Established in the 18th century and brought to America in 1819 by Thomas Wildey, the IOOF has a long and proud tradition of serving communities around the world. Our organization was created to provide a sense of solidarity and mutual aid among members, extending help to those in need, regardless of their social status. Over the centuries, the Odd Fellows have grown into a diverse and inclusive network, united by a common goal of improving the quality of life for all people.

A Global Community of Fellowship

At the heart of the IOOF is a commitment to building lasting friendships and offering genuine support to one another. We believe in the importance of shared values, and we welcome individuals from all walks of life who are committed to making a positive difference. Through our lodges, members come together to promote goodwill, build connections, and engage in meaningful acts of service.

Our Principles

The Odd Fellows are guided by three key principles:

• Friendship – We foster close bonds between members, offering camaraderie and support in times of joy and hardship.
• Love – Our love for humanity drives us to engage in charitable works and to help those who are less fortunate.
• Truth – We strive to be honest and sincere in all of our actions, standing for integrity and justice in everything we do.

Acts of Charity and Service

IOOF members are actively involved in charitable activities and community service, including supporting educational initiatives, helping orphans and widows, aiding disaster relief efforts, organizing food drives, and more. Our mission of "Visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan" encapsulates our dedication to humanitarian work.

A Brotherhood and Sisterhood for All

We are a non-sectarian and inclusive organization, welcoming individuals of all races, religions, and backgrounds. Whether you are looking to give back to your community, connect with like-minded individuals, or be part of something greater than yourself, the IOOF offers a space for personal growth, collective action, and lifelong friendships.

Join the Odd Fellows

Membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows means becoming part of a global movement that seeks to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. If you are passionate about helping others and upholding the values of friendship, love, and truth, we invite you to join us on this journey.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of disability, age (other than that of minimum to join the Order (lodge, club or group), ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or other social identity. The I.O.O.F. will make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when such modifications are necessary to afford its services and facilities to individuals with disabilities, unless the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of its services. The I.O.O.F. will not exclude any individual based on disability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or other social identity from the full and equal enjoyment of its services and facilities, unless the individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or him/herself, that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services. The I.O.O.F. will not exclude any individual from the full and equal enjoyment of its services and facilities because of the individual’s association with a person of disability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or other social identity.

Any individual may request a modification in policies, practices, or procedures or the provision of auxiliary aids or services by contacting I.O.O.F. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY REQUEST, 422 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.