I will never forget what I felt after hearing the words – written by a child and read by an adult. It was at that point where I felt the true meaning of being an Elk.

Throughout the years, I have seen the good that can come out of volunteerism. But I don’t think I ever really “felt” the good until I heard the words – written by a child and read by an adult.

The words were in the form of a letter, written by a female in her pre-teens. In it, she described a feeling of isolation, of being singled-out as “different” and not being able to participate in the normal activities of other kids her age.  But the ending is what really hit me.  At that point, she described the intense positive emotions she felt as a result of being included as part of a fun group of “like” kids and now being able to fully participate in all activities.

The letter was written by a camper who had just returned home from week at Elks Camp Grassick. It was read at a state Elks meeting by Camp Director Dan Mimnaugh.  And there wasn’t a dry eye in the place!

Folks, if you’re looking for a reason to renew your membership or to get someone to join the Elks, that girl is your reason. You could say she is the “why” of our existence.  She is our cause, our purpose, and our belief.

In his book Start with Why, Author Simon Sinek suggests that no matter what business you’re in or organization to which you belong, it is critical for paid and volunteer team members to always start with – and deeply remember – the “why” as opposed to the “what.”

For the Elks, the “what” are the goods and services we provide; TR Bar, the 1199 Lounge, the dining room, gaming, workout facilities and even your membership dues. However, these are but vehicles to help directly earn money or otherwise support the “why.”

The “why” are the children and adults benefitting from programs like Camp Grassick, the Hoop Shoot, Children’s Christmas Party, and Most Valuable Student Scholarships, as well as the many area charities to which your Social and Community Welfare dollars are donated.

As Sinek says, “Remember, people don’t buy ‘what’ you do, they buy ‘why’ you do it!

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We’re still not the largest Lodge in the U.S., but we are growing!  Thank you, members, for answering the call to increase membership!  Last month in this column, I mentioned how Bismarck-Mandan recently lost the distinction of being the largest Lodge in the U.S.  One of two ways we plan to address this is a through a Membership Drive.

As of this writing, we’re half-way through this Membership Drive and it has resulted in just over three dozen new members!  That means just over three dozen people are now helping fund the charitable work of our Lodge.

More good news: there’s still time to get involved in this drive!  Until February 29th, for each signed membership application submitted, your name goes into a drawing for one of five $50 Elks Gift Certificates.  If you sign up 6 or more new members, your name goes in twice.  That means if you sign up 3 people, you get three chances to win.  If you sign up 9 people you get one chance each for the first 5 and two chances for the next three new members, for a total of 11 chances to win!  Look for the membership application sent to you via direct mail, download one at www.bismanelks/membership/, or grab a couple the next time you stop into the Lodge.  Whether you are talking to family, friends, co-workers and clients, or your barber, stylist, lawyer, accountant, or mechanic, you can tell them with great confidence that their membership dollars help fund programs and activities like the Hoop Shoot, Children’s Christmas Party, Student Government Day and College Scholarships.

The second way we aim to take back our number one ranking is to collect dues from members who have let them lapse.  Perhaps they never received their dues invoice and subsequent reminders, perhaps they’ve simply forgotten.  Either way, if you see a name on the list soon to be posted in the main lobby, encourage them to bring their account current.  The benevolent and charitable work of our order needs them!

Speaking of the great works of our order, elsewhere in this newsletter, you will read the story of an ambitious recent UND graduate who, through the generosity of Elks members, was able to take a trip of a lifetime.  It all started with Elizabeth Schaff’s grandfather, Dominic Schaff.  His Bismarck-Mandan Elks membership qualified her for a 2012 Legacy Scholarship.  Legacy scholarships are available to High School Seniors who are children or grand children of paid-up Elks members.  Scholarship recipients – who receive a total of $4,000 – must perform service to the Lodge once a year for each of the 4 years they will receive funding.  On top of that, this year, Schaff and other “Elks Scholars” took a “life changing” service trip, where they helped combat hunger and homelessness. [Read more…]