Charity Steward's Seminar - June 2008

The Festival Appeal has now passed the £1.5 million mark and continues to grow. The Charity Steward seminars held in April by Bob Chevin at four of our Centres were very well attended (overall attendance was 43.5% of charity stewards). Assisted at some seminars by Ray Collings of the RMTGB, Bob was able to lay out for those attending the reason why the Trust’s good work needs support. The mending of broken families and putting a smile back on children’s faces is an invaluable contribution to the future of society and where means-testing reveals need, the Trust is ever-ready to help.

Our contribution is only money, but with that money the Trust’s work is life-restoring.

Those of our brethren who can afford to donate but have yet to contribute can expect renewed entreaties to do their bit. Charity Stewards know who has given so far and also know who can’t afford to contribute – everyone else will be confronted.

A principle aim of the seminars was for Charity Stewards to share with others their fundraising experiences and opinions. In addition, charity stewards were asked to identify some of the barriers that prevented them from engaging their lodge members in the festival appeal. The following were some of the issues raised and the corresponding counter-arguments:

· Many brethren approached expressed concern over finances: older brethren over pension shortfalls, younger men over family commitments. Those who cannot afford to donate mustn’t.

· Some Brethren were becoming disillusioned by the ‘constant harassment’ of Charity Stewards requesting donations at every meeting. Only ‘badger’ those not yet contributing

· Many brethren did not understand how valuable the work of the RMTGB is and even some of those who did still felt local charities should remain paramount. Brief members carefully.

· Inactivity of the charity steward to enthuse lodge members. Use some of the ideas below to rejuvenate the appeal.

· Masonic dues continue to rise. An unfortunate fact in all spheres of life.

· Multiple memberships of other lodges/Orders. A brother can only give what he can afford.

· Lodges with inactive subscribing members. All members must be made aware of the appeal.

On a more positive note, charity stewards highlighted several useful methods of fund raising.

· Arranging a joint function with other lodges at the respective Centres and agreeing to share the profits equally between each of the represented lodges.

· Identifying an Events Coordinator from an enthusiastic Brother to work jointly with the charity steward.

· Forming a social committee that includes wives/partners.

· Holding a ‘white table’ meeting once a year (which will also promote other desirable aims).

· Running sponsored events, i.e., bike rides, walking events, marathons, swims, etc.

· Holding a fun day carnival event each year among Centres.

· Masters’ Lists

Highlighted in the discussions was the lack of information about charitable commitments provided by proposers and seconders to their candidates for Initiation. Charity stewards considered that it was beholden on those introducing new men to Masonry to ensure candidates were aware of the financial and charitable obligations involved before interview by the lodge committee. In addition, it was then the responsibility of the proposer and seconder to give guidance to their Initiate, in conjunction with the charity steward, when lodges are called on to raise money.

Current or aspiring Charity Stewards with questions or points to raise can call or email Bob Chevin (page 5 of provincial Directory)