Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Maine Elks Association
What is the maine elks association?
The Maine Elks Association (MEA) is an organization consisting of the 20 Elk Lodges and their members within the State of Maine. The organization was formed to unite all Elks in the State of Maine to further fellowship among Lodges, promote the programs and interests of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks in Maine, to exchange ideas beneficial to the Lodges in the State of Maine, and to provide an opportunity to collaborate together for charitable purposes.
What charities does the MEA Support ?
The Maine Elks Association primarily supports the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. A cancer treatment program for children based in Scarborough, Maine (MCCP). The MEA also supports the Elks National Foundation (ENF) which is the charitable arm of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
What else does the Mea do?
In addition to bringing Elk Lodges together, sharing information, and supporting charity, the Maine Elks Association (MEA) has several programs that support our youth, our veterans, our country. Here are some of our programs:
Who is considered a member?
Any Elk member in good standing in an Elk Lodge in Maine is a member of the Maine Elks Association and is entitled to attend and participate in its meetings and activities.
You mention the maine Children's Cancer Program...what do they do?
The Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP) is a comprehensive treatment center for children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. The program provides support not only for a child with cancer, but the entire family. The program is part of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, Maine. Showing that Elks Care–Elks Share, the Maine Elks Association has given over $5 Million dollars to MCCP.
How often does the association meet?
The Maine Elks Association meets five times each year. We meet in August, October, January, March, and hold our State Convention and Annual Meeting in May.
What do all those letters after a name mean?
The letters are abbreviations for offices that members have held or are currently holding. It is a simple way of recognizing those dedicated members who have served the Order in a significant way.
CM-Charter Member
LM-Life Member
HLM-Honorary Life Member
ER-Exalted Ruler
PER-Past Exalted Ruler
DDGER-District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler
PDDGER-Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler
SR-Special Representative
SDGER-Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler
PSDGER-Past Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler
AA-Administrative Assistant to the Grand Exalted Ruler
PAA-Past Administrative Assistant to the Grand Exalted Ruler
GLC-Grand Lodge Committeeman
PGLC-Past Grand Lodge Committeeman
GER-Grand Exalted Ruler
PGER-Past Grand Exalted Ruler
Americanism
The Elks are a patriotic organization that supports the Constitution, the American Flag, and promoting American values.
Drug Awareness
The Elks are committed to eliminating the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society and believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that our children be raised in a drug-free environment.
Ritualistic
One of the traditions of the Order is to welcome our new members in a special ceremony that teaches about the four principals of our Order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity
Scholarship
Each year, the Elks award more than $3 million in college scholarships to at least 800 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors across the country.
Veterans
Elks pledge “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further, and promises service to our nation’s veterans and military members, with a special focus on service to those in need.
Antlers Program
The future of our nation is in its youth, and as our Order is tied closely with our country, we serve our youth by teaching them about our nation’s traditions, history, and caring about our fellow man.
Hoop Shoot
The Elks National Free-Throw shooting competition for youth age 8-14 years. Winners advance from the Lodge to District, State, Regional, and National Competitions. National winners have their names inscribed in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Soccer shoot
The Elks National Soccer Shoot competition for youth up to age 15 years. Winners advance from the Lodge to District, State, Regional, and then to the National level via their regional scores.
Why ELKS?
Now, more than ever our nation needs an organization like the Elks. We stand for American tradition, history, serving others including our nation’s youth, our communities, and our country.
Community Service
The Elks are closely tied to serving our communities across the country. We do this through a number of programs that are funded by Elk members and the Elks National Foundation.
Caring
Our motto is “Elks Care–Elks Share,” and caring is what we do. We care about our country, we care about our communities, and of course we care about each other as members. Brotherly Love being one of the cardinal principals of our Order.
Sharing
Elks not only care about our fellow man, but also share in making life better for all. The Elks are a very generous group who give not only of their time and talents to support charitable endeavors but also financially as well through either direct donations or through the Elks National Foundation…”the great heart of Elkdom.”
20 Lodges in Maine
We have 20 Elk Lodges in Maine. From York to Presque Isle, there is likely an Elk Lodge near you that you can join. If you would like to see an Elk Lodge formed in your own community, contact us and we’ll work with you to try and make it happen.