Dear New York DeMolay Family:
On July 11, 2020 per the edict of the Grand Lodge of New York, Masonic Bodies in New York may return to in person events.
1) I cannot stress this enough, return to in person events is optional and 100% voluntary.
If your chapter has made the choice to return to in person events, individuals should feel 100% empowered not to attend those events. If you have questions or concerns please reach out to me.
The health and safety of our members, sweethearts, advisors and families is our #1 priority.
2) Variances put in place to allow for virtual events and activities remain in place, and if there is something else that we can do to make virtual easier or better do not hesitate to let me know.
3) If your chapter has made the choice to return to in person events:
- The COVID19 document outlines the requirements for hosting in person events and must be followed. It may be found here and has been emailed to the advisor listserve. It is also on the resources page.
If the link is not working it is here:
https://nydemolay.net/ss/files/misc/NYD_COVID-7-10-2020.pdf
- COVID19 is fluid and depending on what comes out of the Federal Centers for Disease Control, New York State Department of Health or your local department of health may result in changes to these policies. So there is no confusion: If your local health department says no in person meetings, you may not meet.
- Your local building association or temple association may impose additional guidelines. The more restrictive guideline stands. For example, if your building association says no in person meetings, there are no in-person meetings.
4) Acknowledgments:
These policies were developed looking at best practices of other youth organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Washington State DeMolay, Region I DeMolay, and New Jersey DeMolay. A big thank you to "Dad" Brunson, "Dad" Noble and "Dad" Mossberg. I also want to thank “Mom” Gale Gould, Supreme Inspector for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and Mrs. Turri, State Director of the Organization of Triangles for meeting and discussing issues related to COVID19 as well.
In addition, looking over reopening plans used by several faith organizations, institutions of higher education, summer youth programs, corporate America, and labor organizations.
I want to thank “Mom” Celentano, “Mom” Cook, “Dad” Riha and Mr. Adam Tager in preparing the draft.
The State Executive Committee and State Advisory Council provided key insight and suggestions and ideas, including “Dad” Brandt, “Dad” Evarts, “Dad” Heitmann, “Dad” Hurkala, “Dad” Schneider, and “Dad” Williams.
The Grand Lodge and our Grand Master, MW Dad Sardone, were incredibly helpful and we are so lucky to have their support, now more than ever.
In our 101-year history, DeMolay has faced war, economic downturns, cultural changes, and other hurdles. DeMolay has emerged successfully because we kept our eyes focused on brotherhood and our values. We are in this together.
Yours for a stronger and healthy New York DeMolay,
“Dad” Brusoe