Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/121911
Fraternalism 101: Cont. from page 2 ritual, grips and passwords. This is hardly surprising as a disproportionate share of the founders of these new orders were Masons. But unlike the Masons, which were at this time upper class gentlemen's clubs, the new orders opened their doors to working class men – and women. And though the lodge structure was essentially Masonic, the prime purpose of these new orders was based on yet another fraternal order founded in 1868 – the Ancient Order of United Workmen (AOUW). So, with membership of approximately 9 million people of various ethnic, religious and vocational backgrounds, fraternal benefit societies in the U.S. and Canada have been an integral part of America for more than a century. While lifestyles have changed, the basic needs of men and women, both social and economic, continue to be served by societies of the farreaching fraternal benefit system, carrying on the traditions and ideals of its historic beginnings. The concept of a social safety net was totally unknown in the nineteenth nentury. The death of a breadwinner frequently meant destitution of the family. Life insurance was available only to the well to do and beyond the economic reach of the average. In response to this John Upchurch founded the AOUW as a fraternal benefit society. Each member was assessed a small fee and upon the death of a member, his family would receive a death benefit, usually on the order of about $500 – $2,000. America's fraternal benefit societies represent one of the nation's largest and most effective volunteer networks. In thousands of communities across the United States members finance, organize and deliver a wide variety of social services to those in need. Fraternal benefit societies also help secure their members' financial futures by offering them an array of financial services, including life insurance and annuities. This would generally have been enough to pay off the mortgage on the family farm and perhaps support the family thereafter. The AOUW introduced affordable life insurance to working class families and the more than three hundred new fraternal benefit societies formed in the latter 1800's followed their example. So, it goes without saying, The Golden Age of Fraternalism was under way. Pride in Membership It is a real joy to be able to recognize our long-time members. We congratulate and thank them with the awards shown for their many years of membership. Our Twenty-five and Fifty-year Membership Pins can be worn to court events or any occasion to show pride in being an NCSF member. Sixty years of membership is recognized with a Crystal Rosary. Beads of precious crystal and an engraved crucifix represents our prayers and warm wishes. The gold enameled NCSF medallion is a constant reminder of the honor. Members with seventy years are registered in a Living Perpetual Prayer Enrollment. Contact National Secretary Patricia DeNys at 1-800-344-6273 x 218 or natsec@ncsf.com. (items not shown at actual size) 6 Fraternalism began by people with common interests pooling their resources for the benefit of all. Today, America's fraternal benefit societies are organized collectively and work together through the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). We look at fraternalism as people with different backgrounds, from different cultures, coming together and realizing that we all have the same basic needs and working together to help improve the communities in which we all live, work and play.