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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 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.

The Rotarians formed in 1868 by a group of businessmen led by lawyer Paul P. Harris. Their mission was to elevate the ethical standards in the practice of business and the professions. They gave themselves the name Rotary because the meetings rotated from one of their offices to another. The name stuck when the organization grew so large that they had to start meeting at external venues. This occurred just one year after forming.

The Rotarians have a four-way test to decide whether investing time and resources in a project, usually helping a business get back on its feet after a period in the doldrums. These four measures are truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship, and of benefit to all parties.

The Freemasons are one of the most ceremonial and traditional of the fraternal organizations. Their origin can be traced back to the stonemasons. They have extremely rigid membership criteria. For one, members must be free and they must have a sound character. They also expect their members to publicly affirm that they belief in a Supreme Being. Some go so far as to expect them to belong to a specific religious group.

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.

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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