Here's what my Lodge has to work with:
We have more Brothers in their 80's and 90's than 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's combined.
We cannot confer our own degrees. We rely on a district degree team.
Up until recently, we have never implemented the A.L.L. or L.I.F.E. program.
We have a handful of younger Brothers who attend practice every other week to learn the work, but nobody shows up to teach us.
Up until recently, we had no "fun" activities for our Lodge members. We've been in the business of pancake breakfasts and fundraisers. Not practicing the Craft or hosting "fun" events.
We have a VERY VERY VERY limited amount of Brothers who could dedicate themselves to learn the work.
I've been on more ass than a pair of levis and I've come to realize we have what we have. Pushing old timers or uninterested "new" guys is futile.
We need to practice the Craft, but I cannot expect a DI or someone who knows their stuff to come to our Lodge if 3 people show up. It's not fair to them.
SO, here's our dillema
Should we push practice, rituals, degrees, etc.
or
Should we focus on hosting events for our own members. I won't spill the details, but Gonzales is one of the most finicially sound Lodges around. Money is NOT an issue.
Personally I feel that we need to host events that cater to our members. Who wants to be part of a Brotherhood that only offers fundraiser signup sheets, meals once a month and a bill paying ceremony? To me the bond and brotherly love should trump degree work. I think we (my Lodge) should stabilize what we have and make Brothers WANT to be involved, then push work on them. Thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.
We have more Brothers in their 80's and 90's than 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's combined.
We cannot confer our own degrees. We rely on a district degree team.
Up until recently, we have never implemented the A.L.L. or L.I.F.E. program.
We have a handful of younger Brothers who attend practice every other week to learn the work, but nobody shows up to teach us.
Up until recently, we had no "fun" activities for our Lodge members. We've been in the business of pancake breakfasts and fundraisers. Not practicing the Craft or hosting "fun" events.
We have a VERY VERY VERY limited amount of Brothers who could dedicate themselves to learn the work.
I've been on more ass than a pair of levis and I've come to realize we have what we have. Pushing old timers or uninterested "new" guys is futile.
We need to practice the Craft, but I cannot expect a DI or someone who knows their stuff to come to our Lodge if 3 people show up. It's not fair to them.
SO, here's our dillema
Should we push practice, rituals, degrees, etc.
or
Should we focus on hosting events for our own members. I won't spill the details, but Gonzales is one of the most finicially sound Lodges around. Money is NOT an issue.
Personally I feel that we need to host events that cater to our members. Who wants to be part of a Brotherhood that only offers fundraiser signup sheets, meals once a month and a bill paying ceremony? To me the bond and brotherly love should trump degree work. I think we (my Lodge) should stabilize what we have and make Brothers WANT to be involved, then push work on them. Thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.