In 1994, the Grand Lodge of Michigan Strategic Planning Committee appointed by the Grand Lodge Renewal Committee, had been working on a plan for renewing Freemasonry in Michigan. The vision that had been established calls for Freemasonry to become a preeminent organization for men in Michigan. This is no easy task for an organization that has lost some of its relevance and slipped from its enviable position of being the first choice of men 40 years ago.

One of the most intriguing and important parts of the strategy the Committee has recommended, is that renewal should begin with the most able lodges in Michigan, and they should be used as a motivation for others -- and eventually all -- lodges to become involved. These participating lodges have been named Acacia Lodges.

Fifteen Acacia Lodges were selected to participate in the Program. Since that time Lodge officers have attended four Leadership Seminars to hone their leadership skills and to learn new ways to manage the Lodge and increase public perception and awareness within the Community. The fact is, most people do not know what Masonry is or what we do. Utilizing the Program plan and concept, the Lodge will use the skills to make the community aware of who we are, what we stand for, and why good men should want to become Masons.

In 1998, Grand Master Hegyi felt the time had come to provide the Leadership Skills taught to the Acacia Lodges, to the rest of the Lodges throughout Michigan.  The Masonic Renewal Committee renamed the effort ACACIA+.

Lodge Leaders are asked to participate in a series of Seminars that will benefit their members. There is no attempt to reduce the ritual or to make other changes to the fundamental tenets of Freemasonry.

Lodge leaders are being asked to examine:
* How much time they spend on the same activities each week.
* How they can develop programs that involve the Lodge in the community.
* How they can involve the family with the member in the Lodge.
* How they can become more effective as leaders and managers of the Lodge.
* How they can improve Lodge communications. And
* How they can develop effective teams in the Lodges.

For this Program to work, it will take all of the active membership to participate and lend a hand. Two or three Brothers cannot go it alone.  It is time for US to grasp the reins and move the Lodge forward. The upcoming officers should realize that the Acacia+ Program is committed to renewal and excellence in everything we do, and begin to plan their year in the East accordingly.