The term "All American", in Elkdom and in our society means that you are the best that you can be. There is only one way to earn this title, that is through hard work and dedication to your Lodge and the Programs of our Order.

I have no doubt that a majority of our Lodges are already putting forward the effort to qualify for the All American Lodge Contest "A". A number of Lodges are doing what is required, but unfortunately, are not taking that one more step forward that is needed to enter Contest "A", All American Lodge.

Make the effort to obtain the ultimate in Elkdom, All American status. If you don't try you will not succeed. It may not happen overnight, but through determination and hard work you will reach your goal. The key point to remember is that while you are striving for your success, you will be fulfilling the Programs of our Order and helping so many along the way - proving once more that "Elks Care - Elks Share".

In January of each year, your Lodge will receive an entry form from the Grand Lodge. The form covers all Programs for which points are awarded. Use this form as a guidline to evaluate what your Lodge has accomplished and will strive to fulfill in the future. Carefully follow the directions while completing the form. When your form is complete, certify and send it along with required documentation to your District Deputy, postmarked by March 15.

The National winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge session in July. This is your Lodge's opportunity to be recognized before the entire Order of Elks as the best there is, an All American Lodge !

Download: Contest "A" Application Form (Adobe PDF Format)

Community Service & Image Contest - Contest 'B'

Exalted Rulers, have you appointed a Member of your Lodge to complete your entry in the Community Service and Image Contest? If not, do it NOW to give them plenty of time to gather the material needed to complete your binder. You can’t win if you don’t enter.

Elks across the country promote activities in their communities on a daily basis. These activities, and the community services we provide, are at the very heart of our organization and truly demonstrate that “Elks Care — Elks Share.” Grand Lodge Programs such as the Elks Hoop Shoot® Contest, Most Valuable Student Scholarship Awards, Drug Awareness Education Programs and the work of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission are just a few of the community service programs sponsored by Elks Lodges. In addition, sponsoring Boy Scout Troops, promoting youth activity programs, assisting needy families and working with the elderly also demonstrate that Elks truly do CARE about their community.

Of course, most of us know all about the good work we do in our communities. However, the strength of our community image is dependent, not on what we know, but on what the other residents of our communities know about the activities we support. Obviously, it is important for all of us to build awareness of the good things our Lodges do through the use of all available media outlets. It is very simple: If we want credit for what we do, we must let our communities know what we do.

Spreading the knowledge of the work performed by the Members of your Lodge will help you achieve a strong community image. This, in turn, will ultimately earn your Lodge support and respect in your community. This support and respect will foster an attitude that membership in our Order is a privilege. In addition, the youth of the communities touched by the works of our Order will become our membership base of the future. For these reasons, we encourage each Lodge to fully publicize all Grand Lodge, State Association and local community service programs throughout their area.

To enter the Community Service and Image Contest, document your programs with pictures, media clippings, letters of appreciation and short, concise text in an 8-1/2 x 11 inch, three-ring binder not exceeding four inches in thickness. Mail inquiries to the appropriate committee member, postmarked no later than March 15. Please be sure to include a letter of certification from your Lodge Secretary stating your Lodge membership as of March 31.
 

The Grand Lodge has set the first Sunday in December as the day for all Lodges to hold Memorial Services for our Departed Members. Started in 1889, the Elks Memorial Service is the last honor we give our Elk Members. With such an important event, we should make it a very special and meaningful service, for them and their families. Lodges are encouraged to plan their Memorial Services carefully and with emphasis on the reverence and solemn remembrance due the occasion. Lodges are further encouraged to invite the departed Members’ loved ones as well as community members. A well-planned and well-executed Memorial Service will not only honor your departed Members, but will also strengthen your Lodge’s ties to its community.

The families and friends of these departed Members will see the respect we have for our Members’ families through the loss we share with them, and the comfort we provide them. They know they will be held in our hearts and minds as long as Elkdom and our Lodges continue. These are not just words we speak; it is one reason the Eleven O’Clock Toast is so special. Which brings us to the most important service once a year, the Elks Memorial Service. Work to impress your Members, their families, their friends and your community. Then, after all the hard work and your planning, reward yourself and your Lodge by entering the Grand Lodge-Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee’s Elks Memorial Service Contest. It’s as simple as documenting with text and photos the service that you have so carefully planned. Arrange the documentation in a logical format in a three-ring binder less than four inches in thickness and mail it to me for judging. Remember to include your Lodge’s Secretary letter attesting to your Lodge’s membership as of last March 31, and make sure that your entry is postmarked before midnight on February 15.

Last year was a record year for entries. It is a pleasure reviewing the Brochures and seeing how Lodges honor our absent Members. We expect even greater participation this year. For further information, please refer to the Grand Lodge-Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee Brochure. If you don’t already have one, it can be obtained from your District Deputy or from your Area Member on the Committee. Best wishes for a great year.

Lodge Bulletins should serve as a vital link of communications in keeping your members informed and active. Your bulletin should contain timely information from the officers, committees along with interesting pictures of events. Among the many contests sponsored by the GL Lodge Actvities / State Association is Contest "D" - Lodge Bulletin. This contest provides each Lodge of the Order an opportunity to compete and recognize the efforts of your Lodge Bulletin Chairperson and time spent monthly in gathering and compiling useful information. Why not share their efforts, and possibly win a Grand Lodge award? You can do this by entering the Lodge Bulletin Contest. The Bulletin should:
 

• Be easily readable, organized and informative
   

• Report news items of the Lodge, District, State and National level. With emphasis on any recognition received from civic or community projects your Lodge receives
   

• Use of photographs to illustrate a news item that is reported

• Include articles written for and directed to all members, not just VIP's
   

The GL Lodge Activities / State Associations encourages all Lodges to participate. Communicating your fraternal and charitable activities in your Lodge bulletin, demonstrates that "Elks Care - Elks Share". To enter the Lodge Bulletin Contest:
 

• Choose and submit three (3) consecutive issues of your Lodge Bulletin published between April 1 and December 1, and bind them together in a folder (only the bulletins are judged, not the folder).

• Have Lodge Secretary certify in writing the number of members in your Lodge as of March 31 of the most recently concluded lodge year, and include the certification in your folder so that your entry will be judged in the proper division.

• Combine the above and mail your entry, postmarked no later than January 15 to the appropriate committee member.