Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolent, educational, and religious society. Its proclaimed principles are as broad as men will hear. Its only secrets are in methods of recognition and symbolic instruction.​Masonry teaches important lessons and principles - The importance of doing good because we have a duty to all to make lives as fulfilling as possible.​ Honor and integrity are essential to life. Life, without distinction and integrity, is without meaning.​Each person has a responsibility to make things better in the world. Masonry is deeply involved with helping people — it spends millions of dollars every day in the United States to make life a little easier. ​Masonry teaches a need for continued growth and development. It reminds members repeatedly of the importance of honesty, charity, compassion, love, and trust. In some ways, a Masonry is a support group for men trying to make the right decisions. It is easier to practice these virtues when those around you think they are essential and will not laugh at you. ​Masonry teaches that it is good to spend time with people you can trust completely, and most Masons find that in their lodge. While much of the lodge activity is in works of charity or lessons in self-development, every lodge serves more than its own.

Frequently, there are meetings open to the public. Ladies' nights and brothers bring friends' nights, public installations of officers, cornerstone laying ceremonies, and other special arrangements supporting community events and dealing with topics of local interest. Masons sponsor ladies' groups such as the Order of Eastern Star and Amaranth. Youth groups include Rainbow for girls and the Order of DeMolay for boys.​ Each lodge has charities they donate to name a few: Connecticut's Alzheimer's Research, Shriner's Hospital, Project Hope, DESK, CHIPS Program, Memorial Scholarship funds, Dyslexia Centers, Animal Haven, Compassion Club, Masonicare, The Eye Foundation, and more.