Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.
A Fraternal Organization
Mission Statement
To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity;
to recognize a belief in God;
to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of it's Members;
to quicken the spirit of American patriotism;
to cultivate good fellowship;
to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization and to provide for it's government,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America
will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs demonstrating that
Elks Care and Elks Share.
To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity;
to recognize a belief in God;
to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of it's Members;
to quicken the spirit of American patriotism;
to cultivate good fellowship;
to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization and to provide for it's government,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America
will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs demonstrating that
Elks Care and Elks Share.
Grand Exalted Ruler 2011-2012 - The Honorable David R. Carr
The Honorable David R. Carr was installed as the Elks Grand Exalted Ruler at the Grand Lodge Convention in Phoenix, AZ in July, 2011.
GER Contact Information:
Hon. David R. Carr
Ticonderoga, New York #1494
PO Box 246
Crown Point, NY 12928
518-597-4664 (office)
518-597-3615
dcarrelks@cptelco.net
ENF Programs
The mission of the Elks National Foundation is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We provide tomorrow’s leaders, our youth, with a healthy beginning; honor the Elks’ pledge to never forget our veterans; help the state Elks associations accomplish their charitable objectives and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
On February 9, at a meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the ENF Board of Trustees approved appropriations and distributions for the 2011-12 fiscal year totaling a record $21.7 million.
On February 9, at a meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the ENF Board of Trustees approved appropriations and distributions for the 2011-12 fiscal year totaling a record $21.7 million.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year through its three scholarship programs. The application process and deadlines vary for each program. All applications must go through a local Elks Lodge before reaching the Elks National Foundation office. Contact your high school counselor for more information or Ismay Czarniecki at the Lodge.
- Most Valuable Student Scholarships: 500 four-year scholarships, ranging from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year, for graduating high school seniors based on financial need, leadership and scholarship.
- Legacy Awards: $4,000 ($1,000 year for four years) merit-based scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks who are members in good standing.
- Emergency Educational Grants: One-year educational grants available to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks.
NATIONAL VETERANS PROGRAM
Here are a few of the programs developed to keep true to our pledge: "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
Wounded Warrior Project - The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization created by and for wounded veterans. Its goal is to provide assistance to veterans who were wounded, both physically and psychologically, in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Wounded Warrior Project provides assistance and counseling to aid in a wounded soldier's return to civilian life. At the 2009 Elks National Convention, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission presented the Wounded Warrior Project with $50,000 to launch the Elks/Wounded Warrior Project.
Army of Hope - Just as the Elks/Wounded Warrior project assists injured veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Elks' "Amry of Hope" assists the families of Military Reservists and the National Guard who have been called to active duty during these times of crisis. The response from members and non-Elks has been overwhelming, and government officials at the local, state and national levels have responded favorably to the initiative.
Adopt-a-Veteran Program - If you've ever been hospitalized, you know the loneliness and depression you can experience. Think how tough it must be for hospitalized veterans, especially those who are far from home or have no family. With that thought in mind, George Schwarz of Clawson-Troy, Michigan, Lodge devised a simple yet effective solution in 1980: the Adopt-a-Veteran program. His idea proved so successful that it was picked up by the National Veterans Service Commission in 1983. Last year, Lodges across the nation adopted 47,000 veterans. The Elks visited with them on their birthdays and holidays and showered them with gifts and attention. They took those who could leave the medical centers out to dinner, and brought dinner to those who couldn't. The Elks provided these men and women with comfort, companionship, cheer and understanding, and in the process helped lift some of their loneliness. The object of the Adopt-a-Veteran program is to take the place of family, to replace loneliness with hope and to let the veterans know we will never forget them.
