Universe

What do you think about waving the membership fees to join DeMolay?

I don't think that the membership fee is too much to ask. Most orgaizations have a membership fee, or monthly dues. Some school clubs even charge dues, as does the BSA. I think DeMolay's one time membership fee should not be done away with.

Now, if its a financial issue for the prospective Brother, then I think the Chapter should definitely consider absorbing the cost of the membership fee. Or even work out a half now, half later thing, or something along those lines. Someone should not be denied membership solely based on financial difficulties beyond their control. At the same time, DeMolay should not be denied the minimal financial contribution which I'm sure gets put to good use maintaining the website, keeping costs down at the DeMolay and More Store, etc., etc.

If you really want to join a good Fraternity like DeMolay, even if the membership fee is expensive, you will do every thing just to save the amount needed. Money is not the problem, but your determination and interest to join.

That would be great... But actually, it is still good for a young man to learn about his financial responsibility. . .

The idea is not impossible. . . And for me, I think will not have a negative result as long as the Supreme Council or Chapter itself is Financially Stable.

Fraternally,

Bro. Ilad Remo, PMC

Brothers,

I just thought I would add in on this topic. In my home chapter when a young man could not afford to pay the 50 dollars to get in. Either a Mason or Senior demolay was allways there to say ill pay for you. And that was it. We just initated a young man that his grandpa was a PM of the lodge in my home town. He has a cancer that in about 3 months he will die from. Well my Brother is the Chapter dad and the Secretary for the lodge and he told him that the Brothers of the lodge had taken care of his grandson. The grandson lives with his Grandma and grandpa because when he was a baby his mother was killed in an car acciedent and his father was not alloud to take him. But I just thought that was interesting. He was just initated last thursday and his Grandpa was there to see him take his obligations.

Bro D

I joined in 1967. The membership fee was $47.50. I think that the current DeMolay fee is the greatest bargain that can be found anywhere.

Well it really depends on the chapter. Usually the chapter pays for the membership fee.

Pete,

Excellent Topic.

As members of the fraternity already know, DeMolay is a bargain. No where will you pay so little and in return get so much. Having said that, propective members may not appreciate this fact because they have yet to experience the benefits of membership.

For some families to pony up approx. $50 for membership in an organization that they know little about may be too much to ask. On the other hand it would be unfortunate for a young man who could benefit from membership in DeMolay be denied that opportunity due to lack of funds.

I personally believe the family of a DeMolay needs to be invested in DeMolay. I like to see some investment on the part of the new member or his family in the fraternity before encouraging the members to move ahead on an application. I have no objection asking a Masonic Lodge to sponsor a new member's application fee but I only request the Lodge donate 1/2 of the fee. This way there is some investment on the part of the new member and his family.

The final decision is up to the members as long as they comply with DeMolay regulations.

i think the cost should be increased from $50 to $100 personaly.