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BECAUSE Elks are a nationwide
community-service organization of well over a million American citizens. We love
our Country and desire to preserve its cherished institutions, traditions and
values. We respect our neighbors and constantly seek to promote their
well-being. We love and enjoy life and believe this enjoyment is increased by
sharing it with family, friends and all with whom we come in contact. BECAUSE We seek to bring into our Order only those who delight in
wholesome associations with congenial companions, men and women who possess a
deep sense of patriotism, fair play and dedication to noble causes. Our
Members are people who find the fulfillment of their existence in service to
humanity, in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, aiding those in
distress; proving themselves to be true friends to all in need. BECAUSE We lead no one to our doors with any promised material
benefits or fame. We pledge no advancement of personal or career ambitions;
instead we vow to help each other become better and happier persons. We believe in not merely wishing others well
but in manifesting this belief by deeds, seeking to serve rather than to be
served. To Elks, laughter is better than tears, and a kind word is more
powerful than a frown. The dream of a better world becomes reality when
shaped by enough willing hearts and hands. BECAUSE We question no one's religion,
nor do we exclude anyone because of creed, race, ethnic origin, educational
attainment, vocation, material status or physical stature. We measure
character by what one is and does, not by titles or position. We do not seek
to impose different beliefs in place of personal commitments to God, Family
and Country, nor do we ask anyone to act in any manner contrary to the
dictates of conscience. We do not permit religious or political differences
to intrude into organizational considerations at the local, district, state
or national levels. BECAUSE You can join
with the millions of fine and noble American Elks who have helped better the
destiny and way of life for countless generations in our country for over 130
years. The generosity is without fanfare and often even without the
recipient's knowledge of the benefactor's identity. You may even have been
helped in the past. We have always been there, quietly providing help and
encouragement. Now it's your turn to get involved, to join BECAUSE The Elks Lodge in your community affords you the
opportunity to join your neighbors and friends and take a prominent role in
the improvement of community life by the practice of the principles and
virtues we have held sacred for over a century and quarter -Charity, Justice. Brotherly Love and Fidelity BECAUSE We expend over
sixteen million dollars yearly to bring encouragement, cheer and comfort to
veterans throughout the BECAUSE Through the Elks National Foundation perpetual fund with assets
exceeding three hundred a fifty million dollars, we provide over fourteen
million each year for college scholarships, grants for higher education to
children of deceased Elks and other charitable benevolent endeavors. BECAUSE Through our local Lodge, district, state a national
programs, we provide healthful activities, guidance and assistance to over
eight million boys and girls each year. We fund scholarships, athletic teams,
summer cam scouting and drug education programs. We encourage civic environmental
and patriotic involvement through essay contests, seminars and distribution
of materials; as well family-oriented activities in our Lodges. BECAUSE Elks operate numerous camps, hospital clinics, training
centers and in-home services for the care and treatment of children and
adults with physical disabilities including vision and speech problems,
across the country. BECAUSE In our many benevolences Elks and Lodges throughout the BECAUSE In more than 2,000 Elks Lodges throughout the United
States, civic leaders prominent public, business and professional life can be
found. In these Lodges, located in the principal cities and towns throughout |
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