As VMAP’s intention is to raise awareness and involvement of our Scottish Rite Brothers, we encourage Valleys to share their experiences with us (see below for ways to do this). In that spirit, the Valley of Portland, Oregon, offers the following story.
Membership Recruitment &
Engagement in the
Valley of Portland, Oregon
*VMAP Areas 1 & 2*
By Richard Nowacki, 32°
Membership Committee Co-chairman
Valley of Portland, Oregon
Bros. Bryan E. Witt, Bruce A. Kent, Nathan R. Neff, and I head the Valley of Portland’s Membership Committee. We have noticed the age of many Blue Lodge brethren attracted to the Scottish Rite is trending younger, in part because they have a thirst for wisdom that is universally applicable and a need for relationships that are substantially based upon shared causes and the common good. With this in mind, we began a Mentorship Committee headed by Bros. Craig T. Wilcox, Neff, and myself. In line with
VMAP Area 1 (Membership Recruitment), the Mentorship Committee shares the duties of connecting new candidates with current members who have agreed to serve as Mentors. In accordance with the task set forth in
VMAP Area 2 (New Member Engagement), the Membership Committee also has created a survey through
SurveyMonkey (a free, online tool), which allows us to objectively measure our responses and shape retention and development strategies. The goal of both of these committees is to find good men, give them a roadmap to the Scottish Rite to “choose their own adventure,” so to speak, and define their identities within the fibers of the Scottish Rite tapestry.
We also believe membership engagement includes creating a positive environment that encourages fellowship and promotes scholarship. In that vein, Ill. Walter E. Johnson, 33°, our Valley’s Personal Representative, recently refurbished our building’s social gathering and study area. We now can take full advantage of the renovation of our lounge with its splendid furniture, new LED lighting, and display cases Bro. Walt made for our precious books. Additionally, we have study computers and a one-of-a-kind wooden bar for social events.
The above is just a small part of what goes on in the Valley of Portland and the Orient of Oregon as a whole. Our Valleys are full of gifted people, and there is a buzz of excitement as new and old members come together in a spirit of renewed clarity about why we are here and why we are Scottish Rite Masons.
Recently, the Valley of Portland had one of its most successful reunions in the last decade with more than 22 new members, half of whom consistently return and participate. Several already have asked for jobs within the Valley! Factors that contribute to this success are an environment of true passion for the Rite, a team approach to visiting local lodges, and a unified message.
We also owe part of our success to engaging in activities like those outlined in the VMAP. I emphatically urge other Brothers to take the initiative to apply themselves to the aspects of VMAP that they think will best help their Valley.
2015 Celebrating the Craft Is Coming May 16!
Preparations for the 2015
Celebrating the Craft (CTC) are underway, and our staff could not be more excited. In 2014, CTC featured a variety of entertainment including: music, comedy, magic, celebrities, and never-before-seen video content from the House of the Temple and Valleys across the country.
Does your Valley have plans to celebrate with us?
Did you know that participating in CTC is one of the tasks listed in VMAP Subject Area 8—Philanthropy & Public Image?
With the help of Scottish Rite Brethren across the Southern Jurisdiction and internationally, we are confident the 2015 CTC will be our most successful yet! The 4th annual web cast will broadcast LIVE
Saturday, May 16, 2015, from 6pm to Midnight, Eastern Time. Of course, continuing with the tradition of past CTCs, all donations received can be split between local 501(c)(3) Orient Philanthropies and the
House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc.
VMAP Minute—Tell Us about It!
The "VMAP Minute" is a regular feature segment of
The Tyler’s Place podcast. Each VMAP minute covers one of the 10 VMAP areas, along with other practical applications that support VMAP initiatives.
Do you have tips on achieving VMAP criteria you think might help your Brothers? The Tyler's Place podcast would love to hear from you. Please send an email with your idea to podcast@scottishrite.org. You may be invited to share it on the air!
Find More VMAP Resources on the Freemason Network.*
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