A Legacy of Leadership: Inside Masonic Youth Groups
Freemasonry, a fraternity often shrouded in mystery, extends its core principles of character building and community service far beyond the tiled floors of its lodges. It actively invests in the future through a vibrant ecosystem of youth organizations. These groups are not junior Masonic lodges, but rather unique, independent bodies sponsored and supported by the Masonic family, designed to shape the leaders, thinkers, and citizens of tomorrow. They represent a profound commitment to passing on timeless virtues to a new generation.
For many young people, these organizations are their first introduction to structured leadership, public speaking, and the immense satisfaction of charitable work. They are crucibles where confidence is forged, lifelong friendships are made, and a moral compass is set. This is the story of the Masonic youth groups, a legacy of building better individuals to create a better world.
What Are Masonic Youth Groups?
They are character-building organizations for young people, sponsored by the global family of Freemasonry. These groups use a framework of Masonic-inspired values to teach leadership, personal responsibility, and the importance of service to the community, all within a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
While they share a philosophical heritage with Freemasonry, they are distinct and separate entities. Members learn through mentorship, hands-on experience, and age-appropriate rituals and ceremonies that convey moral lessons. The ultimate goal is not to create future Masons, but to provide young men and women with the tools and ethical foundation they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Why Does Freemasonry Sponsor Youth Organizations?
Freemasonry sponsors these groups as a tangible expression of its commitment to improving society. By investing in the development of young people, the fraternity helps cultivate the next generation of responsible adults, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens who will strengthen their communities.
This sponsorship is a direct extension of the core Masonic tenet of "making good men better." Masons believe that this principle of self-improvement and moral development is not just for adults. They see a profound duty to provide positive guidance and a constructive environment for youth, helping them navigate the challenges of growing up while instilling values of integrity, charity, and respect for all. It is an investment in a brighter future, one young person at a time.
Who Are the Main Masonic Youth Groups?
The landscape of Masonic-sponsored youth organizations is primarily defined by three prominent, internationally recognized groups. These are DeMolay International for young men, Job’s Daughters International for girls, and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Each has its own unique history, structure, and traditions.
While these three are the most widespread and well-known, they represent the heart of the Masonic commitment to youth development. They operate in thousands of communities across the globe, providing a structured pathway for personal growth, fun, and friendship under the benevolent guidance of adult volunteers from the Masonic fraternity and its related organizations.
What is DeMolay International?
DeMolay International is a premier leadership organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. It is dedicated to preparing them for successful lives by developing civic awareness, personal responsibility, and leadership skills in a peer-run environment.
Founded in 1919 by a Kansas City Freemason named Frank S. Land, the organization was created to provide mentorship and positive activities for young men, many of whom had lost their fathers in World War I. Land named the group in honor of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who was martyred in the 14th century and became a symbol of loyalty and fidelity to one’s vows.
The core of DeMolay’s teachings is encapsulated in its Seven Cardinal Virtues, which form the ethical bedrock for its members. These virtues are Filial Love (love for parents), Reverence for Sacred Things (respect for the beliefs of others), Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness (in thought, word, and deed), and Patriotism. These principles are not just discussed, they are actively practiced through the chapter’s activities and interactions.
Life in a DeMolay chapter is dynamic and member-driven. Young men plan and execute their own programs, which can include everything from community service projects like food drives and park cleanups to social events like dances and sporting competitions. They learn to run formal meetings, manage budgets, and speak in public, all while building strong bonds of brotherhood with their peers. Central to the experience are the two DeMolay degrees, which are solemn, theatrical ceremonies that teach the organization’s core values through allegory and symbolism.
What is Job’s Daughters International?
Job’s Daughters International is a Masonic-sponsored youth leadership organization for girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 20. Its purpose is to foster high morals, a love of country, and respect for parents, all while building confidence and leadership in a supportive sisterhood.
The organization was founded in 1920 by Ethel T. Wead Mick in Omaha, Nebraska. As the wife of a Freemason and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she saw the need for a similar character-building group for girls. She drew inspiration from the Book of Job in the Bible, specifically the passage that states Job was blessed with three daughters who were the "fairest in all the land." The name symbolizes the importance of patience, faith, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The teachings of Job’s Daughters are centered on the ideals of faith, hope, and charity. The group’s motto, "Virtue is a quality which highly adorns a woman," underscores its focus on developing inner character and integrity. Members are taught the value of loyalty to one’s beliefs, family, and country, and the importance of living an honorable life.
A local Job’s Daughters group is called a Bethel. In their meetings, members practice a beautiful and dignified ritual based on the story of Job’s daughters. They also elect their own officers, plan their own activities, and manage their own affairs with the guidance of an adult Guardian Council. Activities are diverse, including fundraisers for their official charity, the HIKE Fund (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment), as well as social events, leadership workshops, and service projects that benefit their local communities.
What is the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a nonprofit youth organization for girls aged 11 to 20 that promotes leadership, confidence, and citizenship. It is sponsored by the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, creating a welcoming space for girls to grow and learn.
