2015 spring officers seminar - matawan lodge...the elevator speech an elevator speech is a short...

CornucopiaMasonic Skills All Masons Should Master2015 SPRING OFFICERS SEMINAR

FELLOWSHIP HALL , BURLINGTON

SATURDAY MAY 16, 2015

• Public Speaking

• Memorization

• Membership

• Mentoring

• Investigations

• Successful Events

• Effective Meetings

Public SpeakingRW ROY G. SIMPADIAN, DRI 2

“ I have three hints for becoming a good speaker, Charlie Brown. You must know when to stand up,

when to speak up and when to shut up.”

"Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident."

"Tell the audience what you're going to say, say it; then tell them what you've said."

“There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one

you gave, and the one you wish you gave.”

• Be Prepared, Be Confident

• Use Visual Aids• Dress as good if not better than your audience

• Practice, Practice, Practice

“It takes one hour of preparation for each minute of presentation time.”– Wayne Burgraff

“Ask yourself, ”If I had only sixty seconds on the stage, what would I absolutely have to say to get my message across.”

– Jeff Dewar

SUMMARY

MemorizationRW ROY G. SIMPADIAN

REMEMBER NAMESListen to the name of the person when they are introduced and repeat it.

"Hello (name), nice to meet you," is the easiest step you can take to remember names and faces.

Repeat it at least once during your conversation.

CLEAR YOUR MINDFree the mind. Nothing is of greater aid to

concentration. In fact, unless you are able to do this, concentration is impossible.

REVIEW Do not lie to yourself, if you have a guilty

feeling you didn't get it, repeat and review.

MAKE IT FUNTry to improve and do better than

your last effort

MEMORIZATION THROUGH GROUPINGOne of the key aspects of memory

performance is to learn the material from the general to the specific.

SCHEDULEYour daily schedule helps to focus the mind,

holding it steadily to one thing at a time and in the right order.

Relate what you are trying to memorize to something you are familiar with.

“…by efining our souls, trengthening our irtues and urifying our minds prepare for admission….”

page 98 of the installation

CHUNKINGGroups of Information--It is easier to

memorize information when you break it up into small chunks

1

2

4

7

5

3

8

6

10 9

UNDERSTANDINGBefore you begin trying to memorize

something, try to understand it

REHEARSING When you want to remember

information, you have to practice it, or else it fades

Furthermore…

1) W

2) A

3) H

1) Substitute

2) 5

3) W

4) V

5) Se

6) St

7) A

8) H

Summary• CREATE A SCHEDULE

• REST, RELAX AND CLEAR YOUR MIND

• REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT

• VISUALIZE THE CONTENT

• TEACH IT & REVIEW IT

• USE GROUPING & CHUNKING

• TRY TO USE ALL 5 SENSESo SAY IT OUT LOUD, IN FRONT OF MIRROR, IN LODGE

• USE ACRONYMS AND OTHER MNEUMONIC DEVICES

• UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL

WB ROBERT HOWARD, PM

Why So Important

• Membership begins with what you have

• How to Find New Candidates

• You found them – now what

“Renew the Spirit”

• For those members that are in the area

• Programs Designed to Reacquaint

• Invite them to a specific Program

• Send them a free ticket for a Fund Raiser

• Programs for younger members

Lighting the FireWhere do you find them?• Men that you meet

• Church Directories

• School Directories

• Community Leaders

Why invite them • Might not know anything about Masonry

• Create Interest in the Craft

How To Norm Your LodgeHold Degrees on a regular basis• Know your goal number for lodge growth

• One sequence o January EA – February FC– March MM

o April EA – May FC– June MM

o September EA – October FC – November MM

Open Houses to Support DegreesEnd of January – End of May – End of September

How to Get StartedChairman• Junior Warden and a Past Master?

