Brother
@ROLLO. . . man, your thread struck a nerve!
From California to NY, we are all facing the same dilemma, top heavy PM old guys whom come to stated meetings to sleep, lackluster attendance for the old guys who do show up, and, " . . . . that's how we have always dun it!"
. . . .and, ". . . . we don't do it THAT way", admonishing.
We break the rules! We innovate, or die.
My line brothers and I have taken it upon ourselves to re-invigorate the lodge.
1) We attend the progressive AF&AM social nights and witness how they successfully accomplish it.
2) We get out in the public and shine. Encourage the ". . .what's that?" when people ask about our rings or compass and square polo shirts.
3) Actively recruit professionals whose knowledge and experience can benefit the lodge. I am a banker by trade.
4) Have plans to talk to black Greek fraternities and shame them into stepping up to the big dogs.
5) Make it known to my employees and colleagues that I am a Prince Hall Mason, and invite them to a DeMolay event. . . my lodge is so backwards, we don't yet have events planned.
There is more, though this is a good start.
My line brothers and I are giving this a maad and very active push for the foreseeable future. If this doesn't work, we are also looking at demitting or starting our own lodge.
It is definitely NOT the wait and see attitude that has gotten PHA into this mess, in the first place.
My 0.2. . . travel light, Brothers!