Date shown is the most recent update to the page.

These guidelines have been adopted by the Grand Executive (August 2000) in order to aid members of this Grand Jurisdiction build and maintain a web presence for each respective District and/or Subordinate Chapter. The Grand Executive (GE) of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Ontario, Canada Inc. (GC) has adopted guidelines which read as follows:

The stated purposes of the organization are - Charitable, Educational and Fraternal but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles that should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

All efforts to communicate the image of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) should reflect the message contained in these guidelines.

Because the Internet is such a broad means of communication with parameters that change almost daily, it is critical that every attempt be made to protect the image of our Order without unduly restricting the creativity of our members or by ignoring the positive features of the Internet. Our message is enhanced and distributed to a world audience in the flash of a second.

With enthusiasm for the excitement and the positive exposure that the Internet can bring to our organization, tempered by common sense, these guidelines have been adopted by the Grand Executive to protect the traditional aspects of our organization while furthering its good work by an active participation in cyberspace.

As the OES embarks on this journey into cyberspace, the GE invites all of our subordinate chapters and members to embrace this new technology and to adhere to these guidelines. Please direct any questions or needs for additional information regarding the guidelines to the Chairman of the Computer Resources Committee or the Worthy Grand Matron.

ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP
In keeping with the principles and nature of the OES, it is imperative that any advertising be in good taste and acceptable to our organization. Therefore, the local authority (Webmaster) must pay careful attention to the items advertised on the District or Chapter Web Site and the manner in which they are described. In addition, the Webmaster must be very selective in seeking sponsors (e.g. Guest Books) so that any accompanying commercial messages will not bring embarrassment to members of the Order. It might be more practical to employ non- commercial guest book software than to rely upon a commercial source.

AVAILABILITY OF OES MATERIAL
Even though the OES produces a variety of materials, only the material appearing on the official General Grand Chapter (GGC) web site, or the web sites of other Grand Chapters can be copied for inclusion on district or subordinate chapter web sites, so long as it pertains to this Grand Jurisdiction. However, it must be copied in its entirety with no changes or embellishments other than the inclusion of a credit line. Promotional brochures available from the GGC office can be copied verbatim for inclusion on district or subordinate chapter web sites. Petitions for membership or any other forms that are used during a chapter meeting should not be placed on the web site.

CONFIDENTIALITY
For decades the OES has protected the confidentiality of its members by not selling or otherwise making available for commercial purposes a list of names and addresses of its members. This protection includes the OES Directory. Likewise, it is critical that the personal addresses and phone numbers of the members of our Order not be included on a Web Site. For the safety of our members, do not list their phone numbers or addresses when incorporating a list of Chapter Officers, Grand Chapter Officers, or Committee Members. In the same regard, do not give the phone number or address for any scholarship recipients, or competition winners. For additional information about our organization in general, or a district or a chapter in particular, all contacts should be made via an email address with the exception of the Grand Secretary who has consented to have his/her office phone number listed. Personal email addresses of members associated with the Order should not be listed on web sites unless express written consent (received via email, Canada Post, or otherwise) has been given by the holder of that email address. Personal addresses and phone numbers should not be included.

CONTENT
In considering the content for the Web Site, there is a wide range of material available.

Promotional brochures from the OES would be a prudent choice for inclusion on the Web Site to help visitors to understand better the goals, membership requirements, and activities of the Order.
Information regarding the Florence Nightingale Home Foundation, ESTARL, scholarship programs, participation at annual sessions and activities of individual districts and/or chapters would all be suitable for a Web Site.
Reports concerning travels to sessions, or visits to chapters in other states, provinces or countries would be an exciting addition to a Web Site.

The inclusion of high-quality graphics, photos, music and animated graphics would add variety to a Web Site. However, whether or not a Web Site represents the latest in cyberspace technology is not as important as representing the OES as an organization that offers a caring atmosphere in which our members can mature as good citizens. Remember to report your district or chapter activities in a positive and energetic manner.

Always keep in mind that what you include on your web site is often visited by persons who know absolutely nothing about the OES. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to include ceremonies or items that are not designed for the public. Your web site is a prime opportunity for obtaining new members so consider it as you would a prospective member party or promotional campaign, and include only those materials (ceremonies, text, photos, videos, music) that you would use in promotional events, such as parades, fairs, car washes, promotional parties, etc. Be positive, upbeat, courteous and inviting.

CREDIT
All material copied from another source should appear with a credit line acknowledging the source of the original material. Poetry, ceremonies, promotional material and any other printed material that is not original should include a credit line. This is a courtesy to the original author(s) and a protection against misunderstandings due to misquotes or errors in rewriting the original information, as well as copyright infringement claims. Also, the addition of music to an OES web site should acknowledge the composer and performer.

Here are two suggested credit lines. (i) The promotional brochure reproduced on this page is an educational form published by the General Grand Chapter. (ii) The poem quoted at the top of this page was written by Edgar Allan Poe.

