Re: What would you like to see changed in the Maso
The math is simple, but some are so hellbent on their own opinion that they refuse to look at the basics... In the USA what is the most populated Generation inside Freemasonry? Is it the 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, or 60+ - at a guess im going to say 60+
What is the average take up age for new applicants? Lets say its 30-40
Now Lets go back to 30 years before the 1959 5M plus members, so 1929. What was the birth rate (%) in 1929 and what was the rate (%) of those took up Masonry?
60-70 years ago, what was the birth rate (%) and what rate (%) of those took up Masonry?
30-40 years ago, what was the birth rate (%) and what rate (%) of those are taking up Masonry?
This information is critical when analyzing membership rise/fall trends and can't be excluded or dismissed.
At a rough guess, yes i don't have exact numbers, but anyone can take a rough guess so:
If the 30-40's have a similar take up rate (%) as did the 60+ generation but have a lower birthrate, this equates to less members joining. Numbers = A (applicants)
If the 60+'s are the biggest generation in Masonry how many are leaving due to money issues, death or illness issues? Numbers = D (departing)
A - D is always going to give you less members each year and this is very noticeable du8e to having such a large number of members that are 60+'s departing Masonry
But, hey its only Math and statistics. Now let me be a little blunt and direct question to you cemab4y instead of just an open debate - EVERY time someone has a difference of opinion or a different of view you attack them, call them wrong and suggest that their opinion is deluded and has no value to the conversation whatsoever.
The great thing about open discussions is sharing idea's and concept in a respectful way and in "Brotherly" love, not questioning their integrity or value of opinion. I have said many time that I have no personal issue with IT helping in administration but some are not comfortable with it. Just because someone is not comfortable with IT does not give you or anyone the right to even consider throwing them out of the Fraternity as dead wood - They should be encouraged to stay as they have SO much rich experience and education to share and guide us all. Every Brother deserves our open respect and I find the idea of casting them away and insult to their many many years of service in ALL aspects of Freemasonry.
This is the same attitude that I have seen for many years. Far too many Masons are convinced that everything is just fine, and there are no problems. But that is not the case. Membership is down, and continuing down. Lodges and grand Lodges are very slow to adopt new technologies. Administrative procedures are antiquated, and need to be brought up into the 21st Century.
We can keep true to our ancient landmarks, and still move Masonry into the 21st Century.
So Far too many Masons (most maybe) are ALL wrong and your opinion is completely right?
Do you honestly believe that a computer and a website will fix everything with retaining memberships??
I wonder how many Masons, who are convinced that everything is just fine in the Craft, have recently attended a stated meeting of their lodge? Meetings (and the overall Masonic experience), are going to have to provide VALUE, else members will spend their leisure time elsewhere.
So its not about technology now, its what VALUE "you" are not getting from Masonry. I'm a little lost as to what your concern is, because it seems that you yourself are a little unsure.
Firstly you blame IT and then admit thats IT is not the main cause for a decline in numbers but its the lack of VALUE that meetings fail to provide.. Lets go back to the main cause for decline in numbers and what age group they come from? Im pretty sure that a 60+ person is not leaving because their lodge provides no value or has no website for that matter.. the same value has kept them as active members for 30+ years.
Masonry is Australia declined in membership numbers but then plateaued to its current figure. We too have an unbalanced age gap in the lodge and we will see a further drop as the aged fall out.. But i see a lot of young and vibrate members that are joining Lodges, Lodges that do not have websites "yet" or an electronic means of paying dues. These young members are joining for many reasons and I can assure you that it has nothing to do with a Lodge having a website. IT will naturally come in but as the old saying says - "NOTHING happens quickly in Freemasonry" - This is a famous saying and its famous for a reason.
Cemab4y, Its awesome to see the passion that you have for the survival Freemasonry but where is the love for all Brothers, regardless of opinion. A Brother is a Brother and we are all equal and we should all feel that our opinions count without being slammed because we share differences of opinions. Membership numbers are an issue for concern, but please dont be so rash to blame Masonry and claim that its broken without taking in all aspects of the discussion. If we all took a real look, accept all the facts and then study them, we will see where to move next. Those in Grand Lodges are slow to move as its far better to move slowly than rush in blinded to all the facts.
But, as was said before by someone else - It does not matter what anyone else thinks or says as some just refuse to even ponder or consider an opinion or discussion point that differs from their own. These different opinions or viewpoints are just throw aside and the Brothers are dismissed for being blind to the 1 point of view and based on that I am stepping out of this discussion and wish you all the very best with it.
With all respect, to ALL the contributors, I pass on my love and well wishes!