Information
Please read the FAQs below to familiarise yourself with the services that the Communications Team undertake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a photographer for an event?
Photography is commissioned internally by the Communications Team. You are welcome to take photographs yourself, and post them to the Provincial Facebook Group.
Can Communications make a video for me?
Videos are commissioned internally by the Communications Team. You are welcome to create your own video, but this may not be used, especially if it is for external consumption.
I am undertaking an Individual Challenge for the Festival. How can the Communications Team help?
These challenges can be highlighted in the Provincial Post if you send in a relevant photo and some background information. You are welcome to post to the Provincial Facebook Group as you wish. It is better to start by talking to the Festival Committee first by completing the following form: https://bit.ly/3ZRHkr5
Who is responsible for taking photos at an event?
This is usually the responsibility of the Lodge or Chapter to organise. Please see the section on Photography Hints.
How do I add something to the website?
Generally speaking, we do not post material to the Members Website. This is especially true of material that can date quickly. Rather, we ask you to post to the Provincial Facebook Group (PFG). Websites are good for reference material, such as Toast Lists. However, social media is approximately 40x more effective at communicating news as it uses "push" technology (rather than a website that uses "pull" technology). The PFG has the additional advantages that it is (largely) under your control in terms of content, and the way the technology works old material does not need removing.
Why are there two websites?
Different audiences require different messaging. The Public Website is where members of the public can see who we are, what we do and where we meet. This website is kept deliberately "lean" to make it easily navigable. If people want to know more, they can contact us. The Members Website (this one!) is for members and is composed mainly of reference documents. This website is less high profile, but it is not "hidden" as this a) makes it more difficult for our members to find, and b) there is nothing confidential on this site.
I have some photos for the Provincial Facebook Group, where do I e-mail them?
The Communications Team do not post on behalf of other people on the Provincial Facebook Group. This would entirely defeat the object of social media, which features user-generated content. You are invited, instead, to post it yourself to the group.
Why can't I share from the Provincial Facebook Group?
The Provincial Facebook Group is a designated "private group" on the platform. This means that people can find the group, but they cannot view any of the posts. This means we can maintain privacy over our internal communications. If users were allowed to share it would risk sharing something public that was intended to be private. However, if you need to share something with another private group, say a Lodge group on WhatsApp, users can use screen shots. However, please be aware you may be violating someone's privacy.
Where do I send what to where?
Generally speaking, we try and decentalise communications and make it as accessible as possible. For the Provincial Post, you will need to send the information to the Provincial Communications Officer (PCO). Please use the e-mail address that is used to send out the Provincial Post. The e-mail address is not included here, as it will be "hoovered up" by e-mail spammers. Sorry!
Why is Facebook used so often?
Facebook is by far the most popular social media app used by freemasons. We have the Provincial Facebook Group (PFG) which is only for members of our Province. All members are welcome to post to the group. The Provincial Facebook Page (PFP) is controlled by the Communications Team and is mainly for an external audience. Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for example, are used but we know from the metrics that these have far less reach.
Which social media channels are we active on?
Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly known as Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn
What fund-raising activities do Comms Support?
Unfortunately, the Communications Team can only support activities that promote one or both of our designated charities; the Masonic Charitable Fund (MCF) and West Riding Masonic Charities Limited (WRMCL). Brethren already have a lot of calls upon their money, and we are unable to provide further requests that support other causes.