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"Encouraging" a potential brother

Mike Mendelson

Registered User
Brothers,

With the understanding, at least in the US, that we do not "recruit" and being mindful of the slogan "To be one, ask one," what advice do you have on encouraging an upright man of good character to learn more and develop an interest in our brotherhood?

Best regards,

Mike
 

MarkR

Premium Member
Double check your jurisdiction's rules. You might be surprised at what is allowed. In my jurisdiction, we are allowed to approach a worthy candidate about joining one time, but then cannot bring it up again. A lot of brothers in Minnesota are surprised to find out that it's allowed; they are under the same assumption that you are.
 

coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
Brothers,

With the understanding, at least in the US, that we do not "recruit" and being mindful of the slogan "To be one, ask one," what advice do you have on encouraging an upright man of good character to learn more and develop an interest in our brotherhood?

Best regards,

Mike
Be a good example of what the Craft has done for you.
 

Mike Martin

Eternal Apprentice
Premium Member
I would say while you're out socialising and chatting, as we all do with our friends, insert a mention of your own membership into the conversation and be led by his reaction to it.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor

I was told that recruiting isn't allowed either, but I assure you I was left with no other options. In fact, it seemed as though at the time, as well as it does now, there was NO other option. Threats were made, and intimidation was used until it was made clear that there was no other option. I marvel at language like 'voluntary' and 'free' because it was neither for me.
While the stated values are laudable, I've not seen them followed. My experience thus far has been an abdication of morality and a descent into slavery. Hence the reason for my handle.
What grand lodge was this?
 

coffeybr

Registered User
Getting back on topic. What I have found is to not hide your membership. If asked what I am doing this weekend, I tell them that I am attending a Lodge Meeting. I talk about what I have learned about leadership and self-improvement through my association with the Craft.
 
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