Since 1939 thoughtful people in the USA and Canada have found participation in a non-profit organization the best way to assure dignity, simplicity and economy in after death arrangements. These organizations are not part of the funeral industry. The goal is to help consumers avoid stressful and costly decisions at the time of death. There are currently about 126 such organizations in the USA-affiliates of the Funeral & Memorial Societies and American/Funeral Consumers Alliance. All are democratically organized and governed, non-sectarian, committed to freedom of choice in after-death arrangements. Because they are consumer oriented and encourage members to express their own religious and philosophical values, they have received the endorsement and encouragement of major consumer, senior citizen, religious, and labor organizations. Membership is transferable from one society to another if a member moves or dies away from home.

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Kansas City is a tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax exempt to the extent allowed by the law.

First and foremost our goal is to EDUCATE the public on the value of planning ahead. That involves gathering information and talking about the issues with the family well in advance of the time of need. After all, not only the aged and infirm die - people of all ages die and their families are vulnerable to sometimes unseemly pressures.

AMONG OUR ACTIVITIES:

• Periodic surveys of funeral homes and cemeteries in the area to provide consumers with accurate and understandable information about funeral services and merchandise.
• Consumer oriented education regarding requirements and options in making after- death arrangements and free literature in the form of brochures (e.g. "Cremation Explained", "Death Away From Home", "Veterans Benefits," etc.). In conjunction with the national group we monitor the funeral industry and state legislature and regulatory boards.
• Providing information to promote advance planning (not prepayment)
• Referrals and self-help information topics related to death and dying, such as wills, durable powers of attorney, hospice care, body and organ donation, etc.
• Present annual programs of speakers to the public on related topics as well as provide volunteers to speak to church or other civic groups.
• Opportunities for members to volunteer with FCAGKC and thus to help others through participation in our work.