What We Are Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. Together with nearly 740,000 members, we’ve been touching lives and securing futures since 1883. Get started Talk to your financial representative. Contact us Being a member What We Are Finding Roots in Ancient Rome Who We Are Community Impact Financial Strength News & Media Careers Modern Woodmen history Finding roots in ancient Rome Helping families after a breadwinner’s death was a key reason fraternal benefit societies were first formed in the mid-1800s – and why Joseph Cullen Root founded Modern Woodmen of America in 1883. But the concept of life insurance goes all the way back to 100 B.C. The vision behind our name We have no woodworking in our history. No cabinet making. No lumberjacks. Our name was inspired by pioneer woodmen. They cleared forests to build homes and communities and provide security for their families. Modern Woodmen’s founder, Joseph Cullen Root, felt this was the perfect symbol to illustrate his goal of clearing away financial burdens for families. On Jan. 5, 1883, Modern Woodmen of America was born in Lyons, Iowa. We moved across the Mississippi River to Fulton, Illinois, in 1884. Our headquarters relocated downriver to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1897. Rock Island remains our home office hometown to this day. What is a fraternal benefit society? How Modern Woodmen fraternalism works Modern Woodmen of America is the nation’s third-largest fraternal benefit society in terms of assets. Fraternalism is a unique combination of business and giving back to those we serve – a continuous cycle of positive impact. Our representatives provide financial products to help members protect their families and their futures. These sales help fund member benefits and social, educational and volunteer programs that identify and meet local needs. These activities build relationships, allowing for membership growth and greater community impact. Our members' common bonds Throughout Modern Woodmen's history, our members have touched lives and secured futures nationwide. Today members remain connected by common values, including: Financial security for families, through life insurance, retirement planning and financial services. Quality family life, through member benefits and local fraternal activities. Community impact, through local volunteer projects that make a difference where members live, work and play. By the numbers Across the nation, our chapters and their members identify and meet community needs. MORE THAN 1,000 representatives in 49 regions throughout 46 states 2020 $14.4 million in support of members’ communities through fraternal programs, benefits and activities NEARLY 740,000 members served through financial guidance and social, educational and volunteer opportunities Let's plan together for ... Life's moments Protection Savings Retirement planning Retirement distribution Estate planning Business planning Employee benefits Life's moments Select a financial goal from the drop-down menu to find helpful tips and articles. Your financial representative Meet a Modern Woodmen representative in your community and begin to explore how shared values can work for you. Find a rep near you Connect with us Need help? Contact us Phone: 309-558-3077 or 800-447-9811 Member login How we use your information Notice of collection for California residents Looking for a meaningful career? Grow with Modern Woodmen! As a financial representative, you can make a positive impact for your family and your community. Learn more © 2021 Modern Woodmen of America. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use | Your Privacy | ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY How We Use Your Information Notice of Collection for California Residents MWA Financial Services Inc. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America, 1701 1st Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201, 309-558-3100. Member: FINRA (opens in new tab), SIPC (opens in new tab). Check the background on either the firm or the representative on FINRA's BrokerCheck (opens in new tab). For more information, see the MWAFS Best Interest page. Products are available in most states. Individual representatives may not be licensed to sell all products.