May 2024:
Once More, With Feeling! Let’s Tell the World: #ImAMason
For the past two summers, we’ve run social media campaigns to encourage members to tell the world that #ImAMason. This month, we’re bringing it back—with the hopes of starting a worldwide trend!
Last summer, #ImAMason posts reached more than 6 million people—helping us spread the word about Freemasonry and promoting positive public awareness.
So, from May 1–14, we’re asking California Masons to post a message explaining why their membership is so important to them on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok (follow our new channel @CaliforniaMasons) with the hashtag #ImAMason. (It’s important you use the hashtag so we can see and share it!) This can be a simple written message, a photo, a selfie—whatever you like! Either way, by talking about Freemasonry and our membership with the people around us, we can inspire the next generation of would-be Masons to take that first step and knock on the door.
In fact, we know from studies that 91 percent of current members first learned about Masonry through a family member, friend, or coworker. Despite that, a whopping 63 percent of members don’t openly discuss Freemasonry with those around them—often out of an erroneous belief that they’re not allowed to, or that they have to wait until they’re asked directly. That isn’t true!
As Masons, we are able—and indeed encouraged—to talk about Freemasonry and what we get out of it with the people around us. That’s what the #ImAMason campaign is all about. Don’t know what to say? DOWNLOAD OUR NEW BOOKLET, titled Opening the Door, for some helpful and simple answers to common questions about Freemasonry. Or check out our brand-new webpage, WHAT IS FREEMASONRY, meant to give newcomers a basic sense of things. These are a starting point to help members discuss the fraternity in general and how it works. But the best explanations will come from real members discussing the real things they get out of it.
We can’t wait to see what you post!
Use this content to spread the word about resources provided by the California Masonic Foundation, the Masonic Homes of California, and more.
Masonic Health Services:
Services at MCYAF Across the Lifespan
The Pavilion at the Masonic Homes
Masonic Homes of California Resources
Masonic Philanthropy:
Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your May checklist.
Executive Committee
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
- Identify and approach members for 2025 open elected and appointed officer positions
- Identify and approach members for the 2025 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees.
- Set calendar for 2025 and identify event leaders.
- Continue preparing 2025 budget.
- Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain
- Review all candidates’ progress toward advancement.
Junior Warden
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
- Continue tracking 100 percent officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.
Secretary
- Send list of members with late dues to the Retention Committee.
- Send any suspension notices via certified mail.
- Provide necessary information so Charity Committee can consider remissions.
- Begin reviewing roster for accuracy in preparation for the end of the Grand Lodge membership year, June 30.
Treasurer
- Important: By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199 (unless your lodge has previously agreed to have Grand Lodge prepare and file these forms). Please contact financial services at (415) 292-9170 for any questions.
- Lodges not using Intacct should submit their annual financial statements to Grand Lodge by May 15.
Hall Association
- Important: By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199.
- Important: By May 15, submit form 200 to Grand Lodge. In iMember 2.0, download form 200 from the Hall Resources section of the Resources tile, and then upload the completed form to the lodge vault or submit to memberservices@freemason.org or financialservices@freemason.org
- Pay insurance premium.
Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.
Last month, we asked whether your lodge has considered launching a TikTok channel. Of those who replied….
- 84% - No
- 12% - Never
- 4% - It has not been brought up at the Lodge
- 0% - Yes