Portland Valley VMAP 2016 in Review by Richard Nowacki 32°

Overview and Background

VMAP, or the Valley Membership Achievement Program, is a strategic initiative on behalf of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, to instruct and inspire Valleys in key activity areas. These key areas are divided up into focuses like, Recruitment, Mentorship, Philanthropy or Degree Conferral Proficiency, and are designed to spark the competitive spirit between Valleys while helping us to focus on meaningful activities.

I believe strongly in this program because I know how hard it can be to maximize focus and time, while prioritizing projects that all need completion. VMAP gives an outline or cookbook for these key areas in good detail. I also like that VMAP calls into question why we do things the way we do, which gives us the opportunity to bolster what we are doing really well and to begin critical thinking for how we might improve, because really problems are just opportunities to grow. The program is always evolving according to Admiral Sizemore’s and Sovereign Grand Commander Ron Seal’s guidance as well as the feedback from regional conferences held throughout the year around the country. As a group we are able to provide feedback on items that didn’t or did work for us, and I have already seen evidence of direct feedback being implemented with “fill-able forms” for next year’s package.

What VMAP Means to Portland

Portland is a very unique and beautiful valley for many reasons, some of the primary ones being our long History as one of the first Scottish Rite Valleys on the West Coast and also the vibrant partnership our first SGIG John C. Ainsworth had with Albert Pike. Today we have some of the most beautiful ritual work around, as well as incredible representation within Blue Lodges, businesses and educational institutions. When all of the pieces fall into place we are truly unstoppable.

So what does VMAP do for Portland? Well, in case you haven’t noticed we are in the midst of significant personnel change, not just with a new PR but also with the passing of many “batons” from other key areas like key ritual parts, light and sound, wardrobe, KSA and Orient responsibilities. Our average age has also grown younger, partly due to the sad passing of our beloved senior Brethren, and partly due to what good-hearted young men are seeking in this modern era. Younger members have less time, they are working and starting families, so the time they do spend with us should be jam-packed with Scottish Rite energy. Because of these facts, it is mission critical to pass the wisdom and know-how from one to another efficiently and effectively. We can’t be shy to share the spotlight, or step into the spotlight as the situation demands. We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves and share the sacred bond, which is rolling up our sleeves and getting something meaningful done. 

Strengths and Weaknesses for 2016

Strengths:

• Degree Conferral
  • We conferral all degrees with regularity and professionalism
• Scottish Rite Education
  • We offer regular talks, presentations and study groups
• Reunion Experience
  • We confer a strong reunion experience, we have a fantastic reputation for our work here
• Member Recruitment
  • We have a lot of excited new members every single Reunion

Weaknesses:

• Member Retention/Engagement
  • We need more new members to come regularly and assume responsibility or support role in their areas of interest, or think up new areas for them to take part
  • Are we truly (individually) welcoming in the new members as our Brothers?
• Educating Membership about Philanthropy
  • Does the average member know everything that we have to offer, and how they can get involved if they want to?
• Training Protégés
  • Do you have a protégé for your individual responsibilities?
  • Do you want to be a protégé?

Even though there are still areas for us to work on, that will always be the case because we are always growing and getting better. The Portland Valley is strong, and I have never been more inspired by what we can achieve together. I feel personally honored that I am your VMAP Chairman, and I want to thank the Brothers who have helped this year with the reporting and documentation process: Larry Roberts, Bob Fountain, John Tucker, Wayne Ford, Jason Smith, Nate Neff, Cord Andersen, Brian Witt and Kent Cox.

As Albert Pike once said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

…Let us all keep his words in mind as we move forwards courageously in 2017 and beyond.

Richard Nowacki 32°, Wise Master of Ainsworth Chapter Rose Croix, Portland Valley VMAP Chairman.