What is DeMolay?
DeMolay is a club for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. The individual DeMolay clubs are called “chapters.” There are hundreds of DeMolay chapters in North America and even more around the globe.
Fun with Purpose
DeMolay is dedicated to preparing young men to lead happy and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility, and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay accomplishes this serious mission by combining it with a program of exciting and diverse activities that can be enjoyed by young men with all kinds of interests.
How It Works
Most DeMolay chapters meet twice a month to vote on how the chapter is run and to plan the chapter’s other activities. Chapters usually have at least one activity a week. Chapters have social events like dances or parties, fund raising events like car washes or auctions, athletic events like basketball and volleyball, and service events like volunteering at a soup kitchen or cleaning up a neighborhood.
A Level of Independence
DeMolay provides a safe place for young men to have a greater level of independence. The young men decide on the activities, plan them, and carry them out from start to finish. The DeMolay chapter is run completely by its members. Adult volunteers called “advisors” are present at every DeMolay event to help when needed, but they stay in the background as much as possible. DeMolay advisors are the safety net, the resources, the mentors, and the friends, but they are not the planners or the leaders. The young men are.
A Safe Place to Grow
Young people face many tough situations. DeMolay provides a place where young men can try new experiences and have social interaction with peers in an environment where they will be safe and supported. DeMolay members learn responsibility, respect for others, and how to interact with adults-both as authority figures and as coworkers.
Skills for a Lifetime
DeMolay has been the first step toward success for many future leaders. It doesn’t happen by accident. When a young man joins DeMolay he puts himself on the fast track to learn skills that will help him in school and throughout life. Members learn how to set goals, organize their time, speak comfortably to a group, make a budget, use their resources, implement their ideas, and think critically. These are life-skills that DeMolay members learn as second nature several years ahead of their peers.
Discover Hidden Talents
Rather than focusing on any one type of activity, DeMolay allows its members to test their interests in a varied program of events. Since 1919, DeMolay has given millions of young men exposure to a broad set of experiences. Members often discover a talent that leads them toward lifelong success.
Who Can Become a Member of DeMolay?
DeMolay is open to young men who are between the ages of 12 and 21, believe in a Supreme Being, and strive to be a good person.
Is DeMolay a Religious Organization?
No. DeMolay teaches that one of steps toward becoming a happy and successful person is developing a strong faith and being true to it. Just as important, DeMolay teaches respect and toleration for the beliefs of others. DeMolay does not teach a specific religion and does not require members to belong to any church. Membership is open for young men from all religions.
How Can I Get Involved?
To get in touch with a DeMolay chapter near you, go to the DeMolay website, or call us toll-free.
DeMolay offers many avenues for involvement. Adult chapter advisors are always needed and appreciated. Contributions to DeMolay are welcome and are tax deductible. Please visit our web site, call, or write for further details.
-Source www.demolay.org