Gather Names from brothers• Expect that every 10 invites – 2 acceptances

• Need Name; Wife name; address; telephone # and email

Letter of Invitation – make it special • Man and his wife

• 3-4 weeks in advance of Open House

• By Whom

Follow-up Email

Call to remind

Day of the EventProgram• 30 Minute Meet and Greet

o Name TAGS

o 3 brothers and wives per guests

o Appetizers – Wine and Beer (if appropriate)

• Dinner or some food

• Lodge Room

o Set up as a Lodge

o Presentation – no longer than 45 minutes

oQuestions and Answers

• Return to Collation for Desert

• Packet of Information with Petition

The PresentationSpecific to YOUR LODGE

What are you selling• Explain Masonry

• Introduce Lodge and its brothers

• Fast paced and informative

• Let them know – “no one will ask”

How can they get more information

Answer questions or create them if necessary

Points to Address

How are NJ Freemasons Organized

• Grand Lodge of New Jersey

• NJ is divided into 19 districts

• Each district is composed of LODGES• There are 117 active Lodges in NJ

• Trenton Cyrus #5 is in the 15th with:

Amwell Lodge #12 Gothic-Fraternal Lodge #270 Hightstown Apollo Lodge #41 Horizon Daylight Lodge #299 Mercer Lodge #50

Points to Address

What is Freemasonry?

• Fraternal organization

• Origins: Europe 16th century

• Worldwide: 5 million members (2 Million in US)

• Belief in a Supreme Being but not a religion

• “Make good men better”Through our many Masonic activities

Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and

illustrated with symbols

Points to Address

What Do NJ Freemasons Do?

Personal and Moral Growth• Service to God, Country, Neighbor, Self

• Ritual

Activities and Services• Meetings, Fund raisers

• Upkeep of facility

Social Activities• With Spouses, Families, Members

Requirements for Membership

• Believe in a Supreme Being

• Man, Freeborn, Lawful Age (18)

• Of their Own Freewill

• Favorable opinion of the Fraternity

• Desire for Knowledge and to Serve

• Willing to abide by the principles and purposes of the Fraternity

Points to Address

Points to AddressHow Do You Become a Freemason?

Petition a Masonic Lodge• 2 Mason Recommenders• At least 1 must be an active

member in good standing in NJ• 3 or More letters of recommendation

Submit to an investigation• Criminal records check mandatory

Secret Unanimous Ballot

IF Your petition is favorable

3 Degrees at least 1 Month Apart

Assigned a Mentor & Instructor

Summary

• Recruiting Vs. Raising Awareness

• Engage Active & Inactive Members

• Assign a Committee

• Send Personal Invitations

• Make A PresentationResources Available on Members Only Website

• Follow-Up

WB ROBERT HOWARD, PM

GOALS

1) Motivate and enliven all of the members of your lodge.

2) Bring all the Brethren into the Mentoring sphere.

3) Launch the talents and experiences of your Past Masters and keep them involved.

4) Think three dimensionally about mentoring.

1)Membership

2)Money

3)Morale

4)Memories

Mentoring

Mentoring describes a relationship between • a less experienced individual, (mentee or protégé)

• a more experienced individual (mentor)

• this relationship tends to be long-term

Who here is a Mentor?

Please

raise your hand?

Everyone here is a Mentor!!!

Whether you intend to or not, every time you speak ….

you are influencing a prospective or new Mason.

Prepare yourself.

The Mentoring Program

1) engages new candidates,

2) keeps newly-made Masons motivated,

3) molds their understanding of Masonry,

4) encourages brethren to become officers.

not to mention, it keeps those newly raised brethren from drifting away.

This is only half of what the mentoring program

is designed to do……

We must use the mentoring program to keep those Past Masters & more

experienced Masons from drifting away.

The Mentoring Program

Can be used to:

1) engage all members of the lodge,

2) keep all the Brethren motivated,

3) continue their Masonic education,

4) keep the officer line full.

We may need to

change our focus from

just the candidate to all

the brethren of the

lodge.

Targeting P.M.s & Brethren

Identify the less active Past Masters or Brethren, who you think may be

slipping away.

Recruit them for some specific mentoring TASK.

This is done on a one-to-one basis.

Why one-to-one?

You are making it personal……

The Lodge needs you; the Master needs you.

Your perspective or expertise is unique.

The Brethren always appreciate your input.

You must be sincere!

What should you be looking for?

A Brother or P.M. with one of the following characteristics:

• Compatibility with a particular candidate.

• Familiarity w/ members of neighboring lodges.

• Knowledge of Masonic History.

• Stickler for Masonic Etiquette.

• Experienced in the workings of the Lodge.

• Expertise in Ritual.

• Energy & Exuberance.

Opportunity – Task - Who

Opportunity:

Prospective candidates walking into the lodge.

Task: Two-minute who, what, where, when & how of Freemasonry.

