What reason(s) compels a person to join a fraternal or service organization?

Okay, I had to throw out my long answer, it was getting dull. There are probably a hundred explanations offered by psychologists as to why people join fraternal organizations... but then, psychology is junk science anyway.

The reasons people join such groups are as varied as the individuals and groups themselves. Some are fulfilling family traditions and ideals of their upbringing, some are looking for something to belong to, something that matters and something that is greater than themselves. Some belong to these organizations because they are unhappy with the religious or political constraints that similar church and party based groups offer.

Some belong to multiple groups, and for others it is a natural extension of their life-long dedication to civic service and fraternity.

From among the last two groups, it is not unusual to find a disproportionate number of police officers, firefighters, and veterans belonging to fraternal organizations. These are individuals steeped in the idea of fraternity, brotherhood, honor, and service as a way of life. A look back into history tells us that the greatest surges in membership and participation in fraternal orders has come on the heels of major conflicts.

Fraternal orders serve many roles to their members, just as the members serve many roles to the community. In many ways fraternities are support groups, social groups, upholders of traditions, as well as community service groups.

Do I believe in honor?Yes-Do I believe in GOD?Yes-Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs?Yes-Do you(And this is an important one)believe you have the responsibility to leave the world a better place than you found it?Yes-Do you believe that men should show compassion for Others,that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?Yes-

Your right there is not any personal gain from participation you belong(In my case I'm a Freemason)because it's better to give than receive and it's what I believe in,and if you ask most Freemasons it's part of the core of their believes also.In any case it's not anything you need a therapist to figure out.

To feel a part of something exclusive...by exclusive, I mean not letting just anyone in. Some people prefer a sheltered existence like that. I was a bartender for one such organization many years ago and frankly, the people didn't have much of a life. Shallow, simple-minded bigots, really.