Des Moines, IA 98

GER Message

Fall season means plenty of new goals for Lodges

As we move toward the fall season and the halfway point of our Elks year, it is time to assess how our Lodges are performing based on our goals. If you are not meeting them, consider what adjustments you can make to get your Lodge moving forward in a positive fashion.

This time of year is also the start of the visits from your District Deputy. These visits will provide a look into your overall Lodge operations. Be sure to plan with your Lodge leadership for the visit by completing the audit items, building a self-inspection checklist, and compiling all the other information that is needed by the DD. This planning and preparation will lay the foundation for a successful visit.

Lodge Secretaries, if you are not on the Grand Lodge billing system, I encourage you to consider looking into the system. If you are not on the system, it is time to begin sending your six-month dues and delinquent notices. Reach out to a team to proactively contact the delinquent Members. Just ask Ready Elks and your team will respond Let's Go!

It is also time to begin getting information out to the school guidance counselors and providing them with information for the student applications for scholarships. Please follow the Elks website for application deadlines for these grants. Don't wait, act quickly.
Do not forget to apply for the grants that your Lodge is eligible for. Those funds can expand your reach in the community.

Be sure and share the good work with your Members and the community. Let people know that when Elks see a need they send out the cry and respond. Ready Elks--Let's Go!
Consider holding a 9/11 remembrance celebration in your Lodge and include your community. This is the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. What an important time to remember those we lost and to share the Elks' patriotism within your communities.

Please visit elks.org for information on the various contests for Lodges and our youth. The site also contains awards you can request to honor Members and leaders in your community. Elks.org also has manuals, designed to help us manage our Lodges.

Thank you for your continued efforts as we grow and improve our Lodges and the great works you are doing for your communities. I know you will all be quick to respond when you hear the call: Ready Elks--Let's Go!