As a long-standing fraternal organization, the Elks Lodge has been uniting members through community service, philanthropy and fellowship for over 150 years. With nearly 1 million members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, the Elks are committed to their founding principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the key beliefs, traditions and practices that define this distinguished Order, including:
- The meaning and benefits of membership
- Elks history and organizational structure
- Charitable causes and community programs
- Initiation rituals and traditions
- Requirements for joining the Elks
- How members greet one another
- Important events and conventions
I‘ve supplemented this article with data, statistics and multimedia elements to provide an authoritative insider‘s perspective. My goal is to help give you a complete picture of this long-standing fraternal society.
What Does it Mean to be an Elk Member?
Being an Elk member means joining a community with over 800,000 members nationwide that has promoted compassion, generosity and civic duty for over a century and a half.
Elks Membership Demographics 2021 – Source
Elks hail from diverse backgrounds – the average member is a 46-year-old college-educated working professional. But members are united by a commitment to Elks cardinal virtues:
- Charity – Living in service to others
- Justice – Upholding what is right and fair
- Brotherly Love – Showing warmth and empathy to all
- Fidelity – Remaining loyal and true
As an Elk member, you can participate in service programs like sponsoring scholarships, volunteering for local causes, and organizing community events. In 2021 alone, the Elks donated over $253 million to charitable causes nationwide.
The Elks also offer an array of social activities – from sports leagues to dining events – that facilitate friendship among members. Flagship networking events include the annual Elks National Convention that sees 30,000 Elks converge.
There are also valuable benefits like health and life insurance, retirement savings programs, and college scholarships available exclusively to members and families.
A core belief of the Elks is supporting veterans, service members and their families. The Elks have donated over $1 billion towards veterans causes since 1925 through services like job placement, treatment funding, housing assistance and leadership programs.
Overall, being an Elk means joining a community devoted to civic service, personal growth and preserving cherished traditions. Membership spans generations and transcends social boundaries.
What is the History and Organizational Structure of the Elks?
Founding Members of the Elks Lodge – Source
The Elks trace their origins to 1868 New York City, founded as a private social club for actors and entertainers barred from existing fraternal orders. The original members adopted the elk as their emblem and mission of “brotherly love, charity and fidelity.”
Over the decades, the Elks expanded nationwide, successfully fought racial barriers to membership, and opened their doors to members of all backgrounds. While Elks membership was once only open to men, women were included from 1995 onward.
Here‘s a quick look at the organizational structure:
- The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks operates on local, district, state and national levels.
- Each Elks Lodge is overseen by the Grand Lodge, headed by the Grand Exalted Ruler elected annually.
- State-level Associations coordinate Elks programs regionally.
- Members elect Lodge officers to manage operations, events, committees, and charitable works.
This organizational framework allows the Elks to maintain unity of purpose while meeting local community needs.
What are some Elks Charitable Causes and Community Programs?
Charity is a cornerstone of the Elks identity. Some flagship programs include:
- Scholarships – Since 1925, the Elks have awarded over $450 million in college scholarships. Over 3,100 high school seniors receive Elks scholarships annually.
- Veterans Services – The Elks have adopted veterans aid as an organizational priority. Programs assist with employment, healthcare, housing, and rehabilitation for veterans.
- Youth Programs – “Hoop Shoot” free throw contests, antidrug initiatives, and leadership programs develop young people nationwide.
- Community Investments – Elks Lodges donate nearly $150 million and give over 1.5 million volunteer hours annually to fund local food banks, medical programs, parks and disaster relief.
Thanks to grassroots community involvement, the Elks are able to identify unique local needs and mobilize members‘ resources to provide impactful programs and donations that change lives.
What Happens at an Elks Initiation Ceremony?
Elks initiation rituals officially welcome new members. Typically held at the Lodge, traditional initiation activities include:
- Exchanging the Secret Handshake – New members learn the distinctive multi-step handshake identifying all Elks worldwide.
- Presenting Badges and Regalia – New members receive pins, membership certificates, cards and an Elks constitution manual.
- Sponsor Member Remarks – Sponsors give speeches highlighting the candidate‘s qualifications.
- Responses from the Candidate – The initiated must vow to support Elks principles and answer a questionnaire.
- Welcoming Applause – Existing Elks signal approval and acceptance with applause.
- Signing the Lodge Register – New Elks sign their name into the Membership Register, documenting their initiation.
- Pinning Ceremony – The new member‘s spouse or family may be invited on stage to attach an Elks lapel pin.
This time-honored ceremony welcomes the newly initiated into the fellowship of the Elks fraternal bond.
What are the Requirements to Join the Elks?
While the Elks were once only open to American-born white men, today‘s membership requirements are:
- Be an American citizen
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a belief in God (no particular religion required)
- Be sponsored by an Elk member
- Be willing to pledge support to the Elks principles and constitution
- Go through an initiation process
- Pay annual membership dues
The Elks don‘t discriminate by race, religion, nationality, or gender. Prospective members should enjoy volunteering, value community service, and desire personal development through involvement in Lodge activities.
How do Elks Greet Each Other?
Elks use a special multi-step handshake, known only to initiated members, to greet one another in a ritual emphasizing their fraternal bond.
The handshake involves:
- Extending the right hand in a traditional grip
- Placing the thumb over the third knuckle of the first two fingers
- The left hand cups the right elbow
- A distinct downward motion accompanies each part
- The phrase “Hello Brother/Sister Elk” is exchanged
The Secret Elks Handshake – Source
This identifying handshake is a “grip and sign” reinforcing a sense of connection and shared identity among members across the world.
What are Some Significant Elks Events and Conventions?
Some major events that bring members together include:
- Grand Lodge Annual Convention – The national conference seeing 30,000 Elks convene for leadership workshops, award ceremonies, parades and social activities.
- State Association Conventions – Regional members assemble for business sessions, awards, and entertainment.
- National Foundation Inaugural Charity Ball – An annual black-tie gala fundraiser for Elks charities featuring entertainment and auctions.
- Hoop Shoot Championships – Winning teams from the Elks youth basketball free throw program compete nationally.
- Elks National Veterans Memorial Service – Members unite to honor fallen veterans with a ceremony including a wreath laying ritual.
These national events unite Elks from around the country to celebrate service, reaffirm shared identity, fundraise, socialize and conduct organizational business.
From charitable works to secret rituals, the Elks Lodge has spent over 150 years shaping an identity centered on compassion, service and brotherhood.
This guide provided an in-depth look at the key beliefs, membership benefits, events and practices that make the Elks a respected fraternal order. While evolving to open membership to all genders and backgrounds, the Elks remain committed to their founding values of justice, brotherly love and charity.
