THIS NOTICE AND AGREEMENT is given/made on the date set forth to The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Arizona that the undersigned lodge, by and through its Master, Wardens and Deacons, have elected to make a Commitment to Excellence. To achieve excellence, we subscribe to the following 13 Points of Commitment to improving our lodge.

1. Commitment to Service. By signing this Notice and Agreement, we understand that:

* A sizeable commitment of time and energy will be required by the officers of the lodge;

* Some of the actions that we, as officers, may take may not be popular with some of the members of the lodge, but we will nevertheless strive to implement programs and reduce unnecessary consternation to the membership;

* We will use our best efforts to improve the lodge’s standing in order to assure its continued existence;

* While the lodge is under the formal leadership of the Master, we will actively participate in the program by offering suggestions and where deemed by us appropriate, constructive criticism;

* We will be asked to participate in the process of examination of the current status of the lodge by participating in a “Self Evaluation”;

* We will be a positive force for changing the course of our lodge;

* We will encourage members to adopt a positive attitude about the program and the need to make improvements to the lodge;

* A key ingredient to this program is the adoption of the long range planning concept that means that we will be asked to participate in planning that will extend beyond our terms of office;

2. Commitment to the Planning Process. We agree to participate in planning sessions, both separately as officers of the lodge and in conjunction with the facilitator/mentor. Since the CE program requires several Lodges to journey together through the CE process, we agree to honor all assignment and facilitation timelines. We understand that should we not honor this commitment, that the CE Committee may need to drop us from participation.

3. Commitment to Respond. We acknowledge that at least one representative of the lodge will be required, from time to time, to attend meetings to discuss and help implement new programs in support of our commitment to excellence. We agree that one of us will attend such meetings.

4. Commitment to Continuity of Lodge Excellence. We acknowledge that this Commitment to Excellence must extend beyond several lodge administrations and that there is a need for consistency in the planning process. I will therefore communicate to any Mason that is asked to join the officer line that this Lodge has made a “Commitment to Excellence” and that if he accepts an appointment; he to will be expected to attend planning sessions.

5. Commitment to Leadership Education. This lodge will make every effort to see that this lodge sends its Leaders to the various leadership conferences sponsored by the Grand Lodge and its Wardens, Deacons and Stewards to at least one of the annual training sessions of the Grand Lodge Masonic Service and Education Committee.

6. Commitment to Membership Development. This lodge commits to participation in an active plan to attract new members, retain existing members and bring those who have demitted or been suspended for non-payment of dues back into the lodge.

7. Commitment to a Vision Statement. We, the undersigned agree to work towards the lodge’s adoption of a formal Vision/Mission statement, written goals and written actions necessary to accomplish the goals.

8. Commitment to Financial Stability. The financial success of a lodge is crucial to its survival. The undersigned agree to participate in a budget process that reflects an increase in the value of the assets from one year to the next. To do so means that we must look seriously at periodic dues increases. Where indicated by the budget, we agree to actively participate in the process of educating the lodge about the financial condition of the lodge and seeking a dues increase, even though such action will not be popular.

9. Commitment to Membership Education. The education of our membership concerning the fraternity has traditionally been responsible for building the bridge to long term membership. We commit to the use of the Lodge Education process for candidates, as adopted by the Grand Lodge from time-to-time.

10. Commitment to Maintenance of Facilities. Our Masonic building is our connection to the community. We agree to maintain and improve our facility so that it reflects well on the fraternity.

11. Commitment to Lodge’s Involvement in Education. The history of Masonry in the United States is replete with examples of Masonic involvement in the education process. We agree that during each of the next five years, we will endeavor to make a major emphasis in helping one or more schools and will endeavor to actively participate in one or more of the Grand Lodge sponsored statewide programs as much as possible.

12. Commitment to Family Involvement. We understand the need for a Brother’s family to accept and embrace the fraternity. We agree that in our planning for non-ritual events, we will incorporate the family as much as possible.

13. Commitment to Diversity. We understand that many men are not willing to join organizations that are traditionally closed to certain members of our society. Recognizing that bigotry and racism are abhorrent to and inconsistent with the ideals of Masonry, we will openly embrace the concept of diversity in our membership and will use our best efforts to make sure that bigotry and racism do not become a dividing line in our lodge.

Attached to this Notice is a copy of the Lodge Minutes of the Stated Meeting in which the lodge voted to participate in the program. This Notice is signed by the Master of the Lodge, at least one Warden and one Deacon, to signify our commitment and dedication to the concept of improving our lodge and insuring its continued existence.

DATED this ____ day of ____________________________, 200__.

_____________ Lodge No. __, Free & Accepted Masons of Arizona

BY: _______________________________ATTEST: _____________________________

Master Secretary

Officers’ Commitment to Excellence

Senior Warden:	Junior Warden:
Senior Deacon:	Junior Deacon:
Senior Steward:	Junior Steward:
Other:	Other: