By Terence P. Ford, Committee MemberCongratulations, and thank you, to the slate of Lodge Officers who were recently installed to lead their 2023 – 2024 Lodge Year. Now that you have gotten the first month or so under your belts and established some plans for your Lodge, there is no better time to start planning on what new project you are going to bring to your community so they know “Elks Care — Elks Share.”Here are some projects that you could implement in your Lodge.The Dictionary Project promotes literacy to children in third grade as they transition from learning how to read to identifying and comprehending information. A dictionary could be a great gift for children: it is a book they could own for years. Obtain a sample kit and work with your local school(s) to determine what is best suited for them.The Youth Recognition Award recognizes outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life—fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry, and farming.How about an Antlers Program? Do you have many young families in your Lodge? It is a chance for young people in our communities to get involved with the Elks in the many service-related projects your Lodge sponsors. It is also a great way to gain future Members of your Lodge. Look to start a Junior Golf Program, a drive, chip, and putt contest. Like Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot, this program helps participants build self-esteem, connect with peers through competition, and maybe gain some new friends. Reach out to your local golf course’s pro for assistance with introducing and promoting the sport of golf to local youth.How about recognizing the first responders in your community? Consider the Medal of Service and the Medal of Valor programs. For a small fee, your Lodge Secretary can order both Medals of Service and Valor. The Service medals are to be awarded to local EMS, firefighting, and law enforcement representatives deemed worthy by your membership, for exemplary service in the performance of their work. The Medal of Valor is intended to be given to the families of those same first responders who have lost their lives in the performance of their duties.These are just a few programs your Lodge can implement and keep going for years to come. By starting one or more of these programs, you could end your term with a sense of pride. Before you leave office, do not forget to submit an entry for the Community Project Contest. Be proud of your Lodge’s accomplishments—others should know it, too. For more information on these programs and other programs Lodges could consider implementing, please go to the Activities Committee page on the elks.org website.
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