Veterans Leather Program - The Elks National Veterans Service Commission is the major source of hides and tanned leather used for recreational and occupational therapy throughout the Veterans Administration health care system. Elks Leather has become a national by-word among veteran patients everywhere. Time between visits from friends and families can make hospitalization a drudgery for our veterans. Leather provides a form of relief by keeping minds active as well as providing exercise for injured and unused muscles. Veterans often enter wallets, clothing, belts and moccasins in Arts and Crafts shows sponsored by the Elks. Recently, a program was initiated by Elks whereby tanned leather is cut and sewn into specially designed gloves which are furnished to veterans confined to wheelchairs, thereby protecting their hands during movement.
Veterans RemembranceFor the Order of Elks, veterans remembrance is a daily proposition. We never have and never will never forget the sacrifices these heroes made so that we may be free. But it has been a tradition for the Order to redouble its efforts on behalf of veterans in November, not just for Veterans Day, but for the entire month. For the Elks, November is Veterans Remembrance Month.
The Elks National Veterans Service Commission asks all Lodges to run a special event to commemorate Veterans Remembrance Month and to raise funds for the Lodge's Veterans Service Commission. Many Lodges use the proceeds for special events in the VA medical center during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Some Lodges even invite those veterans who are able to take part in special programs and functions.
2010 Cast and Crew of Re-CreationPlaying Cards for Veterans - Playing Cards for Veterans is a program that goes hand in hand with our Adopt-A-Veteran Program. This activity gives a hospitalized veteran something to do rather than just passively sitting and watching television. Through the hard work of some of our members who have made arrangements with several riverboats and casinos, we are now able to offer playing cards for our hospitalized veterans to use. Each deck of cards is checked to make sure all cards are in good condition and the deck is complete. After the decks are checked, a "Playing Cards For Veterans" sticker with the logo of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission is placed on each deck of cards. These cards are free of charge.
Re-Creation USA - Since 1986, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission has been partners with RE-CREATION USA in providing entertainment to our nation's veterans housed in VA medical centers. Re-Creation is a group of young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 who are all volunteers. They have given up a year or more of their lives to perform this act of love. They travel to all 50 states each year, going from VA medical center to VA medical center, warming the hearts and brightening the lives of hospitalized veterans. And they do so without pay.
Wounded Warrior Project - The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization created by and for wounded veterans. Its goal is to provide assistance to veterans who were wounded, both physically and psychologically, in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Wounded Warrior Project provides assistance and counseling to aid in a wounded soldier's return to civilian life. At the 2009 Elks National Convention, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission presented the Wounded Warrior Project with $50,000 to launch the Elks/Wounded Warrior Project.
Army of Hope - Just as the Elks/Wounded Warrior project assists injured veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Elks' "Amry of Hope" assists the families of Military Reservists and the National Guard who have been called to active duty during these times of crisis. The response from members and non-Elks has been overwhelming, and government officials at the local, state and national levels have responded favorably to the initiative.
Adopt-a-Veteran Program - If you've ever been hospitalized, you know the loneliness and depression you can experience. Think how tough it must be for hospitalized veterans, especially those who are far from home or have no family. With that thought in mind, George Schwarz of Clawson-Troy, Michigan, Lodge devised a simple yet effective solution in 1980: the Adopt-a-Veteran program. His idea proved so successful that it was picked up by the National Veterans Service Commission in 1983. Last year, Lodges across the nation adopted 47,000 veterans. The Elks visited with them on their birthdays and holidays and showered them with gifts and attention. They took those who could leave the medical centers out to dinner, and brought dinner to those who couldn't. The Elks provided these men and women with comfort, companionship, cheer and understanding, and in the process helped lift some of their loneliness. The object of the Adopt-a-Veteran program is to take the place of family, to replace loneliness with hope and to let the veterans know we will never forget them.
