A Proposition for Expanded Inclusion within Shriners International
Growing up, my grandfather (whom I’d given the moniker of Dad’s-Dad) was a member of Shriner’s International. I knew little of the organization before researching it for a community writing course at FIU. To me, they were guys that threw parades, wore fezes, and drove around tiny cars. I knew nothing of their ties to the Freemasons, (which have been steeped in conspiracy theories) nor that all Shriners were Freemasons, but not all Freemasons were Shriners (much like tequila and mezcal). For the course, I even interviewed a Freemason, and let me say in advance… not as nefarious as one would be led to believe.
This was a proposal document for inclusionary practices to expand their reach. By no means was it an admonishment for their current system. Private institutions should (by nature) reserve the rights to selective membership, the same way a club decides to enforce a dress code. These aren’t businesses that are required by social norms (and law) to be inclusionary in their practices. If the Daughter’s of the American Revolution require a biological birth component to their membership, it’s their right as an organization. Certainly, “boys clubs” have fallen out of fashion, as well as other belief systems, but a free republic demands that we honor membership practices reserved by private clubs, because mostly these were created for individuals that share common interests, and sometimes identity plays into that. It would be insane for me to want to become a member of a professional order of doctors without their requirements, (a doctorate) based on my simple desire for inclusion. Sure, the local VFW hall has great beer specials, but would you feel right trying to force yourself on the veterans without a history of prior service?
And yet, here I propose that a private club open their doors and become more inclusionary…
Humans are funny that way. We’re simultaneously easy to classify yet still elude categorization. It may be impossible to be two-minds about something, and yet here we are… most of us straddling fences. Shades of gray abound. Consider this: your personal biases (whether assumed or unconscious, and even the ones that think make you smarter, more evolved, or virtuous than others) when weighing the merits of inclusionary policies. Consider whether or not inclusion makes sense in this particular instance, not just because you believe in total inclusion, or are against it. Does context play a role in how we conduct ourselves? Would expansion benefit the mission?
The Proposal:
Shriners International is a fraternal order or brotherhood conceived not only for philanthropic pursuits, but also for bonding, guidance, comradery, socializing, and merriment. Most members of Shriners International are family men, and the organization prides itself on prioritizing familial harmony and duty. In keeping with these core tenets, the organization expanded to meet the needs and involvement of the women in these men’s lives, primarily the wives and daughters of Shriners. The two organizations related to Shriners International are The Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America, and The Daughters of the Nile. Both have memberships incumbent upon relation to a Shriner or Master Mason, (by nuptial or birth) with the only exclusion being exceptions made for former patients of Shriners’ Children’s Hospitals.
This proposal is to address growth within these communities to extend the reach of the Shriners’ commitment to helping children. Currently, admissions for males (though stringent) come from previous Masonic membership and being spoken for by two current Shriners. Furthermore, the Masonic membership also relies heavily on the belief of a supreme being. For women, their membership does not only rely on support from two existing members, but a direct lineage to the organization. Our lineage is one of the many aspects of our identity of which we have no control. It would also seem ludicrous to imagine one marrying into the organization for purposes of participation. Many young and single women may have an attraction to aid in the philanthropy of the Shrine or wish to benefit from the friendships and guidance these sister organizations have to offer. Knowing what Shriners International does for children may even impact prospective future doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. An influx of new members could also help move the mission forward in new and exciting ways previously unseen.
A Focus on the Family
It is perhaps understandable that some members may bristle at the prospect of aligning with unvetted outsiders that do not share their core values. Considering that the idea of the nuclear family has shifted from its traditional inclinations of 1950’s Americana, Shriners International should reconsider those who may not be seen through that traditional lens. Non-traditional couples like gay, lesbian, and transgendered still have desires to start their own families and raise children and are utterly committed to this lifetime commitment. Many mothers are bravely and singlehandedly raising children on their own. These two groups with their focus on family align with the Shriners’ core values. It is time for a new group of allies to help advance the medical care of at-risk children that Shriners International began so many decades ago.
This new sister chapter of the organization could focus on memberships for individuals previously excluded by nuptial or lineage. As membership of all Shriners’ organizations are incumbent upon belief in a Supreme Being, I would wager that it should also be a pre-requisite for membership. Understanding the private and seclusive nature of the organization, I would also raise requirements of support by the personal testimony of no less than 4 members of Shriners affiliated organizations. Further requirements could also be explored to vet potential candidates to make sure their ambitions align with the core values shared by other Shriners, Ladies of the Oriental Shrine, and Daughters of the Nile.
An Untapped Resource
As membership for fraternal orders in America are consistently on the decline, perhaps it would behoove Shriners International to adopt more of a modern attitude in regard to opening the doors of membership. Plenty of single mothers, empty nesters, and widows would perhaps love enriching the lives of children. Women who never hope again to engage in romantic entanglements (or those who never would) could never be afforded to marry into the Shrine at this stage in life yet could be a potentially great resource for fundraising. Consider the many single women facing retirement living a life without purpose, and what speaks more to Shriners’ core values than living a purposeful life through being of service? How many lonely women could benefit from the comradery and sisterhood this organization has to offer? How many additional funds could be raised for the children with these new prospects?
It should be wagered that this new branch be separate from the existing two branches: The Ladies’ Oriental Shrine and The Daughters of the Nile. However, it would be recommended that these two groups oversee the proposed third group to ensure the success of its future endeavors until leadership is effectively in place. Additionally, it is recommended that the two auxiliary organizations always have dominion over the third to ensure keeping with the doctrines and core values of Shriners International.
