The Hindu swastika means in rough translation, “I have value”. It is still found on Hindu Temples. This makes for some confusion for those who don’t know the history of the swastika.

Rudyard Kipling used this ancient Hindu symbol to emboss his books. A British author who had spent considerable time in India, he felt so strongly about this symbol he had it placed on the inside cover of his books with his signature under it and encased in a circle. It was kind of like his logo, before such things were popular.

Kipling Swastika with signature

Then in the 20th century the Nazi party decided the symbol, slightly modified would be ideal for their new political party. This has forever tainted this fine Hindu symbol in the public eye to this day. Few even notice the slight differences that are distinctive only when someone is observant.

Kipling was a man of his times but in many ways way ahead of his times as well. At a time when many British abroad were of the high status society who did not involve themselves with the lesser cast, particularly in India where casts were well defined, joining a group which “met on the level” and implied equality between members was not always popular. Kipling was a Freemason.

What are Freemasons? They are a fraternal group, who volunteer for charities while holding each other to high moral standards. Kipling often found cleaver ways to put Masonic ideals and symbols into his many books. He enjoyed the membership greatly it is believed.

As a Freemason, he would have known more than most about the importance of symbols. So when I purchased a small set of his older books and saw the symbol I was very surprised to say the least. I as stunned that he would put his name under the symbol in his books. I was also relieved to find out how all the history of the symbol evolved and how he repudiated the use of his “logo” for any future productions of his work.

Freemason’s Ben Franklin with author Rudyard Kipling books in background.

The insert above shows the books I purchased and my first notice of the history of the swastika. The two books on the right, newer publications do not reflect the symbol. Both later books were gifts from my great grandmother in my youth. She felt that I should at 7 start reading better literature than Tarzan.

I am reviewing this history to reflect the public perception of a symbol which should not be shrouded in such negativity, when it was for centuries so positive. Sometimes good things or even groups can be mislabeled or even demonized. Not all of them deserve such historical memories.

This is true for groups as well. Some gain a reputation over time in the public eye that uninformed people blindly follow. Opus Dei has enjoyed both notoriety and ill public perception ever since Dan Brown’s book, The Da Vinci Code. For that matter, The Roman Catholic Church also suffered some stigma but eventually the public seems to have concluded that the book really was fiction, despite the sudden interest in all of the places the book referred to in the many locations for the main character, later played by Tom Hanks in the movie by the same name.

Freemasonry has over the years been subjected to harsh and deceptive treatment too. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) forbid its members from joining for years. More than one Papal Bull was proclaimed with this message. Yet until the Knights of Columbus was created good RCC members joined as they wished and were welcomed.

This is the central point. Freemasonry has a history of not fighting back when confronted with public criticism. The usual path is to let the issue die. Time will heal all things, particularly when replies in public usually are manipulated into further lies. This was the usual pattern for Freemasonry for the first couple of hundred years, though upon reflection with some of the issues many today think this pattern should be discarded.

It seems that any group, even countries if they are around long enough find some peaks and some valleys in the eye of various observers. Sweden wasn’t always neutral for instance, but at one time put forth an army that tramped all over northern Europe.

The RCC has in its past many things which can be seen as both good and bad. The missionaries are seen by Catholics as good, while Native American’s don’t appreciate Columbus Day or the missionary impact on their culture. There is for some the image of Mother Teresa contrasted with the Holy Inquisition responsible for killing thousands and torturing many more! Few things made by man that have any length of history behind them are without this contrast. So it is with volunteer groups and nonprofit groups as well, but on a lesser scale.

Author Allen E. Roberts writes in his book, House Undivided that Freemasons on both sides of the American Civil War fought and died. On some occasions after the day’s battle was done the two sides would gather to conduct a Masonic funeral. This was done on more than one occasion.

Also related in Robert’s book was the well known story about the Grand Master of Iowa Freemasons, Thomas   H. Benton, JR. When Benton found himself as the occupation commander of Little Rock, Arkansas during the American Civil War he is said to have placed a guard of Union troops about the home of Albert Pike, a Confederate general, so that the general’s well known Masonic library would not be destroyed. Albert Pike later became famous for Morals and Dogma, a lengthy and somewhat scholarly book on Masonic rituals in the Southern branch of the Scottish Rite.

This is the same book from which many anti-Masonic crusaders have lifted out of context sentences and portions of content for the purpose of misrepresenting Freemasons into some kind of “new world order”. To blunt, it is simply not true that a bunch of volunteers in a group based on the Bible story of King Solomon are trying to take over the world.

