Volume 94 Number 19
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
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H E R A L D
Humanity
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Brotherhood
May 10, 2006
ISSN —07458800
America’s Fraternal Benefit Societies Salute Sales Force during Fraternal Insurance Counsellors’ Month In the month of May, the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) salutes the fraternal benefit system’s professional sales force during Fraternal Insurance Counsellors’ (FIC) Month. “The fraternal benefit system is proud of its community service and fraternal programs, but one of the most important benefits to our members are the financial services provided by our professional member recruiters and sales agents,” said Michael J. Wade, 2005-2006 NFCA Chair of the Board. “While everyone who helps with member recruitment is
integral, May is set aside each year to recognize the system’s FICs. Fraternal Insurance Counsellors are talented and energetic fraternalists who have worked hard, studied and completed the required coursework to achieve their well-deserved designation.” FIC History In 1949, the Fraternal Field Managers Association (FFMA), a special interest group or “section” within the NFCA, developed its own educational program. The first course consisted of three books (a fourth was
added later) to provide a self-study training program focusing on the history of fraternalism, basic life insurance concepts, recruitment techniques, individual and family needs, advanced market concepts, estate planning and ethics. The first 134 FICs were conferred in 1950, and the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counsellors (NAFIC) was established. NAFIC membership is open to individuals who have received their FIC education designation. There are approximately 7,000 accredited FICs, with 4,400 belonging to the NAFIC.
The association consists of 36 state FIC chapters and one in Canada. Most FICs are part of the fraternal member recruitment force, but 10 to 12 percent also are home office executives or sales managers. Today’s FICs work closely with state fraternal congresses (SFC) and often play an organizing role in the SFC annual meetings, especially in those states without domiciled societies. The FFMA later saw the need for education in advanced underwriting and developed a “Fellow” program consisting of additional training. See FIC Month on page 4.
Ashley Sczech Wins Kraslice Contest ~ Inside ~ Districts Three and Four Meetings Pages 9-10 Lodge 30 Awards Banquet Page 13 Lodge 79 Awards Dinner
The grand prize winner in the Kraslice Easter Egg Decorating Contest is Ashley Sczech of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. Her design was selected among all district winners, listed on page 26. Congratulations to all participants!
Page 20 History of Hospodar Page 28
Interest Rates .....................3 Family Fun Dates ...............3 Secretary Listing................4 Lodge Letters ...................10 Scholarship Winners .......15 In Memoriam.....................22 Youth .................................23 Camp/YAD Dates..............24 Czech Culture...................27 Activities Calendar...........30
Ashley Sczech