GUEST BOOKS
A Guest Book is a popular addition to a web site because it provides a means by which visitors to the web site can make comments regarding the site, interact with other Guest Book signers, and applaud the efforts of the webmaster. A visitor to the web site signs in on the Guest Book by highlighting a Sign Here icon and is immediately provided with a space in which to leave his/her message. If there is no pre-monitoring of Guest Book signers, it is critical that the webmaster and perhaps one or two other conscientious members review the site and have means to delete unpleasant Guest Book messages. Unfortunately, while some of us enjoy the opportunity to share our comments via the Guest Book, there are others in cyberspace using these opportunities to exploit the OES and to push their own agendas. Guest Books should be monitored regularly.

HOME PAGE
The home page is the first page of a web site.

1. The content of any home page must be consistent with the aims of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Ontario, Canada Inc. (Grand Chapter)
2. Web pages should contain absolutely no commercial or promotional advertising beyond advancing the presence of the Grand Chapter, District or Subordinate Chapter on the Internet. Chapter events and fundraising activities are acceptable.
3. Advertising for personal profit, is not permitted.
4. No page content should encourage people accessing the page to contact directly or indirectly any member. Requests for further information should be directed to the webmaster or designate.
5. All links connecting pages from the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star Ontario, Canada Inc. domain to external sites must be approved by the Computer Resources Committee or designate.
6. All District and Chapter pages may link back to the main page of this Grand Chapter () (see Item 4).
7. Communication with respect to the content of any page must be directed to the webmaster.
8. Avoid "Under Construction" signs while creating a home page.
9. All content must be consistent with the letter and spirit of the Grand Chapter's Acceptable Use Policy.
10. Pictures may identify Chapter members but must NOT include full names.
11. Any original work must be used in a manner consistent with the Grand Chapter's policy with respect to copyright.

1. The originator of the site e.g. Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Ontario, Canada Inc.
2. The email and/or phone number for the Grand Secretary, or webmaster qualified to answer questions regarding the material on the site.
3. The email of the webmaster: For response to any technical or operational questions.
4. A disclaimer that this web site is not the official Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Ontario, Canada Inc. Web Site and that information appearing on the web site is the property of the chapter or district and is not sanctioned by the OES.
5. A link to a "Disclaimer" page containing such material could also be used.
6. The date that the home page was first established.

LINKS
By 'linking' to other web sites, a home page provides each visitor with the opportunity to visit other OES sites and other sites within the Masonic family. Be sure that the sites to which you link maintain a high quality and adhere to the principles stated in these Guidelines. In addition, make sure that any sites to which you link within the Masonic family correctly explain the OES. It would not be appropriate to link to any site that does not accurately report the scope and mission of our Order. Links to any other sites (i.e. general interest sites) should only be included provided they do not conflict with the principles or ideals of the OES or present controversial, political, or otherwise inappropriate content.

PHOTOGRAPHS
One way to enhance a web site is to include photographs of OES individuals and chapter or district activities. Be very careful that those pictured in the photographs know that they will be included on the web site and that they do not object to being identified. Keep in mind that some members might not want to be identified on a web site. Perhaps a one-sentence permission form could be used such as: The undersigned agrees to being identified in photographs on the web site produced by __________ (include in the blank the GC, district, chapter number, individual's name, etc.), and then include a date and signature line.

In most cases it might be more prudent to have very general captions that describe the event, but do not identify the individuals pictured. One should be particularly attentive to the wishes of members and recipients involved in presentations and promotions. Respect their privacy!

TRADEMARK
Although it is not required that a web site display the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Ontario, Canada Inc. trademark (pentagon in shape, within which shall appear in appropriate form the following: Grand Chapter O.E.S., Ontario, Canada, Inc. Organized April 27th, 1915. In the centre shall be an open Bible on a five-pointed star within a maple leaf) it is critical that, if the web site does display the GC trademark, it be the correct one. Please use only the registered trademark on your web site. It can be copied from the official GC home page. When a district, subordinate chapter or individual wants to use the official trademark on their web site, please notify the Computer Resources Committee and send them a copy of your home page prior to going public. This will allow the Committee to determine that you are using the correct trademark and, in turn, to forward to the Grand Chapter webmaster your intention to have a web site in the near future in order that it can be 'linked' to the GC web site.

WEB MASTER
The webmaster is the person who creates the web site. He/she has the technological skill to design the web site and to incorporate new features that will keep it attractive to our members. In addition, the role in the organization could be compared to that of a newsletter editor who receives, edits and publishes material submitted for the web site and maintains a high standard of accuracy for the content of it. The name and/or email address of the webmaster (or a link thereto) should be listed on the Home Page, or other "contacts" page, to provide visitors with a method of communicating technical problems or efforts encountered to the appropriate person when visiting the web site.

Computer Resources Committee
August 13, 2000

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