The Cultural Benefits of Sons of Norway Membership

Sons of Norway offers members a number of cultural benefits to members including:

Fellowship
We believe fellowship is a key component of who we are. Sons of Norway is an organization where members come together in celebration of Norwegian heritage and culture. Through our lodge system you can make new friends, reconnect with old friends and be a part of a community that shares your interests. Find a lodge near you through our online lodge directory.

Viking magazine
Viking, our official magazine, is a premiere, award-winning monthly publication focused on both traditional and modern Norway, as well as other related topics. Each issue is brimming with interesting stories, financial advice, sumptuous recipes and information about members around the globe.

Cultural Skills
Whether you have interest in rosemaling, genealogy, or folk dancing, the Sons of Norway Cultural Skills program, available only to members, is a great resource for learning about historic and contemporary Norwegian culture.

Lending Library
The Sons of Norway lending library is a comprehensive resource of books, music and videos from or about Norway, Norwegian heritage and Norwegian culture. As a member, you have access to nearly 1,000 titles.

Language and Heritage Camps
As a Sons of Norway member you have access to more than a dozen different language and heritage camps held every year throughout the U.S., Canada and Norway. Our camps offer a chance for members to connect with their heritage and learn about a different culture in a fun environment.

Language Lessons
Learn to speak Norwegian by using our simple, yet helpful, online audio language lessons. Click above to begin learning Norwegian at your own pace.

Genealogy Guide
Sons of Norway has published this guide to help its members get in touch with their heritage. This guide is intended to help you get started researching your roots, beginning with some background information about Norwegian
history and culture, and going on to describe in detail all of the most important genealogical resources in both North America and Norway.

Lost Branch Postings
Another of our genealogical benefits, Lost Branch postings are meant to facilitate the sharing of information among our members. Post a request for information or share information regarding your ancestry that might be of interest to others. As a member of Sons of Norway, you are able to make free Lost Branch postings to the Classified Ads section of sonsofnorway.com.

Sports Medal Program
Sons of Norway recognizes the importance of healthful activities not just to prolong your life, but to improve the very quality of your life. The Sports Medal Program, which originated in Norway, can make a positive impact on your attitude as well as your physical well-being.

Mini Presentations
Three-minute presentations on various topics and their connection with Norway. These presentations make for great for program segue ways during lodge or other meetings.

Idea Banks
The Idea Bank provides you with helpful and creative ideas for planning lodge programs and events. Within this section you can get ideas for fundraisers, information on how to host a real Viking dinner or how to start a heritage camp within your district.

Adopt A School (PDF)
The Sons of Norway Adopt A School Program creates a partnership between lodges and schools. The objective is to enrich the scholastic, cultural and community experiences of school-aged children.

Culinary Benefits

As a member of Sons of Norway, you have access to a growing number of culinary benefits such as:

Online Recipe Collection
Curious to see what the term "Norwegian cuisine" means today? Try your hand at some of the recipes offered by Sons of Norway to its members through the online recipe database. Currently there are nearly 100 recipes for you to enjoy, with additions being made regularly. Try them today by visiting the recipe box .

The Travel Benefits of Sons of Norway Membership

Sons of Norway offers members a number of exclusive, travel-related benefits.

Borton Overseas
Enjoy a 5% Sons of Norway member discount when you book your qualifying inclusive tour package with Borton Overseas! Simply select a package tour from Borton Overseas' Unique Scandinavia, Incredible Africa, Antarctica or Fred Olson Cruise Lines catalogues. This 5% discount is applicable when booking directly with Borton Overseas and applies to packages offered in the catalogues specified above or to customized independent tour packages created by Borton Overseas to your specifications.

Borton Overseas will create a wonderful travel experience and will save you money. Preview travel offers at www.bortonoverseas.com or call Borton Overseas for a free tour catalogue at 800-843-0602.
Icelandair
Sons of Norway members now receive a 10% discount on any published Icelandair airfare*!

