The historic Tun had its home in Philadelphia, but as the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps, the location of the first Masonic Lodge in North America, and the early meeting place of benevolent societies with ties to England, Ireland, and Scotland, its reach was global.
It’s the reason the Tun Legacy Foundation is mobilizing a group of volunteers in geographic locations across the country to help build a national – and even international – community of supporters for The Tun™.
Called the Tun Militia, the volunteer group will spread the word in their hometowns, cities, or regions about the charitable mission of the nonprofit Tun Legacy Foundation, its efforts to rebuild and reestablish The Tun™ in Philadelphia, and the many ways people can contribute to those efforts.
Colin Flynn, a Marine veteran and board member of the Tun Legacy Foundation, is leading recruitment for the Tun Militia.
“When Patrick Dailey, a fellow Marine, founded the Tun Legacy Foundation, he did it with the mission to support charitable causes of the organizations that were founded at Tun,” Flynn said. Once The Tun™ is operating, all profits will be donated in perpetuity to support veteran causes, Masonic charities, educational scholarships, and qualified charities. “We know a lot of people will want to support that mission, and the Tun Militia is going to help us reach them,” Flynn said.
Flynn is hoping to recruit about two dozen Tun Militia volunteers. “They will receive the title of Tun Militia Commanders, and will assist the Foundation with local fundraising activities, grant writing, and community and social media outreach,” he said.
Specifically, Tun Militia Commanders will:
- Establish and run a committee of other volunteers in their city or hometown
- Fundraise and/or host fundraising events
- Solicit equipment and material donations
- Spread the word and make sure every Marine and Freemason knows about the project
- Help grow The Tun’s social media presence
There will be opportunities for Tun Militia Commanders to connect as a group through virtual meetings, and share ideas with each other for engaging donors. “Tun Militia Commanders, through their leadership and collaboration, will play an integral role in getting The Tun™ done. There’s a pretty cool official Tun Militia t-shirt that comes with the job, too,” he said.
Tun Militia Commanders are especially needed in the top 50 metros throughout the country.
To learn more, please complete the Tun Militia questionnaire and you will be contacted within 48 hours.