Page 2 - Sojourner Newsletter-Fall 2024 Final1

2 THE SOJOURNER

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brothers and Ladies, this has already been a very productive and exciting year to date. I have many
things to go over with everyone.

The New Horizon Campaign was launched 24 Sept 2024. This is a fund raiser to help with the
operations of National Sojourners. This will be an ongoing fundraiser. All information is on the
website and has been sent out to Chapters. I cannot stress enough the importance of raising this
money. We are a small organization; we have restricted funds for our MIP dividends and Spirit of
America Endowment Fund. Money for day-to-day operations or new and existing projects are very
limited. We can barely pay the bills let alone develop new programs to better serve you. So please
seriously consider contributing what you can to help build our beloved order. Contribute now and
annually. I THANK ALL who have contributed and all who will contribute.

I am amazed at what I have seen and heard since becoming the National President. The attitude and frankly
ungentlemanly, even un-masonic attitude of some of our brothers is disappointing and shameful. I am ashamed that we
allow our Chapter Secretaries to age out of the position without assisting them or getting them help. About 99.9% of
what comes from National HQ is electronic. We have many Secretaries that are not computer literate. As they grow
older, things like bank accounts and checks don’t get taken care of. Reports to HQ and correspondence to brothers do not
get done and before you know it the Chapter is in trouble and no one is stepping up to help. Things we have seen:

1. No communication with chapters
2. 1/3 of our membership has no email on file. We cannot contact them electronically.
3. Emails, addresses, and phone numbers are not being updated in our MMS system.
4. Chapters losing access to bank accounts because only one person was listed on the accounts and that person
passed away or is no longer able to conduct banking business.
5. MIP dividend checks not getting cashed.
6. 20% of our chapters are not submitting their Chapter Annual Report (CAR). These are necessary for both tax
return obligations and who is running the Chapter.
7. Many Chapters are finding it easier to close than to work to keep their chapter going.

What I need every member to do:

1. Get on the National Sojourners website (www.nationalsojourners.org) and update your contact information. If
you can’t figure it out, ask the National Office.
2. Get your secretary some help; someone who can use a computer.
3. Have at least 2-3 brothers on your bank accounts. Cash your MIP dividend check.
4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BROTHERS!
5. Be kind and civil in your emails and communications with each other.
6. Say thanks when someone does something for you and be gentlemanly.

Everyone is responsible for the welfare of their Chapter. Every member of the chapter should take an active part in
helping their chapter grow and flourish. Be a good Masonic brother.

We are a volunteer organization. None of us are paid. The only difference is that when you raised your hand and said I
will do a particular job you obligated yourself to do the job. So, when you accept a position or a tasker, please do it or
step aside so we can get someone who will.

The work in in the quarries is long and hard. I pray that your Masonic enthusiasm will extend as much to National
Sojourners as it does to the other appendant bodies.

Remember the words in our opening from George Washington: “When we assumed the Soldier we did not lay aside the
citizen”

Fraternally Yours,
Carl Diamond, President
National Sojourners, Inc.