Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with societies

High school honors

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:13:55 -0800

Is there any way to prove someone was awarded/received a high school honor such as induction into the National Honor Society or being a National Merit Scholarship finalist? I was both (way, way) back in the day, but I don't have any documentation of either. Obviously, it matters little (or not at all) now but I wouldn't mind having some kind of documentation - just in case.

The All-Seeing Eye

klangklangston — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 22:38:01 -0800

What's the best Masonic Rite/lodge to join? I live in SE Michigan, and am curious about the Masons. I like their freethinker philosophy, and I'm interested enough to talk to 'em about it (I know that you can't get in unless you ask).
The thing is— there are all sorts of different Rites (Scottish, UGLE, GODf, etc...) and they don't necessarily recognize each other. I guess I'm looking for the type that would be broadest in scope, because I wouldn't want to join, then move somewhere and find out it wasn't supported.
Are any of you masons? Any advice?

What, exactly, are the Masons and Shriners?

robbie01 — Tue, 28 Sep 2004 15:47:32 -0800

What, exactly, are the Masons and Shriners? A fraternal organization? Secret society? Religious cult? Charity fund-raisers? Community organization? To be honest I've always been a little creeped out by these groups, but since I don't much about them I don't know why that is. They don't seem very secrative, what with posting their logos on city welcoming signs wherever they have a chapter. But their buildings always seem so spooky.. tinted glass, no signage to speak of.. doesn't seem very inviting or sociable. Are the Shriners and Masons related? About the only dealings I have had with Shriners are having them show me where to park at county fairs. But what's the point of joining the group? Any benefit? How would one join? And are "Free" Masons different? I understand they've been around awhile..