For reservations, contact:

* Borton Overseas, Minneapolis, MN at 800-843-0602
or 612-822-4640,
www.bortonoverseas.com

* Travel Headquarters, Owatonna, MN at 507-451-5005,
www.travelheadquarters.vacationport.net

* Travel by Scott, Canoga Park, CA at 800-747-9093
or 818-884-4047

When making reservations:

* Identify yourself as a member of Sons of Norway
* Provide agent with your Sons of Norway membership number (seven digits)
* Provide the travel agent with the Sons of Norway agreement

Valid Icelandair U.S. Gateways: Boston, New York (JFK), Orlando (SFB), Minneapolis/St. Paul Humphrey Terminal

Valid Icelandair Destinations**: Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Frankfurt/, Berlin, Munich, Paris, London-Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Barcelona, Madrid

Travel to Iceland/KEF as a final destination is excluded from this agreement. However, Iceland may be included as a stopover option, at no additional airfare, for a maximum seven-night stopover.

*Restrictions may apply.
**Icelandair flights only

Best Western
Best Western You are eligible for our member discount (up to 15 percent) at any of Best Western's 3,400 hotels in the United States, Canada, and abroad including Scandinavia! Visit Best Western's Web site for specific hotel locations and information at www.bestwestern.com. To take advantage of the Best Western discount, call 800-528-1234 (U.S. and Canada) or 80-01-16-24 in Norway and give corporate account number #01195190.

Avis
Avis Discounts Save money as you travel with Sons of Norway's member discount with Avis (up to 20 percent in the United States and Canada) and on time and mileage rates internationally at all participating Avis locations. To take advantage of the discounts available, go to www.avis.com or call 800-831-8000 and provide the Sons of Norway Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) code A835300 when making reservations.

Visa Travel Rewards
Show your Norwegian pride with an exclusive Sons of Norway Visa Travel Rewards card. The card offers reward points for every dollar you spend. Redeem them for free tickets on any airline with no blackout dates, seating restrictions or zone restrictions, or choose from other great rewards including merchandise and gift certificates from name brand retailers.

The Financial Benefits of Sons of Norway Membership

Financial goals are unique and personal. Yours may include protecting your family in the event of death or disability, protecting assets, planning for retirement or giving to charities. Whatever your goals are, you now have access to a wide variety of information and products that can help you meet them. Sons of Norway offers U.S. members the following
benefits that can meet their current and future needs:

Sons of Norway Advisor
This complimentary publication, delivered to your home every quarter, provides important information about financial products, insightful advice and tips for sound financial planning. To read back issues and learn more about the Sons of Norway Advisor, click here.

Learning Center
Explore the Learning Center to help you understand the options available to you.

Financial Review
Financial goals are unique and personal, so a private Financial Review from Sons of Norway can help you realize those goals.

Financial Benefits Counselors
As a member of Sons of Norway you have exclusive access to our knowledgeable team of Financial Benefits Counselors, who can help you determine and reach your financial goals.

Insurance
Insurance is one of the most important benefits available to our members. From Universal to Term Life, from Disability to Long Term Care, our insurance offerings can work for you. Below you will see some of the products offered by Sons of Norway.

Nordic Elite Universal Life Insurance
A plan that provides life insurance protection unlike traditional life insurance products. The Nordic Elite offers options that allow you to change the amount of the premium payments or the amount of the death benefit when needed, providing a sound financial plan wrapped in the security of life insurance.

Nordic American Level Term Life Insurance
Nordic American Term Life Insurance provides Sons of Norway members and their families with maximum coverage for minimum cost. It’s designed to meet individual needs, for a specific period of time, and can be converted to permanent cash-value life insurance at any time.

Viking 23 Children’s Life Insurance
The Viking 23 is a simple, economical way to help the next
generation by providing increasing term coverage for youth that is automatically converted to a whole life certificate at age 23.

Flexible Premium Annuities & Annuities for Traditional and Roth IRAs
Sons of Norway offers both immediate and deferred annuities that will fit the specific needs of members, no matter what their stage of life may be. Also available are IRA rollovers, giving you the flexibility to transfer funds from a 401k.

Long Term Care Insurance**
Sons of Norway’s Long Term Care products provide insurance protection to cover the cost of nursing home, assisted living and home care. This helps you protect your lifestyle and gives you more opportunities to meet your goals in the event long term care becomes a reality for you or your family.

