International Moose Convention. Tampa, Florida. June 30, Report of the Director General William B Airey

Transcription

1 International Moose Convention Tampa, Florida June 30, 2012 Report of the Director General William B Airey I have had the pleasure of working for five Directors General, four of them as an employee of Moose International Paul P. Schmitz, Herb Heilman, Paul J. O Hollaren, Frank Sarnecki and Donald Ross. I have come to realize that men who serve in the office of Director General not only have a vision, but a strong desire to be of service to the members and fraternal units of the Order. They must bear the responsibility for seeing, hearing and knowing things that others do not. Unfortunately, there are members of the Order who think the Director General is blind to the wants and needs of the officers, members and fraternal units. Nothing could be further from the truth. As I sat at my desk to compose this report, my thoughts turned to a popular piece of Christmas music. Introduced by Bing Crosby in the fall of 1962, it is entitled Do You Hear What I Hear? As I hummed the tune silently in my head, the questions presented in the song hit me as questions I would ask of you. The song s first question is stated in the title, Do You Hear What I Hear? The office of the Director General receives, from members and non members men and women, phone calls, letters and s every day; some days many more than others. These calls and letters contain statements to be pondered, questions to be answered, words of praise, words of criticism, and words of concern. Some I handle directly, some I distribute to the most appropriate staff person. We do our best to respond to all. Sometimes it s easy and takes a few minutes, and other times it s not so easy, and takes considerable thought and much time. I want to share with you what I do hear. Page 1 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 1

2 Smoking While no longer the number one complaint from members, unfortunately this subject just does not seem to go away. I can t speak for the General Governor, Directors of Membership, Lodge Operations or any other department at Moose International, but I do know that I receive many letters, phone calls and s each week pertaining to the issue of smoking in Lodges. Allow me to read excerpts from the last four I received prior to writing this report: I can not believe we call the Moose a family center when you can t even take a child into the Moose because of the smoke. I joined the Moose because it is a great place to go, but now I can t go much because of the smoke that is so bad you can t even breathe in the Lodge. I hope we can get channel 7 and the government involved because the Moose will never do what s right for our kids or for the adults. It s a shame. Or I am a member of (blank). Several of my friends and I enjoy the Moose immensely, but can t frequent it much because of the smoke smell. It is way too strong and our wives simply refuse to go. It is hypocritical for an organization that touts family to have a Lodge that they can t enjoy. It s a shame. Every Lodge should be no smoking. Thank you. And I sponsored my second membership application but will not be extending my membership because my hope that my Lodge would eliminate smoking did not take place. Since there is still smoking at the Lodge and my health is more important to me and my family I will not continue my membership. If the Lodge does eliminate smoking in the future I will rejoin. Thank you. And finally I feel that we should make all Moose Lodges non smoking. I believe it has to come from national. Smoking does cause cancer and second hand smoke is as bad, or worst, than smoking. I believe that Moose International should be the leader in this important issue for the better health of all members. The majority of members who write want Moose International to take the action. The Supreme Council, on numerous occasions, has deliberated this issue and has made the decision not to impose a ban organization wide for two primary reasons. First, in slightly over half the states, as well as throughout Canada, Laws have been passed prohibiting smoking in any interior space where anyone works for wages or tips. Therefore, in these jurisdictions, the issue is moot, as the General Laws require Lodges to abide by any State/Provincial Law or local ordinance. Secondly, the Order is comprised of members who smoke, and members who do not smoke. Wherever there is no law prohibiting smoking, the Supreme Council believes that the Board of Officers, elected by the membership of the Lodge, should set policy. Many of Page 2 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 2

