The Grand Lodge is hosting a class that is open to Members of Constituent Lodges throughout New Mexico. This class is offered to assist our membership in understanding the internet and how it can and is affecting our Lodges and Members. Though "geek speak" will be used, our plan is to define or translate some of the common lingo into plain English. Our goals are to provide everyone with the ability to use the tools that are in place to enhance communication among the Craft, to show how technology can be an asset to you and your Lodge, and to share ideas (both to and from) of how we can make things better.

We plan to meet at the Mesa Charities Building at 9:00am for a wonderful DeMolay Pancake Breakfast and then meet at the Grand Lodge Building at 11:00am.

We hope you will join us for this introductory course. Please see the attached document for the "syllabus".

• Cost: Donations will be accepted to cover class materials
• Time: 11:00am
• Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012
• Location: Grand Lodge of New Mexico Library
• Course: Electronic Communications 101
• Audience: Any NM Mason who works with email or web for the Lodge or for work/personal interests
• Goal: In a relaxed but structured environment provide an understanding of how internet technology works and can be used to positively impact our Masonic experience.

Fraternally and Sincerely,

The Grand Lodge Web Team

Syllabus: An Introduction to Grand Lodge Electronic Communications

The Basics – How Does the Internet Work?

• What is a “Domain” and why Register?
• How does Email Work?
• What is a web host?
• The Grand Lodge Web Hosting Program

What is a Website?

•           What is your plan for business or activity?
•           What can a website do? - Introduction
•           Types of websites (static/dynamic/managed content)
•           The Lodge website
•           The Grand Lodge website
•           How websites can work together

Using a Content Management System (CMS)

• The Joomla! Platform
• Parts is parts – Categories, Articles, Menus, Modules, Extensions
• Administration of a Joomla! site from the “back end”
• Setup and navigation of the Joomla! “front end” – For ease of use