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Advice for a new Secretary

Trufflehound

Trufflehound

Registered User
I was recently installed as the Secretary of my lodge, and I thought it would be a good idea to get on here and solicit advice.

The Brother I'm replacing stated that, if elected again, he wouldn't accept the position. He forewarned me that it would be more work than I'm expecting, too. I've sat in several chairs in the past, but only on a pro-tem basis. I guess I'm a little intimidated by the position, but I know that I'll get the hang of it over time. I just don't want to accidentally create extra work for myself.

One of the other Secretaries in the area has recently converted his lodge over to doing a lot of things digitally; he takes minutes on his iPad as the meeting goes on. I'd like to do the same, and I'll certainly be asking him for advice and any templates he might be able to share.

For any Brothers out there who are (or have been) Secretaries, do you have any tips or advice to share? Is there anything you wish you had started doing sooner rather than later? Is there anything you wish you'd known beforehand?

Thanks!
 
mcaldwell

mcaldwell

Premium Member
There are guys that love the position. You should seek counsel with them. Find out in your district who has a great secretary and learn from him.
 
Bill Lins

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
As another Brother stated in the other thread- don't procrastinate! It's amazing how quickly things can snowball on you! As tasks come due (or before, if possible) get them done. That way, you don't have to worry about them later. Utilize every resource at your disposal- no need to figure out something that's already been figured out for you. It'll take a little while to get the hang of things but, once you do, it becomes much easier.
 
Bro. Staton

Bro. Staton

Registered User
Look over how the position was done before and look to see what you may improve on. One thing I see in common is the lack to bring things into the new era many are still writing minute notes and we should be going towards the digital era if you ask me. As stated learn from those that were before you of the mishap so you don't make the same and seek to do well in the job. It appears that when many get this job they remain there for some time. Best of luck to you.
 
Glen Cook

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
It's the hardest job in the fraternity. I addition to,the comments above, I"d talk to your grand secretary to see if he has any concerns. Make sure you know date for annual return.

And spell chaplain correctly in any documents.
 
Mosaic

Mosaic

Registered User
Trufflehound said:
I was recently installed as the Secretary of my lodge, and I thought it would be a good idea to get on here and solicit advice.

The Brother I'm replacing stated that, if elected again, he wouldn't accept the position. He forewarned me that it would be more work than I'm expecting, too. I've sat in several chairs in the past, but only on a pro-tem basis. I guess I'm a little intimidated by the position, but I know that I'll get the hang of it over time. I just don't want to accidentally create extra work for myself.

One of the other Secretaries in the area has recently converted his lodge over to doing a lot of things digitally; he takes minutes on his iPad as the meeting goes on. I'd like to do the same, and I'll certainly be asking him for advice and any templates he might be able to share.

For any Brothers out there who are (or have been) Secretaries, do you have any tips or advice to share? Is there anything you wish you had started doing sooner rather than later? Is there anything you wish you'd known beforehand?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Who'd you piss off? Lol. Just kidding.

Get with a couple of different sec's in your district and seek their counsel, especially some who've done it a while. It also wouldn't hurt to seek info from your district deputy on things like demits, etcs.
 
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