www.roanoke.com

Picture a group of girls, ages 10-20, conducting meetings while using parliamentary procedure. It may sound strange, but for Job's Daughters, it's just another normal meeting.

Job's Daughters is an international organization for girls that requires all of its members to have a Masonic relationship.

A typical meeting consists of reading the minutes and going over bills, receipts and petitions for membership. They also vote on a range of issues, from upcoming events, to paying bills.

Members learn leadership and organization, build relationships and have fun events such as sleepovers and movie nights.

In order to become a member, girls must have a Master Mason in their family and must profess a belief in God. Tara Reynolds, the current "honored queen" of the local chapter, explained that it's a "little bit more select ... and pretty high-level."

As honored queen, Reynolds has quite a few responsibilities, including coming up with a theme for her six-month term, conducting meetings, overseeing business, a promotional project, a fun event and other planning. Reynolds, 18, has learned to "find things that are appropriate for all ages."

The girls take part in community service and charities. Their main charity is HIKE -- Hearing Impaired Kids' Endowment.

"Every year we go down to Virginia Beach. We raise money and we're sponsored to walk a mile up and down the boardwalk there," said 17-year-old Sarah Montgomery, a local member. The money goes toward buying hearing aids for children who can't afford them.

"It's so fulfilling to see these kids and know that it's going to make their lives a lot easier," said Montgomery, who has attended a few of the presentation ceremonies for the children. "It's very pleasing to know you're helping another kid just like you be able to hear something we take for granted every day."

The girls have gotten a lot out of their experience with Job's Daughters, including a broadened view of people's personalities, confidence and leadership experience. While they agree that the organization may not be for everyone, they encourage those eligible to apply.

When members turn 20, they graduate from "Jobies" and become majority members. They can still participate in events and attend meetings but aren't a part of the meetings.

"You become like sisters," said Montgomery. "You gain friendship and leadership. Come out and meet us and see what you think."

For more information on Job's Daughters, visit www.iojd.org.