The first years as a member of the Independent order of Odd Fellows I spent focused on my lodge and what I could do as a member. Because the lodge, like many in the great state of California, was small and lacked the membership to build from, I was quickly put into the line to become noble grand. After being initiated by DVD, I then went on the obtain my 3 degrees in the Hayward lodge hall, again by DVD. It was immediately apparent to me that this method was lacking in the ability to help me understand the full depth of Odd Fellowship. While I was moving through the chairs the Saratoga lodge began to grow as the few newer members began bringing in their friends and neighbors and as the costs of maintaining the lodge went up they looked to the Grand Lodge for assistance by increasing the rent of the first floor. This began an unfortunate series of events but also lead to my diving into understanding the rules of the order.
As the desk officers began their various discussions, a number of factors came into play that made it necessary for the lodge to understand what its requirements were and what expectations could be imposed on them within the code of laws and California code. This was the year I became Noble Grand of Saratoga #428 for the 1st time and I began pouring over the rules that were being cited at us by various grand lodge representatives and officers. This was the process that not only brought my interests in understanding the laws and how they are and should be applied, but also in being able to cite sources and explain the code to others. The end result was the lodge loosing its tenant, but it made the lodge stronger as the members rallied together and learned more about the real meaning of Odd Fellowship. After these events and my tenure as Noble Grand were over, I began to attend Grand Lodge and began the same work except at the state level.
At Sessions I met many members of order from all over the state and began to understand how various regions and lodges can be very different in their needs and wants. While many of the same issues of a few high level officers citing rules and practices continued, my initial mission was to do the best I could for my home lodge, but also for the Grand Lodge membership as a whole, by bringing up concerns when rules were misquoted or misused. I had no interest in going beyond being a member of the Grand Body and that remained for a number of years. Many jokes were made about running up to the microphone with computer in hand, as well as those about spending so much time at the mic, but outside of the hall, many members would thank me for my efforts to protect the Grand Body, and hold the best interests of the Grand Lodge of California to heart. After a number of years it became clear to me that it was no longer enough to talk the talk from the floor and work on committees, but I needed to become part of the Grand Lodge Board and officers to continue my work of advocating for the lodges and the Grand Lodge membership.
Deciding to become Grand Warden was more difficult because of the scale of the job for the next 3 years. I would be leaving the home more often and for longer times for Board of Directors meetings, as well as visiting lodges and attending receptions and other events. The Time came as my youngest child is graduating high school and I would not have so many responsibilities as a House Husband to drive them around the area many nights a week and travel with them many weekends to their various activities. While I still have plans that might take attention away for some time over the next year and a half, the calendar is as clear as it might ever be for the next 3 years. Ultimately this was the timing that allowed me to seriously consider not only an interest in running, but also knowing that I would have the resources to dedicate to the position. It is an honor to serve my lodge, the district, and the Grand Lodge of California as your Grand Warden.
— In F.L.T, Adam Potolsky