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In the MOOSE Magazine's report on my address to the International Convention in Minneapolis, the basic thrust
of my remarks was labeled accurately, I feel a return to fraternalism. Perhaps I should clarify what I think that phrase means
(and doesn't mean.)
Does it mean a return to our old-fashioned "tah" headgear and robes? Absolutely not!
It does mean a renewed importance placed on our Second Degree, the Moose Legion; a realization that this core group
of our fraternity does most of the heavy lifting and deserves to be treated accordingly; a redoubled effort to have a Moose
Legion Chairman appointed and active in every Lodge.
Does it mean a return to the old days of the Women of the Moose
being treated like a second-class auxiliary? NO!
On the contrary, it does mean a fuller, more substantive recognition
of the Women of the Moose as our equal partners on such crucial matters as our Strategic Plan, Government Relations, our Moose
Millennium Magic Program, in Community Service (particularly Moose Youth Awareness); and a concession that the men have much
to learn from their dedication, efficiency, and fundraising abilities.
Does it mean a reversion to cash books and
ledgers instead of computers? Of course not! (Indeed, were proceeding full speed ahead to get every Lodge online with LOOMIS
and MooseNet!)
It does mean a return to the basic fraternal decencies of Junior Governors visiting the sick and
bedridden, of sending notes of condolence in times of loss, of phoning fellow members in time of need to see what we can do
to help them.
You see, a return to fraternalism is NOT old-fashioned -- just the opposite; its more sorely needed
to strengthen human ties in our modern world than ever before -- and its what were all about.
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