I've been a Freemason for awhile now. Its an interesting organization, mostly joined as a number of the Founding Fathers were Masons and because what I have seen of the people I've known who were Masons all were outstanding individuals. I also find the rituals to be interesting and the moral teachings through allegory and symbolism have a beauty all their own. On the practical side, Masonic Lodges perform practical community service and charity work on a number of levels, in fact in order to be a Shriner one must first be a Mason. Its not some Satanic cult, all that is required is a belief in a god of some sort, no questions further than that are asked, and you have to be of good character. A few minor runins with the law, particularly in your younger days, tend to be overlooked, however, felonies are frowned upon. To join all you have to do is find a Mason and request a petition to join a Lodge. Its generally helpful to know someone from the Lodge you wish to join but not required. Just fill it out and give it back to them, they typically get back to you in a month or so if they've accepted you and will get you started on your first degree. Check your local paper as well, most Lodges occasionally have sort of 'open house' events for those who are interested in learning more about the fraternity.