Provide an informal tour of the lodge room.

Make some introductions.

Who: Energetic & Exuberant Brother

Opportunity – Task - Who

Opportunity:

Pre-degree Meeting

Task:

◦ Provide an inspirational overview of the workings of the lodge.

◦ Give some basic history of Freemasonry.

◦ Describe the officers’ responsibilities.

Who:

Experienced in the workings of the Lodge (P.M.?)

Opportunity – Task - Who

Opportunity:

Entered Apprentice Degree

Task:

◦ Pick up the candidate from his home.◦ Remain with him as the lodge conducts business upstairs.

◦ Keep him comfortable.

Who:

Compatibility with the candidate

The Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is a short summary used to quickly and simply define an organization and its value.

It should be possible to deliver this speech in the time span of an elevator ride, (30 sec.–2 min.).

My Elevator Speech Who: Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, where men can come together to enjoy each other’s company.

What: We trace our origins to the medieval stone masons, who at the time were among the few capable of doing great things through the use of sciences such as mathematics, physics and geometry.

How: We are known for making good men better and encourage our members to improve themselves both intellectually and spiritually.

Where & When: On the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, we have informal meetings that start at 7:00pm, please come by the lodge, so I can show you around and introduce you to the guys.

The Elevator Speech Consider dedicating one meeting night to a contest to come up with the best “Elevator Speech”.

Encourages the Brethren to develop a definition of Masonry.Helps fine-tune their own “Elevator Speech”.

Gets the lodge involved in the mind-set of how to speak with prospective Masons.

Who here HAs a Mentor?

Please

raise your hand?

Everyone here should have a Mentor!!!

Find someone you like and respect; ask

him to be your mentor.

You will always need someone to confer with and consult.

Mentor outside of Masonry

1) Do you encourage others to get involved?

2) Do you solicit the skills and talents of others?

3) Do you show sincere appreciation for the contribution of others?

4) Do you take time to inform and educate others to make them stronger individuals?

5) Do you try to find the right guy for the job?

The Mentoring Program will…

Motivate and enliven all of the members of your lodge.

Bring all the Brethren into the Mentoring sphere.

Launch the talents and experiences of your Past Masters and keep them involved.

Create the strength of a diamond within your lodge.

Summary

1. Who in your lodge should be recruited as a Mentor?

2. What significant Mentoring opportunities need to be addressed in your lodge?

3. What fulfilling Masonic events can Brethren and Mentors enjoy together?

InvestigationsRW MATTHEW R. MACREADY, PGC

Worshipful Master, we have a petition

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Not all Candidates are acceptable!

Why do we need a Committee of Investigation?

• To preserve the high standards of Freemasonry.

• To insure the peace and harmony of your lodge.

• To protect the reputation of the fraternity.

• To insure the financial stability of your lodge.

• To insure the compatibility with your membership and with the Craft at large.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Who is on the Committee?• Appointed by the

Worship Master.

• Permanent or ad hoc committee.

• Can be any Master Mason in your lodge except for the Recommenders.

• Consists of a chairman and at 2 others.

• May include Past Masters.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

What are their Duties?Chairman:• Organizes the group and serves as leader.

• Sets up the meeting(s) with the candidate.

• Takes the lead in asking questions.

Brother #2:• Assists with questioning.

• Should be knowledgeable concerning Masonry and your lodge. Serves as a resource person.

• Should make sure that the wife and any other family members are included in the conversation.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Duties (continued)

Brother #3:• Serves mainly as an observer.

• Should pay close attention to body language, general surroundings, family interactions, question flow, atmosphere, and attitude.

• Can assist with missed questions or topics.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

What is the Process?

At Least 3 events prior to the home interview.• Dinners, other social events, a tour of your lodge building,

a lodge meeting with a program (with the lodge on refreshment & the program suitable for the non Mason).

Appoint a Committee: • Standing Committee or Appoint Members,

Don’t ask for Volunteers during a lodge Meeting, Be prepared.

Check Petitioners availability before scheduling

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

What about his References?BEFORE THE HOME VISIT

At Least 3 References – CHECK THEM OUT!

Talk with his Recommenders: 1st Line Signer• How do they know him? Why did they sign his petition?

Background Check & Check Local Records• Interview his employer, neighbors, relatives, other groups he is in,

etc.

• Check Google, Facebook, other groups he is in, etc.

