OUR FOUNDATION

Valley of Columbus A. A. S. R. Mission Statement

The mission of the Valley of Columbus is to provide an environment that supports its members to become better men and Freemasons by teaching and living the principles of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth, while emulating the highest social, moral, and spiritual values, most especially fellowship, compassion, and dedication to God, Family, Community, Country, and each other.

Valley of Columbus A. A. S. R. Vision Statement

The vision of the Valley is to be an active, energized Masonic organization with increasing membership; obtaining and maintaining financial strength and stability; and to be respected by other Masonic organizations and the public at large for its ideals, values, philanthropy, and the positive contribution it makes to its members and the communities in which they live.  The Valley will deliver against its Mission by:

• Exemplifying its principles and values of Brotherly Love, Tolerance, Charity, and Truth via the 29 Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

• By being “the College of Freemasonry” through programs of instruction in Masonic principles and values, history of Freemasonry and historical events affecting the Craft, esoteric wisdom, and other educational instruction for the betterment of our members.

• By working for the betterment of the communities that our members live in via the support of the Scottish Rite philanthropies of RiteCare and Educational Scholarships.

• By providing an environment of fellowship and programs that build brotherly love and affection amongst the members, their spouses, their families, and guests.

• By providing leadership and betterment opportunities to its members via the Valley support in the Knights or Saint Andrew, Valley officer service, committee participation, and program teamwork.

• By providing the tools needed by our members to be successful in life through leadership opportunities, team participation, Masonic education, philanthropic program support and spiritual building through Masonic esoteric teaching.

• By endeavoring, always, to inspire brotherly love, faith, unity and zeal amongst our brethren and to those around us.

Scottish Rite Creed

“Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people, everywhere our ultimate goal.

KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES (Objectives, Operational Tactics)

Membership

Membership is the lifeblood of our organization.  Membership is the foundation that provides the funding and support so that the Valley can accomplish the Mission of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in our area and that our Mission is achieved.

Strategic Objective: Improve membership trend by increasing new members and reinstatements, while decreasing Non-Payment of Dues and Demits.

Key Tactical Elements - Recruitment

1.     New Member Objective: Recruit and Knight, a minimum of 10 new Masters of the Royal Secret (32° Masons) at each Reunion; thus, two Reunions per year equals at least 20 new members per year.

2.     Develop a Prospective/New Member Kit: Provides information on Scottish Rite Masonry and Valley of Columbus information (Programs, Knights of Saint Andrew, Knight of the Double Headed Eagle, etc.) and a petition.

3.     Develop a Valley Brand and “Elevator Speech” – Develop, promulgate, and use a Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus Brand and “Elevator Speech” describing who we are, what we do and stand for, where we are, and why we do what we do.

4.     Become pro-active in member recruitment via the following programs:

a.     Develop a member recruitment program that consists of a meal and a short allegory (to show prospective members what the Scottish Rite Degrees are like), and several speakers to give short talks on our Mission, our regalia, our philanthropy, and expectations in terms of meetings, costs, etc.

b.     Utilize this program at least twice per year in a “Brother Bring a Brother” night.  Send out formal invitations to prospective members and their significant others.

c.     Have a “roadshow” version to offer as a Scottish Rite Night program for Lodges within the Valley’s area of operation.  Identify three locations in Georgia (North, South, and East) to execute the “roadshow” per year.

Key Tactical Elements – Engagement 

1       Membership Retention: Critical to retaining members is to ensure that they feel valued, welcomed, and have opportunities to participate in the programs of the Valley. 

a.     Target a minimum of 70% membership participation in all aspects and programs of the Valley.  Key areas of participation:

• Officer Lines

• Committee membership

• Degree participation

• Stage Crew

• Building Committee

• Refreshment Committee

• Knights of Saint Andrew

b.     Ensure each member feels welcome at our monthly meetings – The Knights of Saint Andrew will form a welcoming team to ensure that they shake the hand of each brother entering the Temple and direct them where to sign-in. 

c.     For new members, assign a First Line Signer/and/or Knight of Saint Andrew to the new member (and his significant other) to serve as their host for the first three meetings.  The host will show them around, introduce them to other members, sit with them during the meal and in the Lodge room, answer any questions, and keep in contact (secure a phone number and email address) to invite them to future meetings/programs.

d.     Knight of the Double Headed Eagle: Utilize this program to drive participation.  Ensure that new and existing members understand it and give a brief mention of how to gain recognition at each meeting.

e.     Master Craftsman Program: Utilize the Master Craftsman Group Studies program.  Determine a course of study that matches up well with most members who want to participate.

f.       Programs: Focus on programs that have been successful in the past:

• Continue to hold the Knights of Saint Andrew Burns Knight for the Valley’s January meeting.

