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What are Fraternal Benefit Societies?
The fraternal benefit system is a unique, charitable force of almost 200 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies in America, with over 10 million members. Fraternal benefit societies are self-help organizations that operate within a lodge or chapter system. Members of these societies elect their own local officers as well as representatives for each society's board of directors. Fraternal benefit societies provide for the payment of death, illness and disability benefits through insurance programs; they also serve their members and society at large through social, educational and fund-raising activities.

Composed of men and women of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds and of all vocations, fraternal benefit societies provide a positive democratic influence in their communities and throughout the world. They serve their members and others through various volunteer action programs and educational opportunities. As it has throughout its proud history, fraternalism today enables people's dreams to become reality.

A Tradition of Service

While lifestyles may change, basic human needs continue to be met by the volunteer efforts of the members of the nation's fraternal benefit societies. These efforts can include members providing physical labor to complete a project such as building a community playground or remodeling a home for someone in a wheelchair. They also organize fund-raising events to provide assistance for individuals in dire need or organizations serving people in their community.

Fraternal benefit societies seek ways and offer programs to assist families in meeting the challenges and issues that face them in today's world. These societies offer high school and college scholarships, foster patriotism and organize other athletic, religious, social and cultural activities.

For more information on fraternal benefit societies throughout the U.S. and Canada, visit the National Fraternal Congress of America.