Freemasonry, like other human institutions before and likely after has had her moments of ungentlemanly conduct, or at least some of its members have. The famous member of the American Revolution, Benedict Arnold in betraying his Masonic brother George Washington to the British and then fighting with them has forever been remembered poorly by Americans.

Masons are very careful as a group not to be the one to, “Cast the first stone”. The charge of ever Mason is to make himself a better man. The rituals of the three degrees, which are for the uninitiated easy to find in this information age guide and trust that a man will find himself worthy of study and reflection and be a friend to neighbor and society. Freemasons are as the saying goes today, into coexistence and social harmony.

I personally find that a group which makes as its central theme that all good men who believe in a Supreme Being should congregate and assemble in common with one another without any regard for politics or religion a very good and worthy function which I am very proud to associate with. Joining this fraternity was one of the best decision of my life.

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Freemason’s Ben Franklin with author and Freemason Rudyard Kipling books in background,  both reflect successful lives even by today’s standards.

Rebuilding America’s volunteer groups can easily start with these ten steps to success in rebuilding America.

One of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin decided he wanted to be more socially visible when he was young, while pursuing success. This was for reasons pertaining to his business where he wanted more printing work as well as his aspirations of higher social climbing. He created, according to his biography a group called the Junto club.

It was a social club, which met to discuss topics and books of interest to the group. Eventually Ben joined the Freemasons and became a prominent member in short order, rising to a fairly high level within a few years. Since this was an organization of prominent and successful merchants and tradesmen, he was able to make connections, which benefited him both professionally and in later life as our Ambassador to France.

Keep in mind Ben Franklin was the originator of the volunteer fire department idea, volunteering was even at that time highly regarded and useful in the building of American society! This revolutionary and highly successful model is still used today in many parts of America. 

By the end of Ben Franklin’s life he had become the most widely recognized American in the eyes of the world.

This was quite a successful accomplishment for a person who had so many obstacles to overcome in his quest for social capital and improved social status over a lifetime. Perhaps today the obstacles faced by an empowered volunteer might seem small in contrast to Dr. Franklin’s.

How should the empowered volunteer start the process for membership building? Excellent question, because rebuilding America seems like a daunting task. The answer is one step at a time, one volunteer at a time, for one group at a time.

Use these ten steps for empowered volunteer success.

First, the empowered volunteer needs be certain that they are supported within the group. This is simple, ask folks to support your efforts and let them tell you how they plan to do it. Request specific information and clarify the details. Put the highlights in writing with names attached to each detail that an individual agrees to complete and if necessary a date which completion is required. Your support staff is now ready to go.

Second, the empowered volunteer should ensure that the leadership for the group is prepared to deal with new members. This sounds simple, but if new members are needed, there must be a position or need which they can be expected to address if you want success in energizing them for the group. Most new members want to feel associated and needed soon after joining. They are usually willing to lend a helping hand. They are not likely to be happy if all they provide to the group is their dues and their name on the roster. Have a need they can fill or a place for them to become active participants and you will see the results you are looking for.

Third, keep the group involved in your efforts to find new members. They will be better able to support your efforts and also to lend comfort to you in your encounters with rejection. Make no mistake about this task you have taken on, membership building involves rejection and lots of it. Rejection is why so many individuals stay away from membership recruiting. It is hard work, and not fit for everyone. When you find success, and you will if you follow the proper course outlined in other posts from this blog, refine your technique until you produce a successful pattern or steps that work for you.

Forth, make a plan. It does not have to be elaborate. But a volunteer who says they will just go out and try is already doomed for dismal results, if they encounter any results at all. If you fail to make a plan, you are planning to fail. Have your personal business cards ready to hand out liberally. Consider some incentive on the back to capture e-mails or some other form of involvement for a prospective member. Get information however you can!

Fifth, set a long-range time frame for judging the success or failure of the plan, some of which will be carried out by those who follow you as the empowered volunteer. The recommendation for a reasonable plan is for at least one year, with a second long range plan of five years. Remember, the decline in membership has occurred over the span of several years, usually since the 1960’s. It would be unwise to plan to rebuild a membership by doubling it in six months. If that jump in membership happens, then great. Put the new members to work with the new opportunities, which were on hold due to membership constraints. This plan should address the four elements in a SWOT analysis in approaching prospects for membership.

Sixth, solicit feedback (read data) from those that reject your message and from those that accept your message as well. Keep a form for compiling your rejections. Sort the rejections into categories, which can be analyzed. You will find trends as you gather enough rejection data. This is invaluable information in helping you decide on future prospecting based on your trends and instincts. It can also be valuable to cross check the data from your rejections with the two parts of the SWOT analysis, weaknesses and threats. You may be able to either drill down into on of the sections of them or add to one of them, based on your rejection list.

