Shriners International: More Than A Fraternity

Hello, I’m Rob. Hi, I’m Mark, I’m proud to be a  Shriner to understand why it’s helpful to know   what it means to be a member of our fraternity;  Shriners International. Imagine having hundreds   of thousands of brothers around the world  supporting your efforts while you support  

Their’s. Imagine being part of an organization  that helps thousands of children every year.   When you’re a Shriner you’re part of both an  amazing brotherhood and a unique healthcare   system. You may be just one guy but as a member  of Shriners international you are one of hundreds  

Of thousands of men over the world who are  connected by a shared belief in brotherhood,   compassion and generosity and you’re part of  Shriners Hospitals for Children; a philanthropic   effort to improve the lives of children coping  with complicated medical conditions. The Shriners  

Organization has been around for more than 140  years. Members have included Heads of Government   including a few presidents, corporate executives,  celebrities, doctors, lawyers and sports heroes,   but the majority has always been just regular  guys who want to be a part of something that  

Offers fun, fellowship and the opportunity to make  a difference in this world. Shriners are also part   of Freemasonry the world’s oldest most well-known  fraternity. The founders of Shriners International   are an interesting pair, a physician and an actor  that alone should tell you we are an eclectic  

Welcoming group. Dr. Walter Fleming and Billy  Florence created a fraternal organization rooted   in the Masonic principles of brotherhood, charity  and truth and also offered some fun in fellowship.   Fleming and Florence created an entire roadmap  for the new fraternity, from structure to rules,  

Rituals, logos and symbols all with a Far Eastern  Flair including the distinctive red Fez we wear   which certainly does get us noticed. The words  and symbols we use also help strengthen the bonds   between us and help remind us of our commitment  to service. For example within the organization  

We call ourselves Nobles. I like to think that  term reminds us of our noble cause of caring   for one another and for others Shriners belong  to local temples or chapters like a fraternity   chapter the first temple Mecca Shriner’s opened in  New York City in 1872 there are nearly 200 temples  

In several countries each temple has a potentate  a local president and a divan Board of Directors   each temple has clubs and units that offer a range  of activities. There’s something for everyone and   each temple club and unit emphasizes brotherhood  and camaraderie. There are places where lifelong  

Friendships begin. By the 1920’s, the nobles  wanted to do more they wanted one official   philanthropy. A polio epidemic was rampant at the  time and there were children who needed medical   care. The Shriners responded to this realization  by establishing Shriners Hospitals for Children.  

A place where children with orthopedic problems  could receive the best care possible regardless   of their family’s ability to pay for the care and  treatment. The first Shriners Hospital opened in   1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana. What began as one  hospital is now a pediatric health care system  

Providing care for orthopedic burns, spinal  cord injuries and cleft lip and palate with   22 locations in three countries. Today Shriners  Hospitals for Children also conducts research to   improve treatments and offer education programs  for medical professionals. At Shriners Hospitals,   children receive expert care for complex  medical conditions and the support and  

Encouragement they need to overcome physical  challenges or live their dreams. As Shriners,   we share in and celebrate those successes we get  to see how hope and healing and our support really   really make a difference. I’m proud to support my  brothers and their families and I’m proud to make  

A difference in my community through the programs  and efforts of my temple. I’m proud to be part   of a top-notch pediatric health care system.  Men become Shriners for several reasons. The   brotherhood the camaraderie, the opportunities  for personal growth and for the opportunity to  

Improve lives especially through our official  philanthropy each of us supports that effort   through a portion of our dues and many of us  volunteer at our hospitals we help with patient   transportation. We hold fundraising events in  our temples we help entertain patients we help  

With screening clinics. There’s always something  to do to support our hospitals when you think   of Shriners and of Shriners international  remember what’s most important. Shriners   International is a fraternal organization  of men who are dedicated to brotherhood,   compassion and service to others. If you’re  seeking a place to belong and a way to contribute  

To the world around you, we’d love for you to  join us to learn more, go to, beashrinersnow.com.

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