3 our Lodges have already done this. Where this has not been done, the council believes that it is the membership, which needs to mandate that their officers take such action or not. Lodge Officers must listen carefully to the feelings of their membership prior to setting policy. Enrollment and Orientation of New Members A question we receive more times than we would like is, why did Moose International eliminate the requirement that new members attend an orientation and why did you get rid of the enrollment ceremony? While the General Laws do not mandate new member orientation it is strongly endorsed. A DVD is sent to all new members informing them of the principles and precepts of the Moose organization, and briefing them on Mooseheart, Moosehaven, Community Service and family activities but this video presentation does not, in any way, inform the new member about what is happening at their Lodge. We have no way to provide a member with information as to the hours of operation, special events taking place in the future, meeting times, local community service projects, fundraisers, etc. Lodges and Chapters should work together to develop a regularly scheduled orientation program for all new members and their family. This could be a social event, allowing new members to be properly welcomed into the Lodge. In addition to educating the new member on what it means to be a Moose and what the Moose is doing in their community, it also would act as a revenue booster in the social quarters. As far as the elimination of the enrollment ceremony that never happened. The Supreme Lodge simply provided an alternate method of enrolling members, to take care of those who spent a great deal of time away from home and were unable to attend scheduled enrollment ceremonies. Lodges were never, ever instructed to stop telling The Story of the Moose. Many Lodges today are still enrolling members in the same manner as they were ten years ago. The choice was left up to the Lodge and its members. Poorly Operated Lodges Without a doubt the biggest issue troubling the Order today is poorly operated Lodges. By this, I mean Lodges that don t hold meetings, have no activities, make no attempt to be the friendliest place in town, do not maintain or clean their facilities, have no relationship with the community, allow sales of food and beverage to non members, and for all intents and purposes, operate nothing but a bar and poorly at that. Hopefully, none of these will ring a bell as far as your Lodge is concerned. Here s an In the past few months our Lodge has gone downhill fast. We have come out to enjoy ourselves, and have left disgusted with the service given. Last night it Page 3 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 3

4 took some customers two hours to wait on food. It took half an hour for our drinks. The Administrator has been told, and has yet to correct the waitress s attitudes and help the patrons. If this continues this Lodge will lose a majority of customers. Last night was the second time that I saw people get up and leave because of the lack of service. And I was recently in my Lodge to have lunch with my grandchildren who are 6 and 8. The bartenders name is (blank) and the profanity coming out of her mouth was horrendous. She said the f word at least 15 times loudly enough for my grandkids to hear as well as anyone in the place. This is a family place and now I cannot take my grandkids there again. I am considering dropping my membership as I cannot bear the thought of how low this place has become. Or Get the illegal gambling out of the Moose Club and stop all the fighting by drunks. And finally What is national doing about declining membership, poor examples shown by officers and practices of breaking the most simple rules, turn over of officers, turning the place into a bar and gambling Mecca, i.e., slot machines, rampant with drugs? No newsletters, no youth support, exodus of members to other Lodges within the District, not adhering to posted hours, improper elections? We, as a Lodge, have never been perfect, but I honestly believe we have now reached an all time low. I can honestly say I would be embarrassed to try and recruit a new member in this Lodge. It is a small town, and people are aware of what s going on. That is to say, quite honestly, I am reticent to claim membership, never mind leadership, in this Lodge. Please advise. Please help. This is not what the Loyal Order of Moose is about! Moose International Doesn t Care About the Fraternal Unit s Needs Too often the complaint received by the Director General is that, Moose International doesn t care about the needs of the fraternal unit. This issue is difficult for me to address, as I cannot figure out how any member would believe such a statement. There is rarely a staff meeting that takes place at Moose International where a member of staff doesn t bring up the needs of our fraternal units. It is because of our concern for the future of our Lodges and Chapters that we: Developed the Department of Lodge Operations and placed a staff of Operations Analysts in the field to assist the Lodges without any charge to the Lodge Worked to lower the overall risk assessment charged back to the Lodges over the past three years and introduced no increase four years ago Took appropriate action so there would be no increase in per capital for the fiscal year Page 4 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 4