Seventh, present a formal quarterly feedback report. Make sure it is data driven and that it is professional in the presentation method with which it is delivered. This is necessary to reflect to the group that you are committed to the group, dedicated to the cause of membership building, professional in your approach to this cause, and open to group participation through feedback in your efforts to achieve your goals. It is best to send the report out ahead of time so that members can digest it and be ready for the presentation as well as constructive feedback for you. Having the presentation group buy into your efforts by “helping” you with feedback is also valuable. It is more of a team effort.

Eighth, share the successes and testimonials with the group and with potential candidates. Build on your successes with a past of success. If you don’t have any when you start, look some up on the internet or the national website for the group. Select the testimonials that reflect your values first and if possible leave the others for another time. It is best to always align with your personal value system if possible for testimonials.

Ninth, build a group of individuals who can “bird dog” for you. In sales terms these are called centers of influence (COIs). They can be any influential citizen who is willing to promote your cause and has sympathy for solving the issues your group specializes in assisting. This particular aspect of sales is time consuming and needs attending to frequently for it’s potential to be realized. It is hard work, but the payoff can be incredible when the groundwork is laid with care.

Tenth, groom your replacement. Few individuals want to be the membership building chief forever. It is easy to become tired and burn out. This is why many folks do not enter the field of sales. It is very demanding if one is to survive. Find someone who is perhaps reluctant but willing if they could just experience success while under some tutelage. Have them participate, silently at first by watching and over time let them build up confidence by taking portions of the presentation and presenting the message under your watchful eye.

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Freemasons

Over the years I have heard many times, there is nothing that I would want to volunteer for when I would tell fellow workers where I was the evening before. I don’t feel passionate about any group was another excuse often mentioned. While this may be true for a very few, most of those making this claim were in fact wrong. When I would talk to time for a bit I nearly always found that they had passions and many of those passions had opportunities for volunteering. Most of my fellow workers simply did not prioritize their passions as worth the effort more than they wanted to have fun chasing ladies or other activities.

The key is you need to see the effort as worth while. For several ideas on why you should volunteer from a medical point of view see the posts I have already written on this subject.

The key here is to not take a list of volunteer groups and wedge yourself into one of them. Find your passion and then find the associated group! Your passion is by far the most important thing you could identify first.

Outdoors oriented folks can choose from a number of groups. Izaak Walton League had in 2006 50,000 members and 300 clubs. How about the Audubon Society, Bass Unlimited or Pheasants Forever, are any of these up your alley? Perhaps the famous Boone and Crockett association fits you more? Pheasants Forever in 2006 had 570 chapter in 29 states. Don’t forget Future Farmers of America (FFA) or youth groups like 4H or Ruritan, which in 2006 had 30,000 members and 1,000 clubs.

For manufacturing members the American Society of Quality (ASQ) is active and has volunteer opportunities.

For history enthusiasts the opportunities abound. Currently the Civil War group, http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus/events/park-day/ is planning a volunteer day for April 6th, 2013. Check with the site for opportunities in your state. This group’s aim is to preserve civil war areas from land development. This is not an easy task and the efforts to preserve our history drive many a passionate volunteer.

The current climate in politics makes is likely most voters are more aware of the NRA than they may have been in the past. But there are several other less populated groups with similar political thoughts, including the Well Armed Woman FB site located here, http://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman. It is not only the men who believe that the 2nd amendment to the Constitution of the United States has value, many ladies do as well. Many people are stunned when they find this out. Way too many stereotypes abound on this subject.

Perhaps you like chess? There are local chess clubs all over the United States. The US Chess Federation website is http://www.uschess.org. You can locate other players online or locally. In 2006 the US had 1334 chess clubs. Keep in mind that face to face interactions along with passionate volunteering is what we are looking for here.

Other causes include Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) with 600 chapters in 2006, Association for the Advancement of Retired People (AARP) with 35 million members in 2006, Investment clubs, United Investors Association which in 2006 had 100 groups, Clown Clubs, Motorcycle Clubs, National Garden Clubs with 217,233 members and 7,251 clubs in 2006.

The variety of groups should by now strike most readers as wide and varied. If you can feel passionate about it and find a local group then you are well on your way towards better health and better mental well being.

Before you say you can’t find a group, find your passion. This is often the really hard spot. What moves you?

Sports teams have many groups. Even if you move most areas have sports hang outs for fans. I have been a Green Bay Packer fan ever since watching the first two Super Bowls with my dad. Since Green Bay won, and my home state of Iowa has no professional sports team of any kind in the state, I adopted the Packers. Through ups and downs I tried to follow them. Today you can find local bars and groups of Packer Fans nearly anywhere you travel in the US and even some places abroad. This is true of other sports teams as well. While the volunteer opportunities are limited, if you are passionate then the possibilities are likely to come up.

