A priority of the 2020 Fraternity Plan is to make a positive impact on society. When public schools get the support they need, that impact is made not only in classrooms, but in the future of each student.
Here are some ways you and your lodge can make a difference.
Donate to the California Masonic Foundation
- Your tax-deductible donation gives vulnerable children the gift of literacy and connects deserving students with a college education. Together with brothers statewide, your gift makes a lasting impact. Give now.
Adopt a school
- Ask district administrators to identify a school that needs support
- Talk with the principal about short-term and long-term needs
- Ask for wish lists from teachers and the school librarian, and donate or raise money to fulfill them
- Donate school supplies and student backpacks
- Provide lodge space and/or funding for an after-school program
Volunteer
- Offer to paint a playground, renovate a teacher break room, or plant a garden
- Lend a hand with administrative tasks, like stuffing envelopes
- Assist in classrooms: tutor students, read to young children, or correct papers
- Ask coaches and leaders of enrichment programs and after-school activities if they need help
- If you or your brothers have a connection that might make an interesting field trip, talk to the school
- If you have special expertise, offer to present an in-classroom lecture for students
Contests and awards
- Work with administrators to sponsor public school programs such as:
- Science fair
- Spelling bee
- U.S. Constitution tournament
- Awards for students, for example most improved, good citizenship, perfect attendance, outstanding achievement
- Teacher of the year
- College scholarships
Connect with the public
- Keep local media informed of school achievements and your lodge’s support. For help with press releases, log into the Member Center, then navigate to “Resources and Publications” and find “Communications Tools.”
- When the school community wants to know more about Masonry, the first place they’ll look is your website. Make sure it’s welcoming and current with a free website template from Grand Lodge.
Keep brothers in the loop
- Once you’ve chosen a project to support local public schools, make sure all lodge members are notified and updated! Designate a few brothers to act as a communications team, keeping everyone in the loop through a phone tree, Trestleboard article, emails, or frequent posts on the lodge app and social media pages.
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