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.
Use our handy lodge locator to find the lodge nearest you. Good luck!