This person wants to be your brother for the rest of his life.

Be Diligent, Prudent, Temperate, Discrete

Be Like Sherlock Holmes and follow every clue.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

The Big Moment: The Home Visit

Make an Appointment Convenient to all

• His spouse and family included

Be on Time! • Arrive 10 Minutes Early and Carpool

Be Clean, Professional and Respectful Take off your shoes.Bring a clipboard or something to write on

Pick a room without distractions such as TV

What are your AND his expectations for this interview?

It is not an Interrogation! • Don’t rapid fire questions on Form O,

Incorporate them into conversation and among the committee members

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Form O

The Big Moment: The Home Visit

Be prepared!

o What do we need to ask him?

o What will he be asking us?

• Be knowledgeable but don’t overwhelm him with useless or trivial information.

• Stay on topic!

• Watch your time!

o Keep things moving but don’t rush

o 10 Minutes is too Short

o Over an Hour is too Long

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Use your Sherlock skills• Use your powers of

observation and listening.

• Much of what you can learn about a person is unspoken.

• Look at Body Language:o Eye contact, involuntary

movements, attentiveness, tension level, etc.

• Remain upbeat and positive.o Remember that they are

interviewing you just as much as you are interviewing them. Think job interview!

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Finishing the Interview• Ask any Final Questions

o From Committee Members?o From the Petitioner and his family.

• Review the Next Stepso explain that not everyone is admitted

• Wish him success with his ballot.o Build excitement for a positive outcome.

• Thank Him/Them!o Let him know when to expect to hear back from the lodge.

• Provide him with accurate resources to learn about Freemasonry and not the Conspiracy Theories!

The interview is extremely important and it is to be taken very seriously.

Never promise a clear ballot.

Do not tell long stories about yourself, your PM experiences, etc.

Engage the rest of the committee members in the interview.

Key Points:

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Let the candidate answer the question.Don’t put words in his mouth.

You can make a first impression only once!

The goal of the investigation committee is to guard the fraternity from the infiltration of candidates who are not qualified to become Freemasons.

Key Points:

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Sample of Additional Questions for Candidates’ Home Interview:

• What are your strengths & weaknesses?

• When was the last time you helped a stranger?

• What kind of books do you read?

• Do you have the time to dedicate to your lodge?

• How do you expect to add value to our Fraternity?• Why did you choose Freemasonry over many other Fraternal organizations?

• Tell me one thing about you that you are most proud of.

• Who is your idol and why?

• How did you choose your three references?• Are you able and willing to pay the lodge dues and initiation fees?

• Why should we accept you among us?

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

Report to the Lodge• The last step is the

committees’ report

• Favorable or Unfavorableo Remember that the committee members

are answerable to their consciences first.

• You are the Gate Keepers of the future of Freemasonry

• We depend on your good judgment and diligence

• No Discussion in Lodge about the Petitioner

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

An Unfavorable ReportUnfavorable reports should still be Balloted upon

MUST be for a Masonic Reason!• Not liking someone is not a Masonic Reason

No Mason can be compelled, or should divulge how they voted on a Secret Ballot.

Withdrawal of a Petition Before Submitting Report. • They are not a good fit for your lodge.• They are not free on your stated meeting nights.• Refer them to a nearby lodge.

Be careful to avoid discriminatory practices.

GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY | MASONIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE | WINTER OFFICERS SEMINAR 2015 JANUARY 31, 2015

How to Plan a Successful EventDAN WALKER, PM

U S S N E W J E R S E Y LO D G E N O. 6 2

The Grand Lodge Of New Jersey F. & A.M.

Masonic Education Committee

Purpose of Event

• Fundraising

• Fellowship

• Food

• Fun

• Dispensation?• Move Warrant ?

• Open or Closed ?

• Contact your DDGM at least 90 days prior to run your idea past him, and ask for his advise and guidance.

Successful Events• Grand Lodge Visitations

• Visiting Degree Teams

• Guest Speakers

• Traveling Degrees• Quarries

• Battleships

• Aircraft

• Historic Trenton Masonic Temple

• The Masonic Home in Burlington

• Handbag Bingo

• Cigar Smokes

• Comedy Nights

• Ladies Nights

• Table Lodges

• Chicken/Spaghetti Dinners

• Pancake Breakfasts

• Ham & Oyster Dinner

Date

•Grand Lodge Conflicts

•Any District Conflicts

•Any Religious Holidays

•Any other competition ◦ New Years Eve

◦ Super Bowl®

◦ St. Patrick's Day

◦ Mothers Day

◦ Valentines Day

Things to be considered

VenueCapacity• Round or Long Tables

• Dance Floor

Parking

Amenities• Bathrooms and Entryways ADA compliant ?

