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48-548: Founded clandestinely in the summer of 1839 and officially established in 1840 as a mutual aid society , it was banned several times because the right of association was not recognised during the reign of Isabella II , but it continued to operate under various guises. In the 1830s, Catalonia was the only place in Spain with a modern industry, and partly as a result, it experienced significant social and labor conflict, mainly involving workers producing cotton textiles . During these years,

96-476: A board similarly elected. Fraternal benefit societies provide insurance benefits to their members including life insurance and endowments, annuities, disability, hospital, medical and nursing benefits, and such other benefits authorized for life insurers that are not inconsistent with the general fraternal laws. In the 21st century, fraternal benefit societies remain active in the United States. In addition to

144-538: A civil war in Spain that was fought between factions over the succession to the throne and the Spanish monarchy. The First Carlist War was one of the major stepping stones that led to the bombardment. The Carlist force was made up of all who opposed the liberal revolution: small rural nobility, lower clerics, and many farmers that believed that liberalism would bring higher taxes. In addition to being regent, Espartero also served as prime minister of Spain three times. He

192-450: A group of some 30 workers returning to the city on 13 November 1842 tried to smuggle a small amount of wine into the city without paying the tax. An uprising spread like wildfire, and within hours the working classes of the city had taken up a war footing. The Government's reactions inflamed the civil revolt which quickly brought together interests across the social strata (including the industrialist Joan Güell (father of Eusebi Güell ) and

240-445: A keg of social conflict. Amongst the issues was the free trade policy of the regent General Espartero and the damage it was causing to the textile industry and the livelihood of workers. Another simmering issue was the tax required to be paid for bringing food into the city ( Catalan : drets de portas ). A climate of permanent tension existed in the city that foreshadowed an eventual explosion of violence. The trigger came when

288-512: A large part of the working population. With the introduction in the early twentieth century of state social welfare programs, and industrial, health and welfare regulation, the influence and membership of benefit societies have declined in importance but remain significant. Nevertheless, in many countries, for example in Europe, mutual benefit societies continue to provide statutory and supplementary healthcare coverage. Peter Kropotkin posited early in

336-461: A letter sent to General Espartero, thanking him for addressing their request "to stop the evils that threaten these factories with the organization of the so-called Society of Laborers." But the Association responded with an appeal published on December 22 in the “ Diario de Barcelona ” which stated: Our association does not need anyone's approval or disapproval; the rights granted to us by nature and

384-498: A morally uplifting and ethical manner. Conviviality and benevolence are important principles. Fraternal societies differed from public and private hierarchical aid organizations by employing an "ethical principle of reciprocity." This removed the stigma of charity. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries benefit societies in the form of friendly societies and trade unions were essential in providing social assistance for sickness and unemployment, and improving social conditions for

432-448: A result of the fraternal desire of men to cooperate for their mutual welfare and happiness, and that the benefit plan they introduced followed an innate prompting to protect their dependents.” The Model Fraternal Code which has been adopted in some form by most states defines fraternals as follows: Section 1. FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES. Any incorporated society, order, or supreme lodge, without capital stock, including one exempted under

480-639: A shared ethnic background, religion, occupation, geographical region, or other basis. Benefits may include financial security or assistance for education, unemployment, birth of a baby, sickness and medical expenses, retirement, and funerals. Often benefit societies provide a social or educational framework for members and their families to support each other and contribute to the wider community. Examples of benefit societies include trade unions , burial societies , friendly societies , cooperatives , credit unions , self-help groups , landsmanshaftn , immigrant hometown societies , fraternal organizations built upon

528-465: Is at the same time of a beneficial and fraternal character because they aim to improve the condition of a class of persons who are engaged in a common pursuit and to unite them by a stronger bond of sympathy and interest. As indicated in this case, a fraternal benefit society is required to have a "common bond" among its members. Further, a society is required to specify in its laws the eligibility standards for membership, as well as classes of membership,

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576-427: Is considered to be the leading judicial pronouncement of what constitutes a fraternal society. A fraternal-beneficial society would be one whose members have adopted the same, or a very similar calling, avocation, or profession, or who are working in unison to accomplish some worthy object, and who for that reason have banded themselves together as an association or society to aid and assist one another, and to promote

