The largest fraternal benefit society with open membership in the United States, Woodmen was founded in Omaha, Neb., by Joseph Cullen Root on June 6, 1890. From its humble beginnings more than a century ago, Woodmen has grown into a financial services organization large enough to offer security, but small enough to still care about each individual member.

In the beginning, there was no office space. The first Woodmen certificates were issued from the home of Secretary John T. Yates. The organization opened its first office when space was donated rent-free for six months by the owner of the Sheeley Block at 15th and Howard Streets in Omaha.

The first certificate of membership was issued to William A. McCully of Independence, Kan., on December 29, 1890. Six months later, Woodmen paid its first death claim on the life of teenager Willie O. Warner who drowned on June 14, 1891, in Niles, Mich.

Woodmen's first financial statement, dated December 31, 1891, listed receipts of $59,753.31 and disbursements of $58,876.22, with a balance on hand of only $877.09. By 1900, the Society had $219 million of life insurance in force.

Woodmen's Vision Statement is a declaration of the organization's future direction and goals:

To be the most trusted financial services provider with valued member benefits and programs.


Our Mission Woodmen's Mission Statement expresses the basic purpose of our organization and the reason for our existence:

Woodmen exists to benefit our members through every stage of life.

• We provide valued financial solutions.
  
• We engage members in volunteer community service.
  
• We enrich the lives of our members.

Relationships

We act with honesty and integrity.

We care about each other.

We treat each other with respect.
Stewardship

We keep our promises.

We make decisions based on members' needs.

We grow responsibly.
Community

We honor flag and country.

We strengthen families and communities.

We celebrate our differences.
Accountability

As individuals, we own our actions and results.

As an organization, we do what's right for our members and have fun doing so.

Together, we make a difference.

Associate Benefits

Woodmen is committed to providing our associates with a generous benefits program and a family-friendly working environment that encourages personal growth, knowledge and community involvement.

Associate benefits include:

• Comprehensive group health and dental coverage
  
• Group life and disability insurance
  
• Paid vacation and holidays
  
• Sick leave
  
• Service bonuses and awards
  
• Fully-funded retirement plan
  
• 401(k) plan
  
• Pre-tax spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses

Woodmen recognizes the importance of balance in our associates private and professional lives and offers a variety of benefits and programs to meet those needs.

Other benefits include:

• Competitive salaries that attract top-level professionals
  
• Flexible work hours
  
• Business Casual dress
  
• Wellness program
  
• Tuition reimbursement program
  
• Family care choices, including daycare referral services
  
• Safe Care Program for sick children
  
• Recreational and social activities

Woodmen recognizes and respects the diversity of our members and our associates. In fact, we view this diversity as one of our greatest assets.

Woodmen is an equal access membership organization that promotes a culture of inclusion. Membership is open to all individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or occupation. As reflected in our Diversity Commitment Statement, our goal is to "create an inclusive environment where all individuals are respected, valued and encouraged to contribute to their full potential."

By valuing diversity, we provide the best possible work environment, and we create a competitive advantage by attracting and retaining a team of committed, high-performing associates.