Fraternity-Testvériség, 1966 (44. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1966-01-01 / 1. szám
6 FRATERNITY JOSEPH KECSKEMETHY: ITEMS OF INTEREST FRATERNALISM THROUGH INSURANCE “Fraternalism has been a natural and essential social development in America”, Thomas J. Gillooly, Executive Vice President for Insurance, Knights of Columbus, told fraternalists at the 79th National Fraternal Congress convention on September 19, 1965. Speaking at the plenary session, Mr. Gillooly said: ‘‘Along with all other institutions, we are now in the process of re-evaluation in terms of the world about us. One object which we all share and to which we are deeply committed, is the provision of protection for our members and their families through insurance. We can strengthen our societies through striving for excellence in our insurance programs since this is a fundamental fraternal purpose which is unquestionably relevant to modern times.” After tracing the historic role of fraternals and the “natural development” of fraternal life insurance, he continued: “What is the mission of the modern fraternal? Man turns naturally to organizations in order to achieve normal social intercourse and to assist him in solving the complexities of society. The future of our organizations rests upon our ability to relate our purposes and activities to the life man sees about him today.” Significant Features “There are several features of life insurance company operations which have made a particular impression on me. The first is the development of realistic goals and objectives within our organizations. Here I believe fraternals have a clear-cut and natural advantage over commercial insurers. It has been said that ‘The great organizations of the world have been those which determined their own destiny in terms of purposes and objectives. The most durable and effective institutions in human experience have been the great religious movements. These, of course, originated with the most lofty and general set of principles. A study of the history of these movements shows how specific planning and organized effort were essential for implementation of the basic purposes. The sweep toward the rise of Western civilization has been due to ideas, not material things.’ “It is clear that this statement is more readily applicable to a fraternal organization than to a concern solely engaged in business. We have these purposes because of the ideals upon which our societies were founded.” Why Fraternals Are Best “We must be vigilant to keep established in the public mind the special reasons why fraternals can provide insurance on the best pos