• Hold a Table Lodge in celebration of Saint John’s Day (the Baptist’s feast day is June 24th) for the Valley’s June meeting.

• Feast of Tishri – Hold an actual Feast (table Lodge) to celebrate this required feast day of the Scottish Rite.  Have all participate in the toasts given.  Invite the Deputy Grand Master to be the guest speaker.  This will be held for the Valley’s September meeting.

g.     College of Freemasonry: With the 29 Degrees of the Scottish Rite, the organization has been referred to as “The College of Freemasonry.”  In that vein a strategic objective is to, over time, secure this reference to the Valley.  This will be achieved by the following:

• Within five years, hold a gathering of Masonic experts/scholars for a weekend presentation of papers, talks, presentations on subjects concerning Freemasonry.  Over time conduct every two years.  Cost for this would include the cost of a venue, travel costs for the panel of experts. This will require a committee to establish a plan to make this event a reality.

• Hold at least two meetings on the meaning, symbols, regalia and understanding of the teachings of two of our degrees that are not normally performed at our Reunions, or presentation(s) on the deeper meaning of a degree presented at a Reunion, such as the 14th Degree.

• Possibly establish/host further education programs such as (examples for discussion):

  • • Masonic Book Club

    • Scottish Rite Toastmaster’s Club

    • Masonic Night at the Movies.  Show movies such as “National Treasure”; “Kingdom of Heaven”; 33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry; etc.

Key Tactical Elements – Retention and Preservation Achieve a retention goal of a minimum 75% for members who are two years in arrears in paying their dues.  Establish a Retention Committee of at least four Brethren who will take the unpaid Brother List and contact them to find out issues and see if they can retain them as members. Compassion is needed here.

Service/Philanthropy

Service to others is a key element of building a Master of the Royal Secret’s inner Temple.  Service to others also helps to put the Valley on a positive light to the communities in which we live.  Thus, Service and Philanthropy is a corner stone to the success of the Valley of Columbus, A. A. S. R.

Strategic Objective: Focus! Support the Supreme Council’s two major philanthropies: RiteCare – The Scottish Rite Childhood Language Program and Scholarships.  To generate incremental funds of $12,000 annually to support these worthy endeavors.

Key Tactical Elements – RiteCare – The Scottish Rite Childhood Language Program: The Valley Champions this philanthropy. 

1       Background: RiteCare is a partnership between the Valley (who provides funds), and an established and accredited Speech Pathology/Therapy provider/Reading Program/Dyslexia Testing, etc. organization (The Autism Learning Center of Columbus) – it supports the improvement of Literacy in our area.  It is the Valley’s responsibility to provide funds for “scholarships” for children in need of Speech therapy/Literacy improvement, but due to economic and/or family reasons, cannot afford the treatment sessions.  Additionally, the Valley provided funds for communication equipment for teaching and use by children as their primary communication device.

2.     Fundraising: Establish two fundraisers annually to support RiteCare exclusively.  Objective is to generate additional funding of $1,500 per quarter, thus a combination of $2,500 ($1,500 for basic support + $1,000 incremental) per quarter for RiteCare scholarships – an annual total of $10,000. 

Charitable Fundraising will be primarily for RiteCare, but funds will be submitted to the Orient of Georgia Sottish Rite Foundation for their dispersal and direction for usage – back to the Valley of Columbus – these are the Valley’s funds.

Key Tactical Elements – Scholarships Provide a minimum of two and strive for four educational scholarships of $1,000 each annually for post high-school education.

Thus, the Valley’s overall fund-raising objective for philanthropy is $12,000.

Leadership Development

Leadership development is critical for the continued life of the Valley.  It also insures successful succession planning.

Strategic Objectives:  Provide opportunities and programs that will cultivate strong leadership within the Valley.

Key Tactical Elements – Leadership Opportunities Provide opportunities for leadership:

a.     Knights of Saint Andrew

b.     Service on the Executive Committee

c.     Officer Lines

d.     Degree Directorship

Key Tactical Elements – Leadership Programs

1.     Pledge the Valley to participate in the VMAP Program each year.  Establish a chairman that will champion and lead this effort for the Valley.

2.     Master Craftsman Program: Utilize the Master Craftsman Group Studies program.  Determine a course of study that matches up well with most members who want to participate, and future leaders that the Valley has identified.

Operations

Objective is to have a smooth-running organization in terms of administration and financial management. 

Key Tactical Elements – Operations

1.     Pledge the Valley to participate in the VMAP Program each year.  Appoint a chairman who will champion and lead this effort for the Valley.

