Benevolent & Protective Order of El

“The organization has members only. Potential members are presented through application to the membership and the membership votes on approval or disapproval at a monthly general membership meeting. Membership vote is required for any lodge expenditures, capital improvments, changes in lodge bylaws and membership. All members have one vote on lodge business except for members who remain on the books for one year if their annual dues are not paid. These members are not allowed a vote until current with annual dues.”

“Each paid up member has a vote for up or down on potential new members. This vote is taken at the monthly general membership meeting.”

“Every paid up member has an up or down vote at the monthly general membership meeting. The officers and trustees can not tak action on any proposals or expend lodge funds without general membership approval.”

“The return is reviewed by the local officers and audit committee and then presented to the general membership at a regularly scheduled meeting. It is then submitted to the grand lodge and reviewed. A copy is on file with the lodge secretary and available to all members to review.”

“The lodge maintains a conflict of interest policy and monitors all lodge business to ensure adherence to the policy.”

“The secretary is the only paid member. Historically he spends 25 hours per week working. The pay rate is disussed by the local officers, presented to the general membership at a regulary scheduled meeting. It is voted on and added to the local by-laws. The national elks board has approved any by- law changes.”

“The elks lodge governing document is available through the national elks lodge website.”