Mission & Values

The Mission of Shriners International is to:

1.) Be the premier fraternal organization for men of good character.

2.) Provide attractive, quality programs and services for its members, their families and their friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship and social camaraderie.

3.) Foster self-improvement through leadership, education, the perpetuation of moral values and community involvement.

4.) Serve mankind through the resources of its philanthropy, Shriners Children’s.

The Founding of the Fraternity

Two Master Masons, Walter M. Fleming, M.D., and William J. “Billy” Florence, a well-known actor, founded Shriners International in 1872. Legend has it that Florence was inspired while attending an Arabian-themed party in Marseilles, France, during a time when the mystique of the near East was fashionable worldwide. He was intrigued and impressed by the colorful pageantry and suggested the fraternity adopt a Near-Eastern theme, and Dr. Fleming agreed.

Tradition and Culture

This decision influenced the imagery, attire, activities and naming conventions of the fraternity; many of which are still used today. For example, Shriners wear distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear. Local Shrine Centers have names like Egypt, Sahara, Morocco and Oasis. Images used in the fraternity’s regalia include camels, pyramids, the Sphinx and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian iconography.

Our Members

From U.S. Presidents to famous actors, business owners and blue-collar workers, men representing a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences have been Shriners throughout the fraternity’s 150 years. While Shriners International is an organization rich in history and tradition, it is also evolving and advancing as new generations of members with different interests and cultures join us. Our Shrine Centers encourage members to build their own membership experience, customizing their fraternal involvement to reflect their personality and hobbies. While there are a variety of existing activity-based clubs and units to choose from, that list is continuously expanding as members bring their new ideas of ways to have fun to fruition.

A Family Organization

Shriners International is a social organization with a strong focus on family, and our Shrine Centers host events that include spouses, children, grandchildren and community members. Many members and their families say that they have formed lifelong friendships through their involvement in the fraternity. The bond of brotherhood connects nobles as they navigate through life together, lending strength and compassion in hard times, and fun and fellowship through the years.