Our Core Principles
The Three Links That Bind Us
Friendship
We cultivate lasting bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, supporting one another through all of life's challenges and celebrations.
Love
We practice compassion and charity, extending our care to those in need within our communities and beyond.
Truth
We uphold integrity and honesty in all our dealings, seeking wisdom and justice in our personal and communal lives.
Who We Are
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a non-political, non-sectarian international fraternal order dedicated to personal and social development. With approximately 600,000 members across 10,000 lodges in 26 countries worldwide, we are one of the oldest and most respected fraternal organizations in history.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to improve and elevate the character of mankind. We accomplish this through our commitment to visiting the sick, relieving distress, burying the dead, and educating orphans. These four charges have guided our actions for over two centuries.
The Odd Fellows provide frameworks for charitable work, social activities, personal development, and community service. We welcome members from all walks of life who share our values of mutual aid, friendship, and service to humanity.
Discover Our MissionA Rich Heritage
From England to the Philippines
Our roots trace back to 18th century England, where working men who lacked traditional guild protection came together for mutual support. The first documented lodge appeared in London in 1730, and the fraternity officially came to America in 1819 when Thomas Wildey established Washington Lodge No. 1 in Baltimore, Maryland.
In the Philippines, our story began in 1872 during the Spanish colonial period. After a period of dormancy following World War II, the fraternity experienced a remarkable revival in 2009 with the institution of Watchdog Lodge No. 1 in Dumaguete City. Today, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing IOOF jurisdictions globally, with members dedicated to reforming fraternity culture through principles of no hazing, no violence, no elitism, and no discrimination.
Explore Our HistoryMake a Difference
Whether you're interested in community service, personal growth, or forming lasting friendships, the Odd Fellows offer a meaningful way to contribute to society while developing yourself.
Our members include military personnel, police officers, professionals, students, and community members from all backgrounds. We are known for our disaster response efforts, community recognition programs, and commitment to making the world a better place.
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