With many of Boulder High seniors turning 18 this year, many are asking themselves what to do upon reaching the milestone of adulthood. Some register to vote, join the military, or perhaps even get their medical marijuana card. The possibility that few consider, however, is joining a secretive fraternal order.
‘Secret societies,’ as they’re known, are organizations that most of us assume are scarce, exceedingly difficult to join, or downright fictional. The reality, though, is slightly more mundane. These organizations often serve as collectives for individuals with shared ideologies or to fulfill a certain purpose, whether it be philanthropic, social, or political. While these communities are a fixture in movies and television, they exist outside the world of the secretive religious zealots of The Da Vinci Code or the order of assassins in John Wick. While less nefarious or shrouded than what we see on TV, secret societies exist in the real world, today.
In a survey 46 out of the 50 students who were interviewed said that they didn’t know that Boulder High is neighbors with one of America’s oldest fraternal societies. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a primarily altruistic secret organization, has a chapter on Pearl Street in sight of popular spots like Foolish Craig’s and Ozo Coffee. The IOOF has the purpose, “Visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan,” according to their website. The order has been around in America for more than 200 years, being founded in Maryland in 1819. Their global origins, however, are mysterious but may trace as far back as the 12th century.
Entrance into the Odd Fellows requires no Herculean feat and more importantly, no sacrifices, human or otherwise. To become an Oddfellow one must firstly be of good character (a trait that is sadly of increased rarity nowadays), be at least 16 years of age, and believe in some form of higher power. With reference to the last requirement, the IOOF is not a religious organization and forbids any influence on faith or politics, the belief in a ‘supreme being’ as they put it, is not religion specific. To become a member one must first find a sponsor who is a current member and will vouch for your entrance into the society. It is the duty of this sponsor to school you on the practices and requirements of the Odd Fellows. If you don’t know a member, one will be appointed to you upon visiting your local chapter. That said, you may be unknowingly acquainted with a member of the order. In fact, a number of teachers within the BVSD community are active members in the organization. Mr. Wright, a tenured LA teacher at Boulder High is a long-serving member and a keeper of the door. Sponsors must be able to affirm your character and commitment, so wouldn’t run to Mr. Wright if you don’t know him well. Upon sponsorship, your entrance will be voted on at a regularly scheduled meeting, and if it is favorable, you will be entered into the IOOF to “start a lifelong journey of helping your fellow man and expanding your fraternal relations with the world.”
So why join the IOOF? When asked about the benefits, Mr. Wright said, “When young people leave their household or educational institutions for the first time in their lives, it can be hard to find a structure or community to depend on; the Odd Fellows provide a unity independent of church or school.” In the turmoil of independence that comes with adult life, it is easy to feel aimless, the IOOF provides young adults with a potent opportunity to feel like they belong to a larger community. According to the Survey Center on American Life, fifteen percent of American men have no close friendships at all, a marked increase from three percent in 1990. A concerning statement about the minimal social interaction that the modern man faces. Odd Fellows provides an accessible community to social struggling young people
Furthermore, with its chapters across the country, the organization is especially beneficial for students dispersing across the nation for college. More than just a sense of meaning, the fraternal order provides a sense of purpose. According to Mr. Wright, the IOOF is involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, providing scholarships to aspirational students and supporting funds to local nonprofits like the Boulder Bridge House. These opportunities can aid in giving some direction to fledgling adults.
