bombarded by frequent images and need continual hits, experience constant change, live for now, process information in narrative images, their “BS” detectors are always on, want intimate relationships, and like large groups.*

However, in appealing to younger members it is important not to disenfranchise members in other age groups.  Striking a balance, in both programming and instruction, is both achallenge and an opportunity.  By better understanding member and candidate needs, LOI will be better prepared to face the challenges inherent in an ever-changing society and demographic landscape.       

* Source: Communicating Across Generations, 2005, Duane Kemerly

Chronology of Recent Events

March, 2008: 

R.W. Alan Koufos, at his DDGM quarterly meeting, restates his desire to improve LOI.  Wor. Robert Vartanian reviews his proposed all-district member survey.  Wor. Richard Ryder volunteers to conduct needs assessments and to present formal recommendations for improvement. 

April, 2008

Via the district Yahoo group and appeals during various Lodge meetings and personal contacts, Wor. Richard Ryder invites all sixth district members to a attend a needs assessment meeting on April 29, 2008, 6:30 pm, Norwood Masonic Building.

April 25, 2008: Lodge of Instruction Presentation

Wor. Richard Ryder conducts a needs assessment at LOI.  Three questions asked:  Why do you come to LOI? Why don’t you come to LOI more often or why don’t others come to LOI?  If you could make one improvement in LOI what would it be?       

April 29, 2008: Lodge of Instruction

Wor. Richard Ryder conducts an all-district needs assessment meeting at the Norwood Masonic Building, and attended by a representative cross section of lodges, positions, ages, etc.  Three questions asked:  Why do you come to LOI? Why don’t you come to LOI more often or why don’t others come to LOI?  If you could make one improvement in LOI what would it be?      

Attendees: Bill Noun, Alan Markovitz, Mike Visconti, Dave Holland, Dave Laronde, Roland Akl, Mike Slyman, Rich Ryder

Combined Needs Assessment Notes

Why do you come to Lodge of Instruction?

Notes from the April 25, 2008 Lodge of Instruction

·        I am candidate sponsor

·        Fraternity, friendship, fellowship

·        Lectures

·        The DDGM made him

·        It’s a habit

·        Learn something new about Masonry and other topics

·        Enjoys the program

·        Support the lodge

·        “Has a fire in his belly for the Fraternity”

·        Can relax from daily pressures

·        Reinvigorates, even though tired

Notes from the April 29, 2008 Lodge of Instruction Improvement Team

Attendees: Bill Noun, Alan Markovitz, Mike Visconti, Dave Holland, Dave Laronde, Roland Akl, Mike Slyman, Rich Ryder, Absent: Paul Bishop

·        Represent the Lodge

·        To support the candidate

·        Mingle with folks you like, meet more and different people than at Lodge

·        More congenial group; guys with whom you want to be

·        Good connection to the district, thus good for new people

·        At Lodge you are working all the time, but at LOI you are more relaxed, with time to develop relationships

·        Camaraderie with others, especially if a new candidate

·        Can stay connected with others in the district

·        Get a taste of what other lodges are like

·        Lots of fun and informative

·        Come because I want to

·        May get to see others that may not see otherwise

·        Get all lodges in the district together in the same building, thus able to meet new people, share ideas, get more cooperation from other lodges for functions

·        Good medium for district collaboration, regardless of the event, etc

·        Fellowship, friendship, deeper understanding of others (after meeting, especially)

·        Vested interest-believe in LOI and education

·        Likes guest speaker program.  Need to get very interesting guest speakers with sound Masonic history

Why don’t you come more often?

Notes from the April 25, 2008 Lodge of Instruction

·        Friday evening

·        Don’t want another night out; there are too many Masonic nights out

·        Tired

·        Get caught up in personal events and forget

·        Busy schedule

·        Work schedule

·        Too tired

Notes from the April 29, 2008 Lodge of Instruction Improvement Team

Attendees: Bill Noun, Alan Markovitz, Mike Visconti, Dave Holland, Dave Laronde, Roland Akl, Mike Slyman, Rich Ryder, Absent: Paul Bishop

·        Work conflicts

·        Friday night (loosing young members because of this?)

·        Not in Masonic mode on Friday

What is the one thing you would do to improve LOI?

Notes from the April 25, 2008 Lodge of Instruction

·        Open a dialog with brethren and determine what they want

·        Screen speakers to bring in good ones

·        Stress importance of district lodge officers attending…it’s a tradition; emphasize officers and past officers should attend LOI 

·        Include audio visual or interactive presentations for more excitement

·        Better more creative dinners at less cost

·        Change in meeting night

·        Reduce dress code – “come as you are”

·        Audio system the assist those who have trouble hearing

·        More prominent mention in district lodge notices

·        Collation

Notes from the April 29, 2008 Lodge of Instruction Improvement Team

Attendees: Bill Noun, Alan Markovitz, Mike Visconti, Dave Holland, Dave Laronde, Roland Akl, Mike Slyman, Rich Ryder, Absent: Paul Bishop

·        Promote the idea that learning about Masonry is a lifetime of education

·        Provide more information about the institution of Masonry. Young members are grabbed by the concept of the oldest institution around, yet we go on and on with allegory, etc and they drift off.

