Being named Andrew has become quite challenging in recent years due to the notoriety associated with several individuals sharing the name, including Andrew Tate and a former prince. Even a CEO involved in a controversy with Coldplay went by Andy. As an Andrew myself, I felt compelled to highlight more positive representatives of our name, prompting me to embark on a quest to discover fellow Andrews making a difference in the world.
In the course of my search, I discovered a unique community comprised entirely of individuals named Andrew. This exclusive group, known as the Council of Andrews, requires members to have names that originate from the Greek name Andreas. They engage in extensive online discussions, adhering to specific guidelines, displaying their own flag, and organizing an annual festival for face-to-face interactions. In January, I traveled 140 miles to attend one of their gatherings, where I found myself surrounded by a circle of strangers, all sharing my name.
My journey began on Facebook, where I came across a private group called the Council of Andrews. Although it was locked, I noticed it boasted nearly 6,700 members, with a clear stipulation in the sidebar stating, “This group is for Andrews only.” The group’s cover image depicted a stylized letter “A” encircled, reminiscent of a playful take on the Star Trek emblem. In the “About” section, the members describe their mission as “Dedicated to uplifting the Drewish Community towards prosperity and self-actualization.” Intrigued, I requested to join and was promptly accepted.
Once inside, my feed became flooded with posts from Andrews, Andrés, Drews, and Andreas. The activity in the group, which spanned years, showcased a rich tapestry of Andrews engaging with one another. The purpose behind this collective was not immediately clear, but it was evident that it extended beyond mere name-sharing.
In February 2019, a member named Andrew Patts experienced feelings of isolation after relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, following a deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve. With Valentine’s Day approaching and lacking both friends and a date, he was scrolling through Facebook when he noticed a comment from someone inviting another James to a group exclusively for individuals named James. Inspired, Patts thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to meet a lot of Andrews?” He subsequently established a group for people sharing his name, reaching out to others on Facebook with a simple message: “You’re invited to join the Council of Andrews.”
This initiative proved successful, with more than 1,000 members joining within eight months, a milestone celebrated on October 15, now affectionately known as Drewnity Day.
One of the early members, Andrew Austin, a 55-year-old from Fort Payne, Alabama, was drawn to the group out of curiosity during his retirement. “I was bored outta my gourd,” he admitted. Seven years later, he remains an active participant, dedicating about half an hour daily to explore the diverse array of Andrews involved.
“We have doctors, mechanics, lawyers, law enforcement officials, clergy, military personnel, craftsmen, truckers, homemakers, arts and crafts experts, collectors, gamers, students, retirees, and more from whom to seek knowledge,” Austin noted. “Even if you never post, you can always read and learn.”
In a recent month, the group saw 631 new posts, with members initiating discussions on various Andrew-related topics, such as family lineage or locations named Drew. Alongside sharing memes and life updates, members also seek advice on a range of subjects, from technical issues to personal challenges. Fundraising efforts have also become a hallmark of the group.
Patts shared a pivotal moment when he recognized the council’s potential for real-world impact: “One of the Andrews needed support during a custody battle and turned to the council for help. We were able to raise $1,500 to assist him.” Motivated by this success, Patts transitioned the Council of Andrews into a nonprofit organization, expanding their ability to assist fellow Andrews in need. After learning about member Andrew Pagano’s motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his leg, the group raised approximately $5,000 to help him obtain a prosthetic limb.
Pagano expressed his gratitude via email, stating, “The Council has made me feel nothing short of loved. I’m forever grateful to my Drewish brothers and sisters. There’s nothing quite like this council, and I hope to find the success to pay it forward to the many other Drews who are more deserving than I am.”
The Council also organizes an annual Christmas gift drive, providing presents for the children of financially struggling Andrews, and Patts has established a fund to assist members in pursuing higher education. “Our scholarship helps Andrews know that they have an entire world of Andrews cheering them on,” he explained. Although the $50 scholarship may not seem substantial, it covers most application fees. To date, at least six members have benefited from this initiative, including Andrés Tejeda, a 28-year-old from Chicago who joined in June 2020.
Tejeda initially found the concept of an online community for people sharing a name somewhat unusual, but he utilized the scholarship to purchase an essential textbook for his TV and radio broadcast journalism studies, ultimately landing his dream job in sports broadcasting.
