Working In Our Community

Our organization is guided by the belief that the growth and prosperity of each individual family is linked to that of the families and communities around it. That is why we have a Branch system that is dedicated to helping our members and the communities in which they live. Our branch system is the heart of the organization and is the IOF face in the community.

The current Fraternal branch structure will transition into a new infrastructure over the next 3 years. During this transition period, the current branch system will be operating while the new structure is gradually implemented on a regional basis. 

Fraternal Structure

The fraternal structure has three levels of representative government. At the foundation are our members, who belong to branches close to where they live. There are close to 400 active local branches today in North America and the United Kingdom. Members vote to elect their own branch officers every 1 to 2 years. The officers meet on a regular basis to handle the business of the branch. These officers voluntarily give their time and expertise for the benefit of all members.

At the second level are the Regional Councils, which provide leadership and guidance to the local branches. Regional Council Members are elected representatives of the branches within their jurisdiction, and also serve on a voluntary basis. Regional Councils elect their officers every four years.

At the third level is the International Assembly. This body governs the IOF. It convenes every four years to elect the International Fraternal President and the Board of Directors.  

Our members make a difference for thousands of families in their communities by participating in fundraising activities, and community events.

Members Helping Children

The IOF is especially dedicated to helping children. We help children in our members' communities by investing funds and volunteer time in programs that support the health and safety of children. Each year members contribute nearly two million volunteer hours and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for children and families in need. The IOF is one of the largest corporate sponsors of Children's Miracle Network which raises funds to benefit 170 children's hospitals in the US and Canada. In 2000, branches raised $270,000 for Children's Miracle Network through their Bowling for Miracles campaign and as a corporate sponsor IOF contributed $5.4 million dollars to Children's Miracle Network. As the title sponsor of Children's Miracle Network's Radiothon program, Foresters has introduced a new fund raising medium that supports more than 130 children's hospitals in the United States and Canada. To date, in 2001, Foresters has helped raise more than $15 million (U.S.) for Children's Miracle Network hospitals through Radiothons across North America. 

The IOF is also the national title sponsor for the Champions Across America and Canada program This program honors children who have either triumphed over life-threatening diseases or accidents - or who are battling the effects with great courage. Each year, the Champions attend a special reception in their nation's capital and are presented with an IOF/Children's Miracle Network  Champion medal. The children and their families then fly to Walt Disney World for the Children's Miracle Network Champions Celebration.

Branches also raise funds for the IOF Foresters Prevention of Child Abuse Fund, which supports community agencies and programs in the US and Canada that are active in child welfare and the prevention of child abuse. In the United Kingdom, Foresters is one of the largest corporate supporters of Barnardo's, the U.K.'s leading children's charity.

Our members also provide help through the IOF's disaster relief program. In some cases members may receive emergency funds, donations of food, clothing and shelter when tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or fires affect their communities. This relief goes beyond sending a check - IOF volunteers give their time and their hearts to help those in need. 

Fraternalism in Action

Our fraternal achievements in 2000 represent a remarkable contribution from a group of people dedicated to helping others and to making a difference. In North America, our member volunteers have:

devoted over 1.1 million hours to helping others   raised over a million dollars for Charitable organizations   held 812 Fundraising events    organized over 4,000 Social and Community Events    organized 542 youth community activities

Today we are a financially strong organization, but our strength is also illustrated by our desire and ability to give back. We are much more than an insurance company offering financial products, and it is the fraternal difference that makes the difference.

The following is a listing of our branches in North America.
Please click on the country name to view each listing:

If you would like information about a particular branch's activities, please contact a Fraternal Representative at the following toll free number: 

1-800-922-4463  extensions: 4428, 4773, 4485, 4728

For information regarding financial products and services, please contact our Service Center at the following toll free numbers: 

In Canada:  1-800-268-6091

In the U.S.: 1-800-828-1540