Sons of Poland

Template:Short description Template:Infobox fraternity Template:Polish American history The Association of the Sons of Poland (Template:Langx) was a Polish-American fraternal benefit society which was organized in 1903.<ref>Alan Axelrod International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders New York; Facts on File, inc 1997 p.231</ref> In addition to selling life insurance to members, it supported charities in the United States and Poland as well as activities in the Polish-American community in New Jersey and New York. The Sons of Poland merged with the Royal Arcanum.

HistoryEdit

The Association of the Sons of Poland was established in 1903 as a fraternal benefit society.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At the onset of existence the Association's goals were to provide benefits for Polish-American families and send financial help to their relatives in Poland.<ref name=":0" /> The Association grew both in membership and financial stability becoming a leader in upholding the traditions of Polish Heritage and patriotism as well as continuing an active contact with Poland.<ref name=":0" />

During World War I, the delegates to the association's quadrennial convention voted to tax each member 2¢ each month to be sent to feed hungry war victims in Poland. In the 1930s, large sums of money were sent to assist flood victims in southern Poland followed by tremendous donations to assist the poor in Polish cities. The Second Republic of Poland recognized the association with the Złoty Medal Zasługi (Gold Medal of Service).<ref name=":0" /> The Association continued assisting Poland during World War II.<ref name=":0" />

The association helped form the Polish-American Congress and the Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee in New York City.<ref name=":0" /> It was a member of the American Fraternal Alliance.

The Association of the Sons of Poland merged with the Royal Arcanum. It survives as the Sons of Poland Council of the Royal Arcanum Fraternal Benefit Society.

ActivitiesEdit

The Sons of Poland supported Polish language courses and organizations that promoted Polish culture and heritage, such as the Polish Singers Alliance of America and an exhibit of art at Seton Hall University. It sponsored the Polish Children's Heartline and the Polish Gift of Life, charities that provide medical care for Polish children. It also supported the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Polish Cultural Foundation, and Polish Orphans, as well mentally and physically disabled children, the homeless, and un-wed mothers both in Poland and the United States. Its Bridges to Poland program send English language books to libraries and schools in Poland.<ref name=":0" />

The Sons of Poland Benevolent Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, established in 2004 to support and educated children in the United States and Poland.<ref name=":0" /> It also supported charities that worked with the elderly in both countries.<ref name=":0" />

It published the Polish-American Journal, later called Pol-Am Journal.

OrganizationEdit

Local units were referred to as "Lodges/Groups". Twenty membership could establish their own group. However, a minimum of fifty members of the lodge/group was required to send a delegate to the convention. Its highest national structure was the Supreme Convention, which met quadrennially. Its last headquarters was located at 333 Hackensack Street in Carlstadt, New Jersey, while the organization was originally established in Jersey City.

MembershipEdit

Membership was through the purchase of life insurance. Benefits of insured membership include a subscription to the monthly Polish American Journal, scholarships and achievement awards for high school seniors, prescription benfit cards, LifeLine Screenings to detect a possible tendency for stroke or aneurisms; group health care discounts, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance.

ReferencesEdit

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