The most important thing we do is take care of each other and our families. We are a fraternity. That means we help other Masons, treat them in special ways, support them no matter where they live. And build friendships all over the world. Not very many organizations do that today.

And we help others. That's why we give almost $2 million a day to charity. And most of our money goes to help kids.

A lot of pride, a sense of belonging to an organization that exists all over the world. Being part of a great heritage. Sharing an identity with the greatest men of the past - and of today.

To promote a way of life that binds like-mided men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and, by the outward expression of these through its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, to find ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self.

Build Character: The primary purpose of Freemasonry is to build character, a man's most valuable possession.

Faith in a Respect for Individuals: Freemasonry is the world's oldest and latest fraternal organization with members in every country in the free world. Composed of men of various political beliefs, nearly every national origin and religion, Masons are taught to have faith in and respect for one another, as well as for every human being.

Promote Individual Liberty Based on Ethical and Moral Values: Any inquiry into the history, ideals and everyday actions of Masons will reveal that Freemasonry has a grand design to champion and foster the cause of individual liberty and justice for the betterment of mankind. Masons believe that the strength of the family, the church, the community and the country rests with persons of strong conviction, firm ethical and moral values: persons sharing a devotion to our republican form of government and to free public education which provides the enlightened citizens so essential to the permanence of our democracy.

Accept Individual Responsibilities: Masons help each other to intensify their devotion to those enduring values which follow the basic tenets of brotherly love, relief, truth, hope and abiding faith in God's supreme law. Masons strive to develop character by stressing civic and social morality; to exercise charity through universal love and compassion; to accept individual responsibilities as a Mason to his God, his Country, his neighbor, himself and his family.

A Man's First Step: To the man who is looking for the healthy relationship resulting from companionship and friendship, with deeper meaning in life and who wants to be a part of a fraternal organization committed to his inner growth and improvement, Freemasonry is filled with limitless possibilities.

A man must take the first step in Freemasonry himself.
He must say, "I want to be a Mason."