624-630: The United States each year around age-old models of ad hoc mutual aid. Benefit societies, fraternal benefit societies or "fraternals" are not-for-profit membership organizations that have a representative form of government and are organized through a lodge system, commonly represented in the societies of North America . to carry out social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic or religious purposes. "Fraternals" provide members with life insurance and other financial protection benefits following state law and use

672-414: The 20th century that mutual aid affiliations predate human culture and are as much a factor in evolution as is the " survival of the fittest " concept. Oaths, secret signs and knowledge, and regalia were historically an important part of many benefit societies but declined in use in most benefit societies during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Conversely, signs and ceremonies have become

720-462: The Association continued its activity under the cover of the "Cotton Weavers' Industrial Company," constituted by the cooperative workshops organized by the weavers the previous year. The "clandestine" operation of the legally dissolved Association resurfaced after the end of the " Jamancia " revolt in Barcelona between September and November 1843, in which workers again actively participated. This time,

768-458: The Association's president, Joan Munts, commanded one of the companies formed by the rebels. Thus, in the first meeting held by the Captain General with the authorities and corporations of Barcelona, the existence of "a Weavers' Association for mutual aid or charitable purposes, without any political involvement..." was discussed. The weavers' association continued to operate "clandestinely" in

816-650: The Free African Society was established in 1787 by two African American former slaves , Absalom Jones and Richard Allen. These two men were Methodist converts from evangelical masters, who permitted these men to purchase their freedom in the early 1780s. Mutual aid was a foundation of social welfare in the United States until the early 20th Century. Early societies not only shared material resources but often advanced social values related to self-reliance and moral character. Many fraternal organizations were first organized as mutual aid societies when government at

864-579: The Marquis of Llió) in opposition to the Government. The local militia ( Patuleyas ) also took part and by the 15th the streets had been barricaded and the army had to take refuge in the Montjuic Castle and Parc de la Ciutadella after suffering possibly up to 600 dead and wounded. After 3 weeks, the Government still refused to negotiate and the ' Bombardment of Barcelona' occurred on 3 December 1842. It

912-413: The authorities. The articles of association included the following. Chapter 4 stated that when employers attempted to reduce wages "even by just one eighth," workers should leave the workshops. Article 36 added: "Any member, regardless of class, who agrees with the master to lengthen the fabrics or lower the wage will be considered disobedient and brought to trial by the two boards." Article 8 provided for

960-619: The captain general, warned perpetrators of disorder and "crime" that they would be judged by military commissions. The following year the prohibition of "coalitions"—the term then used to refer to strikes was reiterated. Mutual aid society A benefit society , fraternal benefit society, fraternal benefit order, friendly society , or mutual aid organization is a voluntary association formed to provide mutual aid , benefit, for instance insurance for relief from sundry difficulties. Such organizations may be formally organized with charters and established customs or may arise ad hoc to meet

1008-527: The city (some 462 buildings). The reign of Isabella II (1833-1868) was seen as very troubled as she first came to the throne as an infant. Her succession was disputed by the Carlists , who refused to recognize a female sovereign, leading to the Carlist Wars . Isabella’s failure to respond to growing demands for a more progressive regime contributed to the decline in monarchical strength. The Carlist Wars were

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1056-415: The common cause. The term "fraternal" can properly be applied to such an association, for the reason that the pursuit of a common object, calling, or profession usually tends to create a brotherly feeling among those who are thus engaged. *** Many of these associations make a practice of assisting their sick and disabled members, and of extending substantial aid to the families of deceased members. Their work

1104-602: The dead or wounded soldiers and the city council had to pay for the reconstruction of the Citadel of Barcelona . The Government, at the urging of Espartero, also dissolved the Barcelona Weavers Association (the first union in the history of Spain) and closed all newspapers except the conservative Diario de Barcelona . A new revolt the following year, called the Jamància , led to another bombardment, this time focused on

1152-465: The earnings to fund member-supported community activities. Fraternals are chartered by state law and have been exempt from income tax under Section 501(c)(8) of the United States Tax Code since 1909. Fraternal Benefit Societies trace their lineage back through mutual societies , friendly societies and eventually to medieval guilds . Many fraternal benefit societies were founded to serve

1200-865: The emergency exists. Ad hoc mutual aid associations have been seen organized among strangers facing shared challenges in such disparate settings as the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in New York in 1969, during the Beijing Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 , for neighborhood defense during the Los Angeles Riots of 1992, and work of the organization Common Ground Collective which formed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Rainbow Family organizes gatherings in National Forests of

