It turns out, it was the other way around!

Read a little further and learn about this important part of Sons of Norway.

Some members think of Sons of Norway as lodge meetings, language camps and lefse.

Fewer think about how Sons of Norway can help them meet financial challenges in the event of death and financial opportunity in life.

Sons of Norway was founded in 1895, by 18 Norwegian immigrants who were not U.S. citizens and could not buy insurance. They formed Sons of Norway to raise money to protect members and their families from financial hardship. Over time, its mission was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage.

When many immigrant groups came to America they had no choice but to band together and support each other.  If people fell on hard times, others helped them.  With Sons of Norway it all started with "group assistance plans" back in Trøndheim where members paid a small amount each week and in return received free medical care for themselves and their families.  It was in this spirit of real necessity that Sons of Norway was founded as a mutual assistance society. In Article III of the incorporation document it states " … to aid its members and their families in case of sickness and death, by according them financial assistance …".  In 1903 there was a conflict in the organization where the Pacific Coast group had discontinued the compulsory insurance clause, an idea that the Midwest Group felt was out of the question.

The issues were resolved and today the extensive insurance offered to qualifying members provides a firm foundation and economic base from which extensive programs are carried out.

The financial benefits from Sons of Norway may make sense for you, whether it is life insurance, health insurance, long term health care, Medicare supplements, retirement or estate planning, or a variety of investment options.

Our District's Area Manager is Greg Ragan.  Greg's information is found in each issue of Viking Magazine. That information doesn't include his e-mail address, which is gregragan@aol.com.

Please contact Greg at 1-800-442-4146 to see if the broad range of Financial Benefits from Sons of Norway meets needs in your life.

When we interviewed Greg, he made the following comment:

"Sons of Norway insurance products are a win-win situation for members. They provide a sound financial investment and the revenue supports the cultural heritage programs our members cherish.

I would never ask you to buy a Sons of Norway insurance product only because it supports our fraternal and heritage programs. I hope that you will buy our products because they are high quality products that provide protection for you and your family.

I hope you at least keep the door open when a Sons of Norway Field Staff Representative calls to arrange a time to have a financial checkup. Having a financial checkup will give you plenty of ideas about your goals and needs that will prove beneficial for you."

Greg's contact information follows: