Convention Education

What is Catholic Order of Foresters' National Convention?

Held every four years as required by the Illinois Fraternal Insurance Code, our National Convention is attended by members elected as delegates who are empowered with full legislative, judicial, and governing powers. They are responsible for electing the High Court Officers and Trustees (Board of Directors) to serve four-year terms, and reviewing and revising the Constitution and Bylaws, policies, benefits, and other related items.

What is a Local Court?

A Local Court is made up of a group of COF members in a specific geographic area, often associated with a parish. Every COF member is part of a court based on their address at the time of their policy purchase. There are Jurisdiction Courts and Local Courts within COF’s governance system.

What is a Jurisdiction Court?

A geographic area as determined by the High Court for the purpose of electing delegates to the National Convention.

What takes place at Jurisdiction Conventions?

Elected jurisdiction delegates attend business meetings to vote for delegates to send to the National Convention, some jurisdictions may have Mass, a dinner or banquet, and a fraternal activity (preferably service-oriented). Read here for more details.

How are delegates to the Jurisdiction Convention chosen? 

Each local court within a Jurisdiction that meets the requirements specified in the COF Constitution and Bylaws can elect delegates and alternates at a regular meeting typically held between October-December of the year before a Jurisdiction Convention. Refer to sections 65-73 in the COF Constitution and Bylaws for more information.

How are delegates to the National Convention chosen? 

Delegates and alternates to the National Convention are elected at Jurisdiction Conventions. Adult regular members in good standing with their Local or Jurisdiction Court in the convention year may be a delegate or alternate. Refer to sections 80-83 in the COF Constitution and Bylaws for more information.