AnnualReport2021

bring men of good character into our fraternities, so they can enjoy all the positive benefits of brotherhood that we do. The beafreemason.org site allows men to inquire about Freemasonry and be directed to the Grand Lodge in their state and then to a lodge near where they live. The beashrinernow.com site creates an easy path for those already-qualified Master Masons who want to inquire about becoming a Shriner. Visitors to the site are prompted to identify as a non-Mason, Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft Mason, or as a Master Mason, which then determines their online path. Master Masons then provide all the information necessary, so when the file is sent to the temple leadership, a fully completed petition form is received. Temple membership teams access the electronic petition via WebFez MDS, which has a revised dashboard. Features of the updated site include a streamlined electronic petition form, a new member application portal, an improved user-friendly interface, as well as revised content. Both fraternities continue to collaborate on membership recruitment initiatives. As Shriners, we salute our brothers in Masonry. Together, we are stronger.

with their Blue Lodge or Scottish or York Rite activities. Many are attracted to the philanthropy. They see Shriners helping to transport patients or volunteering in other ways. They enjoy turning a talent for organizing events and raising funds toward an excellent cause. Being a part of something larger than themselves gives many men an added element of purpose to their lives. Others may be like founders Walter Fleming, M.D., and Billy Florence, desiring a social experience in which they can gather with like-minded friends and enjoy hobbies and activities together. Some men grow up steeped in Shrinedom. As young boys, they saw their fathers or other relatives wearing their fezzes and knew that one day they would join them in donning the headgear and attending meetings and events. And many now enjoy spending time with brothers and cousins and look forward to sharing the Shriners legacy with sons, nephews and grandsons. Shriners and Masons must work together in order to keep both of our organizations strong and viable. The future is what we build it to be. The websites beafreemason.org and beashrinernow.com are simple yet powerful tools we can use to help us

“Our good relationship allows us to have better open dialog between the two Grand Lodge bodies that builds trust and honesty and allows us to focus on innovation and creativity and look at the opportunities for seeing both our similarities and our differences as strengths,” said Clopton. “Ultimately, this will allow all of us to function better, and demonstrate true acceptance and cooperation to society.” In June 2020, the organizations demonstrated the depth of their bond. Clopton and Stites issued a joint statement to their members regarding the social unrest tearing at the foundations of society. It stated, in part, “Each brother will grieve in their own way over seemingly senseless deaths and how to call for justice. As Masons, we do not approve of the hatred of racial discrimination or the destructive actions we have seen, but we do approve of emulating the brotherhood Masonry is built upon. We stand together united as a sacred brotherhood.” The Grand Lodges also stood together during the coronavirus pandemic, coordinating the suspension and restart of craft labors as health and safety dictated. “This, I believe, showed the Masons in the entire state of Nebraska that we are truly working together in unity,” said Clopton. HELPING MASTER MASONS BECOME SHRINERS Nobles of Shriners International have a unique affection for their fraternity. With their membership, nobles take their place among men of vision and compassion. When we recruit new members to Shriners International, we know we are sharing a meaningful experience with those who will appreciate and enjoy it. Shriners never forget that all nobles are first Master Masons. Knowing why Master Masons would be motivated to become Shriners helps us have those meaningful conversations with our brothers in Masonry. Some Master Masons may see becoming a noble as the next step to complement their involvement

2020-2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

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