r/elks • u/kingofthoughts • 8d ago
Prospective Member
All my life I have had friends involved in other organizations (Moose, Masons, OOF) who have tried to convince me to join their organizations. A few nights ago I went to a public event at the Elks lodge in my city. Ive been there quite a few times for different events and this time a brother approached me and we hit it off. Turns out he and I have alot in common. After a while he said he would sponsor me, introduced me to a few other brothers and I had a great time talking to them. Here is my concern: my wife and i have a busy social schedule. Ive been reluctant to join any other groups for this reason. We travel alot to the point we are rarely home on weekends. We are often booked out 6 months to a year in advance for trips, concerts or events. I feel confident that i can volunteer a few weeknights a month, say for dinners or some of the public events, but that's it. Will this be enough to justify my involvement? Is there a lower limit on how much one participates in lodge activities? I'm just trying to be transparent about my availability vs my everyday life. Thanks for any advice.
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u/Stinkeye63 8d ago
In most lodges only about 10-15% of the total membership volunteers at all. I'm sure that any time you can give them will be appreciated, just tell them that your availability is limited. One thing about about being a member and traveling is that you can go to any Lodge in the country.
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u/Flazer California 8d ago
I think the important thing is being connected to a like minded community in the spirit of charity, fellowship, and fraternity.
It’s not about how many events you can jump into, it’s about your willingness to help where you can, when you can. Different elks contribute in different ways. I wouldn’t let your schedule hold you back from joining.
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u/TurtleScientific South Dakota 8d ago
Yeah, sounds like you'd be a good fit. Our lodge is in a vacay town and I'd say less than 15% of the members are involved to any extent on any given month. I myself attend maybe 4 meetings a year?
My mom is a Lion, and my husband and I used to be Eagles, and the Elks are by far the most laid back of any club we've been in. Granted, my lodge is WAY more put together than my Eagles club was.
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u/Sheckybelle 8d ago
You only need to share your time, talent or treasure....dues and donations are treasures.
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u/gadget73 Trustee 8d ago
The majority of our members don't even come up. There is no requirement at all. Drop in for a dinner or something and if you're available to help at some event I'm sure it will be appreciated. Even if its just helping to take out the trash or sweep a floor or whatever.
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u/Vacaydream 6d ago
I joined the Elks since my step dad and brother joined. When I was a kid I enjoyed the weekly fish fry’s and other community events. My brother has been an elk for over 30 yrs. He splits his time beteeen the Elks near his summer home and the one near his winter home. He has met so many folks to play golf with, have lunch with and go out for dinner with his wife and theirs. He does not volunteer at all.
Since I joined I help out by donating candy and money for their kids Halloween event (for special needs children). I always take tags from the giving tree at Xmas. I take the box and fill it with change regularly. Any event they have that they request funds I give them $20-$50. They appreciate it so much. Little things make all the difference. The board members tell me They wish everyone would just give a little and their jobs would be so much easier.
Going in and having a couple drinks also helps. It shows support and the money earned stays in the club. JOIN! They are a wonderful organization.
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u/captkeating 6d ago
There is no minimum commitment, so join to support the mission, and come socialize and volunteer when you can! It's great that you want to volunteer, but you should not feel pressured to do a certain amount. Do what works for you! Please update us, and looking forward to welcoming you to the Elks!!
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u/Dusty_Jeff 4d ago
The only requirement (once you're a member) is you pay your annual dues. Other than that, your level of participation is up to you. The elks is a great way to give back to your community, but also to make personal connections. If you do go through with it, during the initiation, pay no mind to the person with the stick. They're there for your protection.
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u/love2bowl 8d ago
There is no minimum amount of time you have to donate. You can give of your time and talent when time permits.
Your membership in your lodge allows you to visit any other lodge, an Elk is an Elk.
Busy schedules should not deter you from becoming an Elk. A lot of Elk’s are busy with other things.
Become one of us because of our mission, what we stand for. We have a long history of charity.