Five rules when writing a press release: The five second rule...can anyone pick up your release and in five seconds determine exactly what the news value is? That is all the time a reporter is going to spend on your release before they decide to keep it or dump it. Put yourself in the reporter's place and ask yourself, "could I write a story based on this information?" No attachments. They won't open them mostly due to virus threats. Paste the test of your news directly into an e-mail. Since most press releases go over the internet, it is important your e-mail subject line be compelling. Reporters will read or delete e-mails based solely on the subject line. Avoid subject lines like: "News from the Elks Lodge".  Opt instead for "Elks Lodge Announces Scholarship Opportunities".  Or "Elks Lodge Helps Local Students with Scholarships.". 5. Write your release as you'd want to see it in the paper. Some newspapers will run a press release exactly as written.    

Share the Pride in Our Schools

Share the Pride in the Community

The Power of the Pin

Membership Growth Lodges that are growing membership have a strong presence in their communities. Each have from one to four community service projects which are well publicized. The Lodges are well known for these community projects.  All have successful Legacy recruitment drives. Member’s spouses, children and grand children are joining. Making the Elks a true “American family tradition”

Get Out in the Community Falmouth MA #2380 is well known in the community for their scholarship night, Dictionary program, and bicycle helmet giveaway program. Potsdam NY #2074 is well known in the community for placing American Flags throughout the area, and providing “bounce around” for young children/families to enjoy from 8 am to 8 pm, strong youth activity programs, and they partner with other local organizations to benefit the community. Hickory NC #1654 is well known in the community for their projects to assist the homeless. Lake Hopatcong NJ #782 is well known in the community for their Leap in the Lake for Special needs children and the largest Christmas Appeal program in the county.

Recruiting in the Community What We do and How to Join All community events should include a strong Public Relations and Membership presence. Set up a table with handouts. Think of an airplane. Public Relations and Membership are wings that allow the plane to take flight. Earn a good reputation as a premier chartable organization in your community. Provide a family friendly and member friendly environment. DARE TO SOAR DARE TO SOAR

Top Recruiter Incentive Ideas Members initiating or reinstating three members into the Order will receive the prestigious GER pin award. Members initiating or reinstating eleven or more members into the Order will receive the prestigious and attractive Elks watch (male or female sizes available.) Make Thank You! posters thanking recruiters and showing a picture of them. Hand out Thank You! tickets each time a recruiter brings in a new Member. Each ticket offers the chance for a monthly drawing for something as simple as a $25 gift card. List your recruiters in your Lodge newsletter/website and social media page and thank them. Create a recruiter of the month parking space (or 2) at your Lodge. Create a special recognition program for great recruiters - because without new Members we can’t survive! National Top Recruiters Lucia Leonard-147 Robert Hopper-105 Peter Vaphiades-62