Where is Your Lodge’s Focus – by Toby Hanson DGM

Since I joined the Executive Committee of the Grand Lodge of Washington upon my election as Grand Warden, I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling and visiting lodges in my jurisdiction.  The experience has taught me a lot about the workings of various different lodges.  One of the most important things I’ve picked up in my travels is that some lodges tend to have more of an internal focus and some have more of an external focus.

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The Millenial Generation: Seeking The “Authentic” by Todd E. Creason

You see, Freemasons and Odd Fellows alike aren’t exactly sure what to make of the millennial generation.  We don’t think they’re interested in what we have to offer.  We believe they’d find our ritual too “old fashioned” and view our values as a relic left over from the long-forgotten past.  But that’s not true at all.  Ainslie said the millennial generation is searching for authenticity.  They are seeking authentic experiences–something far more real than posting a photo on social media and seeing how many people “like” it. 

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Community Bonds Have Withered

  THE BONDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES HAVE WITHERED Odd Fellows research is clear: there is a decline of community in our modern era. Odd Fellows recognize that modern society is eroding many forms of community life, social attachments, and a shared sense of comradeship, unity, and support. Some research has indicated a decline in community […]

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Do You Have a Plan? by Toby Hanson DGM, WA

    In any organization there’s something called “institutional knowledge:” the knowledge inherent in the institution which is necessary to the function of the organization.  This can be anything from procedural information, like how to file reports, to where supplies are stored or what day the garbage is picked up.  In Buckley #75, all of our institutional knowledge was invested in only one person and, when she passed away, that knowledge was lost.  Now we’re going through the difficult and time-consuming process of rebuilding that store of knowledge.

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Odd Group Activities For Your Lodge

We all need lodge activities. If you can get at least 3 people together from your lodge (including yourself), try doing one of the following Odd activities. Click the highlighted links for more information. 1. Ghost Hunting:  Ghost Hunting 2. Visit an Escape Room: Escape Room    3.  Brew some beer. Drink it. Homebrewing 4. Geocaching: Geocaching 5.  Participate […]

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GUOOF: Looking back at 175 years of excellence, then looking forward… -by Bro. Supreme Page

I reflect on the fact that today marks our 175th anniversary of existence in this country !!!! Hmmm….. I am not even sure where to go with my thoughts on the subject matter being that we have done so much with so little light shined upon us that we have nearly secreted ourselves to death ! I am grateful for the brethren I meet as I travel this path carrying the torch of #Oddfellowship into the next 175 years.

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An Eye For The Lack Of An Eye

You have two eyes. Would you give one of your eyes so someone in a developing nation without sight could become seeing? You have two kidneys. Would you give one up so a stranger could live a longer life? What is it that drives some of us to look beyond our own interests and the […]

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Mind the (Generational) Gap

In England, the London Underground has a famous phrase, “MIND THE GAP”, that is played over the PA system and is emblazoned on the edge of the station platforms.  This now iconic warning is to remind passengers stepping on or off of the trains to look down and make sure they aren’t stepping out into thin air, as many of the station platforms are curved and therefore create a large divide to step over. As Odd Fellows, we have our own gap to mind.  The generational one.

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