The Wisconsin Program

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The Wisconsin Program
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• History
• 1985 Idea was born Shawano
• Good men in town couldnt ASK them!
• 1986 Jurisprudence Committee Code resolution
  adding improperly before solicit

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Wisconsin Program

• History
• 1987 Revised Examinations drafted
• Included history lessons.
• Open discussion format.
• 1987 Dispensation granted
• 3-Year Trial Period

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Wisconsin Program

• Methodology
• Invite men to join
• Provide rich history and meaning
• Include wives in informal discussions
• Encourage questions
• Make them feel at home and contributory

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Wisconsin Program

• Methodology
• Solicit prospect names from all members
• 10-man committee to narrow down names
• Vote on names until 10 men targeted
• Each committee member assigned a man
• Phone introduction coffee shop meeting

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Wisconsin Program

• Methodology
• Three degree teams established
• Past-Masters
• Current Officers
• Volunteers
• Four posters established

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Wisconsin Program

• Results
• 18 Master Masons raised in 12 months
• 51 Degrees conferred in 12 months
• Membership committee cycled through vote
• list three times 30 prospects contacted.

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Wisconsin Program

• Results
• First line officer 1988
• Majority of line officers 1992.

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Wisconsin Program

• Results
• Within 5 Years, Made Mandatory in
• Nebraska
• Michigan
• Iowa
• Minnesota

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Wisconsin Program

• Today
• Made Mandatory in Wisconsin in 1997
• Passed by Resolution in 2001

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Wisconsin Program

• Today
• What it is NOT
• Proper Solicitation device
• this is provided by the code

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Wisconsin Program

• Today
• What it IS
• Educational Tool
• -- 2-Parts
• History
• Symbolism
• Posting Lessons