Who Are We?

In the early 1990s, the Moose organization decided to rethink the entire idea of what a fraternal facility and its programs need to be about in the 21st Century-de-emphasizing our Social Quarters, and placing greater emphasis on programs designed to appeal to every segment of our members' families in facilities called Family Centers. These members - responsible men and women and their children, make the Moose program strong and active in communities all across North America.

While our focus is changing to better serve the family at the Lodge, the commitment to the Moose fraternity's missions remain as strong as ever. Lodges and Chapters across the fraternity contribute to Moose-sponsored programs such as Mooseheart and Moosehaven, and also to people in their own communities through Community Service initiated by members of the Lodge.

What Is A Moose?

A Moose member is a man belonging to the Loyal Order of Moose, or a woman belonging to the Women of the Moose. These members, over 1.5 million strong, make up the two components of the fraternal organization known as Moose International. Their membership is held in any one of 2,000 Lodges and 1,600 Chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain (for more on Moose in the U.K. see www.mooseintl.org.uk ) and Bermuda. Moose International headquarters is approximately 38 miles west of Chicago at Mooseheart, Illinois.

Men and women join the Order for a variety of reasons, including Family Activities, Community Service projects and member sports programs, just to name a few. While these activities offer each Moose member a valid reason to join, the main endeavors of the fraternity remain Mooseheart, the 1,000 - acre Illinois home and school for children in need, and Moosehaven, the 65-acre Florida retirement community for senior members in need. These residents, entrusted to the care and support provided by membership in the Moose, are constant living reminders of the humanitarian efforts of Moose members.

Compiled in this website are the goals and missions of both the Loyal Order of Moose and Women of the Moose. Ever since 1888, these men and women have been proud to serve local communities and fellow members of the fraternity known as the Moose.

Why The Moose

Why the Moose? That's a question that really consists of two parts: First, why was this particular animal chosen to represent a humanitarian fraternal order, and secondly, why would a person or a family seek to become a member of it.

The first answer is fairly straightforward: The Moose is a large, powerful animal, but one which is a protector not a predator. We think it was perhaps said best in our former enrollment ceremony:

"He takes only what he needs, nothing more . . . yet for his great size and strength he lives in peace with other creatures. The moose uses his size and power not to dominate but to protect, not to spoil but to preserve. He is a fierce protector, a loyal companion, and a generous provider who brings comfort and security to those within his defending circle."

It is these characteristics of the moose in the wild-the protective instinct for its young, and for the old and infirm in its herd-that the human members of the Moose fraternity have, for decades, modeled, in the establishment and operation of Mooseheart, the organization's community and school for children and teens in need; and Moosehaven, the retirement community for Moose men and women; as well as in service to its communities.

As for the second question-why would people seek membership? . . .

Fellowship and Fun for Members

Approximately 1.6 million men and women have found reasons to join the Family Fraternity and enjoy all the benefits a Lodge has to offer. Because of the Moose Lodges' not-for-profit status, its services can be offered to members for very reasonable prices. Here are just a few reasons why membership in the Moose might benefit you:

Do you and your spouse have dinner out a time or two per month? Or, would you like to, but don't feel you can afford it? Take a look at a local Lodge. Nearly every Lodge offers frequent dinners at prices much less than you'd pay at any local, sit-down restaurant.

If you're the parent or guardian of school-age children, do you ever stop in an arcade at the local mall to let them enjoy some video games or pinball machines? We know of many Moose Lodges where the kids can play the very same games for one quarter instead of two, and some Lodges where - as often as once or twice a week - the games are free!

Do you enjoy golf, bowling, billiards, or darts, but find that it's getting a little expensive to test your skills at the local course, hall or bowling alley? Again, Moose membership offers many opportunities to join in these activities for less money than at commercial establishments.

Where do you and your friends meet to socialize and spend time together? Are most places you meet overcrowded and overpriced? Moose Lodges provide a hub for social interaction, a place for friends and fellowship.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more. In fact, the emphasis of such activities sparked the beginning of the Moose Family Center, changing from the old traditional facility centered around male-only socializing to a full program of Family Activities planned for the Lodge.

Sports

Membership provides the opportunity to participate in several international sports programs hosted by Lodges and Chapters throughout the fraternity. Tournaments and leagues for bowling, mixed bowling, golf, darts, softball, horseshoes and pool are organized by Moose International. With approximately 500,000 members participating in member sports programs last year, Moose sports promote recreational and social opportunities through competitive participation.

While the leagues and tournaments are extremely competitive, Moose sports are all about fun. They offer a chance to meet new people and interact with fellow Moose members. By recognizing top performers and providing local leagues and tournaments, Moose sports programs offer an entirely different member benefit for those who choose to participate.

For More Information about how membership in the Family Fraternity may benefit you, contact a lodge or chapter near you.