First, I would like to say the best way IMO, if we need to advertise, solicit, or whatever it's called, we need to show the public what we do. Actions speak a whole lot louder than words. Be involved with the community more. Offer scholarships to local high schools and colleges, make sure that non Masons are recieving them. during high school football season, set up a hot chocolate stand and whatever money is raised,donate it back to the school.Try to find ways to donate to our communities. It doesn't always have to be money, we can vollanteer our time. Eventually people will start saying those guys at so and so Lodge are very generous. Maybe I'll go visit with them and get to know more about Masonry. When someone comes to us, after knowing what we do for our communities, and wants to become a Mason, we should feel good knowing his heart is in the right place.
Second, I would like to tell everyone about a co worker who saw my ring and wanted to know about us. I asked him what has he heard about Masonry. He told me that people at his church thought we were a cult and all the nonsense that goes with it. After I told him that's all false, he then asked me what would he need to do to join? Before I told him how, I asked him how does his wife feel about us? I then told to go home and talk to your wife and let me know. Since then the subject hasn't been brought up. But what I have noticed about him by listening to some of his stories he told, I am glad I didn't solicit him to become a Mason. to say the least, his past is a shady one. There hasn't been any jail time, so he probally could have had a favorable report from an investigating commitee. This is why I am very protective with Masonry. Before I think a man can be a Mason, I try to see if he has a little "Masonry" in his character. Then I hope that he will ask to be one.