Lodge Membership — Getting Ready For Growth
An inspiring energy is spreading across the state as we tell the authentic and credible story about Illinois Freemasonry.
We have taken back the narrative about what it means to live as honorable men and Freemasons. Unapologetically, we claim and highlight the impactful legacy of our ancient and honorable fraternity, which has been working in Illinois since before 1840. Those messages are resonating favorably with our Brethren and men interested in learning more about our fraternity.
When we reflect on the fact that Illinois has 3.8 million males between the ages of 18 and 64 (61.2% of the total male population based on the July 2022 Census data), we are challenging ourselves to shift from an “inside looking out” to an “outside looking in” mindset regarding our current and future membership outlook. This mindset shift is informing how we evaluate, plan for, and implement solutions to positively impact our Masonic Membership Experience and membership growth. With appropriate humility, we are seriously reviewing what is occurring in the lives of many males in our state and how Freemasonry can positively impact the enjoyment, satisfaction, and feeling of purpose that more of these men can experience in their lives.
Modern Marketing Strategies
Using modern digital tools, we are executing a new marketing capability for Illinois Freemasonry to effectively and efficiently reach large populations with our credible and impactful messages. Importantly, we know that good men broadly exist in our communities across the state because Freemasons already live there. So, if just 5% of the population of males mentioned above are good men of sound character who seek to learn, invest the time to become better versions of themselves, experience genuine friendships and trusting relationships with quality men, and provide selfless service to the fraternity and their communities, then 190,000 of those men could be members of Illinois Freemasonry.
In keeping with that “outside looking in” perspective, we have studied several challenges and opportunities impacting the lives of males. In particular, we highlight several insights provided in the book entitled, “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It” written in September 2022 by Richard Reeves. Here are several key learnings shared in the book:
Boys and men need to invest in learning and development including formal education and skill acquisition
There is a critical need for male mentors, role models, and teachers who are trusted guides throughout life
The importance of men having a sense of purpose along with addressing questions of usefulness and relevance in several parts of their lives
There is a powerful need for friendship and socialization in the physical world including to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness
There is also a need to see and understand how to connect with other males in caring relationships
Lastly, there is a deep need for a definition of self, how to execute a clearer role in society, and a feeling of stability
Without overstatement, Freemasonry has what many of these males are looking for which can be transformative to their lives.
Research Insights on Interest in Freemasonry
A question you may have is, are men interested in what Freemasonry can offer to their lives?
To provide an answer, let’s highlight some research done by the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction gathered from non-Masons ages 21 to 65 located across the United States. We learned that:
79% of the survey population were interested in becoming a better person while improving the quality of life for others.
Also, 72% of that same group were interested in joining an organization where you can form deep and lasting friendships regardless of race, religion, culture, or geography.
Further, when exposed to the values of our fraternity, 57% of them would join or consider joining Freemasonry.
Those findings along with several others gathered in The Path Forward research inspired and informed the creation of the “Not Just A Man. A Mason” marketing campaign. Overall, men today are interested in joining Freemasonry when informed about our fundamental values and the cherished components of our unique Masonic Membership Experience!
Before continuing, let’s clearly define what we mean by membership growth. We are first referring to the retention of and loyalty demonstrated by Voting Lodge Members including dues-paying, Life, and 50-year members. We want them to remain in “Good Standing” status with each Lodge and the fraternity.
Second, we refer to the attraction of good men to learn about membership in Illinois Freemasonry along with their progression through our membership selection and advancement process to become a newly raised Master Mason and Voting Lodge Member. Thus:
Engaging Lodge Activities and Digital Tools
For the last several years, we have encouraged Lodge Officers and Brethren to invest more time, talent, and resources to plan and execute Lodge activities that are desirable, fun, and engaging. In pursuit of that same goal, we’ve continued to enhance the Grand Master’s Award of Excellence Program as a blueprint for activities that we know will inspire teamwork, learning, and charitable service in the local community.
Also, we continue to promote our Illinois Freemasonry digital tools like the redesigned ilmason.org website, Our Lodge Page System (OLP), and email distribution capability through our statewide membership database. By using these tools, we provide ways to connect with and keep all Brethren informed and engaged (especially those members who do not attend Lodge meetings regularly).
