Our Mission Statement
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.
A Fraternal Organization
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.
We are...
A fraternal order with hundreds of thousands of members and a 150+ year history. A network of nearly 2000 lodges in communities all over the country.
A generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend to veterans, and more.
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 the 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 special needs 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 of drug use. Additionally, every lodge observes June 14th as Flag Day, a
a tradition that the Elks began in 1907 and was later adopted by Congress as an official observance.
