Our Governing Body
Freemasonry in North America has evolved congruent with societal norms over the past 275 years. There is no national president or head. Each state/province elects their own Grand Master to serve as CEO and approves regulation to govern their activities. Fremasonry convenes a Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America (CGMNA) each year in February for the purpose of sharing ideas and concerns relative to mutual recognition and visitation of each other's assemblies acording to established tenants and customs. Organizations formed by the CGMNA, all public foundations include: George Washington Masonic Memorial in Arlington Virginia, the Masonic Service Association of North America located in Silver Springs Maryland and the National Masonic Foundation for Children that sponsors Student Assistant training for teaching professional in our communities. ln 2004 Masonichip International was formed and added to the list of Organizations of the CGMNA and it received final declaration as a public foundation in March of 2009. Masonichip has evolved to serve as:
1. a clearing house of information on "Best Practices" of Masonic Safety Identification Programs as developed by our constituent Masonic Grand Lodges.
2. a network of collaborating programs sharing info and development of common internet tools and equipment necessary to effectively and efficiently conduct Masonichip Events.
3. a entity that would foster collaborations with other national organizations engaged in the arena of child identification, abduction awareness and kids safety.
Masonichip International reports each year to the CGMNA in February, holds its Annual Meeting to elect a Boad of Directors and its Officers, and approve a budget and action plan for the current year. The Officers of the nine member Board of Directors manage its affairs during the year between conferences. We also have a network of area ambassadors across North America.
Each year, we organize several conferences and workshops that gather those engaged in Masonic Safety ID to share "best practices", brainstorm and receive training on new techniques and new developments from Masons across America.
Two gatherings are slated for 2010 and geographically located to minimize costof travel for participants.
Mid-West Collaborative Learning Academy, a full two-day Conference in Columbia, Missouri will be held April 9-10, 2010 hosted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri at their Grand Lodge Office and Museum.
Mid-Atlantic Collaborative Learning Academy, a full two-day Conference in Cockysville, Maryland will be held March 19-20, 2010 hosted by the Grand Lodge of Maryland at their Grand Lodge Complex.
On February 21, 2010 The Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America holds is annual conference in Alexandria, VA near the site of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of its creation as a public charity of the Conference of Grand Masters. Masonichip International, now also a public charity of the Conference of Grand Masters celebrates its 6th Anniversary of its creation in Washington DC in 2004.
