MASONS
HELPING MASONS
by W:.Tim Bryce, PM,
MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"
Freemasonry is generally not considered a place for soliciting business. In fact, it is
very much frowned upon in most circles. Nonetheless I am often asked if I know a Brother
who is an accountant, a lawyer, a notary public, a carpenter, a realtor, or whatever. I have
no problem referring Brothers to other Brothers in the hopes that it will help both parties.
Besides, I would rather see a Brother get a job than someone else I do not know or trust.
It is this mindset that has led to various initiatives to help Masons connect with other Brothers:
Freemasons Service & Job Portal
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Freemasons_Job_and_Service_Portal/
This is a Yahoo! implemented discussion group that took off in the Spring of 2003 and is
moderated by Bro. Edwin (Ed) Alberto Cacho, PhD. Originally intended to help Brothers
find work and post job openings in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania), it has blossomed into a national clearinghouse for employment opportunities
for Masons. Today, over 1200 people participate in the group which includes sections for
posting web links and files (e.g., resumes and job listings).
Brothers Business Network
http://www.brothersbusinessnetwork.com/
This was started by Bro. Craig Neuman of Florida who is connected with "The Maddux Report"
(a well known Tampa Bay business journal). Although the group is open to all Masons, it is
primarily focused on Florida and provides sections to post employment opportunities and
Brothers available for work. It also includes a Business Directory and a section with business articles.
Masons for Masons - The National Masonic Blue Pages
http://www.masons4masons.org/
This is a more ambitious effort than the Brothers Business Network as it is intended for
a worldwide audience, but as a newcomer it currently addresses job opportunities in
North America (although there are also listings for Australia, Canada, India, and the UK).
Bro. James W. McKenna of Minnesota is the Editor & Publisher of this web site.
All of these web sites are free and participation is voluntary.
One area that is still lacking though is a Skills Inventory which could be implemented either
as a general listing or, more preferably, a search engine. I created such a search engine
for Florida Masons to list their talents, but this was removed as part of my censorship last
year by the Grand Master. The search engine used words to search for a Brother by general
area of the state (North, South, East, West), or by metropolitan area (Tampa, Miami, Orlando,
etc.) and by talent (professional occupation, languages, certifications, hobbies, etc.). It was
slick while it lasted. A more ambitious search engine would certainly be welcomed by many
Brothers around the world. Of course, access should be limited to Masons and not the general public.
There have been other efforts to promote professional networking through other groups, such
as the Shrine, but this concept of "Masons helping Masons" is in its early stages and still
evolving. Part of the problem is that establishing such a forum requires quite a bit of time and
effort, not to mention out-of-pocket expenses required to maintain a web site.
Younger Masons who are still actively employed and understand the capabilities of the Internet
appreciate the need for such a service. Its actually quite simple, provide a voluntary service for
Brothers to contact and help other Brothers. "Masons helping Masons." Wow, what a concept.
Keep the Faith.
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not necessarily represent
the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction or any other Masonic related body.
As with all of my Masonic articles herein, please feel free to reuse them in Masonic
publications or re-post them on Masonic web sites (except Florida).
When doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with
permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com
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