So, You Want to Join the Elks?
To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you must be a patriotic citizen of the United States, of good character, over the age of 21, and believe in God.
You must be sponsored by a member of the Elks and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join. You also need two other Elk members, who will be your co-sponsors. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary.
After your proposer fills in their required portion, he or she will give you the Application for Membership to complete. Fill it in, following the instructions and answering all questions. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary.
Your application, along with the name of your proposer, will be read at a regular Lodge meeting, and then forwarded to the Investigating Committee. A committee member will call you and set up a time for your sponsor and you to meet with the committee for your membership interview.
At the conclusion of the interview, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership. The members will be given notice, not less than 10 days, nor more than two months, before the date of the meeting the vote on your membership will be taken.
You will be notified of the results following the vote and, if favorable, asked to present yourself, and your spouse, if married, for Indoctrination (an orientation session). During indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order’s history, programs and charities. You will also be told the date you will be initiated.
After initiation as an Elk, you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge, as well as visit any other Lodge in the United States or its territories.
If, for any reason, your application is rejected, you cannot re-apply for membership for six months from the date of rejection.
You Want to Join the Elks, but Don’t Know Anyone who is a member?
Please contact the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks at: (949) 830-ELKS (3557)
