2016 Lodge Communications Awards
The Lodge Communications Awards recognize California lodges that are doing an exemplary job of connecting with members and the general public through traditional and modern communications tools. Lodges may submit entries in one or more of the five categories:
• Best Social Media Strategy
• Best Trestleboard
• Best Use of Lodge App
• Best Website
• Best Communication Campaign
More details about each category, as well as links to submission forms, are provided below. Submission instructions are included on each entry form. Entries will be judged by the Grand Lodge Communication Department. Winners will be announced at the Annual Communication.
Deadline: All entries must be received by July 31, 2016. If you will be submitting a hard copy entry, please allow adequate time for mailing.
Prizes:
• Two complimentary tickets to the Saturday evening grand master’s social event during Annual Communication
• Publication as a Best Practice in an upcoming issue of The Leader
• Recognition in the 2015-2016 Masons of California annual report
Award Category Descriptions:
1. Best Social Media Strategy
Best overall content in one or more social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, etc.) to promote and build lodge identity and community. Judging criteria include:
- Messaging is relevant, grammatically accurate, and welcoming
- Postings are presented in a variety of formats to deeply engage members
- Postings are appropriate for both an internal (member) and external (public) audience
- Channels demonstrate success at building lodge identity and community
Download the social media strategy entry form and instructions.
2. Best Trestleboard
Best lodge Trestleboard delivered to members monthly. Digital and/or hard copy versions may be submitted for consideration. Judging criteria include:
- Content – Messaging is relevant, easy to understand, and grammatically accurate; relevant details are included; incudes clear calls to action; includes lodge contact information
- Design – Both print and/or digital design elements are professional and work successfully in tandem with the content
- Distribution – Trestleboard’s distribution matches the needs of its membership
Download the Trestleboard entry form and instructions.
3. Best Use of Lodge App
Best use of the lodge app to conduct lodge business and to promote and build lodge identity and community. Judging criteria include:
- App shows consistent engagement by a variety of members
- A variety of the app features are being utilized (calendar, payment tools, etc.)
- Number of subscribers on the lodge app (proportionate to lodge size)
- Relevant links are included to help members locate other needed information
Download the lodge app entry form and instructions.
4. Best Website
Best lodge website to engage and inform both members of the lodge, prospective Masons, and the general public. Judging criteria include:
- Messaging – Relevant, easy to understand, grammatically accurate and welcoming; incudes clear calls to action; appropriate for both an internal and external audience. Necessary details are included and easy to find; including lodge contact information.
- Design – Both print and/or digital design elements are professional and work successfully in tandem with the content. Imagery is engaging. Information is organized in a way that makes it easy for users to engage with materials and find needed information.
Download the website entry form and instructions.
5. Best Communication Campaign
Best use of a variety of communications vehicles (print, digital, social) to create and execute a communications campaign for a specific event that achieved measurable results. Lodges may submit up to two campaigns for consideration. Types of campaigns include:
- Internal campaign – Goal is to increase meeting attendance or to promote an event, Masonic education, youth order mentoring, etc.
- Outreach campaign – Goal is to connect vulnerable fraternal family members with resources offered through the Masonic Homes of California
- Capital campaign – Goal is to raise money for needed lodge repairs, etc.
- External campaigns – Goal is to raise awareness of Masonry in the community
Digital and/or hard copy materials may be submitted for consideration. Judging criteria include:
- Content – Messaging is relevant to the goal and audience, easy to understand, and grammatically accurate; relevant details are included; incudes clear calls to action
- Design – Both print and/or digital design elements are professional and work successfully in tandem with the content
- Use of platforms – Messages are presented consistently across a variety of communications platforms that are appropriate to the audience and campaign. These may include Trestleboard ads/articles, emails, direct mail pieces, press releases, print advertising, lodge website and signage, social media
- Measured success of campaign
Download the communications campaign entry form and instructions.