Theos-Talk Archives (August 2009 Message tt00063)

Good first step. Thanks Chuck.

MKR

On Sun, Aug 9, 2009 at 10:51 AM, <Drpsionic@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> Well, if we could stop calling them lodges it might be a good idea. Lodge
> sort brings to mind the image of Ralph Cramden with the dead animal on his
> head.
>
> Chuck the Heretic
>
>
> In a message dated 8/9/2009 12:51:24 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
> mkr777@gmail.com <mkr777%40gmail.com> writes:
>
> One of the unfortunate patterns one sometimes see in many lodges is that
> even though they are located in large metropolitan areas and have been
> active for a long time, they have a small membership, around a dozen. Some
> times, these lodges may own substantial assets. Over time, these lodges may
> tend to go down in numbers and activity and finally if the bylaws are
> properly drawn up, their assets go to the custody of Wheaton. And then
> comes
> the question of Wheaton using its discretion how the money gets spent.
> Human
> nature being the same everywhere, there is potential for tweaking how it is
> spent.
>
> This is a sad situation that needs to be addressed. We do not know if the
> top leaders make it a point to personally visit the lodges which fit into
> the pattern and see how they can be helped to make them more active and
> more
> involved locally so that the lodge can attract new younger members.
>
> The actual situation in these lodges and their special problems can only be
> understood by personal visits where one can see and talk person to person
> and get a feel for the situation. No email or snailmail or telephone talk
> works.
>
> Many successful business entrepreneurs know a simple secret. They have a
> policy of periodical visiting their branches to get a first hand look at
> what is going on. I still recall that when Sam Walton, the founder of
> Walmart was alive, he had a policy of visiting each branch at least once a
> year. He had several thousand stores. Early in his career, he use pilot his
> own plane and travel so as efficiently spend his time. When he visited the
> store, he will put on the Walmart jacket and greet the customers and talk
> to
> them as well as the employees and got a feel for the local issues.
>
> I think a plan like this should be tried by TSA. Traveling can be done very
> economically and there is no need to spend any money on hotels and food and
> transportation. These can be taken care of by the local lodge members. All
> one has to do is to ask.
>
> When HPB & HSO started TS, they traveled a lot. They did not stay in
> Fivestar hotels serving three martini lunches, since they did not have the
> money. They were guests of the members and public interested in theosophy
> and ate whatever food that was available. They were very successful in
> spreading theosophy.
>
> I think it is time to think about some actions in the above lines and
> quickly implement a plan without waiting for an elaborate plan to be
> developed with all the academicians giving their unworkable inputs. We need
> some real immediate action. That perhaps can help a lot of lodges and in
> turn the TS.
>
> MKR
>
> Visit www.theosophy.Vis
>
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>  
>


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