Founded in 1922 in McAlester, Oklahoma, by a Master Mason and Christian minister named W. Mark Sexson, the organization’s teachings are based on the biblical story of Noah and the great flood. Reverend Sexson saw the rainbow as a powerful symbol of hope, beauty, and God’s promise, making it a perfect foundation for a group dedicated to the positive development of young women.
The lessons of Rainbow are structured around the seven colors of the spectrum, with each color representing a specific virtue or principle. These are: Red for Love, Orange for Religion (emphasizing the importance of a spiritual life), Yellow for Nature, Green for Immortality, Blue for Fidelity, Indigo for Patriotism, and Violet for Service. This framework provides a simple yet profound guide for moral and ethical living.
Local Rainbow groups are called Assemblies, and like their counterparts in DeMolay and Job’s Daughters, they are run by the girls themselves. They elect officers, conduct formal meetings, and plan a wide array of activities. These often include extensive community service work, fundraising for charities, preparing and delivering speeches, and organizing fun social events. A key difference from Job’s Daughters is that a Masonic relation is not a prerequisite for membership, making the organization accessible to a broader range of girls in the community.
What Are the Benefits of Joining a Masonic Youth Group?
The primary benefits of joining a Masonic youth group are the development of profound self-confidence, the acquisition of practical leadership skills, the formation of lifelong friendships, and the cultivation of a meaningful sense of purpose through service.
Members are not just taught about leadership, they are given the opportunity to lead. They learn invaluable, real-world skills such as public speaking by delivering memorized ritual or giving presentations, financial management by serving as treasurer, and event planning by organizing their own social and charitable activities. This hands-on experience is a powerful confidence builder that serves them well in school, college, and their future careers.
Beyond practical skills, these groups foster deep personal growth. The rituals and teachings provide a moral framework that encourages members to think about their own values and how they live their lives. They learn about integrity, honesty, and responsibility in a supportive environment where they can build a strong ethical compass.
Perhaps one of the most cherished benefits is the community itself. The bonds of friendship and sisterhood or brotherhood formed within a local chapter often last a lifetime. This network extends globally, creating a vast community of peers and alumni. Furthermore, the Masonic family often provides significant support through scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities, demonstrating a genuine investment in the success of every member.
How Are These Groups Different from Other Youth Organizations?
Masonic youth groups are distinct from other organizations like the Scouts or school clubs primarily because of their direct Masonic sponsorship, their unique use of ritual and symbolism to teach values, and their holistic approach to personal development.
The connection to Freemasonry provides a unique layer of mentorship and support. Adult advisors are Freemasons or members of appendant bodies like the Order of the Eastern Star, all of whom have been vetted and are dedicated to the positive development of youth. This creates a direct link to a centuries-old tradition focused on morality, charity, and integrity.
The use of ritual is another key differentiator. These are not religious services, but rather allegorical plays and ceremonies that use symbolism to teach complex moral lessons in a memorable and impactful way. This method engages members on an intellectual and emotional level, helping to internalize the virtues being taught in a way that simple lectures or discussions cannot.
Finally, where some youth groups might focus narrowly on a single activity like sports, academics, or a specific hobby, Masonic youth groups strive for a balanced, holistic development of the individual. They blend leadership training, public speaking, community service, social activities, and moral education into a single, cohesive program, aiming to build well-rounded, confident, and capable young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Masonic youth groups religious?
No, they are not religious organizations, but they are moral and spiritual in nature. All Masonic youth groups require their members to profess a belief in a Supreme Being, but they do not promote any specific religion or creed. This requirement is meant to establish a foundation of reverence and faith, welcoming young people from all religious backgrounds and encouraging them to be active in their own chosen faith.
Does joining a youth group mean you have to become a Freemason later?
Absolutely not. There is no requirement, pressure, or expectation for a member of a Masonic-sponsored youth group to join Freemasonry or any of its related bodies upon reaching adulthood. The sole purpose of these groups is to help young people build character and become better individuals, regardless of the path they choose in life. Many do eventually join, but it is a personal choice made freely.
How much does it cost to join?
The costs associated with joining are intentionally kept very low to ensure accessibility for all. There is typically a one-time initiation fee and small annual dues, which vary by location but are generally very affordable. These funds cover basic administrative costs and materials. Chapters and assemblies often conduct their own fundraisers to pay for special events, travel, and activities, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for members and their families.
How do I find a local chapter for my child?
The best way to find a local group is to visit the official international websites for DeMolay International, Job’s Daughters International, or the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. These sites have chapter locators and contact information for state and provincial leaders. Alternatively, you can reach out to a local Masonic lodge in your town or city, as the members there will be well aware of the youth groups they sponsor and support in the community.
The Journey Doesn’t End at 21.
The principles of leadership, integrity, and service taught in Masonic youth groups are the first steps on a lifelong path of enlightenment. They are the foundational stones upon which a meaningful life is built, the rough ashlars shaped and prepared for a greater purpose. For those whose curiosity is sparked by these virtues, the deeper symbolism and philosophy of Freemasonry await.
At Esoteric Freemasons, we believe the quest for light is eternal. We delve into the profound allegories and timeless wisdom that connect the lessons of youth to the mastery of the self. Explore our resources to understand the rich tapestry of Masonic thought that inspires these remarkable young leaders and continues to guide seekers on their journey toward more light.
