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FRATERNAL BENEFIT
While
the fraternal benefit system had its roots in England in the early
part of the 19th century, roots of the Canadian fraternal system
can be traced to the development of fraternalism in the United
States following the Civil War.
In
the last 35 years of the 19th century, America was flooded with
working class immigrants. Fraternalism became especially popular
amongst the waves of immigrants coming from Europe who faced language
barriers, cultural assimilation and workplace hardships.
By
the 1870’s many fraternal societies had evolved, offering brotherhood
and sisterhood for working men and women and more importantly,
protection for dependents. Central to the organization of fraternal
benefit societies was the notion of a local lodge, which offered
opportunities for social interaction and provided a sufficient
number of members to assist fellow members and their families
in time of need. Many of the culturally based organizations were
formed and strengthened at that time
The
fraternal benefit system spilled over into Canada in the following
decades with branch operations of societies founded in the United
States. Synonymous with the establishment of branch operations
was the growth and development of Canadian only fraternal operations.
The first fraternal was established in Canada in 1880 and the
latest, in 1977.
Critical
to the character of the fraternal benefit society as a membership
organization is the "common bond" among its members. Such a bond
is defined by three elements: fraternal purpose, group identity
and group activity.
The
following five general categories of common bonds are found amongst
fraternals today:
Religion:
Membership is restricted to persons of a particular religion or
persons willing to support specified religious based objectives.
Gender:
The Society has limited its membership historically to a particular
gender. All gender based Society share another common bond such
as religion, ethnic origin or values.
Occupational:
Membership is limited to persons engaged in a particular occupation
or profession.
Ethnic:
Membership is or was originally limited to persons of a particular
ethnic origin. Basic society objectives usually involve the promotion
of the culture and heritage of that particular ethnic group.
General:
Membership includes persons who share a commitment to particular
principals or believes reflecting a common value system.
Today,
you can find fraternal benefit societies not only heavily involved
in community work but also providing insurance protection
and investment opportunities for their members and their
dependents.
Many fraternal societies run programs that assist the elderly, widows and orphans, the handicapped and those less fortunate. Many societies also run scholarship programs to assist their own members and provide aid to communities that have been devastated by natural disasters.
Fraternal associations continue to organize cultural and sporting events not just for their members but also for the communities in which they reside. These lodges continue to provide support for those in need, at a time when traditional community life is breaking down.
Fraternalism is still thriving after a century of development!
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