Message from the 1st Vice President

Dear Members,
A look back, during the pandemic:
It has been an unusual year and a half. The COVID-19 pandemic has reflected on how OSDIA and our members remain resilient and continue finding ways to serve our lodges.

Years from now members will look back on these issues and see how our world is constantly changing and how new things became part of our everyday lives, such as face masks and virtual meetings.

How many of you participated in a videoconference such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams before 2020? How many unfamiliar products are now considered commonplace as we use them to connect with others.

These platforms allow us to continue to connect, even if it is through a screen. The pandemic pushed us to use technology that has been around for a few years and get creative on how we reach members and serve our Lodges.

Our National Supreme Lodge and Grand Lodge turned to videoconferencing to hold meetings and events. This not only allowed those who regularly attended meetings to join in, but those who had not been able to attend the in-person gatherings previously.

Our National Office has reached more members by increasing online learning opportunities. When the pandemic started, events across the nation were canceled. So, staff had to produce new ways to deliver the important content. When lockdown began, staff developed and adapted content to expand OSDIA to include live webinars that are each under an hour.

Since the launch of OSDIA Interviews Live, National Office has been able to reach OSDIA members who were not previously able to engage with national events. The webinars allow members to connect from home, at on expense, or travel, and just a one-hour commitment.

Staying connected remains necessary. One thing many of us learned over this period is the importance of human connection.

Please take the time to share the information of events I email and share with the lodges of the Grand Lodge of California that is received from our National Office.

Fraternal Best Wishes for all a Happy Prospers Healthy New Year!