The membership reinstatement process

The process of reinstating your membership in the Elks is quite simple. To start the process, contact the Lodge Secretary for an Application for Reinstatement. You will fill out the form and return it with he required fees.

Your application will then be forwarded to the investigating committee, who will contact you for an interview. Following this, the committee will make their recommendation to the members at a regular meeting which will be followed by a vote.

After the lodge vote, you will be notified by the Secretary. You will then be required to pay a prorated portion of the annual Lodge dues. Once you have paid the dues, you will be issued your membership card.

Should you wish to reinstate your membership in a lodge other than they one you where last a member at, you must reside in the jurisdiction of that Lodge. Before you reinstate you will have to obtain a Certificate of Release from your old Lodge and ask the Lodge Secretary to forward a Certificate of Release to the Lodge you are nor trying to reinstate your membership with.

When you receive your Certificate of Release present it to the Secretary of the Lodge you wish to reinstate your membership with. Then you will go through the steps described above.

If a lodge has no proof of prior membership, the burden of proof falls on you. Proof of prior membership can be:

• An old membership card

• A canceled check

• An affidavit signed by two members attesting to prior membership (note: this must be notarized)

If you cannot provide proof of prior membership, it will be necessary to apply for membership as a new member.