RLLA Sick and Bereavement Policy

1. Mission. Understanding the frailty of life, the Association believes it vitally important to recognize the importance of fraternal bonds through the adoption of this sickness and bereavement policy. On behalf of its members, the Association will, in the event of death, offer condolences to the family of the departed member, and in the event of a major illness, injury or surgery, extend its best wishes for recovery.

2. Funding. Funding for the Mission will be provided from a bereavement account established by the Association as annually budgeted and reserved for this purpose. Additional funds may be solicited from the membership as determined by the Board upon an annual review by the Executive Committee based on recommendations from the Nominations and Governance Committee.

3. Notification Process and Response. The process begins with receipt by the Membership Secretary of notification from spouses, family members, or Association members of a member’s death or major illness/injury/surgery; such notification being received by any means (phone, social media platforms, mail, e-mail, in person, or any other form of communication).[1] Upon receipt, the Membership Secretary will:

• notify the Board
• coordinate with the Communications Committee to ensure proper information is included on the webpage
• end an email to all Brothers notifying them of the loss or sickness, which should include information that the Board will/has sent the appropriate remembrance and in the event of death:
  1. include the obituary if available,
  2. memorial service or funeral arrangement and/or funeral home website,
  3. any mailing address from the Association’s directory if an individual desires to do more, and
  4. urging a donation to the Association depending on the wishes of the family.I

4. After receiving notification. The Membership Secretary shall contact the designated family member to verbally express the Association’s condolences or concerns (depending on the situation) and obtain all necessary contact and address information to coordinate with the family (funeral home or hospital, as the case may be) to properly present the remembrance.  The Membership Secretary will further inform the membership, especially for those wishing to send personal messages, and shall inform the Chairman of his actions in order that the Chairman can make further contact with family members as appropriate.

5. Remembrances. Association remembrances will focus on end of life and serious health matters. The Chairman shall prepare and mail a suitable card (condolences or get well).   In the event of a death, the appropriate donation shall be made according to the Remembrance Schedule.

6. Remembrance Schedule. The Board, from time to time, shall establish a Remembrance Schedule for directed donations and sympathy or get-well cards. Such schedule is designed to provide equitability among Association members but does not preclude any member from making an additional personal remembrance.  Standardized sympathy and get well cards will be printed with Association funds or reimbursed upon submission of a receipt.

7. Annual Presentation. The Communications Committee shall be charged with creating a special Mystic Circle slide presentation memorializing, honoring, and commemorating the death of Brothers over the past year since the previous presentation. The presentation shall be made a part of the annual meeting of the Association.

Remembrance Schedule

To maintain equitability among Association members, bereavement remembrances shall be established by the Board and updated from time to time in accordance with recommendations from the Nominations and Governance Committee.