Evolving from the traditions of the guilds in the 1700's, the Odd Fellows is a worldwide benevolent and fraternal organization open for men and women.
An ideal Odd Fellows lodge is a place for fellowship in all its forms, from hanging out and just having fun, to discussion, to networking, to collaboration on creative and constructive projects, all with an eye not only on our own satisfaction but on what we might offer to the community at large. The Lodge is like a great venue for a lot of positive energy and everyone works to contribute their share.
The command of the IOOF is to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan." Specifically, the Brothers and sisters of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows through Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges 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.
Around the world, the Odd Fellows undertake various community and charitable projects. According to an I.O.O.F. 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
- Arthritis - both the Foundation USA and Society Canada
- Visual Research Foundation supports vision care and research through the Wilmer Eye Institute
- Pilgrimage for Youth sponsors an educational tour
- Annual pilgrimages to the "Tombs of Unknowns" (Arlington National Cemetery, USA); Canadian War Memorial, Ottawa, ON; and other Tombs and graves of the Unknown Soldiers.
- 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
Friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood, leadership, community service, volunteerism, public speaking, international social networking and self-improvement.
