I have a few questions regarding the petition process. My understanding is that there are specific things that can automatically disqualify you from consideration (i.e., felony convictions). With the understanding that it may not be possible to divulge in much more specificity precisely what things can disqualify you, in general terms, what are some of the guidelines that are used?
For background, I have for most of my life been a work in progress; troubled youth with some minor juvenile criminal offenses, highschool drop out, married & divorced at a young age etc. However, over the years I have dramatically changed course. I have raised two children, worked with success in civil engineering for the last 12 years, recently went back to get a B.S. in civil engineering, currently working on an M.S. degree, in multiple academic honor societies, and I am currently an Eisenhower Fellow. More importantly, I am profoundly drawn to the values, ethics, and symbolism of Freemasonry.
However, as I can see it I have blemishes that make me question my worthiness as a candidate. Though I have largely lived a moral life, I did get a misdemeanor DUI four years ago. I received deffered judgement and the charges have since been dismissed. But I have read (here) that masonic code still considers this a conviction. Would this be something that would disqualify my in the eyes of most brothers? What about the rest of my fairly checkered past? What things can I do to improve my standing as a petitioner if any?
For background, I have for most of my life been a work in progress; troubled youth with some minor juvenile criminal offenses, highschool drop out, married & divorced at a young age etc. However, over the years I have dramatically changed course. I have raised two children, worked with success in civil engineering for the last 12 years, recently went back to get a B.S. in civil engineering, currently working on an M.S. degree, in multiple academic honor societies, and I am currently an Eisenhower Fellow. More importantly, I am profoundly drawn to the values, ethics, and symbolism of Freemasonry.
However, as I can see it I have blemishes that make me question my worthiness as a candidate. Though I have largely lived a moral life, I did get a misdemeanor DUI four years ago. I received deffered judgement and the charges have since been dismissed. But I have read (here) that masonic code still considers this a conviction. Would this be something that would disqualify my in the eyes of most brothers? What about the rest of my fairly checkered past? What things can I do to improve my standing as a petitioner if any?