Improper Solicitation
Are we inadvertently improperly soliciting men to become Masons?
"To be one, ask one" That's the simplified view most give of how to become a Freemason - but is it that easy?
Let's look into IMPROPER SOLICITATION, as we may inadvertently be getting this wrong.
We've often boiled down the idea of improper solicitation in Freemasonry to not making false promises of wealth or issuing invitations to the Order.
But as we peel back the layers, a more complex picture emerges.
Are we missing something?
Is our simplified understanding leading us, even without intent, to improperly solicit men?
Have we, in our fear of declining membership, been stepping over a line we shouldn't cross?
Improper solicitation is far from just a ban on false promises.
It's about not using coercion, threats, or unethical methods to gain members.
It's not about promising riches but upholding the inner virtues that make a true Freemason.
The process for a man to become a Mason is an honest appraisal of a person's readiness, not an opportunity to boost numbers.
The Lesser Understood Forms
Misrepresentation, a term not often linked with Freemasonry, can creep in unnoticed. We know not to promise political power or social prestige, but what about more subtle forms?
We may inadvertently exaggerate historical connections, such as promoting ‘famous masons’ or falsely portraying the fraternity's principles.
These are actually misleading acts, though well-intentioned, that can lead a candidate astray.
The Unnoticed Improper Solicitation
We may, while meaning well, inadvertently hide or downplay what’s actually involved in Freemasonry.
Minimising time commitments (only 1 night a month!?)
Understating financial obligations
Overlooking community service requirements
Failing to clarify the standards of conduct
Failing to set educational expectations
Downplaying the perseverance required to learn the ceremonies
These are all too common ways in which we, although meaning well, are ‘improperly soliciting’.
While we believe we are doing the right thing, and it often comes from what we perceive to be the right place so that others are able to experience the great things that Freemasonry has to offer, just as we have. They actually lead to the opposite of what we intend.
Sure, these are not done with intent to improperly solicit, not with intent to deceive, nor with any malice.
But in our hearts, we know they are not true.
The fallout from this improper solicitation isn't just a breach of our Masonic principles.
It leads to dissatisfaction, frustration, or conflict within the craft.
Members feel deceived, leading to distrust in what should be a brotherhood built on trust and transparency.
What does this then lead to? Men leaving Masonry.
We tried to protect them from these commitments which could prevent them from becoming a Mason, so we’d grow our membership. But, in reality, it achieves the exact opposite.
So how do we walk the tightrope of proper solicitation?
We must adhere to honesty, providing complete information about our responsibilities and commitments.
We must ensure a candidate understands the lifelong nature of this choice.
We must strive for clarity, for in clarity lies the purity of choice.
Freemasonry is an age-old order, built on principles that have withstood the test of time.
But even in our time-honoured halls, there are grey areas we must tread carefully. Improper solicitation is more than just a taboo phrase; it's a subtle pitfall that we must constantly guard against.
The Masonic journey begins with a step, a step taken with one's own free will and accord.
To ensure that step is taken in the right spirit, we must shine a light on the paths both proper and improper, and guide with wisdom and honesty.
For in the end, it's not about growing our ranks but nurturing a brotherhood that's strong, honest, and true.