New Beginnings
The first step of this proposal would be to begin one initial chapter in an area or region it is most likely to succeed in. Shriners International would know firsthand which of their own chapters could perhaps provide the best tutelage or which region could successfully engage a large response within the community. It would stand to reason that this be a larger metropolitan area, but understandably, grass roots efforts also can succeed well in smaller, close-knit communities. Efforts would also need to be made to reach as many potential members as possible through internet, radio, and television advertisement. Cross promotional efforts could be made within Shriners’ Hospitals themselves, but also additional places of juvenile healthcare like St. Jude’s and pediatric wings are prime grounds for recruitment for potential inductees.
For this proposal to really work, this promotional effort should be done in at least 5 metropolitan areas and attention given to the area that offered the best results. The “best results” may not be in sheer number of those interested, but in the caliber of the individuals interested and their adherence or interest in Shriners’ core values. Ideally the region of choosing would subsequently have a relatively close Ladies of the Oriental Shrine or Daughters of the Nile chapter in the vicinity (approx. 50 miles).
Once members are selected for this trial chapter, the next step would to be to have them shadow current members during events and other fundraising efforts. After a preliminary trial period, prospective candidates can decide if this auxiliary chapter of the Shrine is a good fit for them. At best, they’ll understand the roles to be played in their participation in this form of philanthropy and the time commitment required for participation. This will also assist Ladies and Daughters in recognizing who is committed and passionate to the cause, what strengths or weaknesses each candidate possesses, and how closely their values align.
From here, if potential candidates fulfill their requirements, then structure and organization will need to occur for the founding of this new chapter. Potentate, Treasurer, Secretary… all positions will need to be decided upon and filled. It would behoove the organization to follow the established guidelines and order of the existing two organizations. Prospective candidates for these upper-level positions should first be vetted by a council of Shriner, Ladies, and Daughters. The chosen candidates could then shadow existing leaders of chapters in their duties to receive hands on training and guidance. Prospective candidates should also be chosen given their previous occupational skills in leadership in similar positions.
The task of creating a new organization from scratch can be completely daunting. Fortunately, Shriners have decades of experience organizing their own chapters that can be shared with these new prospective initiates. Success of this new chapter will not only set a table of standards for the years to come but provide a template for future chapters.
Hopefully this infusion of “new blood” may also help the organization in adopting new perspectives and solutions in their current outreach. By ignoring these potential candidates, it is unknown how many perspective healthcare providers could have been inspired by their single mother’s commitment to service. How many children born to homosexual couples could be inspired by the work their parents did for the organization? How many children afforded Shriners’ healthcare could be inspired by an organization grounded in modernity, including membership of those who share a different identity from the members who came before them?
A Commitment to Tradition
At the same time while making this proposal, it is paramount that Shriners’ International does not feel an attack on their own identity in this process. Stringent efforts must be made that this new organization be in keeping with the tenets and principles guiding the original inception of this organization. In no way should this new off-shoot be a more “secular” attempt at philanthropy. Membership of the Shrine and Freemasons has always relied on theistic beliefs. Preservation of these ideals must remain. It serves no one to indoctrinate a child fighting for their life with nihilism. These children have enough on their plate without having to wrestle with the grander philosophical questions in life.
One might suggest that an atheist can conduct themselves with proper conduct in mind of the situations of which they find themselves, but in this instance, nothing can be left to chance. One might assume their perspective is aiding the child, or they might assume they’d never broach the topic, but we can never be sure of either. The temptation of proselytization is too grand for adherers to faiths. One might assume the atheist ascribes to no faiths, but to be certain of the nonexistence of any Supreme Being is by nature its own faith, since one cannot conclude evidentiary the existence or nonexistence of gods. Even if gods don’t exist, they at least provide the child with a buoy in the ocean of tumult in which they find themselves, and studies show the immense power of the brain and placebo effect. In short, Pascal’s wager applies here not only logically, but pragmatically in light of the medicinal power of hope.
Aside from Atheists, most who have had a closed door to the Shrine would now be welcomed to participate, given their personal caliber and integrity. These two qualities should be at the forefront for consideration of membership. One of the most appealing aspects of Shriners International (aside from their commitment to being of service) is the personal integrity displayed by members. It would seem that membership itself also helps guide members’ personal actions and everyday decision making. Being a member of Shriners reinforces exemplary behavior for the individual. Participation and acting of service molds the character of each individual.
Becoming a parent does something to an individual that happens far less frequent to those who never become one. When one has to guide and mold another human being, one is often reminded of the choices we make and how we treat each other. Being a parent keeps one in constant awareness of the actions made day to day and the consequences of those actions. Being a parent reminds one how to be a good person, a functioning member of society, not a blight upon it. Similarly, guiding and being guided by fellow Shriners, Daughters, or Ladies helps keep these individuals grounded and maintains their integrity through identity.
All the more reason to share this inclusive brotherhood and sisterhood with those who need it, those drifting without purpose. Those in need of fellowship and needing to feel needed. Those who have so much to give, but not the proper patrilineage. These are the new members of the community that the Shrine can assist. The Shrine can assist a whole new line of people to be of service and give back to their community. The Shrine has the years of experience and dedication required to make this new dream of inclusivity a reality.
