Why are you pursuing an aggressive recruiting campaign now?  It doesn’t fit with the low profile attitude of freemasons.

The Grand Lodge and the Lodges are not aggresively pursuing members, but letting men know that Freemasonry is for every man of good character and wants to help himself to become a better man.

The Masons conducted a survey a dozen years ago and found that most people did not know who or what the Masons were. Many lodges were losing older members through death and not adding as many new members.  Our Grand Lodge decided to become proactive and not let our wonderful fraternity die from neglect.  We established Masonic Awareness Officers in each lodge and Membership Committees to determine how we should and could increase awareness in our communities and be a more active part of the community.  Many of our lodges began Child-ID Programs and Angel Fund Programs to add to the scholarships and other more subtle community support we have provided for many years. Awareness slowly increased and with new members came new ideas and energies.  Out Grand Lodge was encouraged to do more, on a state-wide level, to support local efforts.  This has led to the public advertising program and open web site, to a state-wide Ambassador program, Leadership Institute and expansion of the state-wide health care system.
The simple answer: we have not just now decided to recruit.  We have learned that to wait for men to come to us, without any reason for them to do so, is foolish. We warmly welcome inquiries from good men who wish to learn more. We still require references to ensure that only good men receive an invitation to join.
I have been a member for 24 years and find the new programs have added new energies and ideas to our lodge and district, and enjoy visiting around the state to see the renewed fraternal activity and brotherly love that is alive and vibrant around the state.  This is the time for Masons to renew involvement in the lodge and in the community.  This is an exciting time to become a member and to meet other good men.  It has enriched my life beyond description. I hope this gives you some answer as to why now. 
Fraternally,
George Haile, Beverly MA

( Disclaimer- I belong to a Mass. lodge, but I am NOT authorized to speak for my lodge, nor the Grand Lodge of Mass, nor any other Grand Lodge, or masonic organization. My comments are my own, and not necessarily those of anyone important!)

Masonry and the Masonically-affiliated organizations have traditionally kept a “low profile”. Masonic and masonically-affiliated charities and philanthropies, have traditionally operated “under the radar”, with very little fanfare or publicity. (The Shriners’ fantastic FREE hospitals, for crippled and burned children, is one exception).

Recruting and inviting men into the fraternity, is generally forbidden, by most Grand Lodges. Kentucky even forbids the “2B1 ASK 1”,bumper sticker. Some, but not all Grand Lodges, have decided to reach out to the community, and put a more public face on Freemasonry, and to move Masonry out into the “public eye”. If more men learn about the Fraternity, and the history and statements of purpose for the organization, it is hoped that some men may choose to petition.

Television, the internet, as well as other more traditional methods, are being used by some grand Lodges, to increase public awareness, and understanding of the Gentle Craft. Many, but not all of the appendant and concordant bodies, are also making some public relations exercises.

Our traditional posture, has been “Masonry does not seek men, Men seek Masonry”. In our mobile, and dynamic society, the organizations and activities which men practiced 75 years ago, tend to get overlooked in the rush. I, for one, think this new openness in Masonry is fantastic. Men, who otherwise would have no clue about what Masonry is, are now able to see the history, purposes and dynamism of Masonry much more easily, than would have been possible, only a few years ago.

On the Square,

I apologize for word choice- I didn’t intend it to be offensive.  I’m interested in learning more.  What qualifies one as a good person- I have a history that’s not perfect but I genuinely want to help people.  Is there more to it than that?

Each investigating committee determines what constitutes a good man.
If you have questions, you should speak to representatives from your local lodge. When a man applies through filing an application, he must list about nine references.  An investigation committee is appointed and contacts each reference, and meets with the candidate.  Each member of the investigation committee submits a recommendation to the lodge, which is read in lodge prior to a secret ballot being held.  There must be a 100% favorable vote. If you have a felony background or history of cheating others, or beating your spouse or children, you likely would not receive a favorable recommendation. If there are questionable issues in your past, you should disclose that when you first speak with the lodge officers to fill out an application.  You can together determine if you should proceed at that time.  Good Luck.
George Haile