West Des Moines, IA 2752

Membership Q & A

Membership Questions and Answers

How do I Join the Elks?
It's easy! Ask a member. A WDM Elks Lodge member, in good standing, has to propose you. You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years of age and believe in God. You must be of good character and have not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. You may not be a member of the Communist Party, or any organization whose credo is the overthrow of the government of the United States of America. An official application must be completed and an Initiation fee of $25 must be included. Following this, an investigative phase must be completed. The membership will be notified of your desire to join and will vote on the acceptance of your application. You must attend an indoctrination, where you will learn about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and about the activities and charitable works of this Lodge. Finally, you will participate in an initiation ritual, where you will be asked to take the oath of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This process may take several weeks, so please be patient.

I used to be a member of the WDM Elks Lodge, how do I rejoin?
If you used to be a member and hold an Absolute Demit, or were dropped for non-payment, notify the Secretary of your desire to return. (Prorated dues will apply, plus a fee for Reinstatement.) Your application will be processed as a new one, with the exception that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual (assuming you are, again, elected for membership).

I used to be a member of another Lodge, how do I join the WDM Elks Lodge? Obtain an application for affiliation; fill it out and return it to the Secretary (fees apply). A Certificate of Release will be sent to your former home Lodge (fees apply). Annual dues are prorated and your application is processed like a new application except that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual.

I used to be a member of another Lodge but it has since closed... How do I join the WDM Elks Lodge ?
Use the affiliation form and check "by Certificate of Release from" section. There is a fee for a Certificate of Release, a portion of which goes to the Grand Lodge. Annual dues are prorated and your application is processed like a new application except that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual.

How do I transfer my current membership in another Elks Lodge to the WDM Elks Lodge?
Use the affiliation form and check "by transfer demit from" section (fees apply). Annual dues are prorated and your application is processed like a new application except that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual. The Lodge Secretary will process your application and contact your home Lodge.

I am moving, how do I transfer to another lodge? Notify the Lodge Secretary of your desire to join and request an affiliation form. The Secretary of that Lodge will contact this Lodge and prepare the proper paperwork.

If you have any additional questions about membership in Lodge #2752 you can email: membershipinfo@wdmelks.com