Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
General Questions
Q. Who Are the Elks?
Perhaps the best way to answer this is by seeing what we do. Have a look at our activities. The sense of community and connection described in Elk Advantages also discusses our diverse membership, as well as the privileges members enjoy.You may also be interested in Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam's discussion of organizations like the Elks.
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Q. Can Women Join?
Absolutely. The Pocatello Lodge welcomes female members and officers. In fact, our Lodge's own Ina Sickinger was one of the first female Exalted Rulers (an Elks Lodge's chief officer) in Idaho.
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Q. Do You Wear Funny Hats?
New members are generally relieved (though some of us were chagrined) to learn that Elks do not wear hats with horns or antlers. Fred and his friends will have to soldier on alone.
(image copyright HannaBarbera)
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Q. Where Are You?
Have a look at contact information for our address and phone number, or to download a map to the lodge.
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Q. Do the Elks Have Specific Political & Religious Aims?
Aside from a belief in some sort of supreme being, Elks have diverse views. We focus on what we have in common, not what divides us. In fact, our guidelines specify that "It is strictly forbidden to discuss religious or political matters, or engage in any business dealings within the walls of any Elks Lodge; hence strong differences in matters of faith, party polarization and commerce are left at the threshold, focusing instead upon those beliefs all members have in common."
(What It Means to Be An Elk, 16)
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Q. Why Do Your Officers Have Titles Like "Exalted Ruler"?
These titles reflect our historical origins in two ways: - We are an order founded by 19th Century actors with a flair for the dramatic.
- The Elks have always been an organization where social distinctions outside the lodge have little bearing on the respect we show one another. Among other things, historically these titles were a way of leveling social distinctions.
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Q. How Much Does It Cost to Be an Elk?
Applying for membership has a one-time application cost of . Besides this application cost, you pay a pro-rated portion of your first year's annual dues. (A whole year's dues would be .50).
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Q. Why Are You Called Elks?
 Our chief founder was Charles Vivian, a singer and recent immigrant from Britain. He wanted to imitate a English fraternity named after the (African) Buffalo, but others wanted an American animal, hence the Elks. Vivian, who had been impressed in England when he heard the novelist Charles Dickens give a speech about benevolence, did manage to get Benevolent into our title.
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Q. How Is It Different from Similar Organizations?
Fraternal organizations in the U.S. fall into three distinct types, depending on when they were founded. Those existing before the Civil War, like the Masons, drew from the well-connected. Those founded after the Civil War but before the 20th century, like the Elks, drew from many ranks of society and focused on fellowship and mutual aid. Luncheon-oriented service clubs founded in the 20th century, like Rotary, often centered on business connections. Besides benevolence, the Elks are known for having a good time!
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