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IllinoIs Elks

Who Are the Elks

Elks Care, Elks Share. Are YOU an Elk?

Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up.

Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.

Since 1868, millions and millions of Americans have joined the Elks. Find out why!

We are…

  • A fraternal order with nearly a million members and a 141-year history.
  • A network of more than 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.

Our Mission

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.

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 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 physically handicapped 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 in drug use. Additionally, every lodge observes June 14th as Flag Day, a tradition which the Elks began in 1907 and was later adopted by the Congress as an official observance.

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Recent Events in Illinois Elk-dom

IEA Newsette

Fall 2025 Newsette Click below to download theCurrent Newsette Click below to download theVisit the Archives

2024 Essay Contest

Americanism Essay ContestFlora Lodge #1659Wins 1st Place! Huge new from the Elks Americanism front: A while back we reported the Flora Elks Americanism Essay contest winners, including three submitted by our Lodge who won awards all the way to the State Level, one first at state, one second at state, and one third at state. […]

Importance of Playing Cards

Best wishes and our lasting thanks to longtime Playing Cards for Veterans Chair Tommy Jamison! After 25 years running the program, Tom and Meredith Jamison are enjoying some well-earned rest. Moving forward, Becky Bauman of Mount Vernon, Ill., Lodge No. 819 will carry on their legacy as the New Playing Cards for Veterans Chair. You […]

Recent Posts

  • IEA Newsette December 10, 2024
  • 2024 Essay Contest May 2, 2024
  • Importance of Playing Cards August 10, 2023

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Illinois Elks Association
1201 North Main Street
Chatham, IL 62629
Phone : (217) 483-3020

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