Consider the Orphan -by Ian Love-Jones

Doing the most good with our charge to educate the orphan, is a matter of imagining how broadly that command can apply. Have you considered that not all orphans are children whose parents have died? A person can be orphaned in essence, if during their journey of growth, they are separated from the experienced, protective guides who would have given them a sense of safety, direction, and community. So how can we educate not just orphans in the traditional sense, but orphans of that broader kind?

We Were All Strangers Once -by Ian Love-Jones

I deeply value a world where former strangers can build community with one another and celebrate universal kinship. Wanting to live in and to create that kind of world, was one of the things that first drew me to Odd Fellowship.

What Questions To Ask -by Laurel Delony, PGM, Grand Secretary of Washington

Frequently, lodges don’t do a thorough-enough interview to find out if the candidate should be allowed to join the lodge. To help the process and improve the quality of interviews, I’ve developed a set of questions to help lodges find out more useful information about candidates and spark discussions that can help lodges to make better decisions about candidates.

Ask Me I May Know -By Ian Love-Jones

“Ask me, I may know.” is a warm invitation to others that puts our approachability, and our humble spirit on display. In just one line, that phrase connects two very important qualities – the willingness to share, and the modesty to admit when we don’t know it all.

Where Do You Lead From? -By Ian Love-Jones

Odd Fellows build and maintain programs, speak publicly, coordinate charity, and hold together the connection and direction of their chosen-family. All of that means that Odd Fellows are in unique positions to learn, practice, and demonstrate leadership. Ponder this my friends, where do you lead from, as an Odd Fellow?

De-escalation in the Day to Day -By Ian Love-Jones

If you’re wondering why an Odd Fellow would want to explore the topic of de-escalation, consider that wherever there are humans in community with one another, humans who become strained or burdened by the layered aspects of their lives, there is always a need for de-escalation.

Degree Work Tips -by Aiden Brink

When I first joined my lodge our degree work had much to be desired, it was always haphazard, no one knew which costumes were which, there was always a last minute scramble putting people into each place as needed. Despite this haphazard nature I still fell in love with doing degree work. I began learning parts, not just reading, but actually memorizing and performing. We acquired some nondescript robes and props which gave us more flexibility.

Mutual Aid -by Ian Love-Jones (OR)

For all that caring and kindness requires of us, the returns are beyond measure. Because one of those many returns is the restoration of hope. In times when aggression, hatred, and deception call out loudly for our attention, and awe, offers of aid restore our hope, and our faith in one another. Mutual aid reminds us of our capacity, with all of our varied talents and resources, to be there for one another in times of personal need.

A Bit of History and Understanding of Historic Regalia -by Kristopher Gratz, VA

While the collar never went away, the rope regalia was seen as a more appropriate option during the depression / WW2 years. This lasted for decades until the multi-colored chain regalia became popular. Still minimalist, with a bit of flash. Fast forward to now, there are very few members who understand the meaning behind the different embroidery patterns, colors or accessories of the collar regalia.

Donald J. Lang, PGM (1937-2025) -by Michael Greenzeiger, PGM

Brother Donald J. Lang has passed on from mortal life, but his accomplishments and all the lives he has touched live on after him. Don lived a life dedicated to Odd Fellowship and to caring for the communities he belonged to and those in need.

A Resplendent Display: An argument for Regalia and its importance -by Aiden Brink

In those early years regalia looked a little bit different than it did today, in fact Odd Fellows were in the habit of wearing both collars, sashes, and aprons. You can find many examples of beautifully decorated aprons and collars from the early years of our order, which demonstrate in their intricate designs the care and regard with which their owners held OddFellowship.

Member Retention Seminar -by Toby Hanson, PGM, PGP

We’ve all had the experience of people coming to join the lodge only to leave after the Initiation and never come back. I have collected some suggestions from various sources to help keep those members engaged so they will continue to attend lodge meetings and events and become valued, regular members.