Ethical Standards | History | Volunteer | Board of Directors | Professional Staff 

About OGR

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is THE voice of independently owned funeral homes. Our professional service association includes independently owned funeral homes from across North America and around the world who pledge to a strict code of ethical business and service standards conduct. Golden Rule funeral homes lead their businesses with compassion, dignity and the cornerstone philosophy of "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule" - to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. OGR has worked for over 90 years to resolve common challenges that independently owned funeral homes face, and to prepare them for and guide them through the next stages of funeral service.

Ethical Funeral Practices

Golden Rule funeral homes are held to the highest ethical service standards. Fewer than 5% of independently owned funeral homes can call themselves Golden Rule funeral homes, pledging their efforts to the pursuit of the standard of the Golden Rule in all of their personal and professional relationships. Those that do hold this title promise to adhere to OGR's set of 11 ethical business standards:

• We pledge to treat you and your loved one with compassion and respect.
• We pledge to serve any family in time of need.
• We pledge to abide by a strict code of ethics.
• We pledge to be truthful in all we do.
• We pledge to respect all faiths, creeds and customs.
• We pledge to keep families’ confidences.
• We pledge to disclose prices fully and clearly.
• We pledge to clearly explain charges.
• We pledge to provide the highest level of competence and care.
• We pledge to further our education to better serve you.
• We pledge to help meet the needs of those in grief.

History

By the 1920s, funeral homes had moved out of the backs of furniture stores and livery stables and established a place for themselves among the business community. The public, however, had no way to determine the reliability of a particular firm in this relatively new industry. To a group of funeral directors in 1928, the "Golden Rule" - a fundamental principle that is universally admired and upheld - became the cornerstone upon which to build a professional association. The founders embarked on a mission to seek out dependable, ethical funeral directors in every community by means of a carefully tested screening process. They wanted to establish a quality-minded identity in the minds of families everywhere.

OGR's Golden Rule credo - "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule" - speaks to that identity.

Today, the International Order of the Golden Rule is affiliated with independent funeral homes worldwide that share common goals that include providing quality, family-focused and compassionate funeral care. Our long-lasting association offers members several ways to maintain their legacy of great service through OGR’s advantages of membership.

Volunteer

OGR is a successful member-driven organization thanks to our volunteers who contribute their time, talent and expertise. Grow your professional network and get involved with opportunities that match your schedule, with some requiring no more than one hour of time. Learn more about the opportunities currently available by clicking here.

OGR 2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Click here to view OGR bylaws. 

We are grateful for the contributions made by all of OGR's past presidents, board members and volunteers. Click HERE to see a list of our past presidents dating back to 1960.

OGR PAST PRESIDENTS

 OGR PROFESSIONAL STAFF

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