ZajednicÌŒar = Fraternalist. [volume] (Allegheny, Pa.) 1894-current, 1954-12-01
"ZAJEDNICAR"
Junior Order Directors Report To
Pennsylvania Frat Congress Session
Report On Junior Membership
-&:t" To .....
$50 43rd Annual Session OF The F.. .
-. Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress
Report On Junior Membership


for juvenile coverage it is impossible to compile accurate
summary of junior insurance and certificates in force
listing by the Fraterna Monitor for May 1854 shows AZ
fraternals that made net gain of 800 junior
bers. This list totals net increase of 80,257.
If consider those organizations which did not sub
nit reports and those whose net gains under the list
ing minimum of 300, safely estimate net increase
of 100000 certificates Fora total junior membership
of and three-quarter millions this is impressive
gan but far from satisfactory We could accept the
mise that growth of 100 900 something to crow about
and be ulled into dangerous apathy Nothing is
ducive to inevitable rerogression and eventual DOWNFALL
compacency born of satisfaction with limited
The accomplishments in the juvenile field are found
wanting from at least two viewpoints These Compar
son of juvenile fraterna membership with the coverage
in it's commercial counterpart and the ratio of junior
senior protection within house of fraternalism.
Should be satisfied with and three-quarer mil
lion junior certificates in country with population of
OVER 100 million? When tens of millions of prospects
going begging for coverage and when these inevitably
sod" commercial policy should derive any par
ticuar pride in writing up few thousand? Is not
certificate infinitely attractive and ntrinscaly
valuable, and all at invariably lower cost? we not
able to offer innumerabe contractuar benefits
which only from fraernal benefit certificate?
Looking at it from the other standpoint that of the
ratio of fraterna junior to senior membership should
be even less satisfied Is there logical apology apollo
gists must be- for condition wherein less than two out
of every ten fraternal benefit certificates written uve
nile? This is sad commentary raternalsn itself
little faith in way of life that have enrolled
only fraction of progeny? What could be ef
ectve step to expand sodfy and the future of
fraterna structure than to sign up children?
How convincing be proestations of fidelity to
raternalism, how successful be in selling the fra
ernal package that combination of unmatched insurance
coverage and exra-conractua benefits do not prac
ce charity at home first by enrolling all youngsters?
Let us not succumb to the production bug. Let
resist the temptation to judge volume of sales the sole
criterion of successful field work Let be true zeaots in
the vineyard Of fraternasm emphasizing the tenes of
brotherhood, and certificates will sell themselves
There is another facet to this story however bright
and happy side. We justfably be proud of our ac
complishments with youth In this day and age of fast M
ing superficial values the impact of foreign deologies and
that misnomer juvenile delinquency which rghtfuy should
be tagged parental Incidence faternass have the
gic formula for curing all these ailments We but need
apply it to be convinced of it's wonderful potentaltes
have oft remarked that fraternalism is synonymous
with humanitaranism and Amercansm. say without equ
vocation that wherever juvenile branch of societies
exists and functions is the most potent factor in the
fight against loose living against delinquency and against
the nsidous encroachment of Communism.
- We owe great debt of gratitude to local youth
leaders counseors They give freely of their time and
efforts junior activities Whether be simple plans for
particular holidays events detailed programs for all
activity crafts baton and tap classes hobby pro-
ducton contests and conventions ruastc exercises any
and all produce the desired result because they make the
participant feel useful and important They get at the
root of human frailty and temptaton-idleness.
My organization, the Croatian Fraternal Union
whose Juveniles comprise oneird of it's total membership
finds most profitable to nurture varied sports and socio
cultural activities Our youngsters have avdy embraced
the culture of their parents Choral groups Koo clubs
which pepeuate colorful national dancing music
sembles which carry to our melodous tamburtza
music all to nstl fundamental fondness for fra
ternalism which is of lifelong duration Our emphasis
sports paying dividends also The society fosters bowling
baseball basketball and golf leagues with annual national
tournaments of which juniors form important segment
Christmas parties annual institution. Of the 500
junior units few if any, will fail to mark thusly that uni
versal holiday in a truly Christian fashion.
Fellow fraternasts need seek proof of the inherent
value devotion to youth? Guidance alone not enough
however. The junior who has developed into qualified
leader should be given the opportunity to progress farther
What could be logical than that youth should lead
youth? Longevity and experience in any organization
best be seasoned by the energy and enthusiasm of youth
This seasoning should be effected right up the top ad
ministrative echelons.
Respectfully and fraternally submitted,
Michael Grasha, Chairman
Junior Membership Committee
Rnavar}oe VIII Aoof the annual meeting will be
" called to order for the pur
SUNDAY December 5tI, pose Of selecting an official