1248-492: The expulsion of the society member who "in whole or in part does not comply with the provisions." In the autumn of 1840, social tension increased. Sources from the time noted "the disagreements and disturbances recorded for some time between manufacturers and workers, resulting in the closure of many factories." Some industrialists attributed the conflicts "to a hidden hand, possibly paid by foreigners, to destroy Catalan industry." To address this situation, an arbitration commission

1296-430: The extent of private charity, says: "New York is, I firmly believe, the most charitable city in the world. Nowhere is there so eager a readiness to help ..." Medieval guilds were an early basis for many Western benefit societies. A guild charter document from 1200 states: This charter shows the importance of 'brotherhood', and the principles of discipline, conviviality, and benevolence. The structure of fraternity in

1344-467: The first attempts to form workers' societies occurred, as evidenced by repeated complaints to the Factory Commission by employers against "disobedient workers" or "ungrateful workers" and against "a sort of plot to demand wage increases"—a reference to what would later be called a strike —demonstrating, according to Manuel Tuñón de Lara , "a new class consciousness , characterized by workers feeling

1392-526: The following years, as evidenced by its mention in October 1845 by the Civil Governor of Barcelona to resolve a labour dispute and in 1850 by a decree from the governor threatening "unauthorised societies" with bringing their members before the courts under laws against secret societies . Another decree also threatened those who "form coalitions with the aim of stopping work." In 1852, a new decree, this time from

1440-403: The government of General Espartero ordered workers' societies to strictly adhere to their protective and relief purposes, threatening prison sentences for those who constrained "the free contracting of workers and employers" and forbidding unauthorised meetings. Increased tension culminated in the prohibition of the Association on December 9, 1841, a decision applauded by the Factory Commission in

1488-441: The guild forms the basis for orders such as Freemasonry and other fraternal orders , friendly societies and modern trade unions . Joining such an organization a member gained the 'freedom' of the craft and the exclusive benefits that the organization could confer on members. Historically, benefit societies have emphasized the importance of social discipline, in conforming to the rules of the organization and society, and acting in

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1536-422: The law are sufficient, ... our association is a voluntary and reciprocal bond that is not subject to dissolution... A few days later, they sought the support of the city council and finally achieved their goal when, on March 29, 1842, an Order was issued by Espartero authorising the Association again, "on the condition that it be apolitical and local." Thus, they were able to celebrate their second anniversary, which

1584-599: The mainstay of fraternal societies that no longer focus as much on mutual aid. Many of the features of benefit organizations today have been assimilated into organizations that rely on the corporate and political structures of our time. Insurance companies, religious charities, credit unions, and democratic governments now perform many of the same functions that were once the purview of ethnically- or culturally-affiliated mutual benefit associations. New technologies have provided yet more new opportunities for humanity to support itself through mutual aid. Recent authors have described

1632-747: The models of fraternal orders such as the Freemasons and the Oddfellows , some coworking communities , and many others. A benefit society can be characterized by Examples of benefit societies can be found throughout history, including among secret societies of the Tang Dynasty in China and African-Americans during the post-revolutionary years, such as those who organized the Free African Society of Philadedelphia . Philadelphia's first black organization,

1680-402: The mutual benefits provided to members, many fraternal benefit societies engage in charitable and volunteer efforts of lodge members in the broader community. more than 80 fraternal benefit societies are operating in the United States and Canada today, with over 9 million members and with $ 380 billion of life insurance in force. Bombardment of Barcelona (1842) The Barcelona of 1842 was

1728-411: The need to associate to achieve" their labor or wage goals. Initially, these associations were temporary with specific goals, but the workers' commissions formed to discuss grievances with employers asked the captain general of Catalonia to authorize them as permanent associations. In February 1839, a Royal Order was issued authorising the formation of mutual aid and benefit societies . The Association

1776-782: The needs of immigrants and other under-served groups who shared common bonds of religion, ethnicity, gender, occupation or shared values. The first modern American fraternal benefit society was the Ancient Order of United Workmen , founded by John J. Upchurch in 1868. "The Order of Knights of Pythias is a great international fraternity which was founded in Washington, DC, February 19, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone..." The Knights had an "Endowment Rank" which included life, health and disability insurance. As Walter Bayse wrote in his history of fraternals: “the American fraternal system had its beginning as

