Becoming an Elk

Becoming a Member

Joining the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an exciting opportunity to become part of a nationwide community dedicated to service, charity, and fellowship. Membership Eligibility.

To be eligible for membership, you must:

1. Be at least 21 years of age.
2. Believe in God.
3. Be a citizen of the United States who pledges allegiance to and salutes the American Flag.
4. Be of good character.

How to Apply

1. Complete a Membership Inquiry Form
   Begin your journey by clicking here to fill out a Membership Inquiry Form.
2. Sponsorship
   • You’ll need a sponsor who is a member in good standing of any Elks Lodge in the country.
   • Additionally, two other Elks will act as your references.
3. Membership Application
   • Your sponsor will provide you with a Membership Application, either as a hard copy or an online link.
   • Follow all instructions carefully and ensure your application is complete.
   • If using a hard copy, return your completed form to the Lodge Secretary.

The Application Process

1. Lodge Meeting
   • Your application will be presented at a regular Lodge meeting.
2. Investigation
   • The Investigating Committee will review your application and contact you to schedule an interview with you and your sponsor.
3. Membership Vote
   • The committee will present their findings to the Lodge members, who will vote on your application.
   • The vote will occur between 10 days and two months after notice is given.
4. Orientation and Initiation
   • If approved, you and your spouse will be invited to an orientation session, where you’ll learn more about the Elks' charitable programs and initiatives.
   • Following orientation, you’ll attend an initiation ceremony to formally become a member.

Life as an Elk

Once initiated, you’ll enjoy full access to Lodge meetings, activities, and social events, becoming part of a community committed to making a difference.

Reapplication

If your application is not approved, you may reapply after six months.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks!

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Membership Reinstatement

So, You Want to be Reinstated?

It is really quite simple to reinstate your membership in the Elks!

Reinstate in your same lodge:

Go back to your old Lodge and ask the Secretary for an Application for Reinstatement. Fill out the form. Pay the prescribed fees.

Your application will be forwarded to the Investigating Committee, who will contact you for an interview. After the interview, the committee will make their recommendation to the members at a regular meeting.

After the Lodge vote, you will be notified by the Secretary. You will be required to pay a prorated portion of annual Lodge dues. Then you will be issued your membership card.

Reinstate in a new lodge:

Should you wish to reinstate your membership in Elkdom with a Lodge other than the one in which you were initiated, you must reside in the jurisdiction of that Lodge. Before you reinstate you have to obtain a Certificate of Release from your old Lodge. Write a check payable to the old Lodge in the amount of $20 and ask the Lodge Secretary to forward a Certificate of Release.

When you receive your Certificate of Release present it to the Secretary of the Lodge you want to reinstate your membership with. Then you would go through the steps described earlier.

If a Lodge has no proof of prior membership, the burden of proof falls on you. Proof of prior membership can be:

• An old membership card
• A canceled check
• An affidavit signed by two members attesting to prior membership (It must be notarized)

If you cannot provide proof of prior membership, it will be necessary to apply for membership as a new member.