2.     Financial Committee along with the General Secretary to develop an annual Budget broken down by month.  Review of this budget will be a standard review at each Executive Committee meeting.

3.     Communication: To insure good communication to the membership:

a.     Establish a Communication Committee with the General Secretary as Chairman.

b.     Email: Ensure that we have current email addresses of the membership so that the General Secretary can communicate meeting summons, important Valley information, etc.

c.     Social Media Program: Have a coordinated, synergistic, and effective Valley Social Media program (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) that supports the Valley’s membership recruitment program, communicates summons to meetings, advertises fundraising efforts and other important communication needs.

d.     Website: Communications Committee will upgrade an enhanced website that is continually updated as a source of Valley information and Recruitment.

e.     Issue a quarterly summons (“Tresselboard”) sheet via post, for those in our membership who either do not have email or would rather receive hard copy of the Valley’s programs.

f.       Develop and issue an annual plan of programs and meetings – to be developed by the incoming Venerable Master, along with assistance of the General Secretary, Personal Representative of the SGIG, and Executive Committee.

4.     Develop a General Secretary Fact-Book to insure successful succession planning and transition to a new General Secretary.

5.     Focus a team in the sustainability of the Valley’s fraternal and asset longevity.  The charge of which is to identify, select, execute, and manage consistent income streams that will augment financial support of the Valley’s operational budget, building maintenance fund and investments for long-term viability of the Fraternal operations.

SUMMARY & COMMITTEE SUPPORT

Objectives Summary

1. Improve membership trend by increasing new members and reinstatements, while decreasing Non-Payment of Dues and Demits

• Secure 20 new Masters of the Royal Secret (32° Members) per year

2. Membership Engagement: Target 70%-member participation in the Valley’s activities.

3. Membership Retention & Preservation: Target 75% retention level.

4. Philanthropy: Focus! Support the Supreme Council’s two major philanthropies: RiteCare: The Scottish Rite Childhood Language Program and Scholarships.  To generate incremental funds of $12,000 annually to support these worthy endeavors.

5. Leadership Development: Provide opportunities and programs that will cultivate strong leadership within the Valley.

6. Operations: have a smooth-running organization in terms of administration, financial management, and long-term financial viability.

Committee Support (current committees remain in place; examples: Building Committee, Fund-Raising Committee, Audit Committee, etc.)

1. Membership Recruitment Committee – Charge: Focus on membership recruitment.

• Secure 20 new Masters or the Royal Secret (32°) per year

• Develop Prospective New Member Kit

• Develop Valley’s Elevator Speech – Print it out & laminate it for every member to have.

• Develop “Rite on the Road” program.

2. Membership Retention Committee – Charge: reduce membership fall-off and demits.

• Target retention of membership in Arrears to minimum 75% retention

• Establish a communication plan to contact members in arrears – compassion is needed here.

3. Engagement Committee (Venerable Master – Chairman) – Charge: Focus and increase membership participation.

• Knights of Saint Andrew (Grand Knight – member of Engagement Committee)

• Develop annual program plan.

• Knights of Saint Andrew – meeting team

• Knights of Saint Andrew new member escort team

• Knight of the Double-Headed Eagle execution

• Plan “Burnes Night”; Saint John’s Table Lodge; Feast of Tishri

4. College of Freemasonry Committee – Charge: Secure the Valley as the premier Masonic Educational organization.

• Works Closely with the Engagement Committee

• Establish a “Master Craftsman” program.

• Hold at least two meetings on the meaning, symbols, regalia and understanding of the teachings of two of our degrees that are not normally performed at our Reunions.

• Provide presentation(s) on the deeper meaning of a degree – Example would be the 14th Degree.

• Possibly establish/host further education programs such as (examples for discussion):

  • • • Masonic Book Club

      • Scottish Rite Toastmaster’s Club

      • Masonic Night at the Movies.  Show movies such as “National Treasure”; “Kingdom of Heaven”; 33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry; etc.

• Develop a plan that within five years, hold a gathering of Masonic experts/scholars for a weekend presentation of papers, talks, presentations on subjects concerning Freemasonry.  Over time conduct every two years.  Cost for this would include the cost of a venue, travel costs for the panel of experts.

5. RiteCare Committee – Charge: Establish and support a RiteCare program within the area of operation of the Valley.

• Develop a Fundraising Plan (Work with Fundraising Committee)

• Identify, investigate, and select a RiteCare partner.

6. VMAP Champion (Member of the Strategic Planning Committee) – Charge: Establish, execute, and provide oversight of the VMAP program for the Valley.

