Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire><br /> <h1 class=Information for Lodge Officers


Role Description District Charity Steward

1. Purpose of the role

To support and develop Lodge and Chapter Charity Stewards in the discharge of their duties so that personal contributions to East Lancashire Masonic Charity is prioritised and maximised and that donations to local charities are co-ordinated to ensure that there is a positive impact within the community.

 

2. Key Communication Links

The District Charity Steward will need to develop and maintain close liaison with:

  • Lodge and Chapter Charity Stewards;
  • District Chairman;
  • Provincial Grand Charity Steward;
  • Officers of East Lancashire Masonic Charity;
  • The Assistant Provincial Grand Master;
  • Representatives of the local Communities and Charities;
  • APGM responsible for Community Projects
  • The District Team and specifically the Communications Officer.

 

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 East Lancashire Masonic Charity

To be the East Lancashire Masonic Charity ‘champion' by:

  • communicating their knowledge of the history, aims and achievements of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity;
  • advising Charity Stewards of East Lancashire Masonic Charity finances and funding requirements;
  • attending the Provincial Charity Steward's forum;
  • committing themselves to Provincial initiatives, workshops and training activities.

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3.2 Community Project Leader

To raise the profile of Freemasonry in the Community by:

  • building relationships with charitable organisations and an understanding of community requirements;
  • continually promoting community project initiatives;
  • identifying worthy community projects for the District and/or Lodges/Chapters which may require funds and/or brethren being charitable with their time (e.g. mentoring young people);
  • leading the implementation of District wide community projects;
  • working with the APGM to procure funds from the East Lancashire Masonic Charity Community fund for community projects and registered charities in East Lancashire ;
  • supporting the activities of the APGM responsible for community projects;
  • assisting and supporting the organisation of Hewlett Court outings and fetes, in conjunction with other Districts.

 

3.3 Fund Raising

To reinforce one of the key characteristics of Freemasonry, charity and the care of the needy by:

  • supporting Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards in encouraging brethren to make regular Individual contributions to charity;
  • pro-actively initiating and organising District charity events and initiatives;
  • sharing fund raising ideas with Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards;
  • encouraging the use of Gift Aid to increase the value of contributions.

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3.4 Communications & Publicity

To help develop and improve the public perception of Freemasonry and ensure Lodges/Chapters are kept fully informed of charitable/community activities and successes by:

  • ensuring the Communications Officer is kept informed of all charitable and community activities being undertaken within the District;
  • organising special events and/or participating in P.R. activities that will raise the charitable profile of Freemasonry in the community;
  • providing material for publication on the Web site.

 

3.5 Developing & Maintaining Relationships with Charity Stewards

To develop and maintain quality working relationships by:

  • visiting Lodges/Chapters and supporting the work of the Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards;
  • holding face to face meetings with Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards;
  • quickly responding to calls for advice, assistance and/or support from Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards;
  • facilitating annual workshops with Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards to share experiences, best practise and resolve problems.

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3.6 Training & Development

To help to develop the competence of Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards by:

  • ensuring all newly appointed Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards understand the requirements of their role and are provided with the tools to enable them to fulfil their role, e.g. handbook, East Lancashire Masonic Charity information, gift aid documentation etc.
  • providing guidance that will enable Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards understand the approach East Lancashire Masonic Charity wish to adopt in encouraging personal giving (sympathetic) and the need to accurately record and report personal contributions;
  • facilitating annual training events/workshops that will enable Charity Stewards develop their skills and learn from the experiences of others.

 

3.7 District Team Responsibilities

To support the District Chairman, District team members and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master by:

  • contributing to the development of District (and where required Provincial) strategies and policies;
  • supporting others in the discharge of their roles as required;
  • communicating, as part of the District team, agreed strategies and policies within Lodges/Chapters;
  • supporting and contributing to District visits and other District initiatives and events;
  • reporting to Area Cabinet on Lodge giving and community projects;
  • keeping the District/APGM aware of any issues that are likely to require pastoral or management care.

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3.8 Administration & Accounts

To manage the administration, records and contacts necessary by:

  • managing the distribution of District Charity monies;
  • ensuring Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards are aware of Constitutional requirements with respect to charity fund accounts;
  • maintaining accurate records/accounts of all receipts and contributions made by the District to charity;
  • maintaining an up-to-date list of Lodge/Chapter Charity Stewards;
  • communicating current rules and benefits of Gift Aid.

 

4. Knowledge, skills and attributes required

  • The skills and attributes required to fulfil this are:
  • Enthusiasm for the role and its purpose
  • Communication skills: written, verbal, I.T. and Internet
  • Commitment to the District, Lodges/Chapters, their members and Freemasonry.
  • Reliability – you do what you will say you will do.
  • Ability to build quality relationships both within and outside the craft
  • Ability to influence and motivate others
  • Approachable, empathetic and sensitive to the feelings of others
  • Innovative and open to change
  • Responsive to feedback
  • Team player
  • Member of the Royal Arch

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