Charity Steward's Seminar - September 2008

The Festival Appeal has now passed the £1.64M 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.

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 valuable issues raised and the corresponding counter-arguments:

· Many brethren expressed concern over personal finances: older brethren experiencing pension shortfalls, younger men with increased family commitments, the reduction in disposable income. It has always been the ethos of Freemasonry that charitable giving must be without detriment to oneself or 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. It is the role of the Charity Steward to remind Brethren of the promise they made at their Initiation. Brethren who fulfil their Obligation will not be ‘harassed’ by the Charity Stewards!

· Many brethren did not understand how valuable the work of the RMTGB was and even some of those who did still felt local charities should remain paramount. There can be no excuse for not understanding the work of the RMTGB as every member received a copy of the Trust’s brochure at the launch of the appeal. All Charity Stewards are in receipt of the Festival Appeal handbook. Charity Stewards have a responsibility to ensure new members are made aware of the work of the RMTGB. It is a down turn of the Festival Appeal system that donations to local charities are affected by reduced donations, however, some strategic thinking by the Charity Steward and the lodge GPC could provide some comfort, albeit at a reduced level, ie set aside the proceeds of one raffle each year for a local charity, hold a raffle at a Ladies’ Night solely for a local charity: indeed, many lodges already do this.

· Inactivity of the Charity Steward to enthuse lodge members. WMs Elect should ensure they appoint an appropriately skilled member of the lodge to act as Charity Steward or ensure the appointed man is given appropriate training (and encouragement too!). A Charity Steward without the skills will have great difficulty discharging his responsibilities and no-one will enjoy his tenure – least of all him.

· Masonic dues continue to rise. An unfortunate fact in all spheres of life, however, members should consider what value they receive by their membership of our fraternity, as opposed to other organisations they could join.

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

· Lodges with inactive subscribing members. The Charity Steward has his work cut out, but membership of the fraternity brings with it certain responsibilities. Maybe questions should be asked of inactive members if their membership continues to be of value to either themselves or the lodge.

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

· Arranging a joint function with other lodges at their 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, ie, 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.

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. There are some who are uncomfortable when approached by the Charity Steward to fulfil their charitable obligations to the Craft; the best answer is either to contribute or to explain why you can’t and he’ll go away.

Current or aspiring Charity Stewards with questions or points to raise can call or email Bob Chevin