In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, Freemasonry found itself at a crossroads. Undeterred by the constraints of lockdowns and social distancing measures, the organisation embraced the digital realm, giving birth to 'Solomon Live' – a monthly webinar series that seamlessly blends the timeless essence of Freemasonry with the convenience of virtual engagement.
Originally launched during the pandemic as a means to engage existing members, attract new members, and spread knowledge, 'Solomon Live' has evolved into a platform that transcends geographical boundaries. It offers Freemasons from all corners of the globe a lively and engaging space, a virtual home where we can all come together to explore all aspects of the Craft and Royal Arch. Spearheaded by Omaid Hiwaizi, the communications lead for the Learning and Development Group and Metropolitan Grand Communications Officer, and hosted by Brody Swain, Solomon Live takes its viewers on a captivating journey through thought-provoking discussions and fun and light-hearted conversations about various topics from within the world of Freemasonry, fostering a sense of global camaraderie.
We sat down with Omaid to learn more about Solomon Live's history, the challenges the team faces while organising such a massive undertaking, and what’s in store for the series' future.
Q: Can you give us an overview of what the Solomon Live webinars are and its purpose and goals?
A: ‘The Solomon Live webinar is a monthly series that offers an engaging and entertaining platform to explore topics of Freemasonry interest, open to both Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike. The core idea behind this innovative webinar is to facilitate the advancement of knowledge in Freemasonry through a light-hearted and entertaining format. Rather than a traditional, formal approach, Solomon Live aims to recreate the atmosphere of a casual conversation between friends at a pub. Our format is designed to be similar to an entertaining TV program, with a lively and fun exchange of ideas and insights, allowing participants to delve into Freemasonry subjects in a thought-provoking yet enjoyable manner.’
Q: What were some of the initial challenges that the team faced while developing Solomon Live?
A: ‘The Solomon Live webinar series owes its success to the unwavering support of Anthony Howlett-Bolton, the chair of the Learning and Development Group and the Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire. His enthusiasm for the concept was instrumental in overcoming the initial challenges that accompany the development of any new webinar series. Recognising the need for a dynamic host, Anthony kindly initiated a recruitment process, which led to the fortuitous appointment of Brody Swain, a professional radio jockey, anchor, and the then Provincial Communications Officer for Worcestershire.
In collaboration with the members of the Learning and Development Programme Group and Brody, a comprehensive discussion ensued to determine the optimal format for the proposed idea. Ultimately, the team settled on a webinar approach over traditional presentations, recognising its potential for increased engagement and interactivity with the viewers. To ensure a concise yet comprehensive experience, it was decided to limit the webinars to a maximum duration of 45 minutes, inclusive of a dedicated segment for addressing questions from the audience.
From its inception, the Solomon Live webinar series has garnered remarkable engagement. On average, the live sessions attract an impressive audience of 500 to 1,000 viewers, with thousands more accessing the recordings once they are made available on various platforms.’
Q: How do you determine the topics and speakers for each monthly webinar? What sort of planning and preparation goes into producing each session?
A: ‘Preparation begins with an ongoing conversation and brainstorming session in the Learning and Development Group. This leads to creating a comprehensive list of potential topics for the webinar. We always ensure to include essential topics on UGLE's agenda and maintain a good balance in representation between the Craft and the Royal Arch. Additionally, we cover various other topics, such as having an international angle with representatives from the Districts, and having discussions with women Freemasons.
In the lead-up to each edition, there is a preparation call with Brody, myself, and the speaker or panel, where we discuss the main talking points for the webinar. During these preparatory conversations, we address the challenges and hurdles faced while tackling the topic, as well as any interesting aspects related to the core theme. Our aim is to provide the listeners with a unique and enjoyable experience, one that they will look forward to and find enriching.’
Q: Can non-Freemasons attend the sessions? And if yes, why do you think they should attend and what can they hope to take away from it?
A: ‘Of course! Our sessions are completely open and actively promoted on social media. Anyone can register, and all members of the public are welcome to attend. If you're not a Freemason but interested in Freemasonry, these sessions are a great way to learn more about it in a casual and easy manner. Our topics vary, some are more focused on external aspects, while others are more internally focused. Generally, we keep the public in mind while deciding on the topics and conversations. Our goal is to show the public the work being done by Freemasons and to demystify what Freemasonry is about.’
Q: What has been your favourite Solomon Live so far and why?
A: ‘I found each conversation unique and exciting in its own way. However, if I had to choose, I'd say that I particularly enjoyed the interview with Right Worshipful Brother Dato Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy, where he discussed how Freemasonry has been a powerful uniting tool in the Far East.
Additionally, the conversation with Philippa Lee, editor of The Square, about the historical role of Freemasonry in advancing women’s suffrage was also memorable. I also found the discussions with Most Worshipful Brother Akram Elias, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C., about Freemasonry and the foundation of the United States, as well as the interview with the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Very Worshipful Brother Charles Hopkinson-Woolley, particularly insightful. In the latter interview, we gained a behind-the-scenes perspective on the work being done to organise an amazing ceremony and learnt more about the overall work and responsibilities of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.’
Q: What does the future hold for Solomon Live?
A: ‘We are currently considering future topics, content balance, and potential speakers for our upcoming events. The most recent Solomon Live session in June focused on the theme of "Communicating Freemasonry in the 21st Century." Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about delving into subjects including New and Young Masons Clubs, the ongoing efforts related to UGLE's new Strategy, and engaging in meaningful conversations about the coexistence of Freemasonry and Faith as a positive force. Additionally, at the end of the year, we plan to explore how millennials are embracing Freemasonry.’
Throughout the past year, we have made all Solomon Live videos available on the Solomon website and the UGLE YouTube channel. We have also converted the webinar audio into podcasts, which are accessible on various streaming platforms. These podcasts have been well received and have attracted a large number of listeners. Furthermore, we are continuously exploring ways to enhance our current format, and we invite anyone to share their feedback with us.’
Solomon is a virtual learning environment designed to foster an environment of learning development within Lodges and Chapters. Dive into this blog post to discover more!
Interested in knowing more about Freemasonry? Check out Craftcast, the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England.