My father was a private pilot in Central Iowa years ago. He joined and eventually served as the president of the Midwest Tri-Pacer Association. He planned meeting sites for the group to fly into and eat at different locations, making arrangements for the reception and meetings. He loved the group and the work of volunteering for a year seemed to him no problem. Sometimes as kids we went along too. Many private pilots are very passionate about their type of plane and their yearly meetings if they attend. One large meeting for private pilots is in Oshkosh, Wisconsin every year. They require a large number of volunteers for the week long event.

My point is that groups of all kinds abound. I used to do Western Square Dancing in Des Moines, Iowa. They always needed volunteers to coordinate the functions. Don’t forget magic clubs, Metal Detector clubs, Archaeological Clubs, Science Clubs, Dog Clubs, Cat Clubs, Car Clubs, clubs that help veterans such as the USO, retired US Navy ships clubs (particularly if they were made into diving reefs like my first ship, the USS Speigle Grove LSD-32), ships reunions, Army unit reunions, Daughters of the American Revolution which had 2,975 chapters in 2006, and many more.

Let’s get back to passionate. Did a close relative have a encounter with a terminal disease? That list and the associated groups are vast. My first wife died from Lupus, so the Lupus Foundation of America was a natural place for me to volunteer for a few years. Cancer groups are prolific. Many other groups help those with a special disease. Is your passion in this area?

Do your passions run towards religious groups. The amount of people associated with religious volunteer groups in the United States is very large. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) group, Knights of Columbus, with 1.6 million members in 2006 is one of the better known of these volunteer groups. Started by Father Michael McGiveny in New Haven Connecticut in 1882, it was a reaction to the anti-Catholic sentiment in the United States as well as the success of the Freemasons, functioning as a place for Catholics to assemble just like their counterparts in Freemasonry.

As we will see, many civic and fraternal groups were either formed by Masons or highly influenced by the fraternity. Imitation is regarded as the most sincere form of flattery. This makes the Freemasons, the largest and oldest fraternal organization in the world, pretty respected if all of the groups it influenced can be a guide.

The Knights of Columbus often hold parades for St. Patrick’s Day. In many locations they invite the local Shriners to bring their unique subgroups along to increase the size and variety of the parade. Shriners, all members being Freemasons before being admitted to the Shrine if they petition for membership, are very willing to share a parade in most cases. I have as a Shriner participated in such a gathering when I was in Va. Beach, Va. The fun and social connections between many who often don’t gather socially is something to see. I have very fond memories of these parades and the socializing after wards.

To be clear in this instance, Knights of Columbus (KOC) members are required to be Roman Catholic Church (RCC) members in good standing. So Greek Orthodox Church members, also Catholic but not Roman would usually not qualify. Freemasons have no issue with Roman Catholics joining in any way since they believe in God, but not all Freemasons can join the KOC if they are Jewish, Deist, or Protestant in their religious leanings.

Groups to be passionate about would seem abundant. Book clubs, computer clubs, political groups, ethnic associations of all kinds, weight losing clubs, dart groups, pool playing groups, card playing groups such as Bridge clubs, adult soft ball groups, the list seems endless.

Please don’t take away from my suggestions that only Jews and Christians can be Freemasons. Freemasonry is a world wide group with lodges and members in most countries of the world. A famous British writer, Rudyard Kipling wrote many books which eventually became classics and some were turned into movies, such as The Man Who Would Be King. He wrote in his biography how he was involved with men of several religions in his Masonic travels.

Rudyard Kipling, Freemason and author

From his autobiography published posthumously in 1937, Something of Myself–

“In ’85 I was made a Freemason by dispensation (Lodge Hope and Perseverance 782 E.C.), being under age, because the Lodge hoped for a good Secretary. They did not get him, but I helped, and got Father to advise in decorating the bare walls of the Masonic Hall with hangings after the prescription of Solomon’s Temple. Here I met Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, members of the Arya and Brahmo Samaj, and a Jew tyler, who was priest and butcher to his little community in the city. So yet another world opened to me which I needed.”

Kipling’s own entry suggests that at this time British military officers in India were open and even well associated with men from various religious backgrounds. Since Freemasonry started in England, it seems safe to say that this fraternity appeals to good men of various religious values. The ideal group to bring men together rather than keep them apart. Very few groups do this particular social aspect as well as the Masons. You will find passion runs deep in many Freemasons!

Once you figure out a passionate issue you would be willing to support, the chances that you can align with some group are pretty good. In future posts I will delve into this matter in greater detail.

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