Since the lack of membership participation seems to be a fairly common issue with our chapters, I have some ideas I’d like to share. A new membership campaign is great but this should also be coupled with a campaign to bring back your current member. I don’t like to hear that 10% to 15 % participation at our meetings as acceptable. If you can move that needle to right, one step at a time, we will all be better off. Start by better out-reach to with our members. Simply assign each of your officers to call 4 or 5 members reminding them about the stated convocation or upcoming degree and do this regularly. Also you can enhance communication by leveraging technology. You can try sending calendar appointments by email. In the North Bay York Rite, they are experimenting with a FaceBook like app to share information. What I’m trying to emphasize is that you have to be willing to try something different. Also don’t give up on a new idea too quickly because it may take a while before you get your results. Change takes time and as long as you have the goal in mind by continuing to move that needle to the right. (BTW – If you interested in learning more about what the North Bay is doing, feel free to reach out to me or to EC John Monahan) Over the next few months, I will share other thoughts on how you can turn this ship around. For upcoming events, you can now see my calendar on the Grand York Rite of California Web page http://www.yorkriteofcalifornia.org/ . At this web page, you can find lots of information about the Grand York Rite as well as many articles and research papers you can use for presentations at your chapters. Two upcoming events I want to quickly highlight. First, at this year Annual Communications in San Francisco on October 19, the Grand Chapter will deliver the Mark Master Degree. This is a great opportunity to introduce the York Rite to our Blue Lodge brethren and if past performances are any indication of the future, will spark a lot of interest in learning more about our Chapters. The other event is a Golf Fundraising scheduled for September 30 at the beautiful Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in American Canyon. More information will be sent out in the near future. Proceeds from this event will help support the Royal Arch Research Assistance program and DeBarrow/Wolhfarth Scholarship program as well as other Grand Chapter programs. I also had the pleasure of being at this year’s North Bay Comptche Royal Arch Festival where our Companions were able to exalt (10) new Companions. For those who have never attended this event, I strongly recommend you add this to your list of things to witness as a Royal Arch Mason. The degrees are held in a beautiful venue hosted by our Companion Larry Tunzi on his family property nestled in the redwoods. The Venue creates a natural amphitheater perfect for the work our companion do when delivering our degrees. We had great weather, appetizing meals and of course, wonderful fellowship. Every time I attend, I receive warm greetings, the feeling of coming home. In closing, for our chapters to be successful and grow, not only the officers of the chapter but also the members must take an active part. If all of us could attend at least 3 chapter meetings (25%) this year, our chapter will become stronger and grow. Remember that; “without you, they can do little or nothing; with you, they can accomplish great things”. “Be safe and I hope I can see you in my travels”. Fraternally, Anthony “Tony” Yuson, KGYCH Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California “You are the Steps to our Future”
July 18
Volume 33 No. 3
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