Medicare Supplement Insurance**
Medicare Supplement pays some eligible medical expenses not paid for by Medicare Part A and Part B. These expenses include hospital coverage, Skilled Nursing Facility Care, Physicians’ Services and supplies.

Disability Income Insurance**
Disability Income protects your most valuable asset — your income. If you lost your ability to work, your income would stop but the bills wouldn’t. With Disability Income, you will have reassurance that you are prepared for the unexpected.

For more information, please contact you local Financial Benefits Counselor by clicking here.

* These products may not be available in all states.
** Products from other insurance carriers offered by your Sons of Norway
Financial Benefits Counselor.

Sons of Norway Foundation Benefits

Since 1967 the Sons of Norway Foundation has been providing financial assistance to Sons of Norway members, lodges and the communities they serve. As a member of Sons of Norway, you are also part of our Foundation and are eligible for various scholarships and grants. To learn more about the Foundation visit them here.

The Foundation offers five unique scholarships to help Sons of Norway members pursue their educational dreams at a traditional post-secondary institution or as part of a cross-cultural experience studying in Norway. The scholarships are:

* King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund
* Astrid G. Cates/Myrtle Beinhauer Fund
* Nancy Lorraine Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund
* Scholarship to Oslo International Summer School
* Helen Tronvold Norwegian Folk High School Scholarship

To learn more about the scholarships, see past winners or download application materials, click here.

Grant Opportunities
The Sons of Norway Foundation offers grants that assist youth, lodges and communities in showcasing Norwegian culture. As a member, these grants will allow you to further explore your rich heritage through your local lodge activities.

Lost Branch Posting

As a member of Sons of Norway, you are invited to make a free Lost Branch posting to our Classified Ads section. A Lost Branch posting is meant to facilitate the sharing of genealogical information among our members. Feel free to post a request for information or to post information regarding your ancestry that might be of interest to others. Please fill in the information below including your name and/or phone number in the Posting Text box if you want that information to appear, then click Submit to complete your submission. Sons of Norway staff will review your posting within 3-5 business days. Once posted, your Lost Branch submission will appear on the site for 30 days.

Norwegian Language Resources

Norwegian in 5 Minutes a Month
This program consists of 37 lessons of simple phrases, written in Norwegian with English translations and pronounced by native speakers. They are all aimed at the beginner level, and will give you a sense of what the language sounds like and how it works. Click here to get started.

Norwegian for Reading Comprehension
This is a brand-new and unique course in reading Norwegian for general understanding. This program covers the many historical forms of Norwegian, and teaches you innovative reading strategies for understanding anything from modern web pages to old immigrant letters. Click here to get started.

Sons of Norway maintains a library of videos, 35mm slides, and audio CDs for use by our members. The list of offerings may be browsed by:

* Children's & Youth Media
* Slide Programs
* Video Programs
* Musical CD's

These resources provide a wide range of information for members of all ages and interest levels. To borrow from our library, we request:

* At least eight weeks notice
* Alternative selections/show selections in case your first choices are not available
* Shipping address (P.O. boxes not accepted)
* Telephone number with area code
* E-mail, if available
* Firm date needed by
* Membership number
* And if these items are for use at an event, please let us know how many days in advance you need to preview the items

How to Order

To order, please make a list of up to three selections (plus alternatives, if unavailable) and contact the Media Specialist at:

culture@sofn.com
Toll-free: 1-800-945-8851
Twin Cities: 612-827-3611

or by mail at
Sons of Norway Media Lending Library
1455 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408-2666

We ask that you limit your selection to three items. Sons of Norway covers shipping costs to you, and you are then responsible for the return shipping costs. If materials are needed on short notice, we can, if available, ship them to you overnight, but you are responsible for the additional cost. Lost or unreturned videos will be billed for a replacement fee of $50 per video. Materials will be shipped to arrive on the date you have indicated. Thank you for your interest! And if you have any Norwegian-related videos you would like to donate for other Sons of Norway members to use, please contact us at your convenience.

Information Bank

Informative pamphlets containing practical knowledge on Norwegian customs and culture.

