Sunday, April 10, 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 established in Illinois by Melvin Jones, who happened also to be a member of the Freemasons. He strongly believed that to make progress in life, you had to get involved in helping other people. Founded in 1917, by 2015 it had 46,000 chapters in 200 countries all over the world. It presently has more than one and a half million members.

The Lions' official colors are purple and gold. Membership is by invitation only, although if you are interested in joining, you need only contact the local branch to introduce yourself. Multiple District 19 represents North Idaho, members in Washington state, and British Columbia in western Canada.

Rotary International is a similar organization. The club got its start with just four businessmen in an office in Chicago. They met for the purpose of fostering high ethical standards in the conduct of business and professions. They called themselves Rotary because their meetings rotated from one office to another. Within a year, the membership had grown to such an extent that they adopted the practice of meeting in larger venues.

The Rotarians have established a set of four guidelines to implement when determining whether a particular project fits in with its aims. Their projects are usually aimed at getting businesses that are on the rocks back in the right direction. These criteria are truth, fairness, promotion of goodwill and friendship, and profitable to all parties.

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 the Master of his local Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia. There is a painting of him presiding over the Lodge in full Masonic regalia. On his death, he was buried with Masonic honors.

Another fraternal organization is the Elks. They were founded in 1868 in New York City. Similar to the Rotarians and the Lions, The Elks are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.




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