4/07/2016

The 19 Lions And Other Fraternal Organizations

By Janet Snyder


For the purposes of the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE 16), the definition of a service organization is fairly wide-ranging. It is an organization that provides services to user entities. A more descriptive definition is an organization where the members meet regularly for the purposes of planning and executing charitable works. Rotary International and 19 Lions Clubs International are examples of service organizations. Formerly the exclusive preserve of the male of the species, such clubs are now opening up membership to include women.

Lions International was founded in 1917 by a man named Melvin Jones. Jones subscribed to the code that you couldn't get far in life without doing something for somebody else. The headquarters for Lions is in Oak Brook, Illinois. As of 2015, there were 46,000 local chapters and nearly 1.5 million members all over the world. Melvin Jones was also a Freemason, another service organization.

The official colors of the Lions are gold and purple. To be a member, you have to be above the age of majority and have a good reputation within your community. If you are interested in becoming a Lion, the first step is to get in touch with your local branch. British Columbia in Canada, the state of Washington and northern Idaho are represented by Multiple District 19 (MD19). The chapter is headquartered in Bellingham.

One of the older fraternal organizations is Rotary International. This group got its start by four businessmen, organized by a lawyer named Paul Harris. These men set themselves the mission to raise standards in the conduct of professional business. They gave themselves the name Rotary because they rotated from one office to another. Eventually, the group got so big they had to take to arranging external venues for their meetings.

Rotarians apply what is called the 4-way test to determine whether a project is compatible with Rotary aims. It is a set of guidelines for helping faltering businesses get back on their feet. In order to qualify for support, it must be true, fair, foster friendship and goodwill, and it must be beneficial to everybody involved.

A more complicated, and sometimes controversial, group is the Freemasons, which are fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the stonemasons. Steeped in history, the absolute requirements for a candidate for the Freemasons is that they are free and of good character. The basic unit of the Freemasons is the Grand Lodge, most of which require prospective members to demonstrate a belief in a Supreme Being. Some expect their members to be of a specific religion

George Washington was a Freemason and was the master of his lodge. There is even a portrait of him dressed in full ceremonial regalia. When he died, he was buried with full Masonic honors.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks is one of the older service organizations. It was founded in 1868 as a social club in New York City. Like the Lions and the Rotarians, the Elks have their headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.




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