CSA Fraternal Life is America's oldest fraternal benefit society, and was established to help those in need.
Formerly the Czechoslovak Society of America, CSA was founded in 1854 on the principles of equality, harmony
and fraternity. From our Home Office in Lombard, Illinois, we service our 24,000+ members spread throughout
64 lodges in 21 states.
When an individual buys an insurance or annuity product from CSA, they become a member, and are eligible for
all the fraternal benefits we provide. In addition there are many programs and activities on the local,
regional and national levels in which members can participate, many of which are described on this page.
Members belong to lodges and are encouraged to involve themselves in that core unit's organization and
functions, including charitable opportunities.
CSA encourages participation in lodge functions but it is completely voluntary. Our purpose includes these
intentions:
to Foster fraternity, charity, and patriotism among its members;
to Promote the social, recreational and spiritual welfare of its members and mankind in general;
to Encourage its members to practice physical fitness and to cooperate with and support organizations promoting such programs;
to Encourage and support every effort to perpetuate the Czech and Slovak heritage, language, and customs;
to Promote and support all activities and principles as befits a fraternal society.
Miss National CSA Contest
In August 2022, two young women competed for the title of Miss National CSA. The competition, held at our annual Get-Together in Oak Brook, IL
featured contestants speaking and answering questions from judges. Questions are devoted to lifestyle, education, hobbies, future goals, and
other subjects of interest.
Sis. Aubrey Suttelle of Lodge No. Kruh osovojenych-zen a panu 121 was crowned Miss National CSA for 2022-23. Aubrey is 19 years old and is
from Pittsburgh, PA. This was Aubrey's first time competing in the Miss National CSA Contest. She currently attends Westminster College.
Aubrey majoring in Biology with the intention of being a doctor. Aubrey attended Kolache festival in Austin Texas for her first event as
Miss CSA. She had a great time.
You can keep up with Aubrey's activities and travels through her monthly Journal articles and on our Facebook page. She will be our traveling
Good Will Ambassador as she visits lodges, festivals, parties, and other fraternal activities.
Scholarship Program
CSA Scholarships are awarded for one year, provided the student earns a 3.0 or higher grade point average and meets insurance and application
requirements. Youth members who meet various requirements are awarded scholarships based on grade point average, college placement scores,
CSA and extracurricular activities, and essays. Scholarships also can be awarded to students seeking a certification in a trade school or other
professional program of study.
Bros. Carson Cook of Lodge Queensdale No. 422 received the 2022 Best of Class Award of $2,500. Carson will be attending Austin College
in Sherman, TX. He is studying to be a doctor.
Kropik Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is funded by the Papuga/Kropik family and is awarded to a CSA member who has gone above and beyond in coordination and
participation in his or her lodge's charitable causes. Based on the student's record of volunteer work and fraternal good works within our
organization, her lodge, and her local community.
Sis. Gwen Schretter of Lodge Harrison/Jan Hus/Garfield No. 378 has won the 2022 Kropik Scholarship. Gwen has been a member of CSA Fraternal
Life since she was born. She attends Aurora University majoring in Biology and Environmental studies. Gwen participated in the Bowl O Rama
yearly along with her sisters and Cousins. To follow in her mom and Great Aunts footsteps Gwen participated in the Miss CSA contest in
2021 and 2022. She won Miss Congeniality and is a Kropik Scholarship recipient.
Fraternalist of the Year
Each year since this program's inception in 1985, we have honored one CSA member who has gone above and beyond to
exhibit Equality, Harmony, and Fraternity.
On Saturday evening, August 2022, Sis. Margaret Varga of Lodge Laurel No. 452, was named the Fraternalist of the
Year from 2022-2023 at the Get-Together banquet in Oak Brook IL. This fraternalist is a longtime member and has
remained active in both her Lodge and District levels. Sister Margaret Varga has been instrumental in organizing
and implementing lodge Lodge fundraisers this past year. The lodge has participated in 3 different Rada Cutlery
fundraising events. She put in countless hours coordinating the orders, making phone calls, and organizing computer
orders as well because of COVID supply chain shortages that arose. She has been the Youth Activity Director for
at least 15 years, but she directs everyone in all lodge activities because our youth membership has gotten older.
Sister Margaret Varga is such a creative powerhouse in our lodge. All our members, young and old, look to her for
inspiration and guidance whenever we have a lodge activity, competition, or fundraiser. Margaret has a positive attitude
and "can do" spirit, she offers practical solutions to any problem or issue that the lodge encounters while working
on a project.
Annual Get-Together
The 85th Annual CSA Get-Together was held at the Oak Brook Marriott in Oak Brook, IL from August 5 - August 7, 2022.