• Establish Valley participation, monitor progress.

7. Sustainment Committee – Charge: Identify, select, execute, and manage consistent income streams for the long-term financial viability of the fraternal activities and asset infrastructure of the Valley.

8. Financial Committee – Charge: Financial oversight for the Valley.

• Work with the General Secretary to establish Annual Budget

• Work with Audit Committee

• Work with Strategic Planning Committee

• Work with Sustainment Committee

• Establish and Monitor Metrics

9. Communication Committee (General Secretary is Chairman) – Charge: Ensure frequency of communication of the Valley’s activities that reaches the maximum number of members and insures a positive identity to our communities.

• Establish comprehensive communication plan to include Website, social media, Email Communication, Quarterly “Tresselboard” mailing.

10. Valley Home Committee – Charge: Establish plans for a home for the Valley’s activities.

• Investigate the needs of the Valley in terms of meeting/program location.

• Provide short and long-term options – for assessment of the Executive Committee and Valley’s membership.

• Work with the Building Committee in assessing the needs of current Temple.

• Work with the Fund-Raising Committee to fill repair & remodel gap, where needed.

• Work with Sustainment Committee in coordination of development of consistent income streams to support the Fraternity’s activities.

• Develop a long-term plan for Valley’s Home

11. Knowledge Management Committee – Charge: Establishing a process and formal method of building and managing organizational knowledge.

• Establish a repository of key Valley Documents that can include ritual, financial, organizational, administrative, process, etc. documentation – so that this knowledge is not lost as those involved move on and new members take over.

• Establishing technology that allows easier sharing of Valley knowledge amongst its members. 

• Establishing safeguards that will ensure that the Valley’s knowledge, documentation will not be available to non-members and/or individuals that are not authorized to have access.

Metrics

1. Membership:

• Conduct at least two reunions per year with a minimum of ten candidates per class.

• Develop a new member kit.

• Develop an elevator speech.

• Conduct a Scottish Rite Road show at least four times annually.

2. Retention:  Retain at least 75% of members who are two years in arrears in paying their dues annually.

3. Philanthropy: Generate $12,000 annually to support RiteCare and scholarships.

Lodge of Perfection

• Venerable Master               Roger Buterbaugh, 33o

• Senior Warden                Rossi Ross, 32o, KCCH

• Junior Warden                Bob Lyon, 32o, KCCH

• Master of Ceremonies Ditmar Chavez, 32o, KCCH

• Expert                                  Russell Ward, 32o

• Assistant Expert                  Dennis Buchanan, 32o

• Captain of the Host             Scott Lavelle, 32o, KCCH 

• Prelate                             Harry Ross, 32o, KCCH

• Tyler                                    Bayardo Reyes, 32o, KCCH

Chapter Knights Rose Croix

• Wise Master                        Bill Block, 32o, KCCH

• Senior Warden                    Scott Lavelle, 32o, KCCH

• Junior Warden                    Torrey Knight, 32o, KCCH

• Master of Ceremonies        Jonas Barlow, 32o, KCCH

• Expert                                  Larry Cox, 32o, KCCH

• Standard Bearer                 Richard Luna, 32o

• Guardian of the Temple      Russell Ward, 32o

• Tyler                                    John Adams, 32o

Council of Kadosh

• Commander                        Harold Culpepper, 32o, KCCH 

• 1st Lt Commander               Ron Provencher, 32o, KCCH

• 2d Lt Commander               Jonas Barlow, 32o, KCCH

• Chancellor                           Bayardo Reyes, 32o, KCCH

• Master of Ceremonies        Bill Buffton, 32o, KCCH

• Tercopiller                           Mark Stillwell, 32o

• Draper                                 Brian Pierce, 32o

• Junior Deacon                     Jacob Robideaux, 32o

• Bearer of the Black Stand   Chris Bagley, 32o

• Bearer of the White Stand  Steve Smith, 32o

• Lt of the Guard                Matthew Burgess, 32o

Consistory

• Master of Kadosh                Harry Ross, 32o, KCCH

• Prior                                    Russell Ward, 32o

• Preceptor                            Bayardo Reyes, 32o, KCCH

• Chancellor                           Torrey Knight, 32o, KCCH

• Minister of State                  Ed Lynch, 32o, KCCH

• Prelate                                 Matthew DeWiner, 32o

• Master of Ceremonies        John Adams, 32o

• Expert                                  Rob Grant, 32o

• Assistant Expert                  James Davis, 32o

• Captain of the Guard          Mackay Carter, Sr., 32o

• Steward                               Rossi Ross, 32o, KCCH