Do it safely!

Recipients see a world of

possibilities

Online shopping this season?

2017 Nation of NeighborsSM

Kendra Morgan builds strong families through

Building All Children

IN LEADERSHIPWomen

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

This is truly the season of giving . Our members are some of the best at giving, 365 days a year. You join with your Royal Neighbors chapters to feed the homeless, host baby showers for mothers in need, collect personal items for women's shelters and raise funds for community playgrounds and libraries. You personally donate blood, contribute to worthy causes such as United Way, the Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association, and give of your time and talents to read to school children, build Habitat homes and participate in runs for charitable organizations.

Our 2017 Nation of NeighborsSM recipients also demonstrate their own special style of giving. Kendra Morgan, shown on our cover, is a member of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, chapter, and gives through Building All Children. She established this non-profit organization to help children with learning delays, which, in turn, builds stronger families and communities. Her story on pages 6 and 7 is inspiring and shows how one person with a passion and a goal can make a difference in the lives of many.

I was fortunate to be part of the Nation of Neighbors presentation to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The organization pairs the visually-impaired with German Shepherds that act as guides. Our funds will help train a puppy for a woman who will be empowered to better explore and navigate her future. Information about additional recipients can be found on pages 8 and 9. They all exemplify our powerful legacy of giving.

The giving of gifts is yet another way to express how we feel about others in our family and community. With the holidays upon us, you may do much of your shopping online to save time. Please do so carefully. On page 4 you’ll find some tips for safely shopping at home in your bunny slippers.

If you are interested in insurance and or finance, I urge you to turn to page 11 to learn about the Royal Neighbors Foundation 2018 Scholarship Program. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to women pursuing this interesting and rewarding career. These grants give the winners an enhanced opportunity to attain their professional goals.

Our giving comes in many forms and reaches a multitude of people. That’s what makes Royal Neighbors and our membership so inherently good.

On behalf of the board of directors, management team and employees, I extend to you our best wishes for a wonderful year ahead filled with peace, joy and giving.

Cynthia A. Tidwell

Home Office: 230 16th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201-8645Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central TimePhone: (800) 627-4762 • (309) 788-4561

contact@royalneighbors.org • www.royalneighbors.org

CONTENTS

The Royal Neighbor (ISSN 0035-905X), Issue 4, December 2017, is an official publication of Royal Neighbors of America. Published quarterly. Office of publication at 230 16th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201-8645. Periodicals postage paid at Rock Island, IL, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Royal Neighbor, 230 16th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201-8645. Members: Send former and new address to CertificateServices@royalneighbors.org.

It is not intended that articles express views held by Royal Neighbors of America or its financial representatives, nor is it legal or tax advice.

Estella Vallejo, ChairDr. Veronica Jordan, Vice Chair

Cynthia TidwellJulie Bauer

Marla GlabePatricia Jones

Ruth McGregorSuzanne Riesterer

Chris Seistrup

Board of Directors

The Royal NeighborSusan Kenney Cotter, Editor in ChiefRita Toalson, FLMI, ACS, Managing Editor Linda Earnest, Graphic Designer

Financial Solutions Shopping online this holiday season?

Do it safely.

Family Life Member Story: Juliet Christenson

On the CoverKendra Morgan builds strong families

Philanthropy Corner 2017 scholarship winners

Good to Know Royal Neighbors Foundation

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6 8

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Cover photo courtesy of Travis Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Susan Kenney Cotter

joins Royal Neighbors as Chief Marketing Officer

Susan Kenney Cotter has joined Royal Neighbors of America as its Chief Marketing Officer. She is an insurance marketing strategist and business leader.

Susan has expertise in developing and implementing market strategies to help organizations meet customer needs and succeed in changing

environments. As a leader of people, she focuses on designing high performing teams and supporting career development.

Prior to joining Royal Neighbors, she held senior-level marketing and product roles for industry leaders, and she has experience in the legislative and regulatory arena.

She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, and received her master’s degree from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California.

