Independent Order of Odd Fellows - Philosophy and Purpose

Philosophy and Purpose

As an organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows aims to provide a framework that promotes personal and social development. Lodge degrees and activities aim to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair; to war against vice in every form, and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity. Teachings in the Order are conducted through the exemplification of the Degrees of membership. The Degrees are conferred on the candidate by their Lodge, and are teachings of principles and truths by ceremonies and symbols. The Degrees are presented largely by means of allegory and drama. For Odd Fellows, the degrees in Odd Fellowship emphasizes a leaving of the old life and the start of a better one, of welcoming travelers, and of helping those in need. Lodges also provide an international social network of brothers and sisters that extends to more than 26 countries worldwide. If travelling is an interest, membership can provide a valuable network that will very much welcome an international visitor, and assist in their enterprises, and certainly their travels wherever possible. The command of the IOOF is to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan." Specifically, IOOF are dedicated to the following purposes:

• To improve and elevate the character of mankind by promoting the principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice.
• To help make the world a better place to live by aiding each other in times of need and by organizing charitable projects and activities that would benefit the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community in every way possible.
• To promote good will and harmony amongst peoples and nations through the principle of universal fraternity, holding the belief that all men and women regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status, gender, rank and station are brothers and sisters
• To promote a wholesome fraternal experience without violence, vices and discrimination of every form.

Around the world, the Odd Fellows undertake various community and charitable projects. According to an IOOF Sovereign Grand Lodge brochure, the organization's works include:

• The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs spend over US$775 million in relief projects annually
• The Educational Foundation provides substantial loans and grants to students
• SOS Children’s Village provides a caring home for orphaned children in 132 countries around the world
• Odd Fellow and Rebekah Homes provide a caring environment for the elderly
• Living Legacy focuses on planting trees and enhancing the environment
• The Arthritis Foundation
• Visual Research Foundation supports vision care and research through the Wilmer Eye Institute
• United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth sponsors a group of students for an educational trip to the United Nations
• Annual sponsorship of a float in the Rose Parade (Pasadena, California)
• Annual pilgrimages to the "Tomb of the Unknowns" (Arlington National Cemetery, USA), and other Tombs of the Unknown Soldier.
• Odd Fellow and Rebekah Homes provides a caring environment for the elderly and orphans
• Odd Fellow and Rebekah camps and parks provide recreation for the youth and for families

Fellowship in the IOOF entails:

• One of the strongest fraternal societies in the world.
• A great worldwide united brotherhood.
• A fraternity founded on the basis of universal brotherhood.
• Based on the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
• Founded on the North American continent in 1819.
• Based upon the purest principles of equality.
• Non-political and non-sectarian.
• A source of comfort in times of trouble and adversity.
• A world-wide force that stands for all that is noblest and highest.
• An everyday guide for conduct, a mantle that should be worn always.
• An organization that favors no person for their wealth and frowns on none for their poverty.
• An ideal that exists in the heart and mind of every genuine Odd Fellow or Rebekah.
• Fulfilling a mission in the world which no other institution has successfully attempted.
• A vitalizing, sympathetic, and actuating influence in the lives of all its real members.
• A ministering spirit succoring the needy, cheering the despondent and protecting the helpless.
• The handmaid of virtue and religion.
• Founded on the inspired word of God as revealed to man in the Holy scriptures.