One more time, your input, please
I thought that as we brush off the snow from the current storm hitting New England and the dust from a long weekend, you might want to use this forum as an opportunity to comment on the issue of the Learning Center branding.
As reported in December, the process of rebranding has been brought to a subcommittee of the Learning Center corporate board of directors. A team led by Eric Ginette has been provided all the responses you have provided this office up until now as well as all the research put into the process to date.
I understand that this subcommittee plans to make final recommendations that may include a formal motion that will determine the future brand of our charity.
While no firm naming conventions are currently on the table, a few broad themes have been discussed - paradigms that might effect a final recommendation. If you have any thoughts on these issues, you might weigh in by commenting to this posting.
- Should the name primarily lead with a Masonic connection or not (perhaps followed by sponsored by...)?
- Should the program be a "clinic", a "program", a "center" or something else?
- Is keeping the "teddy bear" a good idea? If so, should it be changed in any way?
12 comments:
I'd take out the "Masonic" from our name, it gives the connotation that we're indoctrinating children with our philosphy. While that may not be all bad, it isn't what we do. Also, I think we need a subtitle to tell what we do. There are many learning centers out there, I'd like to see us as " (Location, e.g. Greater Boston) Learning Center for Children, The Dyslexia Project". If we're looking for corporate sponsorship or grants, then publicly I wouldn't tie us to the fraternity, but I wouldn't shy away from it either, we are and should remain a program of the Scottish Rite.
Rob Huke, Secretary, Board of Governors, Greater Boston Learning Center
I agree with Rob Huke. I like (Location)Learning Center for Children with Dyslexia. I am not opposed to a new logo, but think we should keep the teddy bear logo even if it isn't the one we primarily use.
Brian Pettice
Board of Governors, Valley of Danvilee Learning Center
The title of our centers stating (Location) Learning Center for Children with Dyslexia states clearly our mission. We could show our connection to Scottish Rite with a subheading.
The Learning Centers in the south use Scottish Rite Learning Center of (location). This title shows the connection to Scottish Rite, but does not clearly state what they do.
The bear logo needs updating. We could have a bear logo with different outfits to make it more appropriate for different age groups or events. (ex. bear with motorcycle outfit; summer bear with sunglasses and beach or picnic outfit; jogging bear; formal wear bear)
Kathleen Carlsen
Center Director, Philadelphia
The question of including some form of the word "Masonary" in the title is one of view point. Are we internally focused on ourselves or externally focused on the children we serve?
Ron Beebe
Chairman
Bay City Learning Center
It is my view that that we continue a Masonic connection. My participation and service in our craft for 55 years influences me that the light of this gentle fraternity should not be hidden
from the world. We should continue our current efforts in our Learning Centers for Dyslexia Children. Retain the the Masonic name and presence so that the communities who we serve respond to us a caring institution. The public bodies in Hasbrouck Heights,New Jersey such as the Mayor and Council and the Board of Education have responded to the HHLC and the local Masonic Lodge (Euclid No. 136) because of the community outreach by freemasons. There is sincere support and encouragement by the leadership in the communities and Masonic lodges in the area.
Retain our masonc identity
Retain the word CENTERS
Retain our Teddy Bear symbol
Furthermore reach out to the other organizations, groups, and Churches in our communities. Freemasons should be active in other endeavors outside the craft for the benefit of all.
Our Learning Centers are the best Masonic Charity
thanka to those leaders in our Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons in the Northern Jurisdiction
Lest we forget!
Gil Hunt, Chair,Hasbrouck Heights 32nd Degree
Masonic Learning Center for
Children with Dyslexia
Valley of Northern N.J.
Our Board brainstormed the question, "What should we name our Center" and came up with two suggestions. 1) Masonic Center for Dyslexia and 2) Children's Dyslexia Center. We were unanimous on the name including dyslexia because that is what we are about and center because that is our focus. The non-masons on our Board favored suggestion 2) and the Masons favored 1), naturally or not.
"Dyslexia" was a high vote getter in our brainstorming session and I personally believe it should be in our name.
The Logo was discussed but not conclusively. We have a Board Member whose wife is a Graphic Artist. I asked him to come up with some ideas that we can discuss at our February 22 Meeting.
I think the Teddy Bear is not representative of our mission. Perhaps a logo that reflects reading or learning would be better. We will submit some ideas next week.
The Harrisburg BOG will meet on Feb 22nd.
A discussion on rebranding will take place and We will report back at that time.
Call me sentimental, but I like the Teddy Bear!
Not a bad idea though about using the Bear in different outfits.
Allan Longnaker, Chairman
Harrisburg Learning Center
If there is a concern that some students are too old for the teddy bear (and I do like the idea of various outfits), then the word "children" should also be a concern. As a former teacher, I have found that students beyond elementary school do not want to be called children. Learning Center for Dyslexia with the Masonic affiliation in the subtitle may be a good alternative.
The Dayton Board members unanimously voted for Masonic Learning Center for Children with Dyslexia.
Like others, they felt Dyslexia, Children, and Masonry had to be in the title.
We didn't discuss the bear logo but didn't care for the last one suggested.
Stan Erk
Chairman - Dayton
We don't mind a "sponsored by..." tagline.
We think that using the Learning Center title is good due to the recognition factor.
As far as the teddy bear, could we update him perhaps with a graduation hat or glasses, but definitely lose the bow! Too Cute.
The children that we help are not of "teddy bear" age.
I think we should lose the teddy bear and get a more representative logo!
Name Submission for Learning Centers
Double Eagle Learning Centers
(sponsored by 32nd degree Free & Accepted Masons)
Tutoring Dyslexic Children the Orton Gillingham Way
Education for Brighter Tommorrows
silver eagle on left and right side
on verdant green background
Mark A Ginty Board Member Columbus, OH
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