Member welfare - "let’s stay in touch"

Following the wealth of information we have received during the last few weeks from UGLE and other sources, our members are being increasingly encouraged to minimise physical contact with each other and, in some cases, to self-isolate. Last night, we hear from the Prime Minister of the implementation of even more robust measures to ensure that the public minimises the spread COVID-19, through travel and movement restrictions. It is therefore vital for us all to exercise due care and attention as regards the welfare of our fellow members, as the effect of COVID-19 continues to affect us all.

I have been particularly impressed with the highly effective means adopted by some of our Lodges and Chapters, which has ensured that members can keep in regular contact with each other and – particularly – with those who currently have no access to the outside world. I thought I would share with you two of these means which are in use by these units, in the hope that every Lodge and Chapter can implement them without delay, and therefore ensure that every member of the Province has a means of keeping in touch when required:-

This is a messaging App for mobile phones which allows users to send messages to either an individual or a member Group – either by text, voice and video. Several of our units are using this successfully to keep in touch with each other.

I strongly recommend that each Lodge and Chapter sets up a group for its members and encourage all members to join the group, thereby enabling the Almoner or others to deal with any need or requirement.

A brochure with relevant details on its implementation is attached below for your information and I encourage Secretaries / Scribes E to identify a members who can volunteer to set this up.

Zoom

Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing applications currently available and offers Lodge members the chance to meet online as part of group video conference. Zoom is free for personal use and the video call time is unlimited for two people and up to 40 minutes for a group.

Again, I strongly recommend that each Lodge and Chapter sets up this facility for its members so that the elderly, infirm and those who are self-isolating can keep in touch.

A brochure with relevant details on its implementation is attached below for your information and I encourage Secretaries / Scribes E to identify a member who can assist members to set this up.

I trust that Lodges and Chapters will seize the opportunity of implementing these communication tools to enable every member to stay in touch, and to enable us to deal with any specific member need which may arise, now or in the future.