Our Vision: To continually strive for the elimination of the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society.
Objective: We believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that our children are raised in a drug-free environment. We have a dedicated army of volunteers who freely give their time and talents to this most noble cause.
The Elks National Drug Awareness Program (DAP) strives to teach all children and parents about the dangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and prescription drugs. As the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, the program relies on state, district and Lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free lifestyle. By taking pride in America's communities and youth, the program takes action against youth drug use through education and inspiration.
Since 1982, the Elks have developed an effective, community-based drug prevention program by partnering with federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and national organizations such as Pride Youth Programs. These partnerships ensure the Elks DAP addresses the leading drug abuse issues facing communities today.
Elks believe that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. With that in mind, the Elks DAP reaches out to youth of all ages and backgrounds. Through the 2,100 Lodges in communities across the country, Elks work to combat youth substance abuse. Elroy the Elk, the program's mascot, reminds young kids that hugs are better than drugs, while older kids see the effects of alcohol consumption by wearing fatal vision goggles.
The Elks DAP distributes seven million pieces of anti-drug literature to parents, teachers, and kids yearly. The brochures, coloring books, and other items are distributed through community gatherings, such as fairs, festivals, and sporting events. The Elks have teamed with Marvel Comic Books to produce a comic book for educators featuring Marvel superheroes and Elroy the Elk in a battle against underage drinking.
The DAP holds an annual essay, poster, and video contests, where kids can express their feelings on rejecting peer pressure. Local Elks lodges select and notify the top entries. Winning entries will be forwarded to State Level Competition. All winning entries become the sole property of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and may not be returned. Each State DAP Chairperson will choose one overall winner for each category. The winning entries are submitted for entry into the National contest and may be featured on the www.elkskidszone.org website and/or in ENF or DAP publications.
At events, including Red Ribbon Week ceremonies, Elks and their friends serve as role models who show kids that living drug free is the way to be. At the end of every October, millions of Americans dawn red ribbons in memory of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. The Elks are proud to be a part of such an important tradition.
More information about the Elks and the DAP program can be found at www.elks.org/dap/
volunteers who freely give their time and talents to this most noble cause.