Oregon DeMolay participated in the DeMolay International Region 8 Meeting held January 23–25 in downtown Portland. Jurisdictions from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Northern California, and Southern California gathered for a weekend focused on collaboration, leadership development, and long-term planning.
Using Traction by Gino Wickman as a guiding framework, participants explored how its principles can be applied within DeMolay to strengthen organizational clarity and long-term effectiveness. Discussions centered on core values, leadership alignment, and where each jurisdiction sees its program and membership over the next five years.
For Oregon DeMolay, the meeting provided an opportunity for focused internal work. The three State Officers engaged with members of the Oregon State Staff in meaningful conversations about a shared vision for the jurisdiction. These discussions generated several strong ideas related to membership growth, program consistency, and long-term sustainability, and leaders left the weekend committed to continuing this work.
The Region 8 program was developed by Bjorn Johnson, Region 8 Representative, alongside Dad Gary Mier of Oregon DeMolay and Dad Matthew Luedke of Washington DeMolay. Past International Master Councilors Max Shanmugasundaram (2024–25) and Cade Lowrance (2021–22) also assisted throughout the weekend, providing guidance and perspective.
The weekend included additional leadership insight from outside the organization. During Saturday lunch, former Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway spoke to the group about leadership, community engagement, and vision. Past International Congress Secretary Jared S. Replogle (2019–2020) also joined via Zoom to deliver a presentation focused on organizational alignment and intentional planning.
Participants additionally visited several downtown Portland businesses, including Powell’s Books, Linen Society, and Spella Caffè, offering real-world examples of leadership and organizational culture in action.
Oregon DeMolay remains committed to thoughtful planning and collaboration as it looks toward the future, building on the momentum created during the Region 8 Meeting.
