ELKS VOLUNTEER TALKING POINTS

A Quick Guide for Talking with Visitors

DON'T LET “I DON'T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT THE ELKS” KEEP YOU FROM VOLUNTEERING!

One reason some members hesitate to volunteer at community events is that they feel they don't know enough about the Elks to answer questions from the public.

That's okay — you don't have to know everything about the Elks to be a great volunteer!

That's exactly why we put together these talking points. They give you some basic information about who the Elks are, what we do nationally, and most importantly, what Sanford Elks Lodge #1679 does right here in our community.

You don't need to memorize any of this. Read through it, become familiar with a few of the programs, and keep this guide handy while you're volunteering.

If someone asks a question you don't know the answer to, don't guess. It's perfectly fine to say:

“I'm still learning about the Elks myself, so I don't know the answer to that, but I'll be glad to find someone who does.”

Remember, people aren't expecting you to be an expert. They're interested in who we are, why you're an Elk, and how the Elks help our community.

The most important things you can do are be friendly, be welcoming, and be proud to tell people about the good things the Elks are doing.

WHO ARE THE ELKS?

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one of the largest and most active fraternal organizations in the United States.

Founded in 1868, the Elks have been serving communities across America for more than 150 years, with hundreds of thousands of members and Lodges throughout the country.

The Elks are much more than a social organization. Charity and service are at the heart of what we do. Nationally and through our local Lodges, Elks contribute millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours each year to help our communities.

Our organization is built around four principles:

Charity • Justice • Brotherly Love • Fidelity

And our motto says it very simply:

“Elks Care — Elks Share.”

WHO ARE WE LOCALLY?

We are Sanford Elks Lodge #1679, serving Sanford, Lee County, and the surrounding community.

Our members are your friends, neighbors, and local business and community leaders. We enjoy fellowship, but an important reason we are Elks is to work together to make our community a better place.

WHAT DOES SANFORD ELKS #1679 DO IN OUR COMMUNITY?

This is probably the most important section to remember when talking with local visitors.

You don't have to memorize everything. Just remember a few examples that you can talk about.

🎒 BACKPACK PALS & CUOC

Sanford Elks is a longtime supporter of Christians United Outreach Center (CUOC) of Lee County and its Backpack Pals program.

Backpack Pals helps provide food to local children who might otherwise have little or nothing to eat when they're away from school.

Over the years, Sanford Elks Lodge has contributed more than $40,000 to Backpack Pals, in addition to members volunteering and donating food.

Easy talking point:

“Backpack Pals is one of the programs we're really proud of. We help provide food for local children who may not have enough to eat when they're not in school.”

👟 CLEATS FOR KIDS

Our Cleats for Kids program helps provide athletic shoes and equipment to local high school athletes whose families may not be able to afford them.

We don't want a young person to miss the opportunity to participate in school athletics simply because they can't afford the necessary equipment.

Easy talking point:

“We help local kids who want to participate in sports but may not have the money for the equipment they need.”

🎁 TOYS FOR TEENS

Sanford Elks created Toys for Teens because teenagers can sometimes be overlooked by Christmas assistance programs that concentrate primarily on younger children.

Our program helps make sure local teenagers in need aren't forgotten during the holidays.

Easy talking point:

“A lot of Christmas programs are geared toward younger children. We try to make sure teenagers aren't forgotten.”

🚫 DRUG AWARENESS

The Elks Drug Awareness Program (DAP) is one of our Lodge's most visible community programs.

Our Drug Awareness Trailer travels to community events where our volunteers provide educational materials and encourage children to make healthy, drug-free choices.

Easy talking point:

“This trailer is part of a nationwide Elks program. Our goal is to educate kids and give them information that helps them make good choices.”

VETERANS

Elks have a special commitment to America's veterans, and Sanford Lodge has a long history of supporting veterans and veterans' programs.

Our national pledge says:

“So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”

Easy talking point:

“Supporting veterans is one of the biggest things the Elks are known for. We have a promise that as long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.”

🎓 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Elks provide scholarship opportunities at the local, state and national levels.

These include the Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student Scholarship, Legacy Awards, and other scholarship opportunities.

Sanford Lodge helps promote these opportunities to students in our community.

Easy talking point:

“The Elks give millions of dollars in scholarships nationally, and we work to make sure students right here in our community know about those opportunities.”

❤️ ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANTS

Many people don't realize that money our members contribute to the Elks National Foundation (ENF) can come back to Sanford in the form of grants.

We use these grants to support charitable projects right here in our community.

That means money raised and donated through the Elks can directly benefit Sanford and Lee County families, children, veterans and community organizations.

Easy talking point:

“One of the great things about the Elks is that we can receive national Elks grants and put that money to work right here in Lee County.”

👧 YOUTH PROGRAMS

Helping young people has always been an important part of the Elks.

In addition to Backpack Pals, Cleats for Kids, scholarships and Drug Awareness, the Elks sponsor programs such as the Hoop Shoot, youth recognition programs and other activities that encourage young people to succeed.

Easy talking point:

“Youth programs are a huge part of the Elks. We want kids in our community to know that people care about them and want them to succeed.”

QUESTIONS YOU MAY GET AT THE DRUG AWARENESS TRAILER

“What is this trailer for?”

“This is the Elks Drug Awareness Program. We're here to provide children and parents with information about the dangers of drugs and encourage kids to make healthy, drug-free choices.”

“Does the Elks really do this nationwide?”

Yes. Drug Awareness is a national Elks program, with local Elks Lodges bringing the program directly into their communities.

“Is everything here free?”

“Yes. The Elks provide these materials as part of our commitment to helping children and families in our community.”

“Why are the Elks involved with drug awareness?”

“Helping young people has always been an important part of the Elks. Drug Awareness is one of the ways we try to give kids the information they need to make good choices.”

IF SOMEONE ASKS, “WHAT IS THE ELKS LODGE — IS IT JUST A BAR OR CLUB?”

“No. We certainly have a social side and enjoy spending time together, but the Elks are a charitable and fraternal organization. A big part of what we do is helping veterans, children, families and organizations in our community.”

IF SOMEONE ASKS, “WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO JOIN?”

“If you're interested, we'd love to tell you more. Membership begins with an application sponsored by an Elks member, and we can introduce you to someone who can help you through the process.”

You don't need to explain all the membership requirements or procedures. Get their contact information or introduce them to a Lodge officer or member who can help.

IF SOMEONE ASKS, “WHY DID YOU JOIN?”

This is one question where there isn't a wrong answer.

Tell them your own story.

Maybe you joined because you wanted to help your community, support veterans, help children and families, meet new people, participate in Lodge activities, volunteer and give back, or simply be part of something bigger than yourself.

A personal answer is often much more meaningful than memorizing facts about the Elks.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER

Don't guess!

Simply say:

“That's a good question. I'm still learning about the Elks myself. Let me find someone who can answer that for you.”

Nobody expects a new member to know everything about an organization with more than 150 years of history.

REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

You don't have to be an Elks expert to represent our Lodge well.

Be friendly. Be welcoming. Talk about what you've experienced. Tell people about the good things you've seen the Lodge do.

Most importantly, let them see that you're proud to be part of an organization that cares about its community.

SANFORD ELKS LODGE #1679

Building a Better Community Together

Elks Care — Elks Share