Message from the DDGM R.W. Stephen Allen Sparks

What is a Volunteer Organization? Our organization is one of volunteers.

Volunteer (noun): A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. But what does that truly mean? Does it mean when you find the time? Does it mean choosing this over that? Or does it mean feeling as though you were “voluntold”? 

We can look to the dictionary for a definition (as provided above), but in truth, there are always secondary meanings, those shaped by experience, expectation, and environment. So, the question becomes: how is it defined by you? By me? Or by those around us? 

I was sitting in a lodge meeting recently when a brother rose and, in my view, defined it perfectly. To volunteer is to live up to your obligation to your lodge. To uphold the bylaws of your lodge. To fulfill the duties of your office and your station, regardless of whether you are appointed or elected.

In some lodges, as a Past Master your new obligation may be that of the, guiding the floor with experience. In others, the Chaplain may be a Past Master, sometimes the most recent, serving as a steady hand to support a new Worshipful Master in the East.

If you are an elected officer, you were placed there by the vote and trust of your brothers. In that moment, the word volunteer takes on a deeper meaning. It is no longer casual; it is committed. It aligns directly with the responsibility of the role you accepted. 

Much like a subscription, the office you hold includes all that comes with it in the other bought Tiers of that box. Volunteering in our organization is not a matter of picking and choosing. It is a matter of living up to your word as a member of this Fraternity 

Fraternally,

Right Worshipful Stephen Sparks 

• R.W. Stephen A. Sparks - District Deputy Grand Master 
• Wor. Patrick W. McNerney - District Deputy Grand Marshal 
• Wor. Steven H. Mesnick - District Deputy Grand  Secretary
• Wor N Douglas Schneider & Wor Robert Jose- District Deputy Grand Treasurers 
• Wor. Adam Miranda - District Ambassador  
• Bro. Gilberto S. Costa - District Service Officer 
• Bro. David Aguiar - District 1st Responder
• Bro. Josue Romero - District Rejuvenation Officer
• Bro Roger R Lambert - District Youth Officer 
• Bro. Tony Rodriguez - District Veterans Officer
• Bro. Ian M. Harcourt - District Information Officer 
• R.W. Joshua D. Bumpus - District Webmaster
• R.W.  Michael Gagne - District Historian
• Wor. Michael  Cordeiro - Lodge of Instruction Coordinator
• Wor. Paul J Vento Jr. - District Chaplain