Fraternity-Testvériség, 1997 (75. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)

1997-04-01 / 2. szám

FRATERNITY

Page 3

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

ON THE ETHNIC AFFINITY SURVEY OF THE HRFA

George Dózsa

Like many fraternals, the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America is reevaluating the importance of the bonds that traditionally tied membership to the organization. As a successful marketer of life insurance, the HRFA is faced with an ethnic affinity that is not as strong as it once was. To remain successful, we must develop strategies to encourage membership and build an identity linked to the past yet reflective of current realities. To help in this effort, the assistance of LIMRA International was sought to gather information directly from members. Working with the HRFA, LIMRA designed the survey methodology and developed an

implementation plan in which both organizations participated. In late January and early February 1997, an 8-page questionnaire was sent to 2,180 HRFA members and 3,992 non-members. In total, responses were received from 10 percent of the mailing, 18 percent among the member group and 6 percent among non-members.

The survey questionnaire covered many different topics related to membership, awareness of an interest in fraternal benefits, service satisfaction, financial product ownership and intentions to purchase, and the general issue of the importance of ethnicity in financial decision making.

The results of this survey show that the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America has a strong franchise among its members that has gone a long way towards bringing new blood into the organization. Unfortunately, the results of this survey also indicate that the ties that have bound members to the organization are not strong in the younger generations as they were in earlier ones. Moreover, there is no strong inclination among Hungarian Americans to deal with an ethnically-based financial services company. Indeed, there is a

large segment of the population that has little or no knowledge of the Federation. Complicating matters, many members are unaware of what a fraternal society is, much less what benefits the HRFA provides.

What stands clear throughout the analysis, HRFA members hold the Federation in high regard even though many are unaware of much of what the organization provides. For non-members, interest in dealing with people of similar heritage is strong, but awareness of the Federation is not.

To enhance the public awareness of the HRFA is essential. This measure calls for increased involvement of our society in the affairs of the American Hungarian community at large. To begin with, we have joined several Hungarian American organizations to jointly serve the ethnic community in the United States and to represent their concerns. Further, we will do all that is required of us to reach out to the younger generations to explain the financial and fraternal benefits of our society and the advantages of their membership.

George Dózsa, President

THE BETHLEN HOME ~ PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

The important work of planning for the future of our Bethlen Home continues in earnest. Based upon the priorities established by the delegates at the 35th Quadrennial Convention of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, the Bethlen Home Strategic Planning Committee and the Board of Directors of the Bethlen Home are currently focusing on two important areas:

1. The establishment of our assisted living program in order to complement the already successful independent living (Retirement Village) and nursing care program.

2. Planning for needed new construction and renovations in order to gain maximum usage from our present facilities.

A successful assisted living program with separate living units would establish the Bethlen Home as a total care facility. Senior Care Management, Incorporated of Oakmont, Pa. has been hired by the Board of Directors of the Bethlen Home to conduct the necessary market analysis and feasibility study. Senior Care will submit a preliminary report on their survey at the August 9th meeting of the Bethlen Home Strategic Planning Committee. The final report will be available for the Board’s September 3rd meeting.

Any questions or comments concerning the strategic planning process may be directed to Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Planning Committee chairperson (419-691-3033). The goal of all who faithfully serve on this committee and on the Board, as well as the goal of Rev. Paul Kovács and his staff is to insure that the Bethlen Home will continue to be one of the best providers of care for the elderly in the Ligonier area. May God continue to bless us as we work toward this goal.

Rev. Imre A. Bertalan