Charity Steward

Role Description of the Lodge Charity Steward Purpose of the role The Charity Steward needs to encourage brethren to make regular contributions to the East Kent Masonic Charity but in doing so he should not attempt to ‘bully' or embarrass members into giving. Rather, he should gently persuade brethren and help them put into perspective their charitable contributions. It is important that the Charity Steward takes into account the personal circumstances (where known) of brethren. The ability to help brethren understand how these donations will be used and the purpose of all our Masonic Charities is a key influencer and the Charity Steward needs to have a good knowledge of what these are and their purpose. Equally, keeping brethren informed of the application of funds and community projects will help to secure their continued commitment and support. It is important, therefore, that the Charity Steward keeps up to date with Provincial, District and local initiatives, successes, etc. and regularly communicates these to brethren. To sympathetically encourage and maximise, through gift aid, personal contributions to East Kent Masonic Charities and to facilitate Lodge fund raising initiatives in order to generate funds for the for the care of the needy and participation in community based projects that will enhance the charitable perception of Freemasonry within the community. To reinforce one of the key characteristics of Freemasonry, charity and the care of the needy by: sympathetically encouraging brethren to make regular Individual contributions, pro-actively initiating Lodge charity events and initiatives; sharing fund raising ideas with Lodge members and other Charity Stewards; encouraging the use of Gift Aid to increase the value of contributions. To manage the distribution of Charity by understanding and supporting the needs of the Lodge Almoner; informing Lodge members of the work of the East Kent Masonic Charity and other Masonic and local charity/community requirements, which may also involve the giving of time, adhering to constitutional procedures and Lodge bye-laws. To help develop and improve the public perception of Freemasonry and ensure Lodge members 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 by the Lodge. Communicating community projects, initiatives and other charitable activities and their successes to lodge members, participating in P.R. activities that will raise the charitable profile of Freemasonry in the community providing material for publication on the Lodge Website. W. Bro. Stewart Cale, Provincial Grand Charity Steward for East Kent … craftcharitysteward@ekpca.org.uk East Kent Provincial Charities Association (It is acceptable to use `EKPCA`) 11, Boorman Way, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3SE Telephone number: 01227 272944 (This is the same for both) www.ekpca.org.uk