Peoria Standard

Today, Congressman Darin LaHood of Illinois introduced a concurrent resolution in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the significant role tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies play in communities. The resolution has bipartisan support with U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore, Randy Feenstra, Terri Sewell, and 47 other cosponsors backing it.

"Fraternal organizations play a vital role in Illinois communities by supporting important charitable causes and bringing people together," said Rep. LaHood. He highlighted the involvement of over 7 million Americans, including nearly 400,000 from Illinois, in community service through these organizations.

Rep. Moore noted the contributions of Wisconsin's 500,000 fraternal members who engage in volunteer work and charitable donations. "This bipartisan resolution recognizes their important work and impact," she stated.

Rep. Feenstra expressed pride in Iowa's community service efforts supported by more than 180,000 Iowans involved with fraternals. "I’m proud to support this resolution recognizing the important work of more than 180,000 Iowans who keep our communities strong," he said.

In Alabama, Rep. Sewell acknowledged the contributions of over 100,000 fraternal members to local charity and volunteer initiatives. "Fraternal benefit organizations continue to provide important services to families and individuals in need," she remarked.

Allison Koppel, CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance, emphasized the bipartisan support for fraternals and their nationwide impact: "The resolution’s reintroduction is a clear demonstration of the strong bipartisan support of fraternals and recognition of the tremendous impact they have in communities nationwide."

Fraternal benefit societies have been active for over a century as mutual aid associations providing financial protection combined with community service. They are classified under Section 501(c)(8) of the tax code and offer insurance benefits while promoting financial security and social connections through philanthropic activities.

As one of the largest member-volunteer networks in the United States today, fraternal members collectively contributed over 51 million volunteer hours and $642 million to charitable programs in 2023 alone.