What do you think when you hear the word "Constellation?" To many people, when you mention the word “constellation”, they think of a bunch of stars in the sky. But, to a number of girls in New York State, Constellation is a place to meet friends, and do charitable acts.

The Constellation of Junior Stars is a Masonic youth organization for girls between the ages of 10 and 21. In Constellation, the girls learn many life skills. They learn how to communicate effectively, how to work with deadlines, how to speak publicly, poise, grace, dignity, organization, and a number of other skills that will help them later in life.

Constellation also fosters a caring nature for those less fortunate, and encourages the girls to do what they can for their community. The individual Constellations hold fundraisers to raise money for charitable organizations, which have in the past included, the World Wildlife Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Pediatric Aids, the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, Breast Cancer Research, R.A.I.N.N. (The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), Children’s Literacy and a number of other charities. Constellation members also perform charitable works within their communities including serving as waitresses at local church dinners, collecting food for the local food pantry, collecting clothes for the local good will, and many other charitable works.

Constellation is not all work and no play. We get together a few times a year for state meetings. We have a formal meeting in the evening, where we discuss state business, and we have a social hour afterwards. Then the girls stay and have a huge sleepover.

“The Order of the Constellation of Junior Stars is a Sorority of young girls dedicated to the principles and ethics on which all faiths agree. The lessons in the Constellation are scriptural and educational. Young girls from 11 to 21 with Masonic Sponsorship are eligible for membership. A Council of Sponsors from the Order of the Eastern Star, Master Masons, and other interested in youth programs guide the girls in their ritualistic work and various programs. Once a girl reaches the age of 18, she is eligible to petition for membership in the Order of the Eastern Star and with the proper affiliation to receive the Degree of Perfection. Members are required to obligate themselves to be true; to be friendly; to be faithful and to be sincere in service. Constellation helps to foster richer relationships with Masonic organizations, families and friends.”

What Are the Membership Requirements?

In order for a young girl to be eligible for membership in the Order of Constellation, they must be between the ages of 11 and 21 and have a belief in a Supreme Being. Constellation is open to all faiths and religions. The girl then fills out a Petition for Membership and must be sponsored. Finally, she would attend an initiation ceremony which introduces her to the organization and instructs her in its ways.

What Does a Girl Get Out of Constellation?

Members in Constellation get to experience many activities that they might not be able to try if they were not involved. Every member gets to work on public speaking and taking on responsibility. Members get to help raise money for charity projects and work for other charitable organizations. They get to meet all kinds of girls from all over the state and make life-long friendships. Traveling and meeting girls helps them learn valuable communication skills. These skills are also helpful in the member’s home Constellation.

Members plan their own events like dances, dinners, installations and sleepovers. This teaches the girls proper planning and they get to see all their hard work become something that they can truly be proud of. The girls also learn how to run a meeting and get their work done seriously, and then they have time for the fun stuff later on.

If girls are able to become Exalted Star or a Grand Officer, they are able to take on more responsibility and travel. They are able to be role models for younger members to be looked up to and respected. That’s a feeling that can stay with someone for the rest of their lives.

How Much Time Does it Take to be a Member?

Although Constellation sounds time consuming, it’s only as time consuming as you choose. Each member chooses how much time to put into being a part of Constellation. Most Constellations meet twice a month for regular meetings. The members might plan some special events on weekends like dances, sleepovers or charity projects. They also may choose to travel to other Constellations or other State Events for Constellation & other Masonic youth groups.

So, How do I become a Member or Sponsor?

To become a member of The Constellation of Junior Stars you must first fill out and submit the Constellation of Junior Stars Membership Application, which can be found on the "Downloads" bar of this webiste. After the application has been submitted and approved the degree of Initiation will be conferred upon the prospective member. This is a simple, yet beautiful ceremony that introduces each member to the principals that Constellation was founded upon.

Becoming a Sponsor of The Constellation of Junior Stars is as easy as getting involved with your local Constellation. Attending events and learning about our order is an important step, and can be as easy as helping meetings runs smoothly to helping prepare dinners or driving members to events across the state. No matter in what way you are able to contribute to our organization you're support is always greatly apprecieated. We are always looking for more hands to help out,