Who Are the Elks?
Elks Care, Elks Share. Are YOU an Elk?
Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up.
Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.
We would love to have you join our wonderful lodge. The steps below outline our membership process.
STEP 1 – ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you must be a citizen of the United States over the age of 21 who believes in God.
The application requires that you have a primary sponsor and two supporting members that can support your application. If you don’t know a member of the Elks, email us at and we will help you secure a membership sponsor.
You can be sponsored by any member in good standing from any Lodge in the country. You’ll also need two other Elks who will be your references. The Elk who proposes you for membership will provide you with a copy of the Membership Application, or will email you a link to the online version of the form. Please follow all instructions and answer all questions. If applying via hard copy, please return your completed application to the Lodge Secretary.
STEP 2 – INVESTIGATION MEETING
Your application will be read at a regular Lodge meeting. You will be informed of the investigation meeting, which is very informal, by the Lodge Secretary either by email or snail mail. These meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, unless it falls on a holiday, at 7:00 pm. If you cannot make the meeting, an alternative arrangement can be made.
STEP 3 – DELIBERATION & NOTIFICATION
After the interview is concluded, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership and a vote taken. When the vote is concluded, you will be notified and asked to present yourself and your spouse for Orientation and you for Initiation. During Orientation you will learn more about the Order’s programs and charities. You will also be informed as to what takes place during Initiation.
After initiation as an Elk, you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge. If for any reason your application is rejected, you will be notified in writing. You can submit a new application for membership after six months from the date of rejection.
Local lodges are everywhere and can be found using the online directory to locate a Lodge near you.