10/17/2024
“Plugging the drain of the south gate”
Here are 5 preventable reasons why our brothers are walking away and some solutions to prevent it:
1.)- That one obnoxious Brother: They did not see the point of remaining in volunteer organization that refused to correct that one obnoxious Brother.
Solution: CORRECT that one obnoxious Brother.
Do not ever become that "one guy", who (because of my arrogance, ignorance, pride, or bad behavior) chases off a good man who could have been a great Brother. We are equals, and Brothers. Love each other enough to make a difference.
2.)- Being told to wait: Some well-meaning Brother told them to wait 6 months (and up to 3 years), until after they went through the lines/chairs, or "you'll know when you're ready" to join the appendant bodies
Solution: Stop doing this. It is our job to help him, guide him, and support him NEVER stand in a Brother's way. Do not become an obstacle in his Masonic Journey. Help that Brother progress. It's not your journey... It's his.
3.)- Feeling underappreciated: They did not feel that they "fit in", were appreciated, valued, or accepted... They did not feel like they mattered.
Solution: They Matter. They joined a Brotherhood. Treat them like family, be a good mentor. Every Brother deserves a place at the table. Get to know your Brother's interests. Learn from each other. At the very least help them connect with Brethren who have shared interests. It will enrich their experience.
4.)- Communication... Or lack there of: They became disillusioned and felt they were not worthy to be "in the know"... They never knew what was going on... So they just stopped showing up, and no one called them... So they didn't feel like they mattered. Until it was time to collect dues.
Solution: over-communicate. Go the extra mile. Utilize every means possible to remind them that they are invited, included, and invested... Show them that they matter.
Text, email, exploit every form of social and digital media possible... Use Signal chat app, FB Group, Zoom, Skype, Google meet, call them... Send smoke signals daily if you must... But remember, Freemasonry is here to educate, inform, entertain, and communicate.
5.)- They were rushed into a chair or pressured to serve:
Solution: have the conversation... But don't push them into it. Not everyone is called to serve, not everyone desires to serve. It could be an issue of timing, experience, interest, or desire...Not every Brother needs to or wants to serve...
Why are we not asking our brothers that choose to demit or go NPD why they are leaving? Do we not want to know? It is our responsibility to know so we can figure out how to fix the mistakes we are making.
H/T MW Sam Whitehead
