Friendship Time!

On Finding our Value and Potential Place in Contemporary American Society – by Michael Greenzeiger

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have recently read a book entitled Secret Ritual and Manhood in Victorian America by Mark C. Carnes. This book is an academic treatment of the role our Order along with several others played in the United States during the 19th century. Although I do not agree with every conclusion that […]

Odd Fellows, Stoics, and Marcus Aurelius Part I

Stoicism was a popular philosophy of personal ethics in ancient Greece and Rome. It was popular until around the third century AD. It has been defined as “a moral philosophy that emphasizes the discipline and mastery of the emotions in order to reach a wiser, rational, and peaceful mindset.” Recently, Stoicism has seen a sort of […]

My September 11th Story by Scott Robinson

My September 11th Story I was working a little-known thing called “counter-terrorism” for the Government. I had just recently been certified in my skill area. I had to go to a seminar at the Pentagon the week of 10 September. By the Grace of God, I picked Monday, 10 September, to go because I hated […]

REPRESENT

Are you representing the Order? I heard a podcast about IOOF the other night where someone estimated that we have fewer than 50,000 members left in the United States. I believe I read information from the Dedicated Members for Change where they estimated we have even fewer members left in the US. I know my […]

Empowering Others by Michael Greenzeiger

Empowering Others By Michael Greenzeiger http://www.siliconvalleyoddfellows.org/ http://supremeamos.org/ I’ve had the privilege of belonging to several different lodges and of visiting a number of others all across the country. There are truly many different ways to be a good leader and to run a successful lodge. One commonality I have observed among all those who are […]

Recutting the Gem that is Odd Fellowship

Odd Fellowship is a unique gem cut from the sacred cave of wisdom. When you take a rough gem you then have to carefully cut the shape and facets using years of experience. We achieved our beautiful form of our philosophy in the 1800s and in it we set this jewel in the shining setting […]

What the Odd Fellows of Tomorrow Could Look Like

So many feel powerless in their daily lives, from dead end jobs and corporate slavery to societal expectations and financial limitations, people are craving empowerment over their chaotic lives. Odd Fellows can do all that and more. We just have to look inward to see the built in value that we have to offer our members that is currently being ignored.

Why Can’t We Have Nice Things? By Michael Greenzeiger

Quality takes on many forms. In addition to our lodge halls themselves, we must also think about the lodge furnishings, regalia, and grounds. When we put on an event, the event needs to be well-planned. If food is served, it should be nicely presented in addition to tasting good. There should be options to fit the requirements and tastes of all those present so far as possible. When we perform ritual, it needs to be done competently and with feeling even if we don’t have the time or ability to do memorization work. If we can memorize and recite fluently, all the better!

Odd Fellows Survey Results

A while back we did a survey. While we had well over a hundred views for the survey only 76 responded. It’s important to note that with the huge technology gap we have in the Order, these responses don’t get the results we might have had if we could survey members who aren’t comfortable with […]

For We Are But Shadows

For we are but shadows, floating for a moment over time soon to be dissipated by the light of eternity. Our sight is darkened by ignorance, our understanding by passion. Void of wisdom, we know it not. The lambs with wolves shall graze the mead, the steer and lion at one crib shall meet, and […]

Odd Fellows Makeover

There has been the need for a makeover for the Odd Fellows for a good long while. Most haven’t heard of us. Those who have either think that we are long gone or just a few old guys that hang out once a month. Sadly, that is the reality in many places, punctuated by the random Lodge here and there that is having a revival.