An Introduction to the Members' Pathway 2017 UGLE

Transcription

1 An Introduction to the Members' Pathway

2 The Members Pathway is available in three formats. First as a series of one page easy to read summaries that cover the essentials. Secondly, in more thorough Step Guides, and thirdly as a comprehensive guide with numerous supporting documents, which cover key issues and describe techniques in more detail. The Members Pathway is a guide that provides a structured approach that Lodges can follow to attract, introduce and encourage potential new members, whilst at the same time retaining and adding value to the existing membership. It comprises a series of Steps to take a man who is interested in Freemasonry, but not yet a member, all the way through a journey to become a committed Master Mason. It draws on the experiences of many strong and healthy Lodges across our constitution. The evidence from these Lodges indicates that there is good reason to be optimistic about our future. There are many suitable men who would be attracted to Freemasonry if they knew a little more about it. The evidence also suggests that lasting and committed membership is most likely to be achieved when applicants and candidates are carefully screened to be sure they meet the qualifications for membership, when both the Lodge and the candidate make their expectations clear to each other, when there is a good match between the Lodge and the candidate and when both parties work at meeting each other s expectations. Promoting a positive public image of Freemasonry is not part of the Pathway but is a necessary foundation upon which the Pathway is built. All members of a Lodge share responsibility for introducing new members and for helping to retain them by making them feel welcome and supported.

3 The future of Freemasonry depends upon being able to introduce and retain committed members who will contribute to their Lodges and enjoy a lasting membership. Peter Lowndes, Pro Grand Master The success of the Members Pathway can be measured by two indicators; an increase in suitable candidates and the proportion of these who go on to become lasting and committed members and contribute to their Lodge many years after Initiation. By adopting the Steps in the Pathway a Lodge should also be better placed to assess its own strengths and weaknesses, its likely source of applicants and its future viability. Recent research from outside of the Craft into patterns of membership in clubs, societies and organisations shows that: - Approximately 2.7 million men in England regularly give of their time to clubs, societies and organisations related to hobbies, social activities and recreation. - Levels of participation have returned to the high point reached before the 2008 economic crisis. - Age, location and economic activity need not be barriers to joining. - Freemasonry can satisfy the hopes, aspirations and expectations that are often expressed by those who do join organisations. Therefore, the Members Pathway should help us all to plan for the success and longevity of Freemasonry in the future.

4 1. Lodge Planning For a man known to existing members 2. Identifying prospective candidates 3. Approaching prospective candidates For a man not known by existing members (e.g. via the internet) 4. Responding to enquiries from potential candidates For all prospective and potential candidates 5. Preparing the prospective candidate for interview 6. Interviewing the applicant Lodge Membership Officer 7. Preparing the candidate for Initiation 8. Supporting the new Freemason 9. Introducing the Royal Arch 10. Retaining our members Lodge Mentor 11. Retrieving members Province

5 Step Guide - Introduction to the Members Pathway This document describes a planned approach to attracting, introducing and retaining new members called the Members Pathway. The Pathway is a series of Steps that a Lodge can follow to take a man who is interested in Freemasonry, but not yet a member, all the way through a journey to become a committed Master Mason. The Pathway draws on the experiences of and the techniques used by many strong and healthy Lodges across our constitution. The evidence from these Lodges indicates that there is good reason to be optimistic about our future. In addition, research from outside of the Craft indicates there are many suitable men who would be attracted to Freemasonry if they knew a little more about it. The evidence also demonstrates that lasting and committed membership is most likely to be achieved when: applicants and candidates are carefully screened to be sure they meet the qualifications for membership; both the Lodge and the candidate make their expectations clear to each other; there is a good match between the Lodge and the candidate; and both parties work at meeting each other s expectations. Each Step in the Pathway is available in a variety of formats, including a mobile app and web based documents. Each format includes links through to more detailed information that includes associated tools, techniques and templates. All have been tried and tested and found to help, although each Lodge may select those that best suit their needs and circumstances. There is also an interview skills training programme. A positive public image and good local reputation is a necessary foundation upon which the Pathway is built but is not part of it. Other work is underway to help Freemasonry develop its public image. The Pathway in overview

6 Step 1. The Lodge prepares a plan comprising a review of its current practices, a Lodge profile, if appropriate a profile of its ideal candidate, how it will increase its visibility in its local community and the assignment of specific responsibilities related to the introduction of new members. Step 2. From a collated long list of family members, work colleagues, social club members, friends, fellow worshippers, etc, and using the profiles compiled in Step 1, Lodge members prepare a short list of people who might be approached with a view to joining the Lodge. Step 3. A member or members approach a prospective candidate to find out whether he might be interested in Freemasonry and to help him learn enough about us to decide whether he wishes to pursue membership. Note: this is not an invitation to join; the candidate must still ask to become a Freemason and acceptance will depend upon suitability. Step 4. Alternatively a potential candidate approaches the Lodge, or is referred to the Lodge, with an expression of interest. Such approaches need to be validated and sponsors found. Step 5. Sponsors discuss Freemasonry and membership in detail, to screen the prospective candidate, to determine whether he meets the qualifications for membership. Step 6. If sponsors and candidate both wish to proceed, the prospective candidate is now an applicant. He completes a Grand Lodge Registration Form and goes to formal interview. A small permanent interview panel conducts the interview on behalf of the Lodge Committee. Step 7. If the Interview Panel recommends him as a suitable candidate then he is proposed, balloted for and prepared for initiation. Step 8. The Personal Mentor, whether he be a sponsor or another experienced Freemason, provides the new member with support tailored to his individual needs, as he goes through the ceremonies and experiences aspects of Freemasonry for the first time. Step 9. At an appropriate point after the new member has taken his Third Degree and has some understanding of the Craft, he is introduced to the Royal Arch and encouraged to consider membership. Step 10. Retention involves a series of positive activities a Lodge can undertake to help the new member gain enjoyment and satisfaction and to grow in his commitment, and preventive activities to respond to any signs of dissatisfaction. Step 11. In the regrettable event that a member submits his resignation, there are activities to retrieve his membership. This Step is co-ordinated by Metropolitan / Provincial / District Grand Lodges. As soon as a candidate has taken his obligation he is a Freemason and a member, no longer a Candidate but a Brother. The Pathway refers to new or newer, not young or junior, members. Roles and Responsibilities in the Pathway All members of a Lodge share responsibility for introducing new members, for helping to retain them by making them feel welcome and supported, and for seeking to retrieve those who resign. A number of officers and other members have more specific roles to play in these processes. If appropriate or necessary, these roles may be combined or held in conjunction with other Lodge Offices.