Approximately 138 members and guests enjoyed a weekend of fraternal goodwill including a service project, hospitality
luncheon, saling on the Tall Ship Windy and our annual Miss National CSA Contest. Outings and trips are being planned
for the 86th Annual Get-Together in Denver, CO. Start making plans to attend!
Bowl-o-Rama
This youth activity is held on a Sunday morning in the spring, and run by local
districts in areas of high member concentration. Bowling at the same time in
several cities throughout the country, youth members, ages 5 to 17, compete
against each other in several categories for prizes, though all bowlers receive
a souvenir.
Photo Contest
Members are encouraged to enter photos in the annual Photo Contest. The photos must be those they have taken themselves;
no studio, professional, or re-touched photos. Cash Prizes are awarded in various categories and rankings. This year's
Best of Contest winner is CSA member Keith Dvorsky of Lodge Harrison Hus Garfield No. 378. Congratulations, Keith!
Lodge Recognition
A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze Star certificate and monetary prize is rewarded to active
lodges who meet various requirements for the year. Members can win this award by holding
ethnic or youth activities, volunteering in various community programs, and attending educational
and social activities.
CSA SERVES
CSA SERVES is a lodge activity that encourages support for a local group or organization which fits the
criterion of a common topic. The CSA SERVES project allows lodges across the country the option of selecting one or
more charities or community agencies to devote their time and/or monetary donations.
As has always been CSA's policy, any monetary donations made by a lodge are matched by 50% as well as $2.50 per volunteer hour.
In the past, lodges have chosen Food Pantries, Helping our Military, donating to and volunteering at local schools and libraries, cleaning up parks, planting flowers, trees and many other good works benefiting their neighborhoods, churches and schools.
CSA is proud of the dedication of its members and equally proud to partner with them in their efforts.
National Sports Tournaments
National adult member tournaments are held for bowling and golf in different
cities each year. Local committees make all arrangements while District Sports
committees handle registration. Prizes and souvenirs are awarded.
Join Hands Day
JOIN HANDS DAY, usually held in May of each year, is the only national volunteer day that specifically
targets and develops relationships between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering.
Youths and adults work together on an equal basis to plan, organize and implement the day's activities.
Building relationships across generations restores confidence, trust and respect for each other and
creates a sense of community.
JOIN HANDS DAY is a program of the American Fraternal Alliance. The 124-year-old organization unites 70
not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies that operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.
50 and 75-Year Pin Program
Long-term membership is recognized and often awarded in lodge-sponsored pin ceremonies.
Fifty and seventy-five year pins are available from the Home Office. Contact us for details.
The Journal
The CSA Journal is a free monthly magazine that keeps members up to date on
events within the Society. The Journal is also a forum to talk about new
products and features seasonal articles on ethnic traditions and other
activities. Many articles are submitted by lodge members. To see the current issue
of the Journal, click here.
Notice
The Czechoslovak Heritage Museum, located in CSA's former Home Office in Oak Brook, Illinois is now closed.
The Museum Board of Directors is working hard to find a permanent new home for the museum. Assistance with
genealogy questions and searches can be found at the Paul M. Nemecek Library housed in the historic Thomas G.
Masaryk School in Cicero, Illinois. This library has become a valuable resource for information on language,
customs, art, traditions and history.
For information on hours of operation or to make an appointment, call 630-906-8175.
Sharing a common bond
CSA Fraternal Life (formerly known as Czechoslovak Society of America) is America's oldest
Fraternal Benefit Society. Fraternal societies are defined by elements of purpose, harmony
and community. We add value to our products and services through membership in a lodge system
that encourages member benefits and programs focused on family values and community involvement.
With sincere appreciation for the dedication of our founding Czech and Slovak ancestors, our
obligation to fulfill this social responsibility and adhere to our business strategy includes a
commitment to service excellence, courtesy, compassion and professionalism. Steady growth in a
competitive insurance market is critical to our member benefits and programs - a loyalty that
supports our fraternal heritage and sense of volunteerism throughout our communities.
Founded as an 'Ethnic' fraternal society, our membership is open to all individuals of good
character that share a common value system and support our fraternal heritage. CSA Fraternal
Life embraces the opportunity to share our Czech and Slovak heritage with members of all ethnic
backgrounds to carry our message of equality, fraternity and harmony into the 21st century.
Our roots are deep; our fraternalism should have no limits or borders.
CSA Fraternal Life is proud of our commitment to equality, fraternity and harmony. To learn more, please call
us toll-free at 1-800-LIFE-CSA (543-3272) or contact a local CSA agent or representative.
