MasoniCHIP initiatives are unique as operated by each individual Masonic Jurisdiction, or “Grand Lodge”, that has purview over all “regular Freemasons” in a given geographic area such as a State or Province. Each Grand Lodge decides for itself the level at which it can dedicate resources and volunteers necessary to operate its MasoniCHIP initiative. Each must decide on the nature and extent of identifying items to include in the packages they will generate for parents at events.

The Grand Lodges of New York and Massachusetts, two of the first "Masonic Child ID" jurisdictions whose programs date back to 1990 and 1996 respectively, have both published an on-line manual/handbook that makes start-up is as easy as ONE, TWO, THREE:

• Download the NYCHIP Manual or the MYCHIP Handbook and follow it.
• Appoint your best, most energetic and organized Brother, as your State MasoniCHIP Director.
• Partner with your state law enforcement, Dental Association/Society and even State Board of Education Officials or local Boards of Education.

Your first step is to download NYCHIP Manual or visit www.mychip.org at the very bottom to download the MYCHIP Handbook. Do not try to re-invent the wheel. They have fine-tuned the process since 1990 and have identified over 300,000 in each state. Connecticut, Nebraska, Maine and several jurisdictions have been able to start from scratch, follow the handbook, order several sets of equipment, and be up and running in about three months. (you should figure 3-6 months).

Your Second Step is to appoint the best State Director you can enlist, a State Committee of three dedicated Brothers, and order several sets of Equipment. Once chosen, please send us his name and contact info that we may enroll him into our network of "Worker Bees" support group of State Directors across America who he can contact for info on Logos, printed material and permission forms necessary to get started. Then pick a pilot Masonic District (usually your State Director’s home District). The choice of your State Director will make or break your MasoniCHIP initiative.

Step three is to build relationships with supporting partners and get the buy-in of your Lodges, develop a game plan for providing initial funding for this initiative, and plant seeds for obtaining long-term funding from local Masonic and non-Masonic institutions. Remember you are providing a service at "No Cost to Parents" and can obtain financial support from non-Masonic sources as well.

Several Masonic Jurisdictions have fined tuned the New York and Massichusette programs to fit their needs and we will be posting their MANUALS as we receive them for your comparison.  Thes manuals are only a starting point.