Progress Report 2009
2009 Theme
The 2009 theme is based on applying to our lives the values taught by Freemasonry.
Status: Completed. The theme will be revealed later this year.
Lodge Planning Guide
This step-by-step guide will help you plan your lodge’s activities next year and inform you of the Grand Lodge’s 2009 program. It will be distributed to Master-elects after his lodge’s election report is sent to the Grand Lodge office in November.
Status: Work will proceed when details for next year’s program have been finalized.
2009 Awards Program
The Grand Lodge awards can give you ideas as you make plans for next year. Whether you plan to work for an award or not, the awards forms provide a lot of activity ideas. Y your success in those awards also indicates your ability and interest in serving the Grand Lodge. By completing the requirements of these awards, you will ensure a successful year in your lodge.
Status: The awards forms will be updated with the 2009 Grand Lodge activities as details are finalized.
2009 Trestle-Board (calendar of activities)
It’s important that your members know your plans for the coming year as soon as you are installed. Likewise, you need to know what the Grand Lodge has planned for the year you’ll serve as Master so you can include these activities in your plans. From the Grand Lodge’s viewpoint, Nebraska Freemasonry will only advance if we’re all working toward the same goals; all pushing the rock in the same direction.
Status: Activities will be added to the 2009 Trestle-Board throughout the year.
Lodge Promotion Kit
Creating greater awareness in your community is essential to not only generate interest in your lodge and attract new members, but also to spread the tenets Freemasonry teaches us. You will receive a public relations plan and resources to promote your lodge’s activities in your community.
Status: Public relations plans will be developed for 2009 activities as details are finalized.
Membership Recruiting Kit
A membership kit will be developed that you can produce locally to assist in your recruiting efforts.
Status: Related materials have been gathered from other Grand Lodges for review and possible use in Nebraska.
Community Days
Several Community Days will be held in 2009 in which your lodge will be asked to join with lodges across the state in a community activity or activity supporting a Masonic charity.
Status: Most activities have been selected. The next step is assigned the months when they will be performed and additional support material and plans for lodges to use.
Blood Drive
We need to lift the veil from our lodges so our friends and neighbors have a better understanding of and appreciation for Freemasonry. A statewide blood drive will be held to bring your town to your lodge door and gain a greater appreciation for our fraternity.
Status: Organizers are talking with blood banks across the state to make arrangements so every lodge can host a Bloodmobile in their community.
Ladies Festival Weekend
This event will be held in Omaha on Oct. 3-4, 2009, offering us the opportunity to thank our ladies for their support. It will be a special time away from home involved in non-Masonic activities, a fine banquet and a concert of Masonic composers. Special events like this for family members increase their support for and help them feel a part of your involvement in Freemasonry.
Status: The Omaha Scottish Rite Masonic Center has been reserved for the banquet and concert. The hotel and activities in Omaha are yet to be selected. Talks are continuing with orchestras about providing a musical program of all-Masonic composers.
George Washington Masonic Memorial Donation
No man in history best exemplified Masonic values than George Washington. A statewide fundraising drive aimed at raising $1 per member from Nebraska’s lodges to the George Washington Masonic Memorial will help preserve his contribution to the world and promote his commitment to Masonic principles. Nebraska was the first Grand Lodge to contribute 50¢/member to the Memorial, which is now requesting a $1/member. The goal in 2009 will be to raise $1/member, and increase the donation to $1/member at Annual Communication in 2010.
Status: Conversations have been held with the executive director of the Memorial at the Conference of Grand Masters. He will provide advice on successful campaign plans.
Ideas That Work
This publication provides activity ideas that have worked in other lodges to help our leaders build in their lodge on the proven successes of others. It is sent via e-mail to lodge contacts and the Wardens with e-mail addresses that are known to the Grand Lodge. It will be sent each month as long as activity ideas are provided by you. Please send a short description of your lodge’s successful activities to: michelle@glne.org.
Status: Two issues have been distributed this year.