Shriner Magazine - Summer 2023

There has been substantial growth in the number of Shri ners in the region. The promise of brotherhood and the temple’s tremendous impact on local children and their communities help to drive interest in fraternity membership in Northwestern Mexico. The nobles of Northern Mexico have been working to help children at least since 1964. “During the past 59 years, many thousands of children have benefited from the hard work of nobles of our region,” said Dr. López. “Outreach clinics, social services encounters, school visits, as well as many programs with the federal, state and local authorities have made this possible.” Al Atfal nobles have established a network of clubs that are trained in how to make sure that children in Northern Mexico are able to access necessary care that Shriners Chil dren’s provides. “We sponsor Casa Al Atfal, a residence that takes in patients and families while they are being treated or diag

The Al Atfal clubs in 14 major cities have hospital liaison com mittees, and with training from the Central Patient Services team based at Shriners International Headquarters, members are able to help input potential patient information into the system. “Once patients are accepted, we provide assistance with transportation to and from Shriners Children’s locations,” said Dr. López. Al Atfal Shriners say they still have a lot to accomplish. They are looking forward to coordinating more domestic and interna tional patient transfers, organizing fun activities and events that raise awareness and funds, and supporting club officers in order to reach their goals. They also hope to partner more closely with federal, state, and local health and education authorities. “With a membership of over 350 nobles, Al Atfal Shriners will always be grateful for the support of Anezeh, Al Bahr, El Zaribah and Sabbar Shriners, and many other temples and nobles throughout this fraternity,” said Dr. López.

nosed at the Shriners Children’s Tijuana Ambulatory Clinic. We also provide meals and transportation,” said Dr. Lopez.

Journey to Dispensation

In order to get their dispensation (authorization to form), a group of nobles who are already members of a temple – usually in a geographic Shrine Club – submit a petition to Shriners International through the International Development Commit tee. The petition must be signed by a minimum of 150 current nobles or Master Masons (prospective nobles), and be submit ted with a specific fee. After the dispensation is approved by the International Development Committee, the Dispensations and Charters Commit tee and the Jurisdictional Lines Committee, it’s presented to the voting Representa tives at Imperial Session and voted upon. If approved, the dispensation is granted. The temple has a list of several opera tional benchmarks, which include training in WebFez and the membership programs, setting a budget and stating their provisional Divan officers. As each of these benchmarks is met, they still need to be operating as a temple, and recruiting new Shriners.

What’s Next for A l Atfal Al Atfal Shriners is waiting for the approval during Imperial Session 2023 for membership in WSA (Western Shrine Association) and LASA (Latin America

Shrine Association). “We’re committed to continue working and learning with one sole purpose, the well-being of our children, said Dr. López. For Dr. López, it’s personal: “At 66 years of age, this is my life— family, Shrine kids and ranch life.”

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