We are...
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A fraternal order with nearly a million members and a
141-year history.
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A network of more than 2000 lodges in communities all
over the country.
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A generous charitable foundation that each year gives
millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend
to veterans and more.
Our Mission
To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly
Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the
welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the
spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to
perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide
for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
of the United States of America will serve the people and
communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks
Care and Elks Share.
Origin
The Elks organization was founded in New York City on
February 16, 1868 under the name "Jolly Corks" by 15 actors,
entertainers and others associated with the theater. In ensuing
years, membership expanded to other professions.
Purposes
This Fraternal Order was founded "To promote and practice the
four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and
Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of
its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and
cultivate good fellowship."
Membership
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly
American fraternity. Proposal for membership in the Order is
only by invitation of a member in good standing. To be accepted
as a member, one must be an American citizen, believe in God, be
of good moral character and be at least 21 years old.
What We Do
The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for
benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs
in such fields as benefitting physically handicapped children,
sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting,
athletic teams, veterans' works, a national "Hoop Shoot"
free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children,
physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic
programs.
The youth of our country have always been important to the
Order. It is for this reason the Elks Drug Awareness Education
Program was launched to warn primary grade students and their
parents of the dangers in drug use. Additionally, every lodge
observes June 14th as Flag Day, a tradition which the Elks began
in 1907 and was later adopted by the Congress as an official
observance.
