How to Join the Elks

How to Become a Member
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 who believes in the existence of God
• sponsored by a member in good standing in any Lodge of the Order
• co-sponsored by two other Elks

The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary or Exalted Ruler. After your proposer fills in the required portion, you will be given the Application for Membership. Fill it in, following the instructions and answering all questions. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary with the prescribed Application Fee. 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 and answer any questions you may have regarding the organization or the local lodge. Your application for membership will be considered by the membership during a lodge meeting and if approved 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, activities, committees and charities. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated. After initiation as an Elk, you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge. If for any reason your application is rejected, you cannot make application for membership for six months from the date of rejection. 

Use our handy online directory to locate a Lodge near you. Stop in at your local lodge and someone will be happy to help you.