As an organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is dedicated to improving and elevating the character of mankind by imparting the principles of friendship, love and truth and making the world a better place to live by aiding the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community at large in every way possible. It aims to improve and elevate every person to a higher, nobler plane; to extend sympathy and aid to those in need, making their burdens lighter, relieving the darkness of despair and to be a great moral power and influence for the good of humanity.

Teachings in the Order are conducted through the exemplification of the Degrees of membership. The Degrees are conferred on the candidate by their Lodge, and are teachings of principles and truths by ceremonies and symbols. The Degrees are presented largely by means of allegory and drama. For Odd Fellows, the degrees in Odd Fellowship emphasizes a leaving of the old life and the start of a better one, of welcoming travelers, and of helping those in need. The command of the IOOF is to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan."

We are one of 116 Lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows comprising the Grand Lodge of California, caioof.org, headquartered in San Jose. Sovereign Grand Lodge, ioof.org, is the nationwide parent organization based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Odd Fellowship is world wide with nearly 10,000 lodges in 26 countries.

A Lodge is governed by a board of Trustees, three in Ocean View's case. It is administered by its elected officers with assistance and participation by its appointed officers and membership.

Chartered on April 18th 1868, we are in our 154th year.