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Job's Daughters is an organization founded in 1920 for young women between the ages of 10 and 20 who have Masonic heritage. It's based on the foundation of high morals, love of God and country (and respect for its flag and laws), love of family and friends, and respect for parents and guardians, and others throughout the world. Members also learn & develop leadership skills, public speaking, how to manage finances, and support a variety of charity and service projects. "Jobies" also enjoy fellowship among each other in a safe wholesome environment and participate in many "fun" projects and activities (like dances, bowling, skating, "kidnap breakfasts," "mystery trips," "mystery dinners," and travel, just to name a few).
You must be a girl between the ages of 10 and 20 years of age and a direct descendant of a Master Mason, including: daughters, adopted daughters by law, stepdaughters, granddaughters, stepgranddaughters, sisters, half-sisters, stepsisters, sisters-in-law, nieces, grandnieces, or first or second cousins of a Master Mason, or so related to his wife or widow, or who are daughters, stepdaughters, granddaughters, or step-granddaughters of Majority Members of Job's Daughters. The only other requirement is belief in a one God, regardless of your own personal religious beliefs (members are encouraged to actively worship in their own faith - although religious in nature, Job's and Masonry are not substitutes for religion).
Contact a friend who's a member, or contact the Bethel Guardian or Masonic temple in your area. They will get a petition to fill out and explain a little more about the Order to you. A committee of 3 girls will visit you to get a little more information from you and answer any additional questions you might have at that time. The committee will report back to the Bethel, and you'll be contacted on when your initiation will be.
The initiation is a very beautiful ceremony where you'll learn more about Job's Daughters and it's history. It is not embarrassing or frightful at all, and there is no hazing or physical harassment. You'll not be asked to do anything other than pay strict attention to the officers as they bestow upon you the lessons of the Order, as illustrated in it's beautiful ritual and the life of Job. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend the initiation, as well as all Bethel meetings. It's a time many girls fondly remember for the rest of their lives!
The Order takes its name from the Book of Job, in the Bible, with particular reference to the 42nd chapter 15th verse: "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the Daughters of Job; and their Father gave them inheritance among their brethren." Also, special emphasis is given to the thought that: "To be fair is to do good" and "Virtue is a quality which highly adorns woman." Why is it called "International," where all does Job's Daughters exist? The International Order of Job's Daughters currently has 20,000 members in 5 countries, including: the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Australia, and Brazil. There have been inquiries from other countries recently and efforts are underway to institute Job's Daughters jurisdictions in several other countries.
The white robes worn by the officers of a Bethel are of the Grecian type worn by women during the time of Job. Everyone wearing the white Grecian robe stresses equality, symbolic of the important belief that we are all of equal importance in life. Also, white in all ages has been deemed an emblem of purity and a symbol of joy.
"IYOB" is Greek, "FILIAE" is Latin, together they mean "Daughters of Job."
Certainly not. Although Job's Daughters is religious in nature, it is not a religion (or cult) nor is it a substitute for religion. The only requirement for membership related to religion is the belief in a single Supreme Being (i.e., monotheism). This is the same for almost all Masonic related bodies. Members are encourage to worship and practice the faith of their own choosing (i.e., attend their own churches, synagogues, etc., regularly). Job's Daughters are members of many faiths and religions (e.g., Baptist, Catholic, Christian Scientist, Church of Christ, Jewish, Lutheran, Methodist, Mormon, etc.), brought together for noble and good causes - to improve oneself and to be serviceable to all mankind (many charities and causes are directly supported).