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The use of a WhatsApp group for a Lodge or a specific section within a Lodge (such as the Officers of the Lodge) is encouraged by the Provincial Grand Master as a positive way to keep in touch with members of the Lodge. 

 

A WhatsApp group is subject to the Provincial Social Media Guidelines, specifically with reference to content.  It should not be used in a manner which might inadvertently 'bring Freemasonry into disrepute' or to promote any private pique or quarrel which may adversely affect the harmony of the Lodge.

 

The Province recommends that if a Lodge wishes to use a WhatsApp group to share humorous text and images, it should consider creating two distinct groups.  However, the sharing of content should be carefully considered as recent events confirm that there is no such thing as a  'private chat' and all messages can be cut and pasted, and shared on other media.  It is also common knowledge that posts and chats from many years back can be retrieved and made public.  The sending or sharing of inappropriate images could result in Masonic censure.

 

The purpose of a Lodge WhatsApp group  should be to advise and inform all members of the Lodge (subject to their being able and willing to participate).  However, in order to conform to the rules of GDPR (Data Protection), every member of the WhatsApp group must have been invited to join and must give their consent to be a part of the group, and not be included in the group by default.

 

The WhatsApp group must not be used to bypass the Lodge Secretary or any other Officer of the Lodge in the proper discharge of his duty.

 

Setting up a WhatsApp group for your Lodge

 

WhatsApp is a messaging system that can be used on your iPhone, Android Phone, Laptop or iPad. It’s secure and the conversations are encrypted.

 

Messages can be sent to an individual (person to person) or to groups you have joined or created.

 

You can download the WhatsApp application on your Phone from your application store or click here then create an account, the application will guide you through this process.

 

Creating WhatsApp groups on your phone is easy, follow these simple steps:

 

1. Go to the CHATS tab in WhatsApp.

 

2. Tap the New Chat icon > New group

 

3. Search for or select contacts to add to the group. Then tap the green arrow.

 

        Contacts can be added to or removed from the group at any time by the group admin (by default the group creator)

 

4. Enter a group subject. This will be the name of the group that all participants will see.

 

       The subject limit is 25 characters.

 

5. You can add emoji to your subject by tapping Emoji. 

 

Optionally, add a group icon by tapping the Camera icon. You can choose to use your Camera, Gallery or Search Web to add an image.

 

Once set, the icon will appear next to the group in the CHATS tab.

 

Tap the green check mark or CREATE GROUP when you're finished.

 

To watch a video showing you how to create a new group on your phone click here