·        What we teach is all wrong.  Don’t provide right combination of things to attract people. Need to say what Masonry means.  It appears that attendance diminishes as you get into higher degree instruction (ex. less at third degree class than at first degree class)

·        Restructure the education and program format: teach the practical aspects of Lodge life, Masonic values, symbolism

·        Present practical material.  For example, concept of doing good, how to leave the lodge room in the middle of a meeting

·        Lodges need to act more consistently regarding their commitment to LOI

·        Work from the Lodge, up; not from LOI, down (i.e. bottoms up approach).  The Lodges need to take more responsibility to lead and to be involved. Talk up LOI at the Lodge level and create some excitement for LOI. Local Lodges need to market LOI; support, excite, and show up; and report at the Lodge level on LOI meetings.  Develop enthusiasm in the Lodge that we have a successful LOI

·        Slow down the process; spread out over several months

·        Make LOI more of a family atmosphere

·        Answer the question, “What does it REALLY mean to be a Mason.  Some Masters know their ritual, but not what it really means to be a Mason”.

·        Take advantage of younger guys

·        Change time to 7:00 pm

·        Tie lecture back to the Lodge by making it relevant to the individual lodge meetings.

·        Promote the LOI is a common purpose among Lodges

·        Make LOI less formal, less regimented; don’t overemphasize perfect ritual

·        Try breakout sessions on specific topics

·        Individual member survey (even after each meeting)

Other Comments/Notes from the April 29, 2008 Lodge of Instruction assessment on LOI Improvements

·        Years ago all line officers expected to come or else they did not go up the line

·        It was a mistake to always have LOI in the same building

·        Getting candidates that are running to catch up with what they thought were one or two nights out per month

·        LOI is too many things to too many

·        Certain things Lodges should be teaching the candidates

·        We won’t have a successful LOI with just candidates

LOI Components

·        Instruction

·        Programming (including member instruction

·        Dinners

·        Scheduling

·        Communication

·        The notice

·        Host Lodge responsibilities

·        Blue Lodge responsibilities

·        LOI representative at Lodge

·        Grand Lodge Operations Manual (rules)

·        Feedback/surveys

·        Vision/Mission

·        Organization (officers, etc)

Consensus Short Term Focus/Long Term Focus

·        Short term focus: attendance and membership

·        Long term focus: education
 

General Themes:

A More Relaxed Atmosphere

There is a widespread desire to introduce a more relaxed and less formal atmosphere, where there is opportunity and time to meet others, especially those you might not meet otherwise.  Where many attendees ‘work’ at the lodge level, they desire an opportunity to socialize and be more relaxed, with less pressure. Camaraderie, friendship, and fellowship are important, where there is a need to stay connected with the district, to share ideas, seek cooperation and encourage collaboration.  A “come as you are” approach seems desirable. 

Opportunity for Socialization

The social nature of LOI cannot be overemphasized. Although LOI is fundamentally a medium for education, it is also perceived as an opportunity for meeting friends.  Improving the social aspect of LOI, without diminishing the educational components, is the basic challenge facing any LOI improvement effort.  From the optimum day and time of the meeting, if and when dinners should be served, frequency of dinners, to the existence and nature of the collation, the social component should not and cannot be overlooked.  

Masonic Basics in Candidate Instruction

A back to basics approach stood out as a common theme.  There is the impression that LOI should place more emphasis on the more practical aspects of Freemasonry that is usually implied and left to the candidate to decipher or learn through experience.  Imparting more practical “What it really means to be a Mason” material seems as important as the more formal aspects of education.  Providing an opportunity to learn how to practically apply the lessons and tenets of Freemasonry to everyday life seems more relevant to a new candidate than the deeper symbolic material and ceremony that becomes more self evident over time, but may be harder to grasp to the newly initiated.  

More Relevant and Compelling Member Instruction

Relevancy is as important with member instruction as with candidate instruction.  Presentation quality from knowledgeable and well spoken speakers stood out as an area for improvement, even going so far as to perform some basic research into a speaker’s background.  More interesting, Masonic based topics that provide new and greater insights from different perspectives would go a long way to attracting more people to LOI.  People are more apt to give up an evening in an already busy and over committed schedule if they receive an interesting and more compelling presentation that expands their understanding of Freemasonry. 

