Brotherhood Honor - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I become a Brotherhood Honor member?

A: Your Ordeal membership is a time when you can reflect on the experience of the Ordeal, get to know what the OA is about, and decide if you want to continue to be involved. Brotherhood Honor members are those who have decided that they want to stay involved.

Q: When can I get Brotherhood Honor?

A: You can start working towards Brotherhood immediately after your Ordeal, by being active in the lodge and your chosen committee. Ten months after your Ordeal, you can go for Brotherhood. If you were inducted at the Spring Powwow, the soonest opportunity will be the (following year’s) Spring Fellowship. If you were inducted at the Fall Powwow, the soonest opportunity will be the (following year’s) Spring Powwow.

Q: What do I have to do?

A: You will need to study the basic symbolism of the Ordeal experience, know things like the OA Obligation and OA song and Admonition, and write a letter to the Secretary of the lodge. Everything you need to know is in our handout called Invitation to Brotherhood. After having a conversation with an appointed Brotherhood member at one of our lodge activities, you will be invited to the Brotherhood ceremony.

Q: Do I have to buy a new sash?

A: No, the lodge will g ive you a new sash with the Brotherhood “bars” on it. There is no cost to you. We believe you have earned it by your decision to dedicate yourself to the principles of the Order.

Q: What do the “bars” on the Brotherhood sash symbolize?

A: Good question! The Brotherhood Honor is the second honor (the first was Ordeal, and the third is the Vigil Honor). Think of the bars on the sash as the Roman numeral II, meaning the second honor.

Q: I am going to be attending another lodge’s OA weekend as a guest. Can I get Brotherhood there?

A: Sorry, the National OA Committee requires that you must go for Brotherhood in your home lodge. One reason for this rule is that your home lodge is where you are making your commitment to remain an active, vital member.