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Promoting Freemasonry Throughout North America
PROMOTING FREEMASONRY THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA Introducing BeAFreemason.org
The welcome mat is out, and the front door is open to good men seeking self-discovery and light through Freemasonry.
That is the idea behind BeAFreemason.org, a newly launched website made possible through a first-of-its-kind partnership between Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ), Shriners International, and Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction (SJ).
How It All Began
The project started at the NMJ as part of our strategic marketing initiative known as The Path Forward. We surveyed men across the country and from all walks of life on what would motivate them to join Freemasonry. The findings from the research were clear from the start: the core values of Freemasonry are alive and well and continue to resonate strongly with men in society today. If positioned correctly with messaging reflecting the true, spiritual core of the craft, Freemasonry remains an engaging and viable fraternal membership option for the modern man. In fact, a survey of 1,000 non-Masons from across the United States revealed these results: • 79% of those surveyed are looking to associate with an organization that enables them to become a better person while improving the quality of life for others. • A full 90% are interested in organizations built on the principles of integrity and justice.
• 75% are looking to form deep and lasting friendships regardless of race, religion, or geography.
Not Just A Man. A Mason.
What followed the research was the launch of the campaign, “Not Just a Man. A Mason.” Each image and headline for the campaign was carefully chosen to reflect key findings in the research. By pulling back the curtain on what Freemasonry really is, “Not Just a Man. A Mason.” has become a rallying cry of pride in the fraternity while serving as a powerful lead-in for men looking to join.
by Linda Patch, Executive Editor, Director of Marketing and Communications
To date, the “Not Just a Man. A Mason.” campaign is being used in 47 states and more than ten countries internationally. The campaign has been translated into Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Translations into Russian and Afrikaans are underway.
As the Path Forward initiative evolved, the consensus among project stakeholders was that something was missing. An online “front door to Freemasonry” needed to be built.
The Next Step: Advancing the Craft through BeAFreemason.org
BeAFreemason.org opens the “front door” to Freemasonry, guiding a man on the first steps of his Masonic journey. It is a place where men can discover the truths and rewards of Freemasonry. What’s more, a man interested in joining can fill out a form on the site and be referred directly and instantly to Grand Lodge contacts in his local area.
The site went live in February 2020 at the Conference of Grand Masters in North America in Louisville, Kentucky, and was met with much excitement. As of this printing, 48 of our 50 states and all Canadian provinces have opted into the site’s referral function and are receiving the names and contact information of men looking to come into the Craft.
Reclaiming our Story
BeAFreemason.org tells the story of our historic Brotherhood. It does so through truth and with honor. It will be an essential tool in attracting other worthy men to blue lodge Masonry and helping them begin their journey. Help us spread the word. Share the site with the great men in your life who are interested in learning more about the gifts Freemasonry has to offer.
BeAFreemason.org’s Powerful Referral Function
BeAFreemason.org opens a front door to Freemasonry. It is carefully crafted to guide a man on the first steps of his Masonic journey. The site is designed to be easily discoverable on the web and provide a visually compelling online experience. It is a place where men can discover the truths and rewards of Freemasonry. The referral system built into the site sends prospects to specific Grand Lodges throughout North America.
How It Works
Prospect Visits BeAFreemason.org
The prospective Mason visits the BeAFreemason.org site, reviews our messaging, and decides to inquire about how to join Freemasonry.
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He Clicks the “Start Your Journey” Button
The prospect will then submit basic contact information which identifies his Grand Lodge jurisdiction and will provide the Grand Lodge leadership the information needed to allow them to make initial contact.
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The Prospect’s Data
The prospect’s information is transferred via email to the appropriate contacts which have been identified by the Grand Lodge of that particular jurisdiction. Up to
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10 contacts for each Grand Lodge can be submitted. If a Grand Lodge does not opt in for this service, prospects will be routed to the Grand Lodge web site.
The Ball Is Now in the Grand Lodge’s Court
With the information submitted by the prospect, the Grand Lodge membership team will be able to make contact and engage thier prospective new member towards the petitioning process.
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Nurturing the “Hot Lead”
A prospect who submits information in order to join is known in the marketing world as a “hot lead.” Proper and timely follow-up is key. Local lodge leaders work in conjunction with their own jurisdictional requirements to guard the West Gate and assure that all processes surrounding membership are followed.
