General Script - Contacting Members Regarding Remitted Dues
1. Begin the conversation by explaining who you are and why you are calling.
If the member’s dues are not yet remitted, determine if he needs them remitted
and why:
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Begin the conversation: Good [morning/afternoon], this is Brother [your name] from
[your lodge name] calling. I am the lodge [master/secretary/warden] and I am reaching
out to all of our brothers whose dues have not yet been paid this year to see how they
are doing and whether they need anything. We have missed you at lodge and I wanted
to ask if you needed any assistance.
Ask: How are you doing today? How have things been for you over the past year?
If remission is needed: Say: “It sounds like the lodge should remit your dues. We are
happy to do this so that you can continue to attend lodge.”
If remission is not needed: Try to understand why the member has not kept his dues
current. If it is due to a conflict with members of the lodge, hear him out and say that
you will work to find a solution to his dilemma and will follow up with him.
If the member’s dues are already remitted, explain that you are calling to check on
his well-being:
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Begin the conversation by saying: Good [morning/afternoon], this is Brother [your
name] from [your lodge name] calling. I am the lodge [master/secretary/warden] and I
am reaching out to all of our brothers whose dues have been remitted this past year to
see how they are doing and if they need anything.
Ask: How are you doing today? How have things been for you over the past year?
2. Determine how the lodge can support the member in his current position.
If the member is experiencing economic hardship:
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If the member is under age 60: Ask if he is interested in care management support
through Masonic Family Outreach Services (MFOS). This program can provide
information and referrals, as well as assistance with applying for low-cost programs, job
search efforts, housing resources, and other supportive services.
If the member is 60 years or older: Ask if he is interested in support from Masonic
Senior Outreach Services (MSOS) or the Masonic Homes. MSOS can provide information
and referrals, ongoing care management, and financial assistance when there is a
qualifying need.
If a memory impairment or physical difficulties prevent the member from
participating in lodge:
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Ask: Have you been getting out or is someone checking on you?
Ask: Would you like someone from our lodge to come by to visit you at home?
Ask: How are your needs being met? (If there is a need for in-home care, care
management, or possibly assisted living, provide information about MSOS and/or the
Masonic Homes.)
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General Script - Contacting Members Regarding Remitted Dues
Determine if Masonic Assistance is needed:
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If the member or his spouse/caregiver is struggling with day-to-day living, or economic
difficulties, you should connect him with Masonic Assistance.
Ask: Are you aware of the Masonic Assistance services available to you?
Ask: May I pay you a visit to share this information with you? OR: May I send you some
information about these benefits, and may I follow-up with you once you receive the
information in case you have questions?
Ask: Would you like me to contact Masonic Assistance on your behalf?
Offer general support:
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Say: We have missed you at lodge. Could I give you a ride to a stated meeting or dinner?
Ask: Would you like a lodge brother to visit you at home?
Ask: Do you need help with anything around the house? For example, we could help
prepare meals, buy groceries, or perform home repairs and yard work.
Ask: Do you need help with transportation? We can help you get to lodge, the grocery
store, or doctor’s appointments.
**If the member refuses assistance when it’s clear help is needed**
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Say: “Please allow me to help. It is part of my fraternal obligation to ensure that you are
healthy and safe.”
Say: “Please know that Masonic Assistance Services will allow you to continue to fulfill
your family obligation and meet the needs of your wife and yourself. This is afforded to
you because of your years as a Mason.”
3. Make a plan to maintain communication with the member/spouse
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Confirm that the member is receiving the Trestleboard. If not, confirm his mailing and
email address. Let him know when the Trestleboard is typically distributed.
Ask for a secondary contact, such as a neighbor or family member. Explain: “It’s nice for
the lodge to have additional contact information in case we can’t reach you. Should you
need assistance, we will know who to reach out to.”
Ask if the member or his spouse are involved with other Masonic bodies for support.
4. End the call
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Say: “It has been nice talking with you and I will plan to reach out again [on date/in a
week/next month]. OR I look forward to visiting with you on [date].
Ask: In the meantime, do you have my contact information in case you need anything?
You know you can call me anytime, right?
Ask: In case you have questions about Masonic Assistance, do you have the Masonic
Assistance line? It’s 1-888-466-3642.
Say: Well, I need to call on some of the other brothers. You have a great day. And,
thank you for taking my call. I hope to see you soon.
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