Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association was founded under a single plan to abolish destitution and distress by combining into one institution the essential elements of fraternity and life insurance.  The single theme for the organization was “the protection of the home.”  

Hospitality-Service-Loyalty-Protection

These words represent our society’s foursquare principles and the common bond upon which Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association was founded and has flourished since 1890; bringing together in association (fraternity) all individuals who share these principles.  

Hospitality – The first great principle of Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association, Hospitality represents “an unselfish interest in each other whereby we gather together for mutual pleasure and endeavor.”  Today, we would probably refer to this as net-working; joining together in common interests, values, visions, ideas, friendship, ethnic background, brotherhood and goals.

Service – The second great principle, Service represents our “gathering together to assist our fellow man in times of misfortune or distress.  Education of our young people so that they may appreciate, respect and protect our way of life.”  Our order teaches that life worth while must be helpful; must brighten and bless mankind.”  Today, we would refer to this as community service; joining together to help others in need or improve the communities in which we live.  We think and live beyond ourselves and our membership in order that someone else may be blessed by our actions; random and organized acts of kindness.

Loyalty – The third great principle, Loyalty is “an abiding faith in God,

undivided allegiance to our country and its institutions and the belief in the brotherhood of man.”  Yesterday, today and tomorrow, loyalty has been and will always be an important part of who we are as Americans, no matter what our ethnic background may be.  It is what makes us rise in respect for the National Anthem or to pledge our allegiance to the flag of the United States.