In addition to the work being done at the Lodge level, many of our members are positively responding to our Illinois Freemasonry content published through digital methods. The feedback and participation reinforce our members’ affiliation and loyalty to the fraternity. Those messages about Illinois Freemasonry encompass the Fraternal Operations of the Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Illinois and the Charities Operations of the Illinois Masonic Charities Organizations.
Fundamentally, we collectively need to provide value in the lives of all Brethren so that they choose to keep their membership active.
To attract membership interest from qualified men, let’s turn our attention to the work being done to tell our Illinois Freemasonry story statewide. As outlined on the Join Us page of our website, we state that “To become a Freemason and remain a member, you are expected to demonstrate good character and reputation.” We also include the following qualifications for membership:
Be a male
Be at least 18 years old
Be an Illinois resident for at least six months
Be prepared to profess a belief in God or a Supreme Being
Be of good reputation as a man of honor and integrity.
Next, we are using a robust digital marketing approach including regularly creating blog articles on our Illinois Freemasonry website, distributing content weekly on our Illinois Freemasonry pages located on Facebook and LinkedIn, creating videos housed on our Illinois Freemasonry / Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M. YouTube channel, and managing a sophisticated membership interest requests lead management system. Additionally, we are leveraging and expanding the “Not Just A Man. A Mason.” marketing campaign materials customized for Illinois Freemasonry.
Since launching our new marketing capabilities, thousands of men have confirmed their attraction to Illinois Freemasonry by submitting an initial short membership interest form and some of them have progressed onward to complete a more detailed Intention-to-Petition (ITP) form. Our Grand Lodge Membership Committee looks at each of the ITP submissions and refers the membership prospects of whom pass that review along. Working through the designated Area Deputy Grand Masters or Area Assistant Deputy Grand Masters, each membership prospect referral is sent to the Junior Warden and Secretary of the designated Lodge for local follow-up contact.
At this stage in our Online Masonic Membership Interest Process (OMMI), we must remember the “outside looking in” perspective and insights about males provided above. This man (membership prospect) had to read and think about the information received about the fraternity, take a figurative look in the mirror, reflect on what he values or what is missing in this life, determine that Freemasonry could be a benefit or solution, and then take the leap to respond to our messages by submitting the ITP form. He has already put in some work on himself and is informed via automatic email messages that the next major step is a conversation with a local Masonic leader. As Freemasons, we are men of our word; therefore, we should follow up on 100% of these membership interest referrals. It is a respectful approach to take and a critical action to preserve the reputation of the fraternity.
Making Strong Connections
The first impression presented to the membership prospect by the local Masonic leaders who contact him is critical. It might take a few times via text message, phone, or email to set up an initial phone conversation with the membership prospect. After that discussion, the membership prospect can be invited to an in-person discussion over coffee/tea or during the dinner or refreshments time before an upcoming Lodge meeting. The goals are to deliver a warm welcome that communicates our sincere interest in learning about him and share sound foundational information about Freemasonry.
Be quite selective about the Brethren assigned to engage with membership prospects at this stage; they should be comfortable communicating with a stranger in a casual two-way conversation and well-informed about Freemasonry to accurately answer questions. Overall, we should be curious and ask questions about the membership prospect’s background, interests, passions, aspirations in life, and interest in learning more about Freemasonry. It is important to encourage him to ask us questions as well.
Also, we should share insights about the Lodge, Freemasonry overall, and the membership process. In particular, make sure to cover the steps to progress through the candidate election process, degree advancement, and expectations to be a valued Voting Lodge Member; don’t assume that he knows anything. Through the investment made to have these discussions and meetings, engage during attendance at Lodge events, etc., the Brethren will confirm those good men who are solid membership prospects for the Lodge and Illinois Freemasonry.
In Illinois, we are accelerating our Masonic Renaissance! We encourage all Lodge Officers and Brethren to embrace the “outside looking in” mindset, deliver a warm and friendly reception to membership prospects, and take an active role in spreading exceptional and compelling digital messages about Illinois Freemasonry. That greater visibility to the public will help us attract more quality men to our fraternity.
Fundamentally, getting ready for membership growth in Illinois Freemasonry is a labor of genuine Brotherly Love to retain our current members and share the power of our timeless Masonic system of learning, development, friendship, and service with tens of thousands more upright men across Illinois. Lastly, let’s make it a priority to follow up on all membership interest requests (received in-person or digitally) and confirm to them that Freemasons are honorable men who care!
- Right Worshipful Brother Wayne Spooner, Grand Lodge Membership Committee Chairman