Traditional Art and Costumes

#203 About the Folk Costumes of Norway (176K)
#205 Hardanger Embroidery/Hardangersøm (215K)
#206 Woodcarving (137K)
#207 Rosemaling (176K)

Holidays & Special Events

#201 Syttende Mai (234k)
#204 Norwegian Christmas (332K)
#216 Norwegian Christmas Carols
#218 Norwegian Wedding (78K)
#220 Shrovetide, Easter & Midsummer Eve (59K)

Literature

#208 Some Norwegian Proverbs and Literary Quotes (78K)
#214 Norwegian Poetry in English (117K)

Children and Youth

#209 Some Norwegian First Names (78K)
#210 Information on Norway for Children (488K)
#211 Scandinavian Study in Norway and North America (176K)

General

#212 Basic Genealogy Information (78K)
#213 A Summary of the Norwegian Almanac (78K)
#217 Trolls and Other "Norwegians" (98K)
#222 The Family Tree-Viking Articles (351K)
#223 Summarized History of Norway (59K)
#224 Norwegians and Norwegian Americans of Importance in American History (59K)
#225 A Brief History of Sons of Norway (59K)
#226 The Sons of Norway Emblem (156K)
#227 Language in Norway (215K)
#228 Norwegian Immigration to the United (176K)
#229 Informasjon på Norsk om Slektsforskning (59K)

The Cultural Skills Program is open to all Sons of Norway members, both through their lodges or as individual participants. The Cultural Skills Program offered by Sons of Norway serves a variety of purposes:

* To encourage active participation in both traditional and contemporary Norwegian-North American pursuits;

* To enrich the lives of members of all ages;

* To provide the basis for special interest clubs within our lodges; and

* To provide new reasons for people to join Sons of Norway.

The awards are as follows:

* Specialist: One who wishes to go in depth in one area, e.g. Hardanger embroidery or genealogy, etc.

* Generalist: One who samples several skills and qualify for the basic level in each, for example: stamp collecting, crafts, and Norwegian foods.

* Mentor: One who is skilled in activities offered in the Norwegian Cultural Skills Program can do a different challenge: mentor others who need formal or informal instruction. The mentor is an extremely important person in passing on the Norwegian heritage to others.

* Master of Cultural Skills: One who has completed at least three levels of three different skills, or nine individual basic activities.

1. Traditional Norwegian Cooking

Level 1--Your Favorites
Level 2--Baked Goods and Desserts
Level 3--Meat or Fish Dishes

2. Reading Norwegian and Norwegian-American Authors

Level 1--Your Favorites
Level 2--Fiction
Level 3--Nonfiction

3. Collecting Norwegian and North American Stamps

Level 1--Collect General Norwegian and North American Stamps
Level 2--Specialize Your Stamp Collection
Level 3--Complete a Collection of a Ten-Year Period

4. Norwegian Rosemaling

Level 1--Basic Strokes, Flower Form, and Scroll
Level 2--Completed Design Level 3--Create an Original Design

5. Genealogy--Family History

Level 1--Complete people 1­7 on a four-generation ancestor chart, etc.
Level 2--Complete four more people on the ancestor, family group chart, and document
Level 3--Complete all information for 15 people on the charts--document and write an essay

6. Hand Knitting

Level 1--The Basics
Level 2--Knit with Two Colors
Level 3--Create a Two or Multicolored Sweater (Based on Norwegian Designs)

7. Norwegian Language and Culture

Level 1--The Basics of Norwegian Language
Level 2--A Sampling of Norwegian Culture
Level 3--A Topic from Norwegian Language or Norwegian Culture

8. Hardanger Embroidery

Level 1--The Basics
Level 2--Complete a Larger Item
Level 3--Using Your Skills in Creative Ways

9. Figure Carving

Level 1--The Basics
Level 2--Complete a Detailed Carving
Level 3--Complete an Original Carving

10. Weaving

Track I

Level 1--The Basics-Make a Sampler
Level 2--Inkle or Card Weaving or Rigid Heddle--Complete a Project
Level 3--Create an Original Design

Track II--Floor or Table Loom Weaving

Level 1--Produce a Sampler
Level 2--Make a Finished Project
Level 3--Create an Original Design