1824-619: The networked affiliations that produce collaborative projects . In modern Asia rotating credit associations organized within communities or workplaces were widespread through the early twentieth century and continue in our time. Habitat for Humanity in the United States is a leading example of shared credit and labor pooled to help low-income people afford adequate housing. In post- disaster reactions, formal benefit societies of our time often lend aid to others outside their immediate membership, while ad hoc benefit associations form among neighbors or refugees, generally lasting only as long as

1872-435: The process of admission, and the rights and privileges of members. A fraternal benefit society operates under a lodge system if it has a supreme governing body and subordinate lodges into which members are elected, initiated, or admitted under its laws. A society has a representative form of government if its supreme governing body is an assembly composed of delegates elected directly by members or intermediate assemblies, or

1920-486: The provisions of Section 38(a)(2) of this Article whether incorporated or not, conducted solely for the benefit of its members and their beneficiaries and not for profit, operated on a lodge system with ritualistic form of work, having a representative form of government, and which provides benefits following this Article, is hereby declared to be a fraternal benefit society. The court's opinion in National Union v. Marlow

1968-492: The state and local level supplemented private aid societies more than the converse of this being true. In 1890, 112,000 American residents lived in private charitable institutions, while only 73,000 resided in public almshouses. Towards the latter part of the nineteenth century, public aid was reduced as it was seen as contributing to sloth and dependency while private aid was judiciously provided with greater checks for reform and recovery. Writing in 1890, Jacob Riis , commenting on

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2016-564: The unique needs of a particular time and place. Many major financial institutions existing today, particularly some insurance companies, mutual savings banks , and credit unions , trace their origins back to benefit societies, as can many modern fraternal organizations and fraternal orders which are now viewed as being primarily social. The modern legal system essentially requires all such organizations of appreciable size to incorporate one of these forms or another to continue to exist on an ongoing basis. Benefit societies may be organized around

2064-556: Was associated with Spanish liberalism that would ultimately use him as a symbol of victory over the Carlists. The repression ordered by the Government was harsh. The militia was disarmed and several hundred people were arrested. Between seventeen and eighteen individuals from the Patuleyas (militia) and one of their commanders were shot. The city was collectively punished with the payment of an extraordinary sum of 12 million reals to compensate

2112-612: Was created in November, composed of representatives of employers and workers. However, workers led by Juan Munts resigned in March 1841, considering it ineffective. The Weavers' Society spread outside Barcelona, reaching 15,000 members, 7,000 from the capital and 8,000 from the surrounding towns, and served as a model for the establishment of societies in other trades, such as spinners and dyers. On September 26, 1841, it celebrated its first anniversary, attended by workers and their families. However,

2160-482: Was crushed by Espartero, who ordered the bombardment of the city , and in which many workers participated, the Captain General of Catalonia accused the "Mutual Protection Society of Weavers of both sexes... founded in 1840 under the sole and apparent character of a philanthropic association of mutual relief" of being responsible for many of the events and, on January 16, 1843, declared it dissolved and also banned "any other association of any other branch of industry." But

2208-440: Was established on September 26, 1840, as the "Sociedad Mutua de Tejedores de Barcelona," presided over by Joan Munts. The first assembly of the society was held on December 8. It had probably already been formed unofficially in the summer of 1839 and had about 3,000 members evidenced by the a proclamation by the Civil Governor of Barcelona on May 23, 1840, banning "subscriptions or meetings to form associations" without prior notice to

2256-524: Was ordered personally by General Espartero who had gone to Barcelona to put down the uprising. The Castle thereby acquired a new role that it would exercise for half a century: the repression of insurrections. The indiscriminate artillery bombardment of the city was made from Montjuïc under the command of Captain General Antonio Van Halen. The cannons fired 1014 projectiles and caused at least twenty deaths and widespread destruction throughout

2304-422: Was preceded by a manifesto dated May 6, 1842, signed by Joan Munts, Josep Sugrañes, and Pedro Vicheto, stating that the Association's establishment had opened a new era: "We showed those who pretended to believe and wanted us to understand that they were doing us a favour by providing work, that we are a part of the social chain, and they owe us even more thanks." After the November 1842 uprising in Barcelona, which

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