Viking Magazine - March 2014 - 25

the insurance operation is able
to financially support lodges
and help make a difference
in the communities these
lodges serve. According to Len
Carlson, Director of Agencies,
" more than one million dollars
each year from the insurance
operation is used to fund
Fraternal programs, such as the
Cultural Skills and Sports Medal
Programs, and the cost of Viking
magazine. " The insurance
operation also supports
Fraternal programming through
Lodge Revenue Sharing. This
program sets aside an amount
from insurance profits to pay
back money to lodges based
on how much insurance is
purchased by lodge members,
says Carlson.
The insurance operation
further supports the Fraternal
area through its Financial
Benefits Counselors (FBCs).
As agents for the insurance
operation, FBCs are available
to members and can offer a
complimentary financial review.
They also play a significant role
in their lodges by assisting with
program planning and financial
education for the community,
including organizing New
Membership Dinners. The
dinners, subsidized at up to
$400 per event by the insurance
operation, are a key recruiting
tool for Sons of Norway. " FBCs
account for 25 percent of the
total members recruited in
2013, " according to Pederson.
A circle of support
As the third area, the Sons
of Norway Foundation also
supports-and is supported
by-the Financial and Fraternal
areas. Established in 1966
to fund scholarships, the
Foundation has become so
much more. " Program ideas
from Fraternal are turned
into grant requests to the
Foundation, allowing lodges
to pay for speakers, musicians
and other lodge programming, "
says Foundation Director
Cindy Olson. The Foundation
actively engages with members
and lodges, awarding grants
to members following natural
disasters. It is the true meaning
of fraternalism.
The Foundation is also a
resource to members for legacy
and charitable giving, which
depends on the insurance
operation for its success. By
naming the Foundation as a
beneficiary on life insurance
policies they purchase, members
can leave a legacy gift
" We are exponentially stronger
together than we could ever be
individually. " Linda Pederson, Fraternal Director
to presenters to teach cultural
skills to individuals so that
they can teach them in their
lodge communities, says Olson.
Scholarships reinvigorate our
lodges by giving their youth " an
educational push, " she adds.
" Our youth learn about their
Norwegian heritage through
heritage camp experiences and
bring their enthusiasm back to
the lodge, allowing the lodge to
gain new members and grow. "
The Foundation's Humanitarian
Fund awards grants
that supports the values and
interests they are passionate
about, like their heritage and
culture. " Charitable giving
through life insurance helps
grow the Foundation, " says
Olson.
Stronger together
The symbiosis of FinancialFraternal-Foundation
has
far-reaching impact: members'
investments in Sons of Norway
ensure a healthy future
for the organization, and
Sons of Norway's financial
products, education, cultural
programming and shared
heritage enrich the lives of
members and their communities.
Reflecting on how the three
areas collaborate and share
resources, Pederson says " we
are exponentially stronger
together than we could ever be
individually. Not only does this
make Sons of Norway a stronger
organization, but it also makes
for a better, more vibrant and
robust member experience. "
For a complimentary consultation with your Sons of Norway Financial Benefits Counselor, visit sonsofnorway.com.
sonsofnorway.com VIKING MARCH 2014 25

http://www.sonsofnorway.com http://www.sonsofnorway.com

Viking Magazine - March 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - March 2014