Valley of Excellence Program

Membership is the lifeblood of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It is what drives our programs and experience in our Valleys. Therefore, it is evident that the Membership category makes up the largest percent of the Valley of Excellence award.

Recruitment and Restoration - 30%

The goal for this category has been established by the Strategic Planning Committee and is set at 5% of the total Lodge of Perfection (LOP) membership as of 6/16 of the current census year. This data is pulled directly from Supreme Council's J365 database, and its integrity must be maintained across the board for all Valleys. To achieve full credit for the recruitment category, the Valley must achieve their full recruitment and restoration goal. The partial credit will be adjusted according to the percentage of goal achieved. 

In the efforts of striving to be a Valley of Excellence, there will be a preservation “qualifier” to receive any points in this category. Valley suspensions for non-payment of dues cannot exceed 4% of their LOP membership as of 6/16 of the current census year.

Engagement - 25%

To earn credit for the Engagement subcategory, the Valley will need to accomplish all tasks on the list below. Each section of this subcategory adds up to the overall 25%.

• Host  a minimum of 8 Valley degree presentations, including at least one Valley Reunion, with a minimum of 4 Rite on the Road events and 2 Thursday Night at the Rite (TNR) watch parties – 10%
• Host minimum of 6 family life/Brotherhood events – 5%
• Host minimum of 2 new member orientations – 4%
• Contact 100% of total membership for Brother-to-Brother program – 6% (If no connection is made, the Valley will send a postcard). 

Preservation - Qualifier*

In order to receive points within Recruitment and Restoration category, suspensions for non-payment of dues must be less than or equal to, 4% NPD. 

*Special consideration will be given to Valleys otherwise exceeding their Recruitment and Retention goal!

For tips and ideas on member retention, read this blog from the Valley of Rockville Centre and study this system created by the Masonic Renewal Committee.

Service and philanthropy is how we change lives. This area is divided into subcategories of service hours, service events, caring for our deceased Brothers’ significant others, and donations to charitable programs.

Service Events - 4%

The Valley will organize, host, and implement four or more service events per year and report on the Annual Report the number of members present, and the total service hours completed for each event.

White Flower Program - 3%

At least twice annually, communicate and/or host an event for the spouses or significant others of departed Brothers and/or their families; share your stories with the Supreme Council.

Grand Almoner’s Fund or local Almoner's Fund - 4%

The Valley will annually donate at least $2 per member to the Supreme Council Grand Almoner’s Fund or their own Almoner's/Hospitaler's fund (if established). These donations are Valley-based and donated by the Valley on behalf of its members. This category will be calculated by Valleys and the Supreme Council at the conclusion of the census year.

Champion a Charity - 4%

The Valley may select a charity of their choice to “champion” and support. They will annually donate the equivalent of $2 per Valley member to this charity. The Scottish Rite, NMJ encourages the Valley to choose their local Children’s Dyslexia Center if the Valley has one. These donations are Valley based and donated by the Valley on behalf of its members. This category will be reported by the Valley on the Annual Report concluding the census year.

Blue Envelope - 5%

To accomplish credit for this subcategory, the Valley will have at least 10% or more total members donate to the Blue Envelope campaign. This category will be calculated by the Supreme Council after the census year. Credit will be applied to the member’s Lodge of Perfection Valley. This campaign runs from October 1 to June 15.

For this category, there is partial credit for subcategories. Points will scale accordingly based on the amount achieved in that category.

We must constantly develop the leadership skills of our members to maintain a successful Scottish Rite program. This area is divided into subcategories of state participation, membership education, and mentoring programs.

Membership Education – 5%
The Valley will have at least 5% of their membership attend a local, regional, or NMJ sponsored membership education/development or program. 

Mentoring Program – 10%

Valleys will establish a mentoring program, which may be Rite Guide or locally developed, and host a minimum of 4 programs/events per year.

Read our article for other tips on welcoming new members.

For the Operations category, there is NO partial credit for subcategories. You need to fulfill what is required to receive points for that subcategory. It is vital that our Valleys are completing all required administrative tasks and operations in order to effectively run.

Finances/990/Annual Report – 2%

The Valley will submit their budget to the Deputy for approval, make their Supreme Council Assessment payment by October 31st, and pay their insurance on time. No late payments unless otherwise approved by the Sovereign Grand Commander. This category will be calculated by Supreme Council at the conclusion of the census year. The Valley will annually complete and submit to the Office of Administration their IRS form 990 and Annual Report. This category will be calculated by Supreme Council at the conclusion of the census year.

Presiding Officers – 2%

The Valley will annually submit their presiding officer information in Journey 365. This includes officers who are serving multiple years/terms. This category will be calculated by Supreme Council at the conclusion of the census year.

New Member Registration – 2%

The Valley will register on Journey 365 all new 4° (Lodge of Perfection) members within 10 days of them witnessing the 4th degree. This category will be calculated by Supreme Council at the conclusion of the census year.

Delinquent Members - 2%

Valleys must have fewer than 10% of their entire membership as delinquent dues-paying members.

Communications - 2%

The Valley will send at least 20 units of communications to their members every year. Social media accounts count as one specific unit of communication as do email communications and printed newsletters. For instance, having a Facebook page is one unit of communication for the year, an account on “X” (formerly Twitter) is one unit of communication for the year, etc. This category will be reported by the Valley on the Annual Report concluding the census year.

Examples:

12 monthly letters = 12 units

4 newsletters = 4 units

For best practices on communicating with Valley brethren, read this blog from the Indiana COD social media team. For help getting started, check out our Masonic Marketing Series for resources on setting up Facebook, email marketing, and more.