1890 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401, United States
Private Membership Policy
Written by Moose International
All active members of the Order shall be admitted to the social quarters of any lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose unless his or her privileges have been suspended in accordance with the laws of the Order.
1. All active members of the Order shall be admitted to the social quarters of any lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose unless his or her privileges have been suspended in accordance with the laws of the Order.
2. Only the following persons may be admitted as a "qualified guest' into the social quarters or home of any lodge of the Order:
a: An active lodge or chapter member’s spouse. (Note – There are no limits on the number of times a spouse may be admitted as a guest.)
b: An active lodge or chapter member’s immediate family. (Note – There are no limits on the number of times a spouse or qualified family member under the age of 21 may be admitted as a guest, however, all other immediate family members would be limited to two visits as they now qualify as a prospective member of the person signing them into the social quarters.)
c: A prospective member is defined as any guest that is accompanied by a member who can sponsor them for membership in the Order, with the exception listed in 2 (a) of this section. As permitted by the House Committee, a prospective member may be admitted subject to the following:
(1) The prospective member is accompanied at all times by his or her sponsor.
(2) The prospective member is properly signed in as a guest.
(3) The prospective member shall not make purchases.
(4) The prospective member shall leave when his or her sponsor leaves.
(5) The prospective member shall be limited to two (2) visits.
3. All adult guests of members must be signed in as a guest and leave when the member leaves.
4. Only active members of the Order, whose active status has been verified, are permitted to make purchases. Unless prohibited by local law, the sale of refreshments to qualified minor family guests is permitted. It is the responsibility of the House Committee to ensure that all persons entering the lodge home and social quarters are either active members or qualified guests. It is recommended that the House Committee adopt a method of distinguishing members and guests to prevent guests from inadvertently making purchases.
5. Members shall at all times be responsible for the conduct of their guests.
6. Gentlemanly/ladylike (orderly) conduct is required of all persons in the social quarters or home at all times.
7. The Supreme Council may adopt additional rules and regulations for the operation of social quarters by Moose lodges and these rules and regulations shall be effective as provided in the written action of the Supreme Council.
8. Each member of the Order shall submit proof of membership when requested by any member of the House Committee or its authorized person.
9. Using the social quarters for any lodge or chapter community service activity is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the General Governor.
The term "guest" includes non-member spouses. A member in expired status shall not enter any lodge except to pay dues. An expired member does not qualify to be admitted as a guest.
Before making a purchase each day, each member should display his or her membership card. Each member of the Order shall submit proof of membership when requested by any member of the House Committee or its authorized person. Approved applicants for membership, prior to enrollment and becoming a member shall not make purchases.
The House Committees must provide key cards to all active members of the lodge and chapter, if the lodge uses such a system. The House Committee may charge a reasonable fee to recoup the costs of the key cards.
Using the social quarters for any lodge or chapter community 144 General Laws 2019:Layout 1 9/17/2019 11:41 AM Page 144 service activity is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained by the General Governor.
These admission rules do not change the authority of the House Committee as provided by Sections 48.1 and 48.8 of the General Laws. Sections 28.8 and 50.3 provide information regarding suspended and expelled members, and undesirable individuals. Expelled members shall not enter any lodge or social quarters as a guest or otherwise except by dispensation of the General Governor.
Gentlemanly/ladylike and orderly conduct is required of all persons at all times. The House Committee is required by the laws of the Order to enforce all rules and regulations and maintain proper decorum. Indecent, profane, violent or other inappropriate conduct is absolutely prohibited. A member's social privileges in a lodge may be suspended by the House Committee of the lodge pending a hearing and final decision of the House Committee in accordance with Section 48.8.
The House Committee determines social quarters hours. At the hours designated for closing, all persons shall vacate the social quarters. The admission of minors is subject to compliance with all local laws and according to rules established by the House Committee.
No illegal activity shall take place in the social quarters at any time. Any member other than a law enforcement officer in the line of duty possessing an unapproved firearm or other deadly weapon on lodge property shall be expelled unless the General Governor has granted an exemption.
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