Veterans Leather Program - The Elks National Veterans Service Commission is the major source of hides and tanned leather used for recreational and occupational therapy throughout the Veterans Administration health care system. Elks Leather has become a national by-word among veteran patients everywhere. Time between visits from friends and families can make hospitalization a drudgery for our veterans. Leather provides a form of relief by keeping minds active as well as providing exercise for injured and unused muscles. Veterans often enter wallets, clothing, belts and moccasins in Arts and Crafts shows sponsored by the Elks. Recently, a program was initiated by Elks whereby tanned leather is cut and sewn into specially designed gloves which are furnished to veterans confined to wheelchairs, thereby protecting their hands during movement.
Veterans RemembranceFor the Order of Elks, veterans remembrance is a daily proposition. We never have and never will never forget the sacrifices these heroes made so that we may be free. But it has been a tradition for the Order to redouble its efforts on behalf of veterans in November, not just for Veterans Day, but for the entire month. For the Elks, November is Veterans Remembrance Month.
The Elks National Veterans Service Commission asks all Lodges to run a special event to commemorate Veterans Remembrance Month and to raise funds for the Lodge's Veterans Service Commission. Many Lodges use the proceeds for special events in the VA medical center during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Some Lodges even invite those veterans who are able to take part in special programs and functions.
2010 Cast and Crew of Re-CreationPlaying Cards for Veterans - Playing Cards for Veterans is a program that goes hand in hand with our Adopt-A-Veteran Program. This activity gives a hospitalized veteran something to do rather than just passively sitting and watching television. Through the hard work of some of our members who have made arrangements with several riverboats and casinos, we are now able to offer playing cards for our hospitalized veterans to use. Each deck of cards is checked to make sure all cards are in good condition and the deck is complete. After the decks are checked, a "Playing Cards For Veterans" sticker with the logo of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission is placed on each deck of cards. These cards are free of charge.
Re-Creation USA - Since 1986, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission has been partners with RE-CREATION USA in providing entertainment to our nation's veterans housed in VA medical centers. Re-Creation is a group of young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 who are all volunteers. They have given up a year or more of their lives to perform this act of love. They travel to all 50 states each year, going from VA medical center to VA medical center, warming the hearts and brightening the lives of hospitalized veterans. And they do so without pay.
So, You Want to Join the Elks?
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.
You must be sponsored by a member of the Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join. You also need two other Elks who will be your co-sponsors. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary.After your proposer fills in the required portion, you will be given the Application for Membership. Fill it in, following the instructions and answering all questions. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary.
Your application will be read at a regular Lodge meeting. It will then be forwarded to the Investigating Committee, who will call you and set up a time for you and your sponsor to meet with the committee so that they can interview you.
After the interview is concluded, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership. The members will be given a notice not less than 10 days nor more than two months before the vote will be taken.
When the vote is concluded, you will be notified and asked to present yourself and your spouse for indoctrination. During indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order's programs and charities. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated.
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 cannot make application for membership for six months from the date of rejection.
You must be sponsored by a member of the Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join. You also need two other Elks who will be your co-sponsors. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary.After your proposer fills in the required portion, you will be given the Application for Membership. Fill it in, following the instructions and answering all questions. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary.
Your application will be read at a regular Lodge meeting. It will then be forwarded to the Investigating Committee, who will call you and set up a time for you and your sponsor to meet with the committee so that they can interview you.
After the interview is concluded, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership. The members will be given a notice not less than 10 days nor more than two months before the vote will be taken.
When the vote is concluded, you will be notified and asked to present yourself and your spouse for indoctrination. During indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order's programs and charities. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated.
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 cannot make application for membership for six months from the date of rejection.
Who are the Elks?
Who are the Elks?
Elks are community.
No matter where you
go in the country,
an Elks Lodge is right
around the corner. With more than
900,000 members and 2,000 Lodges
nationwide, Elks are providing
charitable services that help build
stronger communities. Join us in
service to your community!
Elks are community.
No matter where you
go in the country,
an Elks Lodge is right
around the corner. With more than
900,000 members and 2,000 Lodges
nationwide, Elks are providing
charitable services that help build
stronger communities. Join us in
service to your community!
