‘OPERATION TAKE OWNERSHIP’ 

By Richard F. Denno

At this year’s Grand Lodge Session, on April 4^th, lodges will be introduced to one of the most dynamic and passionate lifesaving programs ever presented to Connecticut Freemasonry, OPERATION TAKE OWNERSHIP. The program is an extension of our Masonic Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Program, which will provide individual lodges the opportunity to ‘make a lifesaving difference’ within their respective communities. Opportunities for individual brothers to also positively impact their towns and cities are a major part of the program.

Since our inception, in January of 2009, the Masonic Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Program has travelled to lodges all over the state, spreading the lifesaving message of organ/tissue/eye donor registration. Members have told ‘their stories’ (both happy and tragic,) in the hope of encouraging brothers, their family and friends to learn more at the Donate Life website, www.donatelifenewengland.org, and to register as organ donors on their online registry.

Now, two years after our humble beginnings, we are asking both lodges and their brother members to ‘Take Ownership’ of THEIR Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Program. I spoke at my home lodge (which I was privileged to be Worshipful Master of in 2004) a few weeks ago. I told my Anchor Lodge brothers that from now on, let this be considered the Anchor Lodge #112 Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Program, not the Masonic Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Program. ‘Taking Ownership’ of the program is simply spreading the lifesaving organ & Tissue donor message throughout your communities. By doing so, you’ll first and foremost, be instrumental in the saving of the lives of those around you, while at the same time practicing one of Freemasonry’s greatest goals, that of community service. As a side benefit, your lodge will be receiving the recognition that often accompanies good works. Finally, remember that quality men want to be associated with groups that make a difference in their communities.

Here are some things you can do in your community:

1) Book Club- Many excellent books have been published about organ and tissue donation. Suggest one to your existing book club or start a book club in your community that discusses transplant books. Conduct a donor registry drive where the book is sold or at the library. Invite the author to present (by phone or letter to your book club) and obtain local press.

2) Movie Night- Many movies have a transplant or donation theme. Invite friends and acquaintances over to watch and discuss. If a movie is playing at a local theatre – obtain permission to conduct a donor registry drive or place literature in the theatre. Ask for permission to say a few words before the movie, and let people know you are available afterwards to answer questions in the lobby or outside.

3) TV Series Night- There are many TV shows such as, Three Rivers, which deal with transplant or donation. Invite friends, family and acquaintances over to watch. Or promote the series at work or clubs and provide donor registry sign-up brochures. Write a letter to the producer to tell them about the importance of the topic and what you like about it.

4) Cocktail, Wine and Cheese, Coffee and Cake Party- Invite acquaintances over for a treat and to hear your story and information about the donor registry and transplantation and donation.

5) Flowers for Life- During Donate Life Month, April 2011, a planting of forget-me-nots and other flowers by donor families were held at the New York Botanical Gardens. Hold a ―flowers for life‖ in the memory of donors who gave the gift of life in a garden in your neighborhood and invite local support groups, hospital personnel and media.

6) Contacting your state legislator- In addition to Legislative Day, an event in which the New York Organ Donor Network takes bus loads of volunteers to Albany to meet with their state representatives, you can write letters or call your representative when important issues are up for vote or debate. The Donor Network will keep you informed of these opportunities by e-mail.  

7) Social Networking- Respond or write on the New York Organ Donor Network Facebook or respond to requests on Web page or Facebook.

8) Lunch and Learn- At work, or at a club or organization you belong to; you can set up a lunch and learn session where you can educate peers.

9) Family Reunions- This is an opportunity for you to share with people who are close to you, but who you may not often see. Share your story and facts.

10) Picnics & Barbecues- Invite friends, family, acquaintances. Let them know this is a picnic or barbecue to commemorate donor families, living donors, and use this as a chance to educate.

11) Public Places- Obtain permission to present a power point and program to the community at public spaces such as post offices, libraries, motor vehicle offices, high schools, etc.