MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the International Order of Alhambra is open to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements of the Order and has a desire to do charitable work while having fun doing it. Information on membership eligibility and related topics follow in a Questions and Answers (Q&A) format:
Q & A
Who can become a member in the International Order of Alhambra?
Any Catholic 18 years of age or older who is in good standing in the Church is eligible. Election to membership is open to any such individual, in a Caravan of his choice, provided he complies with the initiation ceremony requirements and the governing documents of the Order.
Does this include Priests, Deacons, Brothers, or Nuns?
Yes, all Catholic religious are eligible. The Order is privileged to have Cardinal Adam Maida as its Ecclesiastical Protector and Rev. Msgr. Ricardo E. Bass as its Supreme Chaplain. There are many priests, brothers and deacons who are members of the International Order of Alhambra. The Order was honored by the late Pope John Paul II accepting a Fez.
What are the initiation ceremony requirements?
Upon acceptance of the application of a prospective member by a Caravan, arrangements are made by the caravan to hold an initiation ceremony.
What cost is involved in becoming a member, and how much is it?
The cost of membership varies with each Caravan based on their activities and administrative costs. The initial cost of becoming a member is usually related to the annual dues, cost of the Fez and where the ceremony is held. The International Order places a nominal one-time $10.00 fee for each new member, and an annual per capita assessment on Caravans for each member of record. The current per capita amount, billed annually to Caravans, is $48.00 (in U.S. Currency.) Caravans normally include the per capita amount in the annual dues they charge their members.
Can you be a member in the Order but not be associated with a Caravan?
There is a provision for Unaffiliated Membership. "A member who is in good standing in the Order, and who is affiliated with a chartered Caravan, or who is holding a demit from a Caravan, and who is now separated from his Caravan and is unable for any reason to affiliate with a Caravan in his locale, may retain his active membership in the Order by electing to be known as a Member-at-Large."
Is there any other membership category such as Associate Member or Non-Catholic Member?
No. Although proposals for other categories of membership have been made in the past, none has been approved.
How can I join a Caravan in my local area?
If you know of a Caravan in your local area, make it known to a member of that Caravan that you are interested in membership. If you do not know any members, contact the Order’s Secretariat. The toll-free number for membership questions is 1-800-478-2946.
What if there is no Caravan in my local area?
The most desirable option, at this time, is for individuals who want to become associated with the great charitable work of the International Order of Alhambra, is to start a new Caravan. Alternatively, a request by an individual can be made to be accepted into the Order as a "Member-at-Large." For this choice download a Membership Application form to send to the Executive Director at the Order's Secretariat.
How would one go about starting a new Caravan?
The Order has Supreme Officers on the Council of Viziers with the title of Supreme Directors. It is their duty to supervise the organization of new Caravans under the direction of the Supreme Commander. Again, the simplest way to get started is to contact the Order's Secretariat, at its toll free number for membership questions, 1-800-478-2946.
Can Caravans be organized and function in countries other than Canada and the United States?
Yes. This is the International Order of Alhambra, and organization of Caravans in other countries of the world is encouraged.
If telephoning for membership information is not practical, can regular postal services or e-mail be used?
Yes, either method may be used. The e-mail contacts and mailing address are provided on the Main Page and Contact Page of this web site.