Susan is committed to creating value for Royal Neighbors’ members, honoring the courage of the women who served before her and creating better communities through philanthropy.

The Royal Neighbor provides useful information to members and offers them a forum to connect across the country.

Financial Solutions

According to the National Retail Federation, holiday retail sales will increase in 2017 to $682 billion, up from $655.8 billion from last year1. If you plan on spending part of that money through online shopping, it’s wise to remind yourself of some safety tips.

1National Retail Federation, “NRF forecasts holiday sales to increase between 3.6 and 4 percent,” Ana Serafin Smith, October 3, 2017

Shopping online this holiday?Do it safely.

USE RETAILERS YOU TRUST

Only purchase items online through stores you trust and have a reputation for offering what they advertise,

providing accurate descriptions of merchandise and then delivering the purchase on time as promised.

GO STRAIGHT TO THE STORE’S WEBSITE

Rather than browse online retailers through a search engine where you might encounter malicious links,

type the store’s web address directly in your browser. And be sure the site is a secure “https” site when you

are making financial transactions.

COMPARE BEFORE YOU BUY

Take a little time to research before you actually make a purchase. There are many offers out there so be sure to

check consumer reviews and know what is available. You may want to use some of the websites that allow you to type in a brand name or item number and show you the

prices from various online merchants.

USE YOUR CREDIT CARD

When shopping online, it’s prudent to use a credit card rather than a debit card. If you have a problem with your order, typically you will only be liable for the first $50 of

any unauthorized charges.

YOUR PASSWORDS ARE “GOLD”

If your passwords are “stolen,” someone will have a very happy holiday, but it won’t be you. Use a different password for each site and don’t allow the browser to store any of them.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS

When you’ve made your purchases, print and save the receipts. These are important to use when you’re checking your credit card statements. You will also need them if you want to return any items.

UNDERSTAND THE MERCHANT’S POLICIES

Are you comfortable with the merchant’s sales, shipping, returns and privacy policies? It could make a big difference if you’re waiting for a winter coat and it arrives in July and doesn’t fit.

AVOID WI-FI HOTSPOTS

Limit the places where you make purchases. It may be convenient to shop online at a coffee shop, but there are risks with unsecure hotspots.

As you shop for the holidays, check out the Royal Neighbors Discount Program by logging into your account at www.royalneighbors.org/mybenefits. Call (844) 529-5787 if you need assistance.

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Living the Royal Neighbors legacy of empowering women and building communities is Juliet Christenson, Rock Island, Illinois, Product Development Manager for Royal Neighbors. She shares her thoughts about giving back and how she’s made volunteerism a family affair.

How did volunteerism become such an integral part of your life? I was raised in a Catholic family and graduated from a Catholic school. Service is just a part of your life. Growing up, my parents volunteered at our school and with our sports teams.

As a busy parent how did you get creative and still find time to volunteer? I looked for opportunities in the things I was already doing. I was the head room parent for both of my boys as they were growing up. I organized many holiday parties, special activities and events. I also became the president of Rock Island American Little League and president of the Quad City A’s (a travel baseball team). We spent a lot of time at the baseball field over the years! As the president, I presided over board meetings, established strategies, determined budgets, hired coaches, operated concession stands, helped coach and anything else that was needed to move the leagues forward.

In 2017, you’ve logged more than 800 volunteer hours! How do you juggle it all? As my kids were growing up and moving on I felt like there was a void. My husband and I are now empty nesters, so we are able to do more with our community. We both take a week off of work in the summer and work together at the John Deere Classic Golf Tournament, which donates millions of dollars to local charities.

You have a special calling to provide advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. What kinds of volunteering support do you provide? Following 64 hours of training, I am now on call with Family Resources, a local social services agency, a couple of weekends a month from 5 p.m. on Friday until 5 p.m. on Sunday. When

people who have been a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault check into a local emergency room, I receive a call to respond. My role at the hospital is to be their medical, legal, general and personal advocate. I help them understand what is going to happen while they are there. I let them know what their rights are and provide them choices. I help them create a safety plan and provide them information about services that are available to them free of charge. But most of all I am there to provide moral support and let them know that what has happened is not their fault.