• Podium, Microphone, Projector / Screen for Guest Speakers

Smoking

Insurance

Enough space, power, tables and chairs for D.J.

CommitteeLegal / Advertising• Permits, Licenses, Edicts. Liquor and Raffle

Bar / Food

• Stock: Beer, Wine, Liquor, Soda, Water, etc.

• TIPP’s Certified Bartenders

• Caterer Vs. Do it yourself, consider dietary needs

Building

• Enough Tables & Chairs

• ADA Compliance

• Parking

• Signage for everything

E-mail/“Reply All” meetings

VS.

Budget Break-Even

Most events should cover their own expenses, however, a budget is necessary to prevent over spending.

Do the MathCalculate the cost of your event, add in “Freebees” and cost of guest speakers expected profit, to determine the final ticket price.

Include the Cost of Guest Speakers (Transportation, Room & Board, Honorarium, etc.)

Always overestimate costs

Contact other Lodges to help with Planning and Costs

Revenue• Ticket Sales

• 50/50, Tricky Tray

• T-Shirt Sales

• Donations money or products

• Ad Book

Advertising

Save the Date• At least 90 days prior to the event

Social Media• Facebook, Twitter• Create Event, invite, share, post on other pages.

• Continue to post, to keep it on notification list.

E-mail All Members, Secretaries, Mail Chimp

Advertising • Trestle Boards, District websites and newsletters

• Print and hang-up Flyers

• New Jersey Freemason Magazine

• DLIs & GLIs, travel to other Lodge meetings

• Go outside of the Fraternity

• Mail out real (printed) invitations

• Phone Trees, Voice and Text Distribution Systems

Ticket SalesTickets• Print your own? • Number on BOTH ends for door prizes,

and create list of tickets handed out.• Raffle License numbers are required on tickets• Save ticket stubs for Final Report

Accept Credit Cards using:• Square, Intuit, PayPal• Money goes directly to your account.

Registration Excel Spreadsheet• Can be updated daily

• Can be as detailed as necessary

Eventbrite®• Free service if event is free

small percentage if charging for tickets

• Handles registration• Collects Data• Allows continued contact• Helps advertise• Accepts credit card sales

Master Task List

Task Category Status Priority Due Date Completion Date Notes

Call Caterer Refreshment Completed High 5.5.15 5.5.15

Follow-up Report

Total Cost• Donations

Total Revenue • Ticket Sales• 50/50• Cash Donations

Menu • Leftovers (Donate)

Receipts • Include donations

Notes /Recommendations

To be read in Lodge and included in the Minutes Must Include

Tips and Tricks

• Ask other Lodges for ideas and advice

• Delegate and Follow-Thru

• Develop a Timeline and stick to it

• Have a “Go-fer”/Runner to help with incidentals

• A clean well stocked Ladies room is essential

• Contact your city clerks office for raffle license details

How to Run an Effective MeetingGEORGE NIESSNER, PM

M OZ A R T LO D G E N O. 1 2 1

The Grand Lodge Of New Jersey F. & A.M.

Masonic Education Committee

Types of MeetingThere are basically two types of Masonic Meetings

Committee meetings such as:• Trustee• Financial• Building• Fund Raising• Etc.

Communications• Regular • Emergent

Sample Masonic Agenda

Approve Minutes

Summarize Communications

Treasurer’s Report

Approve Bills

Committee Reports

Sickness & Distress

New Business

Old Business

Announcements

Program

Close

Date & Time

Utilize Time Effectively

Surprises

Be Flexible

Feedback

Summary

• Arrive Early

• Prepare Agenda

• Know Protocol

• Utilize Dead Air

• Surprises

• Be Flexible

• Get Feedback

Thank you

HighlightsFull Presentations available on the Grand lodge members only website

www.njmasons.com

• Public Speaking• Memorization• Membership• Mentoring• Investigations• Successful Events• Effective Meetings

Email GLofNJ@NJMasonic.org if you have trouble logging in