5 Provided the incentive of never pay dues again, at no cost to the Lodge or Chapter Waived the enrollment fee during the last four months of the membership campaign enabling active members on the rolls to increase, thereby strengthening the Order and increasing revenue The staff at Moose International is always looking for ways to increase the cash flow in our Lodges. Why AARP? Recently we have had inquiries as to why we developed a relationship with AARP. We have members who have expressed their desire not to be affiliated with this association. First of all, all members of the Order were given the opportunity to opt out of the free membership offer, and it is not costing the Moose anything to offer the one year membership. Remember, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance the value of Moose membership. Since more than half our members are fifty years old or older, an audience that is targeted by AARP, and since that membership would allow the Moose members who chose to accept the free membership all the benefits that AARP provides through their benefit program, it appeared to be a win win situation. AARP benefited by adding Moose members to their rolls and Moose members benefited because we were able to provide additional information and services to them without the necessity to increase membership dues. No one was forced to accept the membership, and anyone not qualified to become a member, because of being under the age of fifty, was allowed to pass the free membership along to a friend or associate who did qualify. Moose International Thinks Only of Membership and Money We still have members who believe that Moose International is interested only in members and money. While I would disagree with the word only, our membership should realize that Moose International is responsible to develop programs through which we can build the membership of the Order. This strengthens the Defending Circle of each Lodge, which in turn provides increased revenues to the fraternal unit. Moose International, through the efforts of Moose Charities, is also responsible to develop and promote programs that generate funds for the operation of Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Applicants for membership in the Moose accept this responsibility before they even become a member. The obligation of membership attested to by every applicant for membership states, If elected into membership, I promise to fulfill my two primary Page 5 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 5

6 obligations of 1) increasing the strength of the Order by sponsoring for membership qualified individuals of high personal character and, 2) giving of my energy and substance in support of Mooseheart and Moosehaven. I know of no reason why Moose International should be criticized for doing its job. We Need Change And finally, the statement heard over and over again from members far and wide, we need change. We heard you. We brought your concerns to the Supreme Council. We conducted a seminar in Las Vegas this past January for Lodge Officers who wanted to offer suggestions. We met with the Women of the Moose the year before. We scheduled a session during this convention to hear ideas from those who could not make the meeting in Vegas. We heard you, and we have acted accordingly. The second question proposed in Bing Crosby s Christmas song is, Do you see what I see? I hope you do. The fraternity needs your help to eliminate some of the roadblocks that stand in our way of major growth. While I see much to be excited about, and I am sure you will share that excitement with me before this convention comes to a close, I unfortunately see some issues that I believe must be brought to closure in order for us to succeed in our quest to grow the Order. There are members who choose to be disrespectful to the fraternity; not caring about the image of their Lodge; not interested in operating in accordance with the General Laws, yet they re very verbal about how they are unable to support Mooseheart and Moosehaven, can t get anyone to join, and have no idea as to what has caused the problem. I feel sorry for them. Sorry they no longer are able to burst with pride about the good they have accomplished through their belief in Purity, Aid and Progress. Sorry they no longer embrace the concept of sending some good thing into the life of someone less fortunate each and every day of the year. And yes, sorry they have failed to understand that, while the getting is good, the giving is even better. Their disrespect results in the development of negative attitudes among other members of the Lodge, in the failure of the Lodge to attain goals, to earn recognition, and more importantly, failure to serve the Brothers they promised to look after. Thank goodness this attitude exists in only a small number of our Lodges, but it does exist. Like a cancer, once it has found its place it multiplies, resulting in further damage to the unit and the Order. I have seen where this cancer has resulted in a lack of Page 6 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 6

7 promotion of the principles and precepts of the Order. Men no longer are extending the hand of fellowship. Lodges are failing to strive to become the friendliest place in town. Members are losing interest. Embarrassed by what they see and feel at the Lodge, they quit inviting their friends, neighbors and associates to join. As cancer can bring a human being to his knees, and make him weary, it can bring a Lodge to a standstill. When this happens, and isn t immediately addressed, it is almost always portends a sure death. I thank God above that we do have members who can, singlehandedly, resurrect a dying Lodge. One member can and often does make a difference. Some of these members are seated in this fraternal gathering this afternoon, and from the bottom of my heart I say thank you. Thank you for not giving up; for being determined to help those in need; and for knowing that your Lodge still could make a difference in your community. If you see anything I have just mentioned taking place in your Lodge; notice that members no longer want to come to the Lodge because there are no activities, the atmosphere is cold, the laughter is gone, and the smiles fail to exist; members could care less about inviting someone to join our fraternal effort, it s time to take action. Help can be obtained through your Association, the Department of Lodge Operations or the Membership Department field staff. Don t just sit back and close your eyes. Trust me: Things won t be any better when you open them. Finally, I am ashamed to tell you something else that I see. Something I thought I would never have to mention during a session of the Supreme Lodge, but it exists on a small scale, but still there. I share with you an excerpt from three s I received since last we met. I am sure you will get the message. With the constant need for membership retention, and the never ending need for more financial support from the Moose fraternity, why did you decide to go out of our country and recruit four Sudanese students to attend Mooseheart? America is tired of giving money to foreign countries, and the outcry for our government to curtail this practice is great! Now, you have decided to follow suit resulting in our membership having to financially support your decisions that we did not have a say in. Not good! My reply is simple. Mooseheart does not recruit students. Students come to Mooseheart because there is a need, and because some Lodge is willing to sponsor them and provide them an opportunity for a second chance in life, and because the Admissions Committee at Mooseheart believes that need can be met. Period. Page 7 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 7

