Are membership rules in OES consistent across all jurisdictions?

• A. No; rules vary by Grand Chapter.
• B. Yes; they are uniform across all jurisdictions.
• C. They are decided by local Chapters.
• D. They are set by a national body.

Answer: (A)

Membership rules in the Order of the Eastern Star differ by Grand Chapter because the organization is structured with individual Grand Chapters governing each jurisdiction. Each Grand Chapter sets its own eligibility criteria, petition procedures, and dues within the broad framework of the Order. Local Chapters operate under that Grand Chapter’s authority and implement the rules for their area. There isn’t a single national body that imposes uniform standards on every Chapter, so while core values and the overall purpose remain the same, the specific membership requirements can vary from one Grand Chapter to another.