A Message From the Next Generation
This will be a short list that I hope will help your lodge. All Lodges have their own attractions and each community is different, especially in the Great State of Texas. We have successful Lodges that wear overalls, western wear, suit & tie, and even a couple of Lodges that wear the traditional tuxedo.
This year, I am serving as the second Master of my Lodge in his twenties. Here are some of my observations. The younger generation is looking for something that truly makes them better. Lots of young men don't go to a church of an organized religion, but still believe in a Supreme Being. Many want to do some charity work, but not join a charity just for charity sake.
For the most part, 18-40 year old men are online most their day. So, for them to hear about us or get interested in Freemasonry, they must see us online. Our Lodges must have up to date websites and be on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). Keep in mind, they need to keep them up to date with pictures and post frequently.
Like I said earlier, every Lodge has their own dress code. Don't think that my generation is against dressing up. Look good! Many churches and most of our jobs don't require suit & tie. So, when we get to wear on, we actually get excited. I have had multiple new Brothers and Candidates tell me they are “excited” to go purchase or wear their suit & tie. I want my Officers and membership to wear suit & tie to Stated Meetings and special events. When we dress nice and are seen in the public, we stick out. Plus it feels good to look good.
Let's not forget our current or older members, many of which are not active in my Lodge. I have heard on a few podcasts that the average for Lodge attendance is 10%. I sent out a questionnaire 2 years ago asking what members wanted in a lodge or what our lodge was missing. I received 40% of the questionnaires back from the non active members and all of them said Education. I personally wanted education also, that was a reason I joined Freemasonry. Leading up to my year as Master, I reached out to multiple lodges to schedule guest speakers. I put a great Past Master and extremely knowledgeable Brother in the Lodge Education Officers position. I requested that all the new members read Freemasonry for Dummies. I ask the Entered Apprentices to give a short talk. When we get people involved then they are more likely to stay.
By bringing education back to my Lodge, we have brought back some of our not so active members, which was a great side effect. I am a strong believer of giving members duties. Everyone is helping out somewhere, from being a Mentor, greeting everyone that walks through the door, serving on committees, and appointing the Investigation Committees. These are for Brothers who want to help out but can't make every meeting.
A great mentorship program is a wonderful tool for a Lodge. According to the US Census, in 2016, 23% of juveniles came from single parent households and are raised my their mothers. Then, add the households where the men are always working or gone. This makes up a big part of our society that needs a male figure to look up to. Why not help fill that missing piece of our society with great men and role models for these young men? A book that I recommend on this topic is “Understanding Manhood in America” by Robert G. Davis.
Let us not forget to also meet outside the lodge building for dinner, drinks, fishing trips, charity runs, or sporting events. The Lodge is not just the building but the Brethren. We must be seen out in our communities. Wear a hat, shirt, or jacket with the Square & Compasses on it. Carry business cards so you can give to people interested. We have skipped one generation of potential members. Let’s not skip another by their lack of knowledge that we exist. Try to incorporate all the aspects of the principles of fraternalism.
Stop the lodge politics and cliques, greet the perspective member with a smile on your face. Take them out to get a cup of coffee and answer their questions. Don't whine about millennials, they are the future of Freemasonry. The future of our Fraternity is in our hands. Teach this generation well,so it can live on. Each one, teach one. Be the Light!
Fraternally,
William Badders
Guest Contributer
William Badders is the current Worshipful Master of Triune Masonic Lodge No.15 A.F&A.M., in San Antonio, Texas. He is also a member of Tranquility Lodge #2000, San Antonio High Twelve #656 and Tri-Cities High Twelve #700, Iowa Lodge of Research No. 2, Grand College of Rites, San Antonio Royal Arch Chapter #381, San Antonio Council of Royal & Select Masters #14 and the San Antonio Scottish Rite.
