Fraternals – Hidden Gems in Plain Sight

Today we are excited to share our blog space with Ethan White, UCT’s Social Media Intern and soon to be graduate of The Ohio State University. Without further ado…Ethan White’s “Fraternals – Hidden Gems in Plain Sight.”

I don’t know about you, but when I think of a fraternal benefit society the first thing
that comes to mind is some sort of secret brotherhood that has been around for ages. This is probably an ideology that many people share, especially within the millennial generation. You may have heard of these fraternal societies but do not know what they do or that they even still exist and are highly active today.

A fraternal benefit society is basically just as it sounds. By definition, a fraternal benefit society is an organization or voluntary association formed to provide mutual aid, benefit or insurance for relief from sundry difficulties. Many of them are highly involved in improving their local communities and providing benefits such as life insurance to their members. Currently there are hundreds of fraternal benefit societies not only in the United States, but also in numerous countries around the world. Many of these societies have been around for over 100 years and continue to thrive in the 21st century. In this age of technology, UCT has made it a priority to implement new methods and tools to increase fraternal awareness – especially within the new generations.

What good is a gem if it is hidden?
With a mindset of “What good is a gem if it is hidden?” UCT has created a new outreach plan to uncover this wonderful hidden gem. By incorporating new forms of media, primarily social media outlets, we hope to attract new members, encourage participation, and stay in touch with current members. With the use of Facebook, members are able to share posts and other information about UCT with their friends. With new local council websites, members can share local news and events with thier communities. By spreading the word about UCT, we hope to uncover this hidden gem!

Here are a few of UCT’s hidden gems: 

• UCT regularly holds fundraisers to support organizations such as Special Olympics, cancer research and the American Special Hockey Association
• UCT supports local students by providing college scholarships for students interested in pursuing degrees that assist individuals with intellectual disabilities 
• UCT provides a variety of life insurance, health insurance and accident coverage products as well as financial products and assistance to our members
• Instead of paying dividends to shareholders, UCT directs funds back into your communities through charitable donations and community service events

Fraternal benefit societies are able to stay applicable and useful by providing great services to their communities. UCT realizes that in order to grow and gain awareness with younger generations, we have to let them know who we are and what we do by speaking with them where they are – on social media and the web. Our hope is that with these new strategies, UCT and other fraternal benefit societies alike will be able to raise even more money for those in need and remain for hundreds of years to come.

If you would like to find out more about UCT and take advantage of our many member benefits, come check us out on the UCT website and on Facebook. Here you’ll find opportunities to participate in fundraisers, membership and benefit information, and upcoming local charity events. We hope to see you soon!