Become a Shriner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a Shriner is a rewarding journey that allows you to join a fraternity dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families. The Shriners, also known as the Shriners International, is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to become a Shriner member.

Before we delve into the steps, it's essential to understand that Shriners International is a fraternity open to Master Masons. If you're not a Mason, you'll first need to join a Masonic Lodge. Once you're a Master Mason, you can then pursue Shriner membership. Now, let's explore the process in detail.

Understanding Shriners International

Shriners International is a fraternity that consists of 196 temples, or chapters, located in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Republic of Panama. It's a branch of Freemasonry, and its members are known as Shriners. The fraternity is dedicated to supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals that provide specialized care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families' ability to pay.

Shriners also engage in various philanthropic activities, including supporting other children's causes and providing assistance to veterans and their families. They organize parades, circuses, and other events to raise funds and awareness for these causes. Now that you have an understanding of Shriners International let's explore the steps to become a member.

Becoming a Master Mason

As mentioned earlier, Shriners International is open to Master Masons. If you're not a Mason, your first step is to join a Masonic Lodge. To do this, you'll need to meet certain qualifications:

• Be a man of good character and reputation.
• Believe in a Supreme Being.
• Be at least 18 years old (in some jurisdictions, the age may be higher).

Once you've met these qualifications, you can contact your local Masonic Lodge to express your interest in becoming a Mason. The process involves several degrees, or stages, of initiation, which are kept confidential to preserve their symbolic meaning. After completing these degrees, you'll become a Master Mason and be eligible to join the Shriners.

Joining a Shriners Temple

Once you're a Master Mason, you can join a Shriners temple. To do this, you'll need to:

1. Find a Shriners temple near you. You can use the Shriners International website to search for temples in your area.
2. Contact the temple's Recruitment Chairman or a member you know to express your interest in joining. They can provide you with more information about the temple and the membership process.
3. Complete an application for membership. The application will ask for personal information and details about your Masonic background.
4. Undergo an interview with the temple's membership committee. This is an opportunity for the committee to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you may have about Shriners International.
5. Be voted on by the temple's membership. If the majority of the members vote in favor of your application, you'll be invited to join the temple.

Once you've been initiated into the temple, you'll become a Shriner and can start participating in the fraternity's activities and events.

What to Expect as a Shriner

As a Shriner, you'll have the opportunity to participate in various events and activities, both within your temple and at the international level. Here are some things you can expect as a Shriner:

Philanthropic Work

Shriners are dedicated to supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children and other children's causes. As a Shriner, you'll have the opportunity to participate in fundraising events, such as parades, circuses, and golf tournaments, to support these causes. You'll also have the chance to visit the hospitals and see the impact of your work firsthand.

Fellowship and Fun

Shriners are known for their fun-loving nature, and as a Shriner, you'll have the opportunity to participate in various social events and activities. These can include parties, dinners, and outings with your fellow Shriners. You'll also have the chance to attend international events, such as the Shriners International Convention, where you can meet Shriners from all over the world.

Leadership Opportunities

As a Shriner, you'll have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within your temple and the fraternity as a whole. You can serve on committees, run for office, or even become a Shriners International officer. These leadership opportunities can help you develop your skills and make a difference in the fraternity and your community.

Becoming a Shriner is a rewarding experience that allows you to join a fraternity dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families. By following the steps outlined above and understanding what to expect as a Shriner, you can begin your journey towards becoming a member of this unique and fulfilling organization. So, if you're a Master Mason looking to get involved in a fraternity that combines fun, fellowship, and philanthropy, consider joining the Shriners today. Who knows, you might just find your new home away from home.