A basic teaching of Freemasonry is charity. The tradition of its members helping one another and humankind in general is practiced extensively. When the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity were novel, Masonry helped promote them. The Grand Lodge of New York, for example, was in the forefront 160 years ago supporting the movement to establish free public schools in New York, an idea which soon spread to other states.

In the United States alone, Freemasons provide over $2 million a day, year after year, for charitable causes. These dollars go to support scholarships, medical research, hospitals for crippled children, facilities for those who have speech disorders or mental illness. Masonic groups also help people with serious eye problems and with breathing difficulties. They also provide retirement homes for members, their wives and widows.

The most important thing we do is take care of each other and our families. We are a fraternity. That means we help other Masons, treat them in special ways, support them no matter where they live; And build friendships all over the world. Not many organizations do that today. Most of our money goes to help kids. We rank among the top ten best liked charitable groups in America. But we also teach leadership skills and help men lead an ethics based life. We promote good relationships and strong family values. We try to do something to strengthen the family unit everyday.