The Northern Light 2022 Survey Results: Measuring Member Satisfaction:

by Linda R. Patch, Executive Editor Director of Marketing and Communications

In 2019, we conducted a comprehensive survey to learn how to best keep members invested in and connected to The Northern Light and its offerings. We heard what you valued in the magazine. We learned the topics you wanted to see expanded, and those you wanted changed. The survey results provided a clear path forward for the editorial staff to curate an enhanced reader experience—and we have been working on refinements ever since.

Now, three years and a dozen issues later, it was time to touch base again to see if the changes in the magazine met your expectations. How did new content and updated design fare over time? What topics need greater emphasis? What deserves less coverage? Here is what we learned.

A Strong Tradition

The Northern Light, now 53 years young, continues to be seen as an “essential benefit” of Scottish Rite membership with a full 85% of respondents agreeing with that statement. 79% look forward to

receiving the publication each quarter. Even in this digital age of quick reads and sound bites, the magazine remains a valued tradition in the life of our members.

New Feature Story Sections

Scottish Rite members made it clear in 2019 and again in 2022 that feature stories about Brethren from across the jurisdiction are what they most enjoy. Coming in a close second is content focusing on Masonic education, particularly writings that explore degrees and Masonic values.

Beyond the Quarry

Over the past three years, The Northern Light staff introduced a number of features that highlight our Brethren including the new two new sections, “Beyond the Quarry: Labors of Love” and “Around the Jurisdiction.”

Beyond the Quarry features profiles of Brothers engaged in a myriad of activities like friends who met through Masonry and now fly fish together (Spring 2022). We featured the unique story of Brother Warren Motts, founder of the Motts Military Museum located in Groveport, Ohio (Summer 2022). Most recently, we featured Brother Tim Herald, an astrophotographer whose hobby has helped him to engage more with his Valley (Fall 2022).

Around the Jurisdiction

Around the Jurisdiction (ATJ) captures moments of Scottish Rite fellowship and Brotherhood shared in Valleys and in the community.

As currently presented, however, ATJ is sometimes perceived as a random array of photos without much context. Based on your feedback, we are taking a hard look at how to make these pages more engaging while keeping members up to date with Brethren from across the NMJ. When a story warrants a more in-depth look, Around the Jurisdiction will go deeper into your most requested topics for this section—member profiles, Valley spotlights, and event recaps.

Focus on Education

Articles written by members of the Ritualistic Committee and graduates of the Hauts Grades Academy exploring Scottish Rite tenets and specific degrees polled extremely high. As ever, the quest for more light shines bright in the hearts of our Brethren, and these educational features will continue to be presented.

Clear Winners

Our members clearly have a preference when it comes to the types of stories they enjoy. Features such as Beyond the Quarry and educational articles lead the pack, accounting for 50% of the votes. Behind them are culture and membership stories.

The Northern Light Online

Did you know that each issue of The Northern Light is published online—often well before the paper version is delivered to your door? We didn’t think so. Only 16% of the membership said they read the online version. “You should publish the magazine online” was a typical comment.

It is clear we have work to do to raise the profile of the electronic version of the magazine, and we will. In fact, you can find every issue of The Northern Light, dating from the very first (January 1970), on our website at https://scottishritenmj.org/thenorthern-light. It is a deep and rich archive ready for you to explore.

No Change of Opinion Here

Members strongly reinforced the following findings from 2019, and we will follow your lead:

• Articles should go beyond stories about leadership to reflect all Brethren in the NMJ.

• Stories about what the NMJ is doing today provide a welcome counterbalance to the historical content we present.

• A focus on younger members continued to be encouraged.

• How degrees and their teachings impact the lives of the modern Mason makes the magazine relevant and vital.

Thank You

Thank you to all who took the time to participate in the survey. Your input is invaluable, and we will honor your perspectives and opinions. The Northern Light staff will continue to work to better inform, surprise, educate, and even make you laugh from time to time. Creating a magazine that truly meets your needs is a commitment to you we promise to keep.