Video provided by Royal Neighbors of America
As the United States marks its 250th birthday this summer, the concept of independence is top of mind for many Americans. For Quad Cities-based Royal Neighbors of America, it’s been a guiding principle since the organization’s founding more than 130 years ago. Today, the organization continues to advance economic security, strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations through its member programs that include life insurance offerings and annuity products.
Life insurance can offer customers peace of mind in knowing that their beneficiaries will be taken care of financially after the policy holder passes on. Royal Neighbors takes the model one step further, providing what it calls “Insurance with a a DifferenceSM.” Royal Neighbors even offers a general membership that doesn’t require purchase of insurance or an annuity. Focused on supporting the local community, these general memberships offer programs such as discounts on prescriptions and health screenings and organized volunteerism backed by Royal Neighbors grants and support.
Based on their belief that strong women lead to strong communities, Marie Kirkland and eight of her female contemporaries banded together to create Royal Neighbors of America in Council Bluffs, Iowa, back in 1895. The early mission of Royal Neighbors was four-fold: protecting families, uplifting communities, empowering women, and creating opportunities for members to serve and support each other.
Women at that time enjoyed only limited financial freedoms and were often unable to obtain life insurance policies. Even today, women may face challenges in securing coverage due to the often-underestimated value of their family caregiving responsibilities, certain gender-specific medical conditions and other factors that may affect underwriting decisions.
Royal Neighbors was one of the first organizations in America that allowed women to achieve this goal. Although the establishment didn’t set out to serve women exclusively, its mission to expand access to financial protections for underserved audiences had powerful advantages for women and children of the era.
The organization’s headquarters moved to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1927, where they’ve remained since, staffed by dedicated employees who continue to build upon the creators’ original vision. These days, Royal Neighbors serves nearly 300,000 members of diverse backgrounds across the country.
In addition to its portfolio of life insurance and annuity products, Royal Neighbors Community Chapters encourage members to get involved in their own communities by participating in local volunteer opportunities and philanthropic projects. Efforts range from charity fundraising and food giveaways to supporting our nation’s veterans.
In Rock Island, Royal Neighbors members have served free meals with St. Joseph’s Parish. The Viola, Illinois, chapter has teamed up with United Methodist Church to sew handmade quilts for donations. Davenport, Iowa, members formed Tapestry Farms to plant vegetable gardens to help feed refugee families. The more volunteer activity Royal Neighbors chapters generate, the more funding they become eligible to receive from the parent organization to continue their local impact.
Royal Neighbors’ Beneficial Membership is part of all of the organization’s financial products. General Membership is available to approved applicants age 15 and up with a $20 annual fee (anyone under 15 can apply for Youth General Membership with no yearly charge).
To learn more about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.
