I wondered why a great organization such as ours would have a membership issue specially bringing back home the lost tribe. For an organization like ours, we should have a line outside the door; not enough chairs to seat all the members.

In business we learn that we lose 20% of our clients every year. Some for demographic reasons; people move. Some will find other suppliers who will give them better deals. Some will find our services or products not satisfactory. For whatever the reasons may be, we lose 20% of our clients.

Lodges, Valleys, Shrines are very similar; at least, that is how it seems. Why have some brothers left us or quit coming to begin with? Why are they not interested anymore? Is it because of old age? Is it that they did not find RELEVANCE in our teachings? Is it that they couldn't meet friends that they expected to find? Or maybe, their Lodges or the Valleys were not able to ENGAGE them in order to RETAIN them. And now comes the worst part my brothers, were they intimidated by some senior members whenever they opened up their mouth to voice a concern?

Our members are our patrons; if we stop listening to them we stop our co - existence. Like no business will survive if they do not cater to their client's needs, so wont we if we stop caring for our members needs. I have belonged to many great organizations, founded a youth group, took part in various charitable organizations, but nothing was as close to my heart as much as our Fraternity. No organization has an "all inclusive package" as Masonry does. Knowledge, spirituality, charity, friendship, BROTHERHOOD, but it is up to us to search well and be proactive. Some suggestions to all you out there who did not find what you expected.

If it is knowledge that you seek, be not shy to ask for guidance.

If it is friends for which you search, go to your Lodges or Valleys more often, chances are they are many like you who left for not finding that common friend.

If it is spirituality that you want, start reading our literatures and degrees.

If your concern is that you were not heard, make sure next time you speak your mind loudly, so that everyone can hear you, always remembering that you are a part of a greater thing. You are a shareholder and no one can take that away from you.

The next time you go to your Lodge or Valley show them you care, suggest some ideas, because no organization will survive without new and fresh ideas.

Leaving the battle field is for cowards, people who stand and fight for their belief are the true heroes.

If we were able not only to add 20% membership every year, but also retain the lost 20%, could you imagine how great and strong our Lodges and Valleys would be?

Home is a great place to come to. It is a place where you find warmth, peace, love and happiness. MAKE EVERYTHING THAT IS IN YOUR POWER TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

For the sake of our Fraternity that we love so much, COME BACK HOME AND BE INVOLVED.

May God bless you and bless our Fraternity

Eric Hanan, 32° KoSA
First Knight

P.S.: I welcome any suggestions or concerns regarding the Knights of St. Andrew of Santa Ana Valley. Please send it to my attention: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it