Province launches Community Engagement Strategy

Lincolnshire has launched a Community Engagement Strategy, which will gather pace next year. The details, offered by APGM Jez Hyland are here:

1. Introduction

Lincolnshire Freemasons, with a proud membership of 3,000 across 76 Lodges and 21 centres, have a long-standing tradition of charitable giving and civic responsibility. Our Community Engagement Strategy aims to channel this strength into a focused, proactive, and visible presence within Lincolnshire’s military and civilian communities through structured service delivery, partnerships, and purposeful action.

2. Strategic Vision

To increase Lincolnshire Freemasons’ impact across the county through:

• Meaningful engagement with military and civilian charitable organisations.
• Contributing time, skills, and resources including financial funding which will enhance community life while raising the profile of Lincolnshire Freemasons and strengthening the value of membership.

3. Phased Delivery Approach

Objective: Phase 1 (Months 1–6 to Jan 2026): Focus on Armed Forces Covenant Delivery.

To demonstrate active support of the Armed Forces Covenant through direct involvement in a military-related project.

Key Activities:

• – Establish formal partnerships with a military charity or organisation.
• – Identify future support projects including: welfare, fundraising, volunteering and administration needs.

Objective: Phase 2 (Months 7–24 from Jan 2026): Extend the strategy to include other Civil Community and Charitable Organisations.

Involve a wider set of community-focused organisations and charities beyond the military sphere.

Key Activities:

• – Conduct needs assessment of local charities and initiatives after reviewing current contacts / relationships.
• – Facilitate Centre-level engagement in broader community service areas.
• Organise ‘Freemasons in the Community’ events.

4. Objectives

Primary Objectives:

• – Deliver structured support under the Armed Forces Covenant.
• – Engage in and support a range of non-military community initiatives.
• – Build lasting partnerships with Lincolnshire organisations.
• – Enhance visibility and relevance of the Freemasons across Lincolnshire.

Secondary Objectives:

• – Strengthen membership satisfaction and engagement.
• – Increase community awareness and attract potential new members.

5. Organisational Structure

To manage and coordinate activity across the County a robust structure is proposed:

Community Engagement Leadership Team:

• – Provincial Community Engagement Lead with a small Exec Committee.
• – Five Regional Community Engagement Ambassadors overseeing appox 15 Lodges each. Mirroring the 2025 Festival area map.

. Engagement Delivery Model

Each cluster of Lodges will commit to:

• – One signature project per year.
• – Participation in provincial service days or campaigns.
• – Encouragement for individual members to volunteer time or skills.

7. Measurable Outcomes

Progress and impact will be tracked using annual key performance indicators (KPIs):

• Number of community projects supported (annual target 10+)
• Number of Charities/Organisations helped (annual target 20+)
• Total hours service delivered (annual target 1,000+)
• Number of Lodgess participating (annual target 50%+)
• Media mentions/social media reach (increased 100%)
• Membership enquiries linked to activity (annual target 10+)

8. Communication and Publicity

To ensure visibility and engagement:

• – Half yearly community impact bulletin.
• – Coordination with local media to promote community stories.
• – Active use of social media for updates and promotion.

9. Membership and Retention Benefits

A strong community engagement programme will:

• -Benefit our local communities, reflecting a positive image of freemasonry
• – Provide members with opportunities to live Freemasonry’s values.
• – Improve member satisfaction through external engagement.
• – Attract prospective members through visible, purposeful work.
• – Reinvigorate Lodge activity with fresh purpose.

10. Review and Evolution

The strategy will be evaluated and refined as follows:

• – Quarterly reviews by the Leadership Team including use of UGLE guidance and recommendations.
• – Sharing of best practices.
• – Feedback-driven evolution based on community and Lodge input.

11. Conclusion

This Community Engagement Strategy aims to place Lincolnshire Freemasons at the heart of the County’s military and civilian support networks. By committing time, skill, and energy,  Freemasons will make a tangible difference in the lives of others while enriching their own Masonic journey. As the organisation becomes synonymous with meaningful service, it will naturally enhance its profile and membership appeal across Lincolnshire.

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