Ten Steps To Victory
How to set up and conduct the Grand Lodge Leadership Development
Course in YOUR DISTRICT
Step one
Make the commitment to hold a two day seminar style presentation
of the Leadership Development Course. Point out the benefits of taking the
course to all Brothers and to line officers in particular. Enlist the support of
District Grand Lodge Officers and leaders of the Craft in your area.
Step two
Assemble the team required to get the job done. You will need
help to select the location, facilitators, provisions for refreshments and
promotion of the program.
Step three
Select dates and acquire a location. The location should be a
comfortable classroom environment conducive for training purposes. A community
college, public school, church or lodge social hall with tables and chairs can
usually be rented but try to get it donated first. Make sure that the dates you
select allow enough time for participants to complete their assignments.
Usually, selecting the dates two weeks apart is sufficient.
Step four
Promote, Promote, Promote! Announce the dates and location of
your seminar at every Visitation or lodge meeting you or your team members
attend. Make sure to provide articles for your area, district or lodge
newsletters with specific registration information. Stress the importance of
Masonic Education.
Step five
Choose your format. The recommended format is to allow for 45
minutes to complete each lesson. The following is a sample Saturday schedule:
7:30 - 8:30 Registration (coffee & doughnuts)
8:30 - 10:00 Lesson 1
10:00 - 10:15 Morning Break
10:15 - 11:45 Lesson 2
11:45 - 12:30 Lunch
12:30 - 2:00 Lesson 3
2:00 - 2:15 Afternoon Break
2:15 - 3:45 Lesson 4
3:45 - 4:00 Wrap-up (optional)
Make sure to allow for ample breaks. The material is intense and the day is
long.
Step six
Assign instructors to facilitate each lesson. These Brothers
should be good speakers, have some teaching or facilitating background, be
capable of stimulating others to think, and be graduates of the Leadership
Development Course. Be prepared! Make sure registrants have a copy of the 24"
Gauge and that extra copies will be available for those who don't. Secure a
copy of the Handbook of Masonic Law and Monitor for use the days
of the sessions. If the group is expected to be large, make sure to acquire an
overhead projector or PA system. Have at least one meeting with your team prior
to the first session to review material. Order your course material at least 30
days in advance.
Step seven
The day has arrived! The day of your first session make sure to
fill out the registration form and collect all moneys due. The charge for each
course is $16. Open the meeting with some inspiring words. Allow each
participant to introduce himself - this will break the ice. Your facilitators
should allow at least 20 minutes to present the course material. Never read the
text! The facilitator should be prepared and be capable of presenting the
material with enthusiasm. Once the lesson has been presented, allow each
participant to take a question in the quiz. This is where to encourage
discussion and interaction. At the conclusion of the day, assign Lesson 4
question 22 and Lesson 5 question 20 as homework to be presented at session 2.
Step eight
At the start of the second session, review the assignment. Allow
for each participant to present his material and have the other participants
comment. At the conclusion of the second session, give everyone an opportunity
to fill out the evaluation form provided.
Step nine
Collect the 2 written assignments and evaluation sheet from each
participant. Send these forms along with the completed registration form to your
Committee on Leadership Services & Educational
Step ten
Celebrate! Have a graduation party and give out the diplomas and
pins. Select a date for presentation at an official DDGM Visit. Remember, these
Brothers have "gone the extra mile" for the Craft - let them know that
they are special.
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