Geoff Newby, District Co-Ordinator in Gippsland (105) has issued a challenge to local lodges about the initiatives they need to take now for recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic emergency lifts.

I have been speaking with brethren recently regarding keeping connected with the Lodge members. This has never been more critical, as we are in hibernation, so to speak and being unable to physically meet.

A number are turning to other means of engagement, using technology such as Zoom or Skype for get togethers, as well as electronic communications such as emails and messages, and even old-school telephoning.

We will be in this state of flux for some time, as the government develops a holistic plan to move from the restricting environment. This will take time. Months – not weeks brethren …

So what happens then? What are the risks right now? What is being done right now to address the risks?

OK, some will believe that the tap will just be turned back on, and we will all go back to before. I am not convinced it will be as simple as that. I’m not about doom and gloom, but the world is changing and things inevitably will change from what we have previously considered the ‘norm.’

Start thinking about what that might look like.

No doubt there will be some members keen to get back into Freemasonry and that’s great, but a significant risk is those members who will have become “used to” not attending lodge.

So how is that addressed? One option is to wait and see what happens and who turns up then try and chase the horse after it has bolted, or another option could be to ‘shore up’ the gate now and keep your brethren ‘engaged’ so they feel valued, important, involved and part of a fraternity who cares.

Personally I think the latter is the better method. Effort undertaken now could have great benefits later on. So I ask you to consider the following?

What action is currently being done to engage the brethren of your Lodge?
• Who is actually doing it?
• Can others assist or get involved?
• Is it being done effectively?
• How do you know the effectiveness?
• Have others shared ideas with your lodge?
• Has your Lodge shared your ideas with others?

I am writing this to the Secretaries, not because this falls on your shoulders, but you are connected into your Lodge and I would hope that you, your Worshipful Master and those movers and shakers in your Lodge would consider this and come up with a short to medium plan of action.

You don’t have to, and I can’t make you. I am strongly suggesting however, that collectively, your Lodge does take some form of action to ensure your Lodge’s revival and survival.

Please consider the three ‘Rs’ concerning your membership now and into the future.

Retention,
Recovery, and
Renewal.

Retention – as stated above, engage your current brethren and their families in the Lodge, make it exciting and vibrant. (Yes, now more important than ever there needs to be engagement)

Recovery – means getting back the brethren who are members but no longer attend or who have become unaffiliated. (I suspect many of your brethren have time on their hands – so why not reach out brethren?)

Renewal – includes the introduction of new members. (Perhaps you could set a challenge or a goal for your brethren regarding new members – identify a friend who would make an excellent Brother and discuss it with them now – no need to wait. Start the ball rolling. You could plan and later conduct Lodge open nights, social activities or some other innovative idea.)

I urge you in the strongest of terms to consider how best to utilise this ‘down time’ in Freemasonry, and turn it around to make it a ‘fulfilling time’ in your masonic environment.

I’m not sure anyone else will do it for you.