There are 2100 hundred Lodges around the country representing nearly one million members. Below are some frequently asked questions about membership. Please click on the appropriate link for your particular circumstance. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Secretary. Lodge phone is 704-636-1161 or e-mail at salisburyelks699@gmail.com Mail application to is 508 S Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144
Any Elk in good standing ( including those from another Lodge) may propose for you to join the Salisbury Elks Lodge. The official application (Form 5607.) can be obtained at the Lodge, by contacting the Secretary at the above e-mail address or by downloading here. Once the form is filled out and a $50 Initiation fee included please give or mail it to the Secretary. The process includes an investigative and indoctrinate phase in which an Elk from the membership committee will call you and arrange for a meeting at the lodge. Once approved by a membership vote the next step is to undergo the ritual of initiation. During this nearly 137 year old ritual which has had only minor changes since inception, candidates must pledge to our oath which includes a belief in God. The ritual when rendered from memory by the Officer's can be quite an impressive ceremony which hopefully will imbue the new members with the true meaning of our venerable fraternal organization.
The whole process can take as little as six weeks and as long as 3 months to become a member. It all depends on the timing of the application and how it relates to Lodge meetings etc. Among the criteria's for membership an applicant must be an American citizen 21 years of age or older, believe in God, have not been convicted of a felony (there are a few exceptions however) or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
As for yearly dues, new members will be required to pay pro-rated dues at the time of initiation. Dues for the full fiscal year are $53.50. Pro-rated simply seems that if you joined in Oct (our fiscal year is from April to March), the pro-rated dues would be 1/2 of $53.50 or $26.75. This is in addition to the $50 initiation fee that was included with the application.
If you used to be a member and hold an Absolute Demit (where you were a member in good standing and then applied for to leave the Lodge) or were dropped for non-payment, notify the Secretary of your desire to return. Prorated dues will apply($53.50 annual) plus a fee of $15 for Reinstatement. (In the months of January and February, the reinstatement fee is reduced to $1) Use form 5605/06. Your application form will be processed like a new one with the exception that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual (assuming you are elected).
Obtain an application for
affiliation form #5601/02 fill it out an return it to the Secretary. If you
hold an Absolute Demit (left in good standing) the fee is $15, if not then $25
for a Certificate of Release. You can print out a preliminary affiliation form
using Adobe. If you don't have adobe get a free version here
The fee for a Certificate of Release is $25 of which $10 goes to your former home Lodge. Annual dues of $53.50 are prorated and your application is processed like a new application except that you will not be required to undergo the Initiation ritual.
Use affiliation form #5601/02 and check "by Certificate of Release from" section. The fee for a Certificate of Release is $25 of which $10 goes to the Grand Lodge. Annual dues of $53.50 are prorated and your application is processed like a new application except that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual.
Use affiliation form #5601/02 and check "by transfer dimit from" section. The fee for a transfer demit is $5. Annual dues of $53.50 are prorated and your application is processed like a new application except that you will not be required to participate in the Initiation ritual. The Salisbury Elks Lodge Secretary will process your application and contact your home Lodge.
Contact the Lodge you wish to join and request affiliation form #5601/02. The Secretary of that Lodge will contact this Lodge and prepare the proper paperwork.