Benevolent Protective Order of Elks -
Membership Information

Membership Requirements

To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you must:

• be a citizen of the United States over the age of 21
• Believe in God
• be sponsored by a member of the Elks Lodge
• reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join
• have two other Elks who will be your co-sponsors (These Elks may be introduced to you by your sponsor.)

Membership Benefits

The Protective Order of Elks is a non-profit organization in which each member has a voice in the governing of the lodge.  The business of which donates over $800,000 to charity, and volunteers over 70,000 hours to programs that support our youth, veterans, and those less fortunate than ourselves.

For many of us, the primary benefits of becoming an Elk is the opportunity to give back to the community. Not only does this special brotherhood promote the happiness and well-being of its members, it improves their lives as an individual by awakening a true social awareness, promoting fellowship, and increasing personal contacts. Elks develop strong ties to a brotherhood that can last a lifetime. As an Elk, you are welcomed in virtually every lodge throughout the United States.

Steps to Membership

1. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary. After your proposer fills in the required portion, you will be given the Application for Membership. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary with the prescribed fees.
2. Your application will be read at a regular Lodge meeting. It will then be forwarded to the Investigating Committee, who will call you and set up a time for you and your sponsor to meet with the committee so that they can interview you.
3. After the interview is concluded, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership and a member vote on your application will be taken.
4. When the vote is concluded, you will be notified and asked to present yourself and your spouse for indoctrination. During indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order's programs and charities. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated.
5. After initiation as an Elk, you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge.

To obtain an application, contact the Gardiner lodge.

Call or Come by

Many of our activities are open to the public. You're encouraged to come to these events to get a feel for our lodge, its members and activities.