The Friendly Sons of St Patrick are more or less continuously joined by many new members and we bid you welcome. As with any organization, growth is grand in terms of the health and vitality and future of the group. However, it can lead to some identity problems, as well.
After the initial rush of pride, enthusiasm and sheer exhilaration over joining such an elite, prestigious and influential group has worn off (which it will, very quickly) many members say to themselves, "Self, what the hell kind of organization did I get myself into, anyway?" Fair question, and one that members have been asking themselves ever since the late Bill Buckley arrived in San Diego from "Toidy Toid and Toid Streets" and founded the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick over 50 years ago.
First of all, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is the oldest fraternal organization in the country, dating back to pre-Revolutionary War days. George Washington was a guest at one of the very first Black Tie, Stag Dinners! Chapters exist in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and many other cities around the country.
The Preamble to the Bylaws states that the organization exists "...to pay tribute to the patron saint of Ireland and to foster goodwill and fellowship among those or Irish descent in San Diego County." So far, so good. Now comes the tough question...yes, but what do we do?
The answer, of course, is "Do?!? Bejaysus, lad do you always have to be DOING?!? We laugh, we drink, we philosophize." Beyond that, there are some interesting questions to ask, namely...
Are we a charitable organization? Numbered among our ranks are past and present board members, presidents and leader of the United Way, Chad, MDA, MS, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and many other charitable groups. We may, as individuals, help each other out with various charitable events. However, we are not, as an organization, in existence for charitable purposes.
Are we a professional organization? Again, numbered among our ranks are board members, Presidents and leaders of professional organizations as well as CEO's. Presidents and other officers of large and small corporations, partnerships and small businesses. From time to time there are those who do business with each other. We are not, however, as an organization, in existence for professional purposes.
Are we a civic organization? There are those among us who are deeply involved in civic events such as community planning, redevelopment, politics and health care, There has been certain common causes which have brought some members together to achieve certain goal. We are not, however, as an organization, in existence for civic purposes.
Are we a community service organization? Represented in our membership are past Presidents and Parade Chairmen of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, members of the Holiday Bowl Committee, the Nice Guys, the Toyland Parade, Sail America, Boys Club, Girl and Boy Scouts, Elks, Rotary and many other community service groups. Many in our group belong to one or more of these organizations in common with other members. However, we are not, as an organization, in existence for community service purposes.
So why the hell are we here and just what the hell are we, anyway? We are a collective group of charitable, professional, civic minded, community spirited individuals who band together under the banner of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for no other reason than to celebrate the fact that this group of Americans of Irish descent are a pretty damn good bunch of companions to swap tall tales, legends and down right lies with!
Next question...when do we meet? Two meetings during the year are mandated in the bylaws - the annual Membership Luncheon in early February and the annual Black Tie Stag Dinner, held on the eve of St. Patrick's Day. In recent years various other occasions have been deemed worthy of gathering. Certain Padre baseball games, a golf tournament or two, a pub crawl, the annual Wake (half way to St. Patrick's Day), monthly happy hours and others as they come to mind.
Where do we meet? Where two or more are gathered. Finally, if the thought "How do I get out of this chicken organization" even comes to mind, you aren't in it anyway!
