2009 Trestle - Board
A preview of what will happen in 2009 was revealed during the Wardens meeting at Annual Communication. Now is a good time to start thinking about how your lodge activities can build on the cornerstone the Grand Lodge will provide you next year. The following will occur in 2009:
Theme
In 2009, the emphasis will be on the values taught by Freemasonry. Why emphasize values? It’s what men, especially young men, want and society needs today. Men are searching for organizations that can give them positive guidance and male bonding. Thus, the need to make them aware of what we stand for and to offer activities that interests them and their family.
We will emphasize three areas in which each Master and each Lodge should excel, and will lead to greater success for your lodge. Activities will be involved in each area:
The application of Masonic values to your life.
Applying the value of brotherly love in your lodge.
Extending charity to our fraternal and local communities.
Planning Guide
Detailed information for 2009 will be mailed to Masters-elect after your lodge sends election results to the Grand Lodge office. Included in the packet will be:
You will receive a planning guide for 2009 with information on activities and activity ideas for planning the year you’ll serve as Master.
A calendar of 2009 Grand Lodge activities will be provided at that time as well.
A calendar os 2009 Grand Lodge activities will be provided at that time as well
The 2009 Awards Program forms will be included in the packet.
The Ideas That Work publication and Monthly Program mailings, which will start this year, will continue in 2009
Ladies Festival Weekend
We will hold a Ladies Festival Weekend in Omaha with a chance to thank our ladies for their support. This will be a special time away from home involved in non-Masonic activities, a banquet and a Masonic concert in the evening. This will occur October 9 - 11 of 2009 in Omaha.
PR Kit
I’ve been involved in public relations for 30 years, and promotion of your lodge will be a focus in 2009. You will receive a public relations plan and resources to promote your lodge’s activities in your community.
Membership Kit
A membership kit will be developed that you can develop locally to assist you in your recruiting efforts.
Community Days
Several Community Days will be held in which your lodge will be asked to participate in a community activity or activity supporting a Masonic charity. We need to lift the veil from our lodges so our friends and neighbors have a better understanding of Freemasonry. A statewide blood drive will be held to bring your town to your lodge door and gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for Freemasonry. It’s important that you appoint someone to chair this effort, or be prepared to promote it and plan it yourself.
George Washington Masonic Memorial
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.
These are the major activities and tools the Grand Lodge will offer you and your lodge in 2009 to help you make your year the best it can be. For an update on these plans, see the Progress Report.