Lodges & Community

As a not-for-profit company governed by its member customers, our lodges are where it all begins. The lodge system gives each member a voice in the governing of the business, and the opportunity to develop leadership skills through officer positions and to improve their communities through service projects.

The Woodmen of the World lodge system is a vital part of the thousands of volunteer activities we conduct every year. Each Woodmen of the World member belongs to a local lodge. Lodge dues are used to fund the lodges' social, community and patriotic projects as well as other costs involved with running the lodges. Lodge members elect officers to lead the lodge and elect delegates to the Jurisdictional and National Conventions. Delegates at the National Convention are responsible for electing Woodmen of the World's Board of Directors.

Simply put, people in our lodges have fun while socializing, volunteering and providing leadership.

Lodge benefits for your community include:

• Volunteer opportunities — Members interested in philanthropic activities can become part of the lodge's volunteer network by providing hands-on service to help meet the needs of people in the community.
• U.S. flags and other patriotic projects — Woodmen of the World provides U.S. flags to local lodges for presentation to nonprofit civic and youth groups, schools, churches, community centers, and other worthy groups. American Patriot's Handbooks are presented by lodges to new citizens, libraries and schools. American History Awards are presented to junior and senior high school students who excel in the study of American history.
• Matching-funds community projects — Woodmen of the World matches lodge dollars, within certain guidelines, that help members provide community needs and to improve their own meeting halls and camp facilities.
• Woodmen of the World Disaster Relief Assistance — Woodmen of the World Disaster Action Teams provide an essential service to their communities. Through a local lodge, members can receive training in disaster relief assistance and can become part of Woodmen of the World's nationwide member-network of disaster relief volunteers.
• Award and recognition for lodge and community service — Lodges present a variety of plaques, awards and pins to recognize and honor members as well as individuals in their communities who have served with distinction.