Membership Information
Membership Information
Membership in the international Order of the Alhambra, Inc. 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.
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Alhambra Members and Caravans are located all across the United States and Eastern Canada.
Alhambra Members and Caravans are located all across the United States and Eastern Canada.
Who can join the Order of Alhambra?
Who can join the 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.
This includes Priests, Deacons, Brothers, and Nuns
All Catholic laity and religious are eligible. The Order is privileged to have Cardinal Adam Maida as its Ecclesiastical Protector and Reverend Paul Ballien as its Supreme Chaplain. There are many priests, brothers and deacons who are members of the international Order of the Alhambra, Inc.
Order of Alhambra is recognized by the United States Conference of Bishops – Directory of Lay Movements, Organizations, and Professional Associations
The Order was even honored by the late Pope John Paul II.
What does it cost to become a member in the Order?
What does it cost to become a member in the Order?
The annual cost of membership varies within each Caravan and is based on a per capita charge set by the international Order plus an (optional) local assessment voted on by the members of each Caravan. The initial cost to join takes into consideration these annual dues, a one-time $10.00 processing fee, the cost of purchasing either a Fez or medallion and on occasion, the cost of a celebratory meal following the Ceremonial.
The 2023 per capita (per person) assessment, billed annually to the Caravans, is $55.00 USD. Caravans may include this per capita amount in the dues they charge to members.
Can Caravans be organized and function in countries other than Canada and the United States?
Can Caravans be organized and function in countries other than Canada and the United States?
Yes. The Order of the Alhambra, Inc., is an international social and charitable organization and the formation of Caravans in other parts of the world is highly encouraged.
Can I join even if there's no Alhambran Caravan near me?
Can I join even if there's no Alhambran Caravan near me?
We have a special provision for "Unaffiliated" Members. A member who is in good standing in the Order, and who is unaffiliated with a chartered Caravan, or holds a demit (resigns) from a Caravan, may still retain active membership in the Order by electing to be known as a "Member-at-Large."
Are there other membership categories such as Associate or Non-Catholic Member?
Are there other membership categories such as Associate or Non-Catholic Member?
Not at this time but please read to the end. A number of proposals for other types of membership have been put forth over the years at our biennial convention but so far, none have been adopted. That said, you do not have to be Catholic to volunteer for most of our events. To do the most good for the loving individuals we work with, we rely on the support of a great number of non-member volunteers young and old. This is a great volunteer opportunity for seniors with a little extra time on their hands. Feel free to reach out to Robert Long, Office Administrator or any of our Caravan members to see how you might help.
How do I find out about or join a Caravan in my local area?
How do I find out about or join a Caravan in my local area?
If you know of a Caravan in your local area, contact a member of that Caravan and let them know that you are interested in membership. If you do not know of a Caravan near you and don't know who to contact you can call or email Robert Long, Office Administrator at the Order of the Alhambra, Inc.'s Baltimore office. Our number is (410) 242-0660.
You may also click the "Join Us!" button at the bottom of our webpage and someone will be sure to contact you.
If there's no Caravan in my local area, can I start one?
If there's no Caravan in my local area, can I start one?
The short answer is, absolutely! Where no Caravans exist, we encourage individuals who desire to join in the charitable, religious and social work of the Order, to start a new Caravan. Contact the main office in Baltimore for more information.
The Order has Supreme Directors, members of the Council of Viziers (our board of directors), each of whom represents a region of the county. They help supervise and assist with the formation of new Caravans which can begin after receiving the approval from the Supreme Commander. Again, feel free to contact us at (410) 242-0660.
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