How to Volunteer for the Shriners

Seeking membership with the Shriners includes recognizing the nature of this traditional club. Many choose to join a Shriners chapter because of all the philanthropic activities involved. The Shriners have made extremely valuable contributions to many communities across the country, and they have some fun, too, participating in community days and parades.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Join a Masonic Lodge. The Shriners web page says that to become a Shriner, you must first be a Mason. Masonic lodges are all over the country in cities and in many small towns.

2. Learn about Masonic symbols and history. Masonry is rich with historic references. Find out about Solomon's Temple, Hiram the Builder and what the level and the square represent. Although the masons have a lot of secrets, the basic history can be found online.

3. Learn about the symbols and history of the Shriners. The customs of this group have their roots in the detailed tapestry of Masonry, but the Shriners have their own particular traditions.

4. Network. Talk to some of your lodge members about the best way to affiliate yourself with the Shriners. Only insiders will have the information you need.

5. Contact the Shriners. You can use their webpage or another contact. The site has some resources and guidelines to joining.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get involved on a whim. These organizations take themselves very seriously. Masonry itself is a centuries-old tradition, and its members take oaths to the lodge when they join. The decision to join needs to be well thought out, as with any such organization.

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on 3/16/2008 Members of local lodges come from all backgrounds. Social,economic, racial, political, and religious status are not a determining factors in membership. Quality of character is highly reguarded. The common threads that hold them all together is; Friendship, morality, and brotherly love. "Taking good men and making them better."