How has working at Royal Neighbors supported your love for volunteering? Working at Royal Neighbors for the last 26 years has provided me even more opportunity to give back to my community. I have been involved in countless chapter activities during this time – everything from leading a fund-raiser lunch to painting a children’s therapy center. My favorite activity by far though has been purchasing Christmas gifts for children whose names are on our angel tree. There is always a need for volunteers, no matter how big or small your contribution is. You can make a difference.

There’s always time to MAKE A DIFFERENCEJuliet Christenson:

Member,

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Kendra Morgan, a member of Chapter 20177, Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a passion for empowering women and their families. As a Master Level Child Development Specialist, she witnessed families struggling to help their children who were experiencing delays in their childhood development. The social services agencies were doing good work, but she felt there was very little follow-up and the families weren’t receiving the true hope they needed. She had a vision, made a plan, and created Building All Children, a non-profit organization designed to assist children with their social, emotional, cognitive and faith development.

What does Building All Children offer families?We say we ARE (assess, resource, and empower) building all children. We provide developmental and academic screenings for children and connect families with the appropriate resources to help. Being relationship-based, we get to know our families, their struggles and the type of assistance they need. We empower them with hope and the tools necessary to help their children.

What we’ve found is that many families don’t know their kids are behind. That’s why we do so much community outreach with our playgroups and events. When families

participate, they see how their children are developing compared to other children. They watch other children and talk to parents and begin to realize their child might be behind. The quicker parents find a problem, the quicker the children will develop.

We’ve assessed more than 500 children since 2014 and touched thousands more through local teachers, parenting workshops, events, and playgroups.

As a Nation of NeighborsSM recipient, how will you use the funds?The $13,000 we received from the Nation of Neighbors Program will help build our programs and empower moms more. Our Building Readers

Building All Childrenbuilds strong families through

KENDRA MORGAN

Program has taken off and there are so many children who need help reading. We would like to hire more teachers for that program, as well as in-house therapists.

Following the publicity from Nation of Neighbors we were contacted by many people in the community who want to be part of our volunteer program. Royal Neighbors has been such a blessing as have all our volunteers.

What thoughts do you have for those who dream of starting something new?When my vision for Building All Children came to me, I started putting my thoughts and dreams down on paper and determined what would work and what wouldn’t. Then I processed through it for a while. Once I realized this was a good vision and I could make it happen, I just went full-speed ahead with it.

Be flexible. If it can’t be your way, figure out another way. But still stay true to the vision.

There will always be people who will tell you that your vision won’t work. A gentleman I initially met with for some business advice told me it would never work. Interestingly enough, he called me recently and asked if he could make a video of Building All Children because it had become such a success! If I would have listened to his advice, I wouldn’t have built my dream.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?My dad told me when I was very young to only worry about the things I can control. I use this advice often because the moms who come through Building All Children worry a lot, as moms naturally do, and they’re trying to fix the problems on their own.

As a strong leader yourself, how would you describe a good leader?Good leaders have a solid vision and are passionate about that vision. They are very relational, exhibit good listening skills, and spend time getting to know people. I’m told I’m an active leader. I’m not afraid to delegate to the team because they all have strengths I don’t have. I’m a go-getter and a doer. I want to find the best way to help these children.

My high school basketball coach is a great leader. She showed me how to motivate people. She believed in me and helped me learn how to believe in myself. She expected me to work hard and challenged me to be better.

What is your biggest accomplishment?In addition to my family and Building All Children, I’m definitely proud of earning my master’s degree. It allows me to help people more. Building All Children is designed to change lives so it’s a blessing and a gift to be part of that.

How do you balance it all?I know what’s important and those things come first. My husband and three children are my #1 priority and are some of my greatest volunteers. They know and understand we are empowering women and families. It is hard to balance everything, but I keep plugging away. I’m big on yes means yes and no means no. I don’t spread myself so thin that I don’t do anything well. The things I say yes to, I’m going to do well.