11. Ornamental Woodcarving

Level 1--The Basics
Level 2--Flatskurd
Level 3--Carve the Acanthus

12. Chip Carving

Level 1--The Basics
Level 2--Carve Borders
Level 3--Carve Rosettes

13. Folk Dancing

Level 1--Easy Dances
Level 2--Intermediate Dances
Level 3--Advanced Dances

14. Music and Musicians of Norway

Level 1--Folk Music: Roots of Norwegian Music
Level 2--The Nineteenth Century: Edvard Grieg & Contemporaries
Level 3--The Twentieth Century: Composers, Performers, Conductors

Youth Cultural Skills

30. Folk Dancing

31. Figure Carving

32. Handknitting

33. Norwegian and North American Stamps

34. Hardanger Embroidery

three-minute presentations on various topics and their connection with Norway. Great for program "fillers" at lodge or other meetings.

Vikings

#305 Viking Customs
#306 Viking Women
#307 Viking Navigation
#310 First Viking Child in America
#320 Viking Dress

Holidays

#311 Easter Vacation
#312 Syttende Mai
#313 Olsok - St. Olav's Day
#321 Valentine's Day
#322 St. Patrick's Day
#324 Midsummer Fest
#328 Summer Vacation
#358 Romjula - The days between Christmas and New Year

Literature

#330 Kristen Lavransdaughter
#341 Giants in the Earth
#352 Johan Wessel

Food

#336 Lutefisk
#337 Lefse
#339 Favorite Norwegian Foods

Traditions

#301 Trolls
#303 Bunads
#304 Lucia
#340 The Nisse

Stories

#343 Hunting
#344 April Poetry
#351 Dale Gudbrand

History & Geography

#302 Maihaugen
#309 1905--Norway's Independence
#314 The Battle of Kringen - A story of the heroine Guri
#317 Norwegian-Danish Union
#319 The Black Death
#327 The Norwegian Flag
#334 Kon-Tiki
#338 The Great Maelstrom
#342 Hardanger Fiddle
#346 Russ
#347 Salmon Fishing
#348 The Tall Ships
#349 The Statue of Liberty
#350 An Emigrant Story
#353 Svalbard
#354 Nobel Prize
#355 Stave Church
#357 Dompap

Famous People

#308 Leonhard Seppala - Dog-sled champion
#315 Snorre Sturlason - Author of Sagas
#316 Princess Kristina of Tunsberg
#318 Myllarguten - A master fiddler
#323 Birger Ruud - Ski Jumper
#325 Snowshoe Thompson
#326 Edvard Grieg
#329 King Olav V
#331 Edvard Munch
#332 Vilhelm Bjerknes
#333 Fridtjof Nansen
#335 Ole Bull
#356 Kirsten Flagstad
#359 Ben Eielson

The Importance of Fitness
Sons of Norway recognizes the importance of healthful activities not just to prolong your life, but to improve the very quality of your life. This Sports Medal Program, which originated in Norway, will improve your attitude as well as your physical well-being.

Something for Everyone
No matter how young or old you are, and no matter what your present physical condition, the Sports Medal Program offers a fitness plan for you. With doctor's advice, you can determine the appropriate level. Then you are assigned point or mileage requirements for medal qualifications that are within your reach. The program is great because you don't need to be a natural athlete-the only one you are really competing with is yourself.
Different Levels, Different Medals
As you reach each objective, you will be awarded different grades of sports medals. Begin in pursuit of the Bronze, then work yourself up to Silver, Gold, and eventually Enamel (There is no longer a fee for the pins, and only members can take part in this program). Set your own pace-your program can be for just one medal or all sixteen!

Sports Medals

* Sports Medal Brochure - Form 812a (66K)
* Sports Medal Order Form - (422K)
* "Gangmerke" (Walking) Record - Form 813 (30K)
* "Idrettsmerke" (Sports and Fitness) Record - Form 811 (37K)
* "Skimerke" (Skiing) Record - Form 804 (30K)
* "Sykkelmerke" (Bicycling) Record - Form 810 (33K)

 

 
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