The Elks Government Relations Committee A committee which was formed to assist The Grand Lodge, State Associations and Local Lodges in the protection of our rights. 9/6/2019

Topics Why was it formed Purpose and goal Accomplishment Reports Publicity and Information Who Prepares Reports What This All Means Summary 9/6/2019

Why was it formed ? Because of concerns on the constitutionally guaranteed rights of private organizations to determine their own membership qualifications and rules. To establish a well organized “Grass Roots” network of informed members who will be responsive when required. 9/6/2019

Purpose and Goal To protect fundamental American right of free association and preserve the social and economic future of all private voluntary associations. We have already lost many rights. We are dedicated to holding onto as many of these rights as possible. 9/6/2019

Purpose and Goal (cont’d) We now are monitoring and reacting to bills that could affect us on local, state and national levels. We stay in touch with lawmakers at all levels of government. 9/6/2019

Accomplishment Local Lodges are the first step. It all starts with you - ERs, Secretaries and every committee chairman. Without your reports, information and cooperation this committee is useless. 9/6/2019

Reports Committee Event Date (B) Number of Participants (C) Number of Elks (D) Number of Helpers (E) Total Elk Hours (F) Total Helpers Hours (G) Total Elk Miles 9/6/2019

Reports (cont’d) (H) Helper Miles (II) Non Cash Contributions (J) Cash Contributions (B through D) Count of Individuals (E and F) Total Hours of Individuals (G and H) Mileage for Each Individual (I and J) All Non Cash and Cash 9/6/2019

Publicity & Information Informing the public, elected and appointed officials of the information contained in our reports is the most favorable publicity we achieve. It is important these people know our charitable work and the contributions made to our communities by local Lodges 9/6/2019

Publicity & Information (cont’d) Every project included in these reports represent events which would have cost the taxpayers. These events, in all likelihood, would never have occurred if not for our local Lodges. 9/6/2019

Who Prepares Reports The report and voucher is given to the Secretary, who enters the information. The Secretary compiles all information and enters it. The Lodge chairman or committee person should fill out the report and voucher. 9/6/2019

Who Prepares Reports (cont’d) The Local, District and State Chairman have no avenue of reporting. This is the duty of the Lodge Secretary and is entered through CLMS. The State Chairman informs the area Grand Lodge committeeman of accomplishments. 9/6/2019

What This All Means Do the paper work! All across Tennessee and the Nation, Elks are providing goods and services to our communities that are not being reported. Remember our committees are only as strong as our leaders and the people they appoint to fulfill these positions. 9/6/2019

Summary All officers - Local, State and Grand Lodge, should never miss an opportunity to let someone know our worth. Appoint a chairman who can make contact with local government leaders and monitor bills that could possibly affect us at any level. Pass any information obtained to the District and State chairman. 9/6/2019

Summary (cont’d) Last year State totals were $3,005,349.98 DO NOT BE GUILTY OF UNDERVALUING OUR CONTRBUTION TO OUR COMMUNITIES, STATE AND NATION . 9/6/2019