The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation
SEPTEMBER 2023 MASONIC YOUTH TALKING POINTS
The Masonic Youth Talking Points is published by the PA Masonic Youth Foundation to share ideas and to inspire Masonic leaders to creatively support the Masonic Youth Groups and the programs of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation. It is emailed to all District Deputy Grand Masters, District Youth Chairman, Lodge Youth Chairmen, and Masonic Youth Group Leaders. All Lodge Youth Chairmen are asked to make a short report at each Lodge meeting, using the information provided in this publication
Youth Group Snippets
Pennsylvania DeMolay will honor RW Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Grand Master’s Class held at the Masonic Conference Center – Patton Campus in Elizabethtown. Afternoon ceremonies will include the conferral of the Initiatory Degree and DeMolay Degree. All Masons are invited to attend to learn more about DeMolay.
Master Masons and Senior DeMolays who have provided outstanding service to the youth in their communities will be honored with the DeMolay International Legion of Honor in conferrals scheduled for Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown and Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.
Foundation Initiatives
The PMYF has been engaged in several exciting new programs and initiatives that will improve its service to the Masonic Youth Groups.
The Public Relations Department of the Masonic Village has partnered with the PMYF to develop a series of videos that will be available soon for membership recruitment, advisor recruitment and promotion of the Masonic Conference Center – Patton Campus.
The PMYF Webpage has been expanded and updated to include a Youth Group Map of Pennsylvania and a calendar of upcoming events. The map is color coded to show where each youth group meets and the calendar details upcoming activities for each of the youth groups and the PMYF
The adult leaders of the Masonic Youth Groups are meeting regularly to discuss their successes, challenges, programs, and plans for the future. A unified approach is bringing about better understanding and cooperation.
Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide
The 2024 PMYF Scholarship Resource Guide, listing over 50 scholarship opportunities for youth group members, Masons, and the siblings, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Pennsylvania Masons, will be available by October 1, 2023.
Copies of the guide, and 2024 Scholarship Application, will be mailed to District Deputy Grand Masters, Lodges, and Youth Group Leaders in early October. It will also be available on the PMYF Webpage. Students are encouraged to complete the application online, print and then submit.
All applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2024, and need to include the required proof of youth group membership or Masonic Lodge membership; copy of parent’s tax returns from the prior year; and an official copy of the student’s transcript from the last completed academic year.
In 2023 over $160,000.00 in scholarships were awarded to over 40 deserving students. PMYF anticipates that at least that amount will be available for 2024 scholarships.
Fall Programs & Plans
Other programs and plans for the Fall Season include Publication of a comprehensive youth group roster that will detail the location of each youth group cross-referenced with the Masonic District that it meets in.
Publication of a Key Masonic Addresses Booklet that lists every Masonic Grand Body that meets in Pennsylvania and the key contact officers for each group.
A “Best Practices” posting on the PMYF Website to share program and activity ideas that could work for each organization – including our Lodges!
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to learn about some of the exciting programs and activities of our Masonic Youth Groups and the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation.
Permission is granted to make copies of this publication and to freely distribute them to all who have an interest in the youth of Pennsylvania. The Masonic Youth Talking Points is also available on-line at www.pmyf.org
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, 1244 Bainbridge Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
David W. Berry, Executive Director 1.800.266.8424 X4 or 1. 717.367.1536 X4