From the East

Brethren,

I'd like to talk to you a little this month about my early experiences running a lodge.  Having only been the Worshipful Master for a short time and having succumb to many of the fears new WMs face, I feel like it's a good time to talk about one aspect I have been faced with so far, committees. Committees are not something that should be dismissed. We assign committees for all kinds of things in the lodge. A committee can not function properly if it's members don't know how a committee works. First, the head of a committee should be viewed and should view himself as the organizer, not the leader. A brother might find himself in the roll of head of a committee and feel like he has to make all the decisions when in reality his only responsibility is organization and to facilitate communication. All members, to include the head, share equal work and input. For one member to take on the burden of the whole committee or to control it would dissolve the purpose in having a committee.
For those members not in a committee, look well to the decision of the committee. Those members were chosen by the WM to do the work or make the assessment. If you have a service or knowledge that may assist the committee do not be afraid to offer it but in the end trust in the wisdom of your brothers whether they take your advice or not.
Lastly, If you have never served on a committee please don't slide down in your seat the next time the WM is forming one. Our society could achieve nothing without the volunteer work of its members.

Yours in the Light
~WM Dustin E Wade (Buddha Biscuit)