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Question Re Protocol

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droche View Drop Down
Quarryman
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote droche Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Question Re Protocol
    Posted: October/26/2015 at 1:44pm
In Massachusetts, it is considered a serious violation of protocol that when sending correspondence to the Grand Master, to send copies of the correspondence to anybody else. Is it the same in other jurisdictions?
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edwmax View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote edwmax Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2015 at 5:33pm
.... ??? ...   I've never seen or heard that before.
"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."





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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sec'yBob Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2015 at 5:35pm
I may have to research this,  but off the top of my head, no so in Missouri
 
I just received a letter inviting the GM and the GLine to a dinner and everyone got a copy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote windrider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2015 at 10:52am
From the Massachusetts Protocol Manual:

8.0 CORRESPONDENCE It is always good protocol to submit official requests and/or invitations by written letter. Email is not an acceptable method of formal communications and should be used sparingly. NOTE: Letters and/or Email messages to the Grand Master are to be only addressed to him. NO COPIES ARE TO BE MADE OR SENT TO ANY OTHER PERSON. Requests for dispensations, invitations to the Grand Master or any other Official Correspondence must be sent ONLY in writing to the Grand Master, at the Grand Lodge Building, 186 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111, preferably sixty (60) days in advance of the event. DO NOT SEND EMAIL. Emails should only be sent to the Grand Master at the Grand Lodge and not to his home or personal Email. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WBScott Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2015 at 10:29pm
As with most things, acceptable practice can vary widely by jurisdiction and the situation. If it is a sensitive Masonic subject, then it would be appropriate to keep the matter between you and the Grand Master. As far as the method, our new Grand Master actually prefers email and it has been this way for some time.

As you can see from the Grand Lodge of Missouri AF&AM's website, almost every officer lists his email address and almost all of them are personal emails. http://momason.org/officers/ For those who have an "official" email address, this is just an alias and the email is automatically forwarded to their personal email. Rest assured, this is not private information and can be viewed by anyone anywhere. 

As far as invitations for Grand Lodge officers to attend lodge events or functions, the preferred method is by email. We have a form that is filled out by the requesting lodge's secretary and that is attached to an email to the Grand Secretary which is in turn distributed to the Grand Lodge Officers. The Grand Secretary keeps a simple Excel® spreadsheet which is forwarded back to the lodge secretary so he can keep a headcount of Grand Lodge officers who will be attending the event. 

Our new Grand Master has also established two Google® groups; one for secretaries and one for DDGMs. I am a member of both groups and the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Lodge office staff participate in both of them. Obviously these groups are for secretaries to communicate with each other and likewise for the DDGMs. They are not meant to be used for "sensitive" situations. 

IMHO, taking advantage of "modern" technology does not do anything to take away from our ancient mysteries. It is simply, for most of us, a better and more efficient way to communicating with each other.


Edited by WBScott - October/27/2015 at 10:32pm
Wentzville (MO) Lodge #46 - PM
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