In 1954 the mission-sending congregations and societies of religious men organized the Mission Secretariat for the purpose of education and mutual support. Within this organization was a conference specifically for religious Brothers. In 1965 the organization became known as the Religious Brothers Formation Seminar, sponsoring an annual Institute for Brothers. Today NARB Continues today to be a grass roots organization for religious Brothers from all congregations and societies. Associate membership is open to anyone who desires to support the vocation and vision of religious Brothers.
Membership now includes laity, religious sisters, and bishops.
Since June of 1985, NARB has employed a full-time Executive Secretary in its national office in Chicago, Illinois. The National Association of Religious Brothers is a voluntary organization of lay, male religious and associates. The President, Executive Secretary, and members of the National Board represent NARB at the annual meetings of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and other national meetings.