8 Here s another. Listen closely: I have been a Moose member for awhile because my local Lodge seemed to promote the traditional values of our community, and they still do. However, the latest issue of the Moose magazine has started a trend that I regret to say will end my membership if it continues. Count the number of minority pictures in the issue compared to Caucasian. The magazine should reflect the membership that s it. Gentlemen, Mooseheart exists for the purpose of providing service to children in need. I don t recall seeing in the mission statement the words Caucasian children. The Admissions Committee at Mooseheart reviews the application of a child and determines eligibility based upon the need of the child and the ability of Mooseheart to serve that need. There is no question regarding the race, creed or religion of the child simply the need. I can only say to the Brother who sent me that last that if the fact they we help any child in need where we can meet the need regardless of race or creed bothers you to the point that you may consider not renewing your membership, let me help you out. We ll accept your resignation. Find some other organization that will accept your thinking we won t. Here s another There are many children in the country and in Canada that have a need. However, it is up to you and I to find a way to locate these boys and girls, and to encourage the guardian to seek the assistance of Mooseheart through a local Lodge. We have no way to serve children if we don t know who they are and where they live and what they need. Do you know that in most of your Lodges you still have discrimination against African Americans? I know, because it is still happening to me. To the Brother who sent me this I extend my apology if any Lodge has discriminated against you because of your race. That action is in direct violation of our General Laws, and will not be tolerated. You were invited to membership in our Order because your sponsor felt you were worthy; was sure that you were someone who truly cares about the community and the needs of the less fortunate. You were elected into membership because of what you believed, not because of your race. The General Governor is quick to take action against any Lodge who discriminates because of race, creed or color. Perhaps I have not painted the picture you wanted to see. For that I apologize, but what I have attempted to do is show you that we have to accentuate the positive, and eliminate the negative. I have shared with you some of what I have heard, and some of what I have seen. Page 8 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 8

9 For the final part of my report to you, let me present you with the third question of the holiday song do you know what I know? I probably tell you what I know every year, but this year I am more excited than ever to share with you what I know to be happening in the Moose fraternity today. I know it s time for a change. I knew it when Director of Membership Shawn Baile introduced his campaign two years ago with the theme, the time is now. However, when it s time for change you must make sure that it comes after a lot of thought; a lot of evaluation; a lot of Q & A. I know that not everyone present at this convention is in favor of certain proposed changes to the General Laws, although I do hope that eyes were opened at the Judiciary Committee s Panel Session held this morning. There is not time to discuss all of the proposed changes, but I want to make comments regarding a couple. First is the issue regarding the sponsoring of an application for membership in the Order by any member of the Order, male or female. Before we had the Loyal Order of Moose and Women of the Moose essentially combined into one Order, there was an issue. Men could not sponsor members into the Women of the Moose and vice versa, the same as members of the Elks could not sponsor members into the Eagles. They are two separate organizations. However, now we are one Order, and there is no reason that a member of the Order cannot sponsor someone else into the Order. The endorser will have to be a member of the Lodge or Chapter to which the individual is applying for membership. Credits will be earned towards membership in the Moose International 5 Club, and the Moose 25 Club already comprised of men and women. Why would any Lodge or Chapter care who the sponsor was, as long as they were a member of the Order? Their fraternal unit is still getting the dues. In the case of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Association is still getting the per capita, regardless of whether the sponsor is a man or woman. There is no downside to this issue. The second controversial issue is the change in guest policy. I would have expected every Lodge to be excited about this one. Under the proposed General Law, a member could now bring in members of his or her family without someone challenging them to become members because of their eligibility for membership. A member should always want to bring family to the Lodge. He or she should be proud of their membership and, of course, hopefully encourage the family member to join. The Lodge may use the IRS definition of a family member to make a determination as to whether an individual falls within this regulation. Naturally, the family member may not make a purchase when they are admitted as a guest. Page 9 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012 9

