GBU + The Alliance
April 15, 2024
When I came on board GBU Life (GBU) last year, I was just learning about fraternal benefit societies and their place in history. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from the American Fraternal Alliance (the Alliance) to learn more about the role that this important organization plays in uniting fraternal benefit societies like GBU.
The Alliance unites more than 50 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies, including GBU, operating in fifty states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The organization “unites members through Advocacy, Education and Networking,” which is key to keeping fraternal societies modern and relevant in today’s fast-paced society. GBU has been a member for years and works closely with the Alliance, but most recently, GBU CEO William (Bill) Hunt has been a board member and key leader in helping the Alliance expand its mission. This year, Bill is serving as chair of the board and leading key initiatives along with ten other leaders representing the Alliance’s membership and CEO Allison Koppel, as they advocate for and modernize the role of fraternal organizations.
Advocacy
The Alliance engages in initiatives such as lobbying for legislation that benefit its members and their communities while keeping an eye on and preparing defense against legislation that could be harmful to member societies. The Alliance collaborates with member societies to highlight community service projects, raise awareness about important social issues and host educational events.
Education
The Alliance recently developed the Fraternal Career Development Series (FCD) to help retain and nurture young and up-and-coming talents in the industry. Programs like this help to secure the future of member societies while fostering innovative ideas. The Alliance collaborates with member organizations to help solve industry problems, nurture relationships and invigorate the programs and benefits offered by fraternal benefit societies.
Networking
The open exchange of ideas is key to the long-term growth of the fraternal industry. The Alliance supports this by fostering an atmosphere of non-competitive and collaborative idea-sharing between societies. Leaders from member societies have opportunities to meet at the Alliance’s annual Spring Symposium and other regional networking events held throughout the year. There are also many opportunities to meet virtually.
In April 2024, I will be finishing the FCD program along with my GBU colleagues Anna Meek, Ken Elliott, Mary Koczan, Janine Brickner and Leah Teahl. We have learned invaluable leadership skills, from the way we receive information and make decisions to various communication styles among our teams and how we can best work together. The energy and resources that both GBU and the Alliance are investing in the future of fraternalism are amazing to me as someone new to this side of financial products. As forward-thinking organizations, GBU and the Alliance understand that good leadership is evergreen and not limited to a specific industry. To retain a top talent pool, it is crucial to equip those up-and-comers with the tools they need to succeed.
“ The Alliance recognized the need to nurture this group of our members and we are thrilled with how the FCD students have embraced this program. They are taking the lessons they’ve learned and applying them within their societies.”
– Allison Koppel, CEO, American Fraternal Alliance.
I asked Bill Hunt about what has changed in the fraternal industry since he joined the board and what his vision is for his presidential term.
“Since joining the board, I have witnessed significant changes in the fraternal industry. There’s been a shift towards greater collaboration among fraternal organizations, increased focus on leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and growing emphasis on enhancing and expanding member engagement.”
“As I look ahead, I foresee the continuation of efforts that strengthen those collaborations and promote innovation within the industry while we continue to support the well-being and growth of our members, our Societies and our communities.”
– William (Bill) Hunt, CEO, GBU Life.
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