Mission

Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North America
http://www.shrinershq.org

The Shriners Fraternity Mission Statement

The Mission of the Shriners is to be:

• The Premiere Fraternal Organization for men of good
character

            • Committed to providing attractive, quality programs
               and services for its members, their families and friends in a
               spirit of fun, fellowship and social camaraderie

            • Fostering self improvement through leadership, education
               the perpetuation of moral values and community
                 involvement.

• Serving mankind through the resources of its
great philanthropy, the Shriners Hospitals for Children

The Shriners Creed

Shriners believe in God and that He created man to serve His purposes, among which is service to others in His name.

We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling diseases, is our institutional calling.

We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage.

We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.

We honor family. We respect our parents, wives and children. We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed, and the heritage from which it emanates.

As individuals we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue and nobility of character. Our intentions will be honorable, our relations will be trustworthy and our spirits forgiving of each other.

As brothers we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together we will support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be the better because of our fraternity and its principles.

As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves. We believe Shriners Hospitals to be the world's greatest philanthropy, and we covenant with each other to support its "temples of mercy" with spirit, time, talent and means.

Masons
http://www.mastermason.com/southdakota/south_dakota__lodges.htm

Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization. It is a body of knowledge and a system of ethics based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.

As Masons, we lead by example, give back to our communities, and support numerous Masonic philanthropies. We invest in children, our neighborhoods, and our future.

Our values: Our Mission is guided by the enduring and relevant tenets of our fraternity--Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth--and our core values, which include:

Ethics: Our lives are based on honor and integrity, and we believe that honesty, compassion, trust, and knowledge are important.

Tolerance: The fraternity values religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences. We respect the opinions of others and strive to improve and develop as human beings.

Personal growth: Our continuous pursuit of knowledge, ethics, spirituality, and leadership brings more meaning to our lives.

Philanthropy: We make a difference in our communities through charitable giving, community service, and volunteerism.

Family: We strive to be better spouses, parents, and family members and are committed to protecting the well being of members and their families, especially when they are in need.

Freedom: Masons value the liberties outlined in the U.S. Constitution and continually promote freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship a Supreme Being in an individual way, and other important liberties. We believe it is our duty to vote in public elections and to exercise all of our liberties within due and proper bounds.