Concept of a District Lodge

Permeating throughout the needs assessments and from personal conversations is the abstract image of a district lodge, where the format and mission differs from that of the individual district lodges.  More than a place to learn, LOI operates at a higher level. It promotes district awareness and collaboration, provides a place to socialize and exchange ideas, showcases a greater fraternity beyond the Blue Lodge, and serves as a common source of district communication and information, promoting a district mindset. 

Responsibility of District Lodges

A key to success is the district lodges taking more responsibility to actively promote LOI and engage members in its activities.  Assuming that fundamental changes in LOI operations and approach occur, coupled with a better process for disseminating LOI events and information, it is critical that individual lodges step up to the plate and fully support LOI.  Officers, especially senior officers, must take responsibility for getting engaged in LOI and taking appropriate steps to educate lodge members of the importance and relevancy of LOI.

More Effective Marketing

Lodge of Instruction needs a better marketing approach that provides consistent, concise, and regular communication.  Individuals at the LOI and District Lodge levels need to be charged with improving and maintaining an effective, repeatable marketing and communication effort.  Better use of district lodge notices, the internet, and low tech phone and personal contact would vastly improve awareness and participation over time.  Improvements in the LOI operations and approach will make marketing an easier and more exciting venture. 

Scheduling

The Friday meeting day is a topic of any LOI discussion, with some side bar conversations regarding the best time to start the evening.  There may not be an opportune night that fits everyone’s lifestyle, but thoughtful consideration of the night that best fits the general needs of district members would be time well spent.  Friday evenings mark the end of a busy week for many and the beginning of the weekend decompression period from work.  Some find LOI and opportunity to relax and reflect; others find it as yet another Masonic night out.  Younger members are highly protective of their Friday nights, opting to view time with non-Masonic friends and acquaintances as a more powerful draw than an often times mediocre and non-compelling LOI meeting.  In the final analysis, it may be less about the night than about what LOI offers.  Even in the midst of busy schedules, family commitments, and active social lives, a compelling, informative, welcoming, relaxed, and informal LOI will attract more members regardless of the night it is held.

Finances

Interestingly, the topic of finances never came up at any of the needs assessment, even though it probably plays an important role.  LOI has functioned without the benefit of deep pockets.  Most likely it could continue to do so; but at what level?  That said, it appears that more finances would help to expand LOI programming, level of instruction, and opportunities for socialization. Creative solutions are in order for this very important area.   

Recommendations

The following recommendations are divided into short and long term categories.  The approach considers ideas regardless of cost, complexity, or available resources.  This is intentional so as not to defeat an idea before it has an opportunity to be considered and discussed.  A “blue-sky” approach can oftentimes yield better and more creative solutions than a more conservative attempt at problem solving.  The focus is not so much to provide details on solution steps, although in some cases solutions are mentioned; but rather to provide what recommended solutions are possible, leaving the tactical steps to the LOI officers, LOI Task Force, and DDGM.  Lastly, the following recommendations are not exhaustive, but rather a compilation of ideas at the current time.  The following list is dynamic and will change over time as needs and resources change.   

Short Term

• Designate an LOI ambassador who will promote LOI within the district.  Working closely with the District Ambassador, the LOI Ambassador will create a personal. vision/mission statement, along with appropriate goals and objectives. The LOI Ambassador will collaborate with the district lodges and lead efforts to better market LOI.  (Mike Visconti as accepted this position for the 2008-2009 Masonic year) 
• Create an LOI Improvement Task Force to identify and implement LOI improvements.  Initially led by the District Ambassador, this team will be comprised of a cross section of district lodges, member age groups, and Masonic positions, and experience.  The presiding LOI Master and LOI Ambassador are voting members. Working closely with the Sixth District, District Deputy Grand Master and the presiding and upcoming LOI Master, the team will create and implement an LOI vision/mission statement, along with appropriate goals and objectives. (This committee has already been created and consists of the following members: Master elect-Bill Noun, Alan Markovitz, Mike Visconti, Dave Holland, Dave Laronde, Roland Akl, Mike Slyman, Rich Ryder, and Paul Bishop)
• More prominent marketing of LOI at the lodge level, verbally and in the district lodge notice. Information should include more details other than just the day, time, speaker, and topic.  Suggest brief author profile; topic summary prepared by the speaker, possibly a picture of the speaker.  Format consistency is recommended, which may lend itself to a preformatted insert (revolving GL dispensation), emailed to lodge secretaries for prominent inclusion in the district lodge notices. The task force, which includes the presiding Master, should approve the format. 
• Ambassadors should serve as the point person at the lodge level for promoting LOI, working with the master and officers to fulfill responsibilities. Ambassadors will serve as a single point of contact with the LOI Ambassador and LOI Master.  With respect to LOI material, Lodge Ambassadors will work under the guidance of the LOI Ambassador to meet mutual goals and objectives.
• Constantly seek regular feedback on LOI effectiveness in satifying member needs.  This can take many forms: brief survey after each meeting, personal phone calls, informal conversations, focus groups at regular intervals, etc.
• LOI officers, the LOI Task Force, and the DDGM should meet at least bi-annually to assess LOI effectiveness, and plan short/long term goals and objectives.  The first meeting should coincide with the incoming Master’s planning period for his upcoming year in order to maximize effectiveness. Additionally, bi-annual meetings should discuss the relationship between LOI and the lodges, respective roles and responsibilities, related issues and topics, planning, self assessments, etc.
• Consider changing the night of the meeting ONLY after careful consideration of assumptions, advantages, disadvantages, mitigation steps, and expected outcome.
• Create position of LOI lodge photographers to capture meaningful images and provide a visual method of promoting LOI
• Mix up dinner events and collation events to attract a more cross section of attendees.  Younger members would be attracted to a more social offering. One example: dinners could be offered every third meeting.  The same evening would offer formal instruction for the candidates and a Masonic related program for members.  The other two meetings would be less formal, maybe no candidate instruction, but a presentation on a Masonic topic, and plenty of time for socializing, especially during a full collation period.  (The frequency above could be modified where the more social meetings occur once every third month)

