Greetings, Sir Knights! Last week, I offered my mission statement as we approach the 69th Triennial Conclave in Salt Lake City. Today, I offer you my vision for the coming years.
Over the next six years, my vision for the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA is that together we will:
- Enhance Member Engagement and Growth:
- Implement comprehensive mentorship and leadership development programs to nurture the next generation of Knights Templar.
- Expand outreach initiatives to attract new members, particularly younger Christian Freemasons, by promoting the values and benefits of the Templar Order.
- Strengthen Charitable Activities:
- Increase fundraising efforts to support the Knights Templar Educational Foundation and Holy Land Pilgrimage, aiming to raise an additional $10 million for educational scholarships and funding more Christian ministers on their pilgrimage to the Holy Land, while continuing to grow our support for the Eye Foundation as well.
- Work with with Commanderies and Grand Commanderies to address urgent needs, especially for the aid of distressed worthy Knights of the Order, their wives, widows and orphans.
- Launch new community service projects and partnerships with Commanderies and Grand Commanderies to support those in need in our local communities, especially those who are poor, hungry, sick, infirm, or otherwise in need of our kind offices and support
- Modernize Communication and Infrastructure:
- Upgrade digital platforms to improve communication and engagement with members, including a revamped website, mobile app, and social media presence.
- Invest in virtual meeting technologies to facilitate greater participation in national and local events, ensuring inclusivity for members who cannot attend in person, while keeping our Ritual work strictly “in person,” and wherever possible, participatory and not obsersvational.
- Promote Christian Values and Masonic Principles:
- Organize additional Holy Land Pilgrimages for Christian ministers and other spiritual retreats for our Knights and their families to deepen members’ understanding and commitment to Christian teachings and Masonic ideals.
- Host regular public events and lectures to educate the broader community about the history, values, and contributions of the Knights Templar.
- Foster Global Connections and Cooperation:
- Increase the presence and involvement of Grand Encampment leaders with our non-US Grand Commanderies and Subordinate Commanderies in order to strengthen our connection with these Fratres and encourage their closer cooperation and participation within the Grand Encampment as a whole.
- Strengthen relationships with international Templar bodies and other Masonic organizations to promote global cooperation and exchange of best practices.
- Encourage participation in international conferences and symposiums to showcase the achievements and initiatives of the Grand Encampment and to learn from global peers.
- Improve Business Operations:
- Negotiate with major hotel chains to establish one or more preferred vendors for Grand Encampment and Grand Commandery events .globally in order tog et perferrential rates and services.
- Negotiate with major airlines to establish one or more preferred vendors for Grand Encampment and Grand Commandery travel.
- Evaluate options for managing corporate travel and expense reporting and reimbursement, inckluding corporate cards, automated/online reporting.
- Provide better guidance to Department Commanders on the selection of conference venues to control costs, especially for travel to and from the locations.
- Review and prepare a revision of the Constitution, Statutes and Decisions to eliminate duplication, remove obsolete provisions, and provide clearer guidance to Grand Commanderies and Commanderies on expectation and operations, with a philosophy of “that which is not prohibited is permitted,” rather than “If it is not expicitly permitted, it is prohibited.”
- Evaluate the benefits and risks of realigning Subordinate Commanderies with an existing Grand Commandery adjacent or close to provide better assistance, cooperation and oversight.
By focusing on these key areas, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA will honor its historical legacy while embracing modern advancements to remain a vital and dynamic force in the 21st century.