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 you can download and print the application. Please follow all instructions and answer all questions. If applying via hard copy, please return your completed application and the background form to the Lodge Secretary during business hours of 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. You can also mail it to the Hillsboro Elks Lodge, PO Box 455, Hillsboro OR 97123.

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.

Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Transfer Fee: $15
  • Affiliate Fee: $20
  • Associate Fee: $20
  • Annual Dues: $136 (Prorated for the first year)

DOCUMENTS FOR OTHER MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION TYPES

There are some other ways you can become a member at the Hillsboro Elks Lodge. Reinstatement is for lapsed members seeking to rejoin. Transfer is to change lodges completely, for instance, if you have moved. Associate membership is if you retain your home lodge membership, but want to participate in a new lodge. Please contact the lodge Secretary or Membership team for details on which form to use if you are unsure.