7 Lodge Membership Officer: Not a formal Masonic office. A new role (see Role profile: Lodge Membership Officer for full details), to co-ordinate the Lodge s activities from Steps 1 to 6 of the Pathway. Leads in the development of a membership plan and in supporting sponsors as they introduce prospective candidates. Is supported by the Provincial Membership Officer. Lodge Mentor: Co-ordinates the Lodge s activities in the Pathway from Step 7 onwards, starting immediately after the candidate has been elected (see Role profile: Lodge or Chapter Mentor for full details). Appoints and supports Personal Mentors. Works with other Lodge officers, such as the Secretary, Director of Ceremonies and Almoner, to help new members adjust to and derive enjoyment and satisfaction from membership. Is supported by the Provincial Grand Mentor. Sponsors: A candidate s proposer and seconder. Either they identify prospective candidates (Step 2) and make the approach (Step 3) or they respond to an enquiry referred by the Province or made direct to the Lodge (Step 4). Recommend applicants to the Lodge after completing Step 5. May be selected to be the new member s Personal Mentor, if they have the time and experience to do so. In all cases, continue to support the new member and take a personal interest in his welfare and Masonic development. Personal Mentor: Provides individual and personal support to candidates and new members, to help them to prepare for and reflect upon ceremonies, to learn about the Craft and to get the best from their membership. May be a sponsor but if the sponsors do not have the time and experience may be another experienced member of the Lodge suited to the candidate. See Role profile: Personal mentor. Interview Panel: A group of no more than three members of the Lodge, preferably including at least one MM and one PM, who conduct applicant interviews and, if satisfied, recommend candidates to the Lodge Committee. Chaired by the member of the Lodge with the most appropriate skills and experience (see Step 1), to create the best interview process and experience for the applicant. A training programme is available to help panel members to acquire the key skills. The Lodge Membership Officer can be a member of the Interview Panel. The applicant s sponsors are encouraged to attend to support him. The sponsors should not be involved in conducting the interview. Worshipful Master: Signs the Master s certificate on the Grand Lodge Registration Form. Delegates chairmanship of the Interview Panel to a Lodge member skilled and experienced in interview techniques. Lodge Committee: Oversees the work of the Interview Panel, appoints its Chairman and two other members for each interview. Considers applications for membership after recommendation by the Interview Panel. The Lodge committee does not always need to meet to complete these tasks; much can be achieved through electronic communication. Lodge Secretary: Completes all administrative tasks throughout the Pathway and as defined in the Book of Constitutions. Lodge Director of Ceremonies: Allocates appropriate ceremonial work to each new member, in conjunction with the Lodge Mentor and Personal Mentors and according to members abilities, needs and interests, always ensuring that each new member s development proceeds at the correct pace for him. Lodge Almoner: Monitors attendance and works with the Lodge Mentor and Personal Mentors to respond if members appear to be losing interest.

8 Monitoring Progress and Reviewing Success The success of the Members Pathway can be measured by two indicators: an increase in suitable candidates the proportion of these who go on to become lasting and committed members and contribute to their Lodge many years after Initiation. Creating and maintaining local records will help Lodges to track and monitor their progress through all stages of the Pathway. The information kept may include: The Lodge plan created at Step 1, including Lodge and candidate profiles The lists of prospective candidates generated at Step 2 The date when each was first approached and by whom at Step 3 The names of sponsors allocated to those who approach the Lodge at Step 4 The dates of key meetings and interviews at Steps 5 & 6 The dates when forms were submitted and letters sent The outcomes of interviews at Step 6 The dates of proposals, ballots and ceremonies The dates of mentoring meetings Attendance at Lodge meetings, rehearsals, Lodges of Instruction Contributions in the Lodge Offices held. At intervals members of the Lodge can then review the information stored to consider questions such as: Are we effective at converting prospective and potential candidates into members? At what point do prospective and potential candidates leave the process? Is our interviewing thorough and robust? Is our mentoring effective? Are new members attending regularly? Are they contributing in a manner suited to them? Is the Lodge meeting new members expectations? What can we do to improve our management of all aspects of the Pathway? Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodges may ask Lodges for data and other contributions to assist with their monitoring and review processes. For reasons of data protection and privacy, any data provided to any person or body outside of the Lodge should not include the names of any person who has not completed a Grand Lodge Registration Form. Note: For ease of reading, throughout the Members Pathway we refer to Provinces. All references to Provinces should be taken to apply equally to Metropolitan and District Grand Lodges / Chapters.