What message do you want to share with our members?Life isn’t always easy. It takes hard work and determination to reach your goals. But I believe if you work hard and stay true to your vision and have the passion behind it, you can accomplish anything.

7www.buildingallchildren.org

You have to have your

thoughts clear and have

passion behind the vision,

know you’re going to hit some

roadblocks and just keep going

forward. Don’t give up.

Go to www.royalneighbors.org/BAC for a video about Kendra and the Nation of Neighbors Program.

Philanthropy Corner

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Dreams and goals come in all sizes and shapes. Because quite often it takes financial resources to reach them, Royal Neighbors created a program which empowers individuals to open their world up to new possibilities. With assistance, they can take that next step to make life better, not just for themselves, but for their communities.

Nation of Neighbors, Royal Neighbors’ signature program to empower women, provides financial assistance to individuals who have a plan to start or expand a business, an organization or group that helps women and girls. Nearly $2 million has now been awarded since 2007.

This year’s recipients are making a difference in their communities by building others up, bringing awareness to social issues, expanding businesses and supporting children.

To learn more about the 2017 recipients, go to www.royalneighbors.org/NoN.

Kelly and Maddie Cook, Chapter 20003, Rock Island, Illinois: Co-founders of Maddie’s Closet, a traveling boutique that

delivers clothes to young children and teens in need.

NATION OF NEIGHBORSSM PROGRAMopens a world of possibilities

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Olivia Smithberger, Chapter 20065, Portsmouth, Virginia: Is Client Services Director for the H.E.R.

Shelter and Sweet Haven Bakery, helping survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Kendra Morgan, Chapter 20177, Tulsa, Oklahoma: Established Building All Children, a child development

organization that assists children who experience delays in learning and reading. Shown with Chris Seistrup,

Royal Neighbors Executive Vice President.

Lucy Blasi, Chapter 30011, Aurora, Illinois: Leads a team of mothers and daughters who use their gift for sewing to

create items for the homeless, Alzheimer’s patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. Shown with Cynthia

Tidwell (left), Royal Neighbors President and CEO.

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Bloomfield, Connecticut: Committed to pairing blind and visually-impaired individuals

with a guide dog. Left to right, Pete Tedone, Fidelco Director; Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President and CEO; Lillian

Johnson, Fidelco client and board member; and Eliot Russman, President of Fidelco.

Dorothy Owsley, Chapter 20172, Roanoke, Virginia: Created Transitional Options for Women, a program that provides transitional housing and life skills training for women released from incarceration. Shown with Harvey Griggs, Royal Neighbors sales agent.

Katie and Cindy Koll (left and right, respectively), Chapter 1373, Atlantic, Iowa: Owners of Something for

You, a business offering quilting supplies, sewing classes and the opportunity to create quilts for those in need.

Tracy Rawls, Chapter 20164, Cincinnati, Ohio: Opened eXclusive Services, an addictions and counseling agency designed to provide a continuum of care for women battling opiate addiction. Shown with Pauline Flowers (right), Royal Neighbors sales agent.

Suzanne Bautista, Chapter 1397, Indianapolis, Indiana: Serves as Program Director for Hope Center Indy, a home for women rescued from sex trafficking in the U. S. Shown with Chapter 1397 president Beth Arthur (middle), and secretary-treasurer Lana Bodkin (right).

Watch for additional presentations at www.royalneighbors.org/NoN.

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Good to Know

The next election of the Royal Neighbors Board of Directors will be held in the summer of 2018. For more information about the election, or to submit a candidate nomination, go to www.royalneighbors.org/election.

If you would like a copy of the election information and/or the 2018 nomination form, please call (800) 627-4762, or send your name, address and telephone number to the Secretary of Royal Neighbors at 230 16th Street, Rock Island, Illinois 61201.

