This year’s theme is, “Volunteers Are Stars” in support of the members who do the work to give back to their communities.
      At the 2006 Grand Lodge Convention the Grand Exalted Ruler spoke in detail about the Lodges holding bake sales, fundraisers, raffles and then taking those proceeds and giving them all away!
      I am proud to see that Grand Lodge is promoting Benevolence as a tool to recognition and membership. During the recent visit of our Grand Exalted Ruler Michael F. Smith, his remarks had some very interesting meaning pertaining to public relations in our Lodge.
     GER Smith mentioned that Lodges should take any necessary action to promote Elkdom, not only within our Lodge but within our community. All of our benevolence has been and still is kept a big secret; we keep this secret within the walls of our Lodge.
      Grand Lodge has made this easy with the ENF Community Investments. Quoted from the ENF Frontline, We don’t believe there’s a silver-bullet solution for improving those numbers, but raising the Elks’ profile is part of the equation. In that regard, we believe the expansion of our philanthropy and, in particular, the massive increase to the CIP (Community Investments Program) can help immensely.
      I am convinced that this is the way to the future. In keeping with promotion and recognition, I have personally purchased another pin to hand out to those members who go out into the community and work to give back to the community in the name of the Elks. One stipulation though is my motto, “You Ought To Be In Pictures”. Capture the benevolence, through your local newspaper, the Kansas Sunflower, Television and Radio. Please be sure to send a copy of your pictures and articles to Debbie Betts, our State PR Chair.
      Become a star and volunteer in your community.