by District 5 Delegate Geoff Wodell

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President Don Hermanson welcomed the District 5 delegation to Fargo as we all entered the Ramada Crystal Ballroom to enjoy the opening ceremonies for the 2012 International Lodge Meeting. After attending a few of these, this was one of the best I’ve experienced. At the President’s Reception, it was obvious that the 2012 Convention Committee had paid attention to the Madison International Lodge Meeting reception. The start of the work was soon.

Friday morning began with a presentation by President Dan Rude and CEO Eivind Heiberg. Sons of Norway are in a strong financial position thanks to our excellent financial products. Without the funds generated by the insurance end of Sons of Norway and the $1,000,000 and more that are funneled into the fraternal programs, we would look much different. Assets are up, policies in force are up, and the fraternal support dollars are up. Every policy in place helps our fraternal activities. The products are excellent and they support the good work that everyone in Sons of Norway want to accomplish.

Joe Annotti, President and CEO of American Fraternal Alliance was introduced to discuss what he perceives to be a necessary step for fraternals. Although he gave us a great slogan for the company “Fraternals, life insurance the way it ought to be” he had another message. He is suggesting that we move from a convention based model to a more corporate model, even with outside directors. While I, personally, don’t feel the need for a change, especially since we have no idea what the model really looks like, his suggestion was to move to a “professional” board. This is a topic that we all need to follow. As corporate boards are moving toward more “stockholder” control (the “convention” model) we are being urged to move to a “strong” board model. I hope that we all follow this topic, both as how it looks for Sons of Norway and how corporations are changing their boards.

The next topic was the 2014 International Lodge Meeting location. We had two presentations, one from Eidsvoll Lodge in Norway and one from Gateway to Florida in Jacksonville Florida. On Saturday, Jacksonville was chosen for the site of the 2014 International Lodge Meeting.

Gene Brandvold next came to the front to talk about Tubfrim. We are the largest supporter of Tubfrim which has become a major source of help for children in Norway. Last year they donated their profits, over $100,000, in the form of grants and scholarships.

Barbara Berntsen showed us all the freshly printed Youth Resource Program brochure. Thanks to the work of the Youth Directors from each District and Barbara, International Youth Director, every lodge have a great set of tools to work with for bringing youth into our order.

Tolly Vollen rode (literally) into the meeting room. He had just finished riding the 250 miles from Minneapolis to Fargo raising money for the Foundation. Ultimately, over $5,000 was raised.

Finally, the last presentation before the delegates work began. Linda Borden with Borton Overseas, our travel partner, gave an update on their efforts. While they are Scandinavian specialists they have added African adventures to their portfolio. Additionally, they are putting together “Adventures”. Anyone interested in a 17de Mai Cruise should contact Borton.

The Reports Committee and the Finance Committee (with our own President Don as a member) presented their reports and everything was accepted without objection.

The Resolutions Committee came forward to make their presentation. District 1 will help create a broad program of Cultural Skills using all the various media options, such as YouTube etc, to give more opportunities for usage of the materials that we currently have as well as others programs. A version of “Viking For Kids” will be redeveloped (one more aid for bringing younger members in). In the future, dues structure changes will be forwarded to all Lodge Officers via e-mail. This should make that information more readily available to us all. A study committee will be established to investigate ways that we can get better, including a possible name change. Two resolutions were defeated, one to create “virtual” lodges and one to develop an alternative list of benefits for members.

Laws Committee came forward with Secretary Darlene leading the way. Several changes were introduced. District 2 offered a change to Affiliate Membership which was accepted and one regarding New Member Signup which was defeated. The International Board put up a change to expedite Local Lodge Bylaw approval which was accepted. District 3 proposed a more complete appeals process, which was accepted, nomination time limits and procedures was accepted and a term limit for Directors was accepted. Directors will only be allowed to serve one four year term. The final elements involved the Constitutional Review Committee report. They suggested that Charter and Constitution be separated from Policy and Procedures, which was accepted. The several changes that they had offered had been presented to the delegates before the Lodge Meeting started so that we would have time to review all the changes. Several comments were submitted to the Laws Committee and after reviewing the comments and comparing them, literally word by word, with the offered document the committee came forward recommending substantial improvement of the document. After extensive discussion with both the Laws Committee and the Constitution Review Committee about the changes, most of the changes were accepted and the Review Committee took back the rest of the changes for more evaluation. Of the changes, Family Membership and Unge Venner stayed the same as before the review.

Time came for the election of Officers. The Teller Committee was chaired by District 5’s David Hermundson who presented President Rude with the results.

Past International President Penny Joseph Knudson installed Marit  Kristiansen as President, Ralph Peterson as Vice President, Jon Tehven as Secretary, and Bill Fosmoe as Treasurer. President Marit adjourned the 2012 International Lodge Meeting in good order. Hard work by the entire body and, according to many members from other Districts, the work was led by District 5.

We have a wonderful organization with great possibilities for the future. Excellent and competitive insurance packages from hard working representatives are available for all of our members (and don’t forget, they help build better fraternal programs). Membership can grow when we lift the bushel basket off the light that is Sons of Norway. Tell your friends about Sons of Norway. Brag about the great things we do and can do. Let Sons of Norway keep going bigger and better than ever. We are the order, we are strong and can get stronger. Renew, Reach Out, Rejoice in Sons of Norway!