Our 2018 Scholarship Program is underway!If you’re interested in applying for financial assistance through the Royal Neighbors Scholarship Program, the time is now. The program is open from Sept. 1, 2017 through March 1, 2018. To learn about the types of scholarships and eligibility requirements, or to apply online, visit www.royalneighbors.org/scholarships.

Shopping Safety 101Protecting our identity is important 24/7, 365 days a year. But, it’s especially important during the busy holiday season. Remember:

• Limit the number of credit cards you carry.• Guard your purse or wallet so it’s not easily

accessible to others.• Use a credit card or checks rather than carrying

a large amount of cash.• Avoid giving your credit card number to anyone

over the phone unless you initiate the call and you’re shopping with a reputable business.

• Remain alert to your surroundings.

Have you used our

Difference Maker Fund yet?

There is a whole new year ahead of us with time to give back to our neighbors and communities. The Royal Neighbors Difference Maker Fund can help you help a cause you’re passionate about. The program provides $200 in seed money to get you started on a project that will make a difference right in your own neighborhood. Learn more today at www.royalneighbors.org/DMF.

Important news about the next

board of directors election

Unique holiday gift tagsIf you want to “tag” your holiday gifts using something other than the typical gifts tags, try using paper paint chip cards. Cut out various designs in the colored stock to add interest to your packages. Make holiday trees, ornaments, lights, reindeer, snowman, etc.

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ROYAL NEIGHBORS FOUNDATION 2018 Scholarship Program

is now open for applications

We all have different interests and career paths. Does your passion lie in the field of finance or insurance? Are you interested in further education to reach your goals? If so, the 2018 Royal Neighbors Foundation Building Your WorthSM Scholarship Program offers a great opportunity.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, online applications will be accepted for five non-renewable scholarships worth $1,000 each to eligible females. The grants are to be used to study finance or insurance.

With a mission of Building Women’s Futures Through Financial EducationSM, the Foundation is dedicated to helping women and their families maintain a strong foundation of financial knowledge.

Through educational webinars, Know Your Worth® grants, special events and the scholarship program, women have an opportunity to expand their financial expertise and manage their money with increasing effectiveness.

Get to know the Foundation and all it has to offer!

For more information, call (800) 537-1396.

GUIDELINES FOR THE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM•Must be a female•Must be 18 or older at the close of the

application period•Available to Royal Neighbors members and the

general public•Must be pursuing an Associate’s, Bachelor’s

or Master’s degree in an insurance or finance-related field

•Awarded based on academic merit and philanthropic commitment and activity

•Application period: Jan. 1-April 1, 2018•Non-renewable; re-application is permitted•Winners announced by May 15, 2018•Online applications accepted at

www.royalneighborsfoundation.org beginning on Jan. 1, 2018

Mark your calendars! Start the new year off on strong financial footing by tuning in to the Foundation’s next webinar. Kristen Euretig, CFP©, will host “Building a Solid Financial Foundation: Envisioning a Prosperous Year.” The webinar will be held on Tuesday, January 16, from noon-1 p.m.

Go to www.royalneighborsfoundation.org and register today!

The materials provided to the Royal Neighbors Foundation’s financial webinars and online tools are for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax or financial advice. Individuals should contact their financial professional for assistance.

Watch our website for the announcement of our 2017 Know Your Worth® $10,000 grant recipient!

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Your family is priority #1, and at this time of year, you’re more thankful than ever for those closest to you.

Do you have the right type of insurance to see them through all the stages of their lives…and yours, too?

Royal Neighbors offers a term life product designed to meet the needs of a growing family. There also is an option to add multiple riders including Promise Plus¹.

Celebrate the holidays and ring in a new year knowing you’ve planned well for the future.

love of family.We never outgrow our ARE YOU

PROTECTING YOURS?

for more information about term life insurance and all our financial protection products.

CALL US AT: (866) 845-6665

www.royalneighbors.org/insuring-lives

1Form Series 2084Certificates and riders are not available in all states. Contractual provisions and limitations may vary by state.