I would like to Know what others do for their communities and chairities. our lodge is very involved with local law enforcement as many of our members are in law enforcement. Our next stated communication Our county Sheriff (also a brother) is going to speak on gang relations and how the community can help we will dflmml to let all in to hear. also so many of us ride motorcycles and we all ride to The Masonic and Eastern Star Home and visit with the orfins and widows its a great time and you feel great afterwards.
Thanks , I've been racking my brain for ideas . I really want to get our names out there for the right reason .
Affinity lodges There are a number of Masonic lodges around the country, with a "theme". One of the most fascinating is the Seattle lodge of the Arts. The lodge was started by men, working in the arts, as well as others who were unable to attend lodge at night, due to their work schedule. Check out: Daylight Lodge-Seattle's Masonic Lodge Of The Arts Some of my friends and I are discussing setting up a similar daylight lodge, with intention to support the arts in our community (Bowling Green KY)
These 'small' projects are the ones I like to hear about, as they have such an immediate effect for those of our community who receive the goodwill. The joy of needy child on receiving something as simple as a backpack full of school supplies far outweighs the cost.
What can we do? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My brothers, you are missing the point. Masonic lodges and masonically-affiliated groups, donate millions of dollars to charitable and humanitarian activities and causes. But I feel that we can do more. And I mean collectively, as an organization. Of course, any mason is free to donate his own resources and time, to any charitable cause he wishes. No one denies this, in fact, I wish all of us did more. But, there is so much more we can do collectively, as an organization, than could ever be done individually. Each of us labors in the quarry, we all have the working tools. Our lodges are erected to God, and dedicated to the Holy Saints John. We are enjoined to improve ourselves in Masonry. But, how we improve ourselves is matter of the individual conscience, and the individual human spirit. Many lodges around the USA, have adopted one or more charitable causes, often far removed from traditional Masonic charitable work. For example, a lodge in Kansas City supports Public television, a lodge in Seattle, supports the arts in Seattle. See: Daylight Lodge-Seattle's Masonic Lodge Of The Arts Our lodges can: Open up their lodge halls for humanitarian and non-governmental organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous. Expand support to Masonic youth groups, DeMolay/Job's Daughters/Rainbow. Expand support to other youth groups: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. Expand support to other non-governmental organizations, like the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, both financially, and with "sweat equity". Open our lodge halls to educational causes, like adult literacy, and provide financial support Reach out to single-parent families, offering to mentor fatherless and 'at-risk' youth. And the list goes on, because, sadly there is an ocean of emptiness in our society, many lives that need to be touched, by the callused hands of Masons. Are we all deaf, to the cries of pain in our midst? Are we only listening to the alarms at the door of the lodge, which are caused by our membership? Are we not all members of the human family? Do we not believe in the Brotherhood of Man, and the Fatherhood of God? ALL mankind has a claim upon our good offices. How we answer the call, is up to us. "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” "Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself.” "Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need. " "It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding. " -Kahlil Gibran, Philosopher
As a non-Mason, might I suggest that the increased use of 'sweat equity' (as you put it) in the community may help to dispel some of the myths surrounding the Masons?
No one wants you to feel guilty. The topics I posted were only meant as suggestions. If you reside in a city, where there is no Big Brothers/Big Sisters, then you obviously cannot help their organizations. But every Mason is required to help the widow, the orphan, the poor. Even a small lodge, can offer assistance and support to their communities. All mankind has a claim on our good offices.
We started doing Child Id programs last year. This year we are having a public Independence day celebration. We donate to the middle school and a food bank. Various other times we pass the hat for something or another.
Good deal . On a side note , I can not believe the difference in my lodges numbers from then and now (total members and active members) .
Our lodge is involved with fingerprinting children, along with a dvd of the child answering specific questions. I have not done this yet with the lodge. So when I get more info I will relay it back here.
Since moving to Florida I was very happy to see that the Grand Lodge of Florida has made the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory it's flagship charity for the last few years and continues to do so. The work they do there is amazing and works to fight the number one killer. MMRL | Welcome to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory Any Lodge that is looking for a local charity that they can do that has the chance to make all the difference in the world is arguably my favorite charity in the world. And not just because it is a Masonic Charity. The Masonic Angel Fund makes a very profound difference in the lives of local children and a Lodge can engage in it as far as their means allow. No matter how small your Lodge is or what you can spare, this charity DOES make a difference! Check out the MAF and consider starting one at your Lodge. Masonic Angel Foundation
