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.”
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.
– The first great principle of Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association represents an unselfish interest in each other whereby we get together in common interests, values, visions, ideas, friendship, ethnic background, brotherhood and goals. Today, we would probably refer to this as net-working.
– The second great principle represents our getting together to assist our fellow man in times of misfortune or distress. "Our society teaches that life worth while must be helpful; must brighten and bless mankind.” Today, we call this 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 helped by our actions; random and organized acts of kindness.
–
The third great principle “an abiding faith in God and undivided allegiance to our country." 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.
–
The fourth great principle is the master key in which the society provides the promise of protection through insurance and other related products or benefits that serve to “uphold the American family which we recognize to be the basis of our great country and our society.”