2023 National Convention Volunteer FAQs

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  • Do I have to be a member of the Elks to volunteer?
No, you don’t have to be a member of the Elks to volunteer. We welcome everyone!

  • What are the benefits to volunteering?
  • The registration for the convention is free! A savings of $60.
  • You will get a coupon for a 50% discount off of a single item of merchandise at the Minnesota Merchandise Booth once you have worked one shift.
  • You can meet wonderful Elks from across the country either at the business sessions or the many hospitality suites hosted by states at the various hotels.
  • You can attend the seminars and learn about the Elks and our many programs.
 
  • Am I responsible for finding and paying for my own lodging?
It is up to the volunteer to pay for Lodging. Grand Lodge has assigned specific hotels to each state so that members from the state can be together. Becky Radika of Hibbing Lodge is in charge of housing for Minnesota Elks members this year.  The housing forms are here.
If you are coming from another state, please contact the housing chair from your state to get the appropriate hotel information.
  • When will I be notified that I have been selected as a volunteer?
Anyone that wants to volunteer their time will be "selected"! Right now we are gathering information from each volunteer as to which area(s) he/she might be interested in. You can find more information on the various roles on the convention planning page. Simply go to the state web site at www.mnelks.org and click on the banner at the top. Some time at the beginning of  April we will be asking volunteers to sign up for specific committees and shifts that work for them. Thus, you can decide which days and which activities you would like to do as a volunteer.
  • How long are the shifts?
We anticipate shifts will be 3-4 hours in length depending on the role. When you sign up for a shift, it will have the specific date and time of the shift.
  • Do the volunteer positions requiring standing? Are there any shifts that allow me to sit?
There are some volunteer positions that are sitting only – primarily in the Registration Control committee. More information will be forthcoming as to specifically which roles and shifts will provide for sitting.
  • How many shifts do I have to sign up for?
We ask that you sign up for at least one shift. It is up to you how many shifts you wish to take on.
  • Will there be a volunteer uniform? Will I have to pay for it?
There won’t be a uniform per se. We will be providing vests that volunteers can check out/check in during their shift. There is no cost to volunteer. To understand the dress code, click here.
  • Is there a Dress Code?
Yes, there are some do’s and don’ts pertaining to the dress code for volunteers.
Men: Please wear shirts with a collar and long pants.
Women: Please wear appropriate shirts (no tees), capris pants, long pants or skirts.
All: No cut off shirts. No shorts. No flip flops. Jeans can only be worn in the Exhibit Hall. No torn or frayed jeans. No hats.
We encourage you to “Get Your Plaid On!” by getting creative and personalizing your outfit with plaid accessories and clothing (e.g. bow ties, ties, socks, shirts).
  • How do I find out details such as specific activities within a particular volunteer role?
You can reach out to the Team Lead for a particular committee to find out what that committee does specifically during the convention. A directory of the committee and their respective team leads can be found at www.mnelks.og click on the banner on the home page and click on the page “Org Structure”
 
  • Do I have to know the Ritual to be a volunteer for that group?
No, you do not have to know the Ritual to volunteer for that group. Grand Lodge will provide the judges for the competition. Our role will be manage the spectators both inside and outside of the competition room similar to a theater usher.