The LADS of Milton
The “League of Adolescent Dudes Society”
A fraternal “subtle society” for young men.
What is a “Subtle Society”?
Most people have heard of “secret societies”; those clandestine organizations both historical and fictitious, who’s machinations are kept hidden from the public for one reason or another. We are not quite so secret. We are an exclusive group that neither boasts it’s actions nor hides them. We keep our marketing to a minimum, preferring to find new members and volunteers through direct word of mouth.
We also engage in public projects that we keep hush about; volunteering, social gatherings, educational services, and other activities. You will not find us on social media, nor in the papers, nor engaging in fundraising for our group. We are active but subtle, and would like to keep it that way.
The Precepts
Written into our very by-laws are solutions to problems that plague many social groups and fraternal organizations. Each Precept has both a problem and its associated solution.
Precept 1
Problem:
Too many groups spend the majority of their time sitting around talking. Young men need activity and progress to keep engaged.
Precept:
Meetings of Action
No meeting shall be held with the exclusive purpose of discussion or decision making; all meetings must include some substantial activity.
Precept 2
Problem:
Social groups are dominated by old people, draining the energy of the group. Men need to spend time around peers, of near age.
Precept:
Dilution of Geezers
Any meeting must have at least three times as many active members as Obsolesced League Dudes (those over 35 years of age) in attendance.
Precept 3
Problem:
Young men tend to become focused on one area of development in their lives, leaving other attributes to atrophy.
Precept:
Balanced Humors
Members must actively keep a balance of social activity, learning, work, and health within their lives. It is recommended that they take regular honest accounting of what aspect is getting too much focus and which are being ignored.
Precept 4
Problem:
Many social organizations are filled with young people who are forced to be there by their parents.
Precept:
Entrance of Volition
No candidate may be signed up by their parents and must attest that they are there of their own volition and choosing.
Precept 5
Problem:
Social groups that do not put an emphasis on locating and mentoring new members struggle to survive from one generation to the next.
Precept:
Multi-Level Advocating
Advancement in the organization is tied not only to consistent reliable activity within the group, but also in the finding of new members. Advancement will not be tied to any payment structure.
Precept 6
Problem:
Groups that are allowed to become political often become nothing but political, causing either discord or driving away potential members.
Precept:
Take it Outside
Any debates or disagreements of a political nature must be settled outside the time and location of the LADs. If a members political zeal becomes disrespectful or disruptive, they may be expelled from the group
Our Philosophy
The 4 Humors: Tea-Coffee-Soda-Water
The Life of the Mind
For most young people, the life of the mind is dominated by formal academics, leaving them largely inexperienced with autodidactic endeavors. We try to remedy this. During the school year we offer free study assistance for members in school, and for the summer we suggest and support independent research goals.
The Life of Labor
Many young men crave the opportunity to put their hands and skills to work in meaningful and substantial ways, but time constraints and labor laws make this difficult. We show young men that there are more means of compensation than mere wages, and that plenty of labor can be done though personal projects and volunteer work.
A Social Life
Between the draw of the screen, the loss of usable public spaces, and the prevalence of abrasive adults, young men are finding it hard to host or find social events that cater to them. The Lads know that a life without social connection is shallow, and so we strive to host truly engaging events that actually appeal to a young adult age group.
The Life of Vigor
Often the first thing to be sacrificed by young people is their health. Their robustness seems to know no bounds and so little thought is given to decisions that drain their physical and mental well being. We know that quality dietary habits and regular exercise are investments of time that pay back significant dividends in energy, focus, and drive to aid in all other aspects of life.
Why Only Dudes?
We Have No Issues with Women
First of all, we don’t have a problem with girls or women; quite the opposite. But we recognize that women tend to operate in a different league than men when it comes to social organization. They are more amenable to the idea of joining existing organizations, more able to influence their friends into joining their social groups, and far more likely to be found volunteering their time than their male counterparts. Simply put; they handily out-compete men in the social world.
In much the same way that having a girls-only sports league allows them to have fair and plausible competition to play with, young men need a guys-only social league in order to have a chance to partake beside other people of equal skill and inclination.
When Men Have a Stronger Social Life, Society Wins
Young men are no less in need of a social life than any generation in the past. Male friendships are more mocked than celebrated by many aspects of society, driving young guys to end up being aloof and apathetic towards each other. To have a solid friend is seen by many as kind of…lame. This makes guys far too reliant on other relationships for all manner of support that was once the domain of a genuine friend group. It is time to bring friendship and a sense of brotherhood back to the male experience.
Young men will hold each other accountable, give moral support, organize and work together in surprising ways, and push each other to do better and do more. When connected with middle age and older guys, they get spontaneous mentors and role-models, seeing clues of possible paths forward for their own life. Given time, they become those very role-models, lending a hand when they can to others in need of guidance and support.
What do the Lads actually do?
Our activities revolve around the 4 Humors of the philosophy; we do work for ourselves and others, we develop skills and do independent research, we both organize and attend social events, and we partake in events and activities to promote healthy minds and bodies.
Work: There are many forms of work the Lads can partake in. Some possibilities include the following;
Volunteering at events and organizations around town
Starting and helping one another with personal projects
Creating items that can be used in future social, educational, or health activities
Developing productive skills like welding, forging, masonry, carpentry, automotive maintenance, and more
Start and maintain a community garden plot
Socializing: The Lads know that it is up to them to create and organize social events, and to give themselves the time to partake in them. Being a good guest is as important as being a dedicated host.
Organizing cookouts, dances, and other social gatherings
Attending and taking part in public events
Hosting TTRPG, board game, and card game nights, both as members only events and others open to the public.
Hosting LAD camping and hiking trips
Learning: The Lads are dedicated to self-education, and know that the best way to learn is to tie it to things that already inspire interest.
Starting or attending book clubs
Summer Independent Research or Skills Goals based on personal interests
Creating and filling a group library of important and useful books
Providing and utilizing tutoring and guidance from group members and the creation and support of study groups
Health: Generally, young men want to be fit and healthy. What they need to get there is not usually guidance, but accountability and opportunity.
Using vigorous activities as additions to meetings such as splitting wood, digging, etc.
Taking part in and organizing running, biking, and exercise events
Providing nutritional and culinary guidance and practice
Track weekly workouts and hold members accountable to goals.
Membership Enrollment
Interested in joining the Lads?
We may be interested in letting you join.
While we suggest under age candidates discuss with their parents, it is against Precept 4 to allow parents to sign a young man up. A candidate must fill out the form of their own accord and volition.
Note that filling out the form merely enrolls you as a potential candidate, and does not guarantee membership. We will contact you to set up an entrance interview.