Long Term

• Promote the concept of LOI as a de facto district lodge in the sense that it will play a central role in district communication, collaboration, and good will.  Reference the “General Themes” section of this document for more details.
• The LOI Master-elect should develop a formal plan for his upcoming year, which should include vision, goals, objectives, schedule, and planned programs. He should make this plan available to the LOI Task Force, DDGM, and all District Lodge Masters.  The schedule should be distributed and available to all district members through all available mediums.
• Create some sort of LOI regular communications to constantly promote LOI activities, which may include photos, meeting recaps, etc. The frequency and format should be discussed by the LOI Task Force.
• Consider an LOI trust fund, to be seeded by interested Lodges and as a Masonic charitable endeavor, for the purpose of supporting and maintaining LOI improvements
• Mix up the program to add variety and sense of anticipation.  The same format, the same presentation style, non-relevant material becomes stale very quickly. Visual medium, more interaction, more spontaneity can liven up presentations and attract continued interest.
• There should be an attempt to get speakers who have interesting topics, are well spoken, and concise.  The more relevant the topic is to Freemasonry, the better. There are several topics that are not directly Masonic, but reflect Masonic tenets. Topics on different charities, examples of brotherly love, ethics, etc can be both interesting and provide a different perspective on how to live a good Masonic life.    
• Automate candidate instruction via approved, standard material and delivery techniques.  There should be an attempt to standardize not only the material but also the presentation of the material.  Even the use of standard flip charts or Powerpoint presentations can provide ample opportunity for instructors, not professionally trained, to stray off course.  Keeping on topic can be challenging when each educational experience and audience is different.  Ideally, a short and targeted video presentation of standard material would provide consistency in delivery of key points, with a question and answer period to follow that allows the instructor to add his own personal style and anecdotes.  This combination of standard material and delivery, coupled with the personal touch of the instructor, provides consistency and an appropriate blend of instruction formats.   
• In addition to training on the material, instructors would benefit from receiving training on instructional techniques and delivery. 
• Make it more fun…sweet and simple.
• Make someone responsible for contacting the host lodge 2 weeks before their LOI night to ensure plans are going well.  Also, an LOI officer might visit the host lodge at their lodge meeting prior to the LOI meeting they are to host. Purpose: to sell LOI, build excitement, and solicit commitment from members in attendance.
• Maintain an atmosphere of family, camaraderie, and collaboration where there is concerted focus on building relationships, less formal and more casual, fun, social; not an atmosphere of work, formality, business, like may exist at the Lodge level
• Representatives from LOI should visit ‘successful’ LOI’s in other districts to learn and gather ideas.
• “Work from the District Lodge level, up; not from LOI, down (i.e. bottoms up approach).  The District Lodges need to take more responsibility to lead and to be involved.” (quote from Bro. Mike Visconti)

Timeline:

June, 2008:

Distribute the Lodge of Instruction Framework for Improvement document to R.W. Alan Koufos, the LOI Task Force, District Lodge Masters, and at the June DDGM quarterly meeting.

DDGM and LOI Officers assess the Lodge of Instruction Framework for Improvement document and consider implementation of short term recommendations for the 2008-2009 Masonic year.
 

July – August, 2008

Convene the first meeting of the LOI Task Force to begin creating a vision and mission statement, and preliminary goals and objectives, guided by the Lodge of Instruction Framework for Improvement document.

September, 2008 – June, 2009

LOI Task Force continues to meet to define and implement their long term vision, mission, goals and objectives, guided by the Lodge of Instruction Framework for Improvement document.

LOI officers, the LOI Task Force, and the DDGM meet at least bi-annually to assess LOI effectiveness, and plan short/long term goals and objectives.