How to Join the Order of the Eastern Star: 5 Easy Steps to Sisterhood, Service & Leadership
Joining the Order of the Eastern Star can be the beginning of a meaningful new chapter in your life. Members come together to build friendships, support charitable work, develop leadership skills, and live out values of kindness, service, and personal growth.
If you are curious about membership, the process is more approachable than you may think. While requirements can vary by state, province, or national jurisdiction, the general path usually includes five steps: confirming your eligibility, finding a local chapter, completing a petition, participating in the review process, and receiving the degrees of the Order.
Here is a simple guide to help you understand how to get started.
1. Confirm that you meet the membership requirements
The first step is learning whether you qualify for membership. The General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star provides the general eligibility guidelines, but your local Grand Chapter may have additional requirements.
Men
Men who wish to join generally must be Master Masons in good standing in a regular Lodge of the Masonic Fraternity. A male petitioner must typically provide proof of current membership and good standing with his petition.
Women
Women may qualify through one of several paths. Under the current General Grand Chapter guidelines, an eligible woman may be:
- A relative, by birth, marriage, or adoption, of an affiliated Master Mason in good standing
- A relative of a Master Mason who was in good standing at the time of his death
- A majority member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls®
- A member of Job’s Daughters International® who has been active for at least three years or has reached majority
- At least 18 years old and sponsored by two Eastern Star members: one Sister and one Brother
Women must generally be at least 18 years old when the petition is read at a stated chapter meeting.
These rules were clarified in membership changes adopted by the General Grand Chapter at its 2024 assembly. You can review the official wording in the 2024–2027 General Grand Chapter ritual changes.
Because each jurisdiction may have its own constitution, bylaws, residency rules, or documentation requirements, it is important to confirm the details with the Grand Chapter where you live.
2. Find a local Eastern Star chapter
Once you understand the basic requirements, your next step is to locate a chapter in your area.
A local chapter is where members meet, plan service projects, develop relationships, and participate in the work of the Order. Finding a chapter that fits your schedule, interests, and community is an important part of the process.
You can begin by:
- Visiting the General Grand Chapter membership page
- Searching for the official Grand Chapter website in your state or jurisdiction
- Asking an Eastern Star member for guidance
- Contacting a local chapter secretary
- Attending a public service project, community event, or informational gathering when available
If you do not have a family connection to Masonry, do not assume that membership is impossible. Current General Grand Chapter guidance recognizes a sponsorship path for women who are at least 18 years old. Ask specifically whether a local chapter can help you understand that option.
As you explore chapters, consider asking:
- How often does the chapter meet?
- What types of community service does it support?
- Are there opportunities for leadership development?
- How are new members welcomed and mentored?
- What activities are open to prospective members?
A good chapter should be willing to answer your questions respectfully and help you understand what membership involves.
3. Complete and submit your petition
After you identify a chapter, the chapter will explain how to obtain and complete a petition for the degrees or membership.
The petition must be completed and signed by the person seeking membership. It must also be signed by two chapter members who recommend the petitioner. For a woman joining through sponsorship, the recommending members must generally be one Sister and one Brother, and the petition must include the required letter of recommendation.
You may also need to provide documentation, such as:
- A current Masonic dues card and proof of good standing for a male petitioner
- Proof of a qualifying Masonic relationship for a female petitioner
- Documentation of majority or qualifying membership in Rainbow for Girls® or Job’s Daughters International®
- Any residency or jurisdiction-specific information required by the local Grand Chapter
Take your time when completing the petition. Make sure your information is accurate, complete, and easy for the chapter to review. If you are unsure how to answer a question, ask the chapter secretary or a sponsoring member before submitting it.
The General Grand Chapter membership guidelines explain the general petition process. Your local chapter can tell you which forms and supporting documents apply in your jurisdiction.
4. Participate in the chapter review process
After the chapter receives your petition, it is presented at a stated meeting and referred for review according to the chapter’s rules.
The official process includes an investigating committee. Under the General Grand Chapter guidelines, the committee includes three members, one of whom is a Brother. Members of the committee may contact you to learn more about your background, character, interests, and reasons for seeking membership.
This part of the process is not meant to be intimidating. It is an opportunity for the chapter to get to know you and for you to ask additional questions about the Order.
You may want to think about how you would answer questions such as:
- Why are you interested in the Order of the Eastern Star?
- What does community service mean to you?
- What kind of activities would you enjoy supporting?
- Are you interested in leadership or mentorship opportunities?
- What would you hope to learn or contribute as a member?
After the committee completes its report, the chapter follows its required balloting process. Timing can vary depending on the chapter’s meeting schedule and local procedures, so do not hesitate to ask how long the process usually takes.
5. Receive the degrees and begin your membership journey
If your petition receives a favorable ballot, the chapter will invite you to receive the degrees of the Order. These degrees introduce members to the organization’s teachings, values, symbols, and traditions.
The degree experience is an important beginning, but it is not the end of your journey. Membership becomes meaningful through participation.
New members may choose to become involved in:
- Community service projects
- Charitable outreach
- Fundraising activities
- Chapter committees
- Educational programs
- Leadership development
- Mentoring and fellowship
- Events that support families, youth, veterans, or local community needs
Every member brings different gifts and interests. Some people enjoy organizing projects. Others prefer volunteering, welcoming new members, helping with communications, or supporting chapter administration. There is room to grow at your own pace.
What can membership offer you?
People join the Order of the Eastern Star for many reasons. Some are looking for a stronger connection to service. Others want to build friendships, develop confidence, or find a supportive community.
Membership can offer opportunities to:
- Serve alongside people who share your values
- Practice leadership in a supportive environment
- Learn from members with different life experiences
- Build lasting friendships
- Participate in charitable outreach
- Grow personally and professionally
- Encourage others through mentorship and fellowship
For a community-focused chapter such as Eminent Ladies No. 7, membership is about more than attending meetings. It is about showing up for one another, serving with purpose, and helping create positive change in the community.
Ready to learn more?
If you think the Order of the Eastern Star may be right for you, begin by speaking with a current member or contacting a local chapter. Ask questions, learn about the chapter’s service work, and take time to understand the commitment.
Requirements and procedures can vary by jurisdiction, so always verify current information through your official Grand Chapter or chapter secretary. The General Grand Chapter website is a useful starting point, and you can also review the membership information published by an official jurisdiction such as the Grand Chapter of Ohio.
The first step may be a simple conversation. From there, you may discover a community where sisterhood, brotherhood, service, leadership, and personal growth come together.