10 This change also allows members to bring in friends or associates as guests as many times as they wish. It is not a violation of any IRS regulation. They must sign the guest book every time they visit and may not make any purchases. We believe that many Lodges were allowing this anyway, which put them in violation of the General Laws. We have proposed changing the law so that Lodges will now be in compliance with our General Laws and the IRS. If the Board of Officers and members wish not to allow guests unlimited visits members of the Lodge may adopt a different rule. Here is what else I know. Membership is up in the Order, both in the Women of the Moose and in the Loyal Order of Moose! How many in this room can remember the last time we reported this to you? Our financial status has improved greatly. I am proud to stand before you this morning and tell you that while six years ago we were withdrawing twenty million dollars a year from our investment portfolio to cover operating expenses, we have been able to add an average of 3.5 million dollars a year, over the past four years more than six million dollars this past year alone. I can t tell you the last time the fraternity was able to bring a financial report of this magnitude to you. Joe will also be conducting a panel session for men and women at 10:45 am Tuesday to answer any questions you may have regarding the finances of the Order. This panel will take place in Ballroom A of this convention center. I know the lives of many Moose members are more content than ever thought possible because you have made a difference in the lifestyle you make possible at Moosehaven. John Capes and the Moosehaven Board will deliver their report tomorrow. I hope you will be able to join us this coming October 6, when Moosehaven celebrates its 90 th birthday on the campus. It s an event you won t want to miss. I know following the kick off last night, of Mooseheart s 100 th Birthday, that eyes of the fraternity will be on the Child City for the next 13 months creating talk, creating interest, and creating new members who also want to be part of this great benevolent organization. I know that when we gather in Milwaukee for the gala celebration of Mooseheart s Centennial we will also be kicking off the Centennial Celebration of the Women of the Moose and the Moose Legion. There is much activity taking place in the next twenty four months. Every man, woman and child needs to have Heard of Moose. The question, heard of moose? needs to be asked of everyone with whom we come in contact. We dream of the day when the question is where s the Moose, not heard of Moose; the day when every Lodge strives to become the heart of the community. Mooseheart and Moosehaven have already done it. They have made sure they have not only become a part of the community but the heart of the community. They are the 10 Page 10 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/2012

11 attention getters at Christmas with holiday lights and parties for kids; at Halloween for trick or treaters; in the spring for hunting East eggs; and throughout the year community breakfasts, picnics, chili cook offs and the list goes on. For years we have preached we are the Family Fraternity only to get slapped in the face with Family Fraternity you support, and even promote, drinking, gaming, smoking and include children? What kind of family are you? Of course you won t hear them say that to a bowling alley, or a restaurant, or a sporting event, when you certainly see drinking and in many states still smoking, and sometimes gaming yet plenty of kids. Well how about letting them try and criticize us for being the heart of the community. I hope all of you will go home and boast that you belong to the Moose the heart of the community and the friendliest place in town. See how long it will take until everyone has heard of Moose. I know also I am a lucky man. I heard of Moose, I joined the Moose, I preached Moose, I lived Moose, and I love Moose. I have been to our Child City Mooseheart and visited Baby Village, tossed coins on their beds, seen the smiles and heard the laughs. I have walked the grounds of Moosehaven, heard the praise, accepted the thanks, and saw the contentment. It is indeed a pleasure to serve as Director General and have the opportunity to work side by side with Grand Chancellor Barb McPherson and the Co Workers of the Women of the Moose. You are amazing in everything you do. On behalf of our kids, our seniors and the staff at Moose International, I say thank you very much. Keep up the good work! Thank you, and God bless you all. Page 11 of 11 Downloaded from MooseIntl.org Posted Online: 07/12/