Officer Training Navigating Statutes Navigating the Statutes 1

Officer Training Navigating Statutes The Oaths I will support the Constitution, and obey the Statutes, rules and regulations of this Order, and the By-Laws of ________ Lodge, No. _____... — From the Obligation sworn by Members (Initiation Ritual)... I solemnly promise and swear to conform with and maintain the Constitution, Statutes, Rules and Regulations of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the By-Laws of ________ Lodge No. _____... — From the Oath of Office (Installation Ritual) 2

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Laws of the Order Constitution Underlying and guiding principles of the Order Statutes Laws enacted by Grand Lodge duly assembled Ritual The procedures of the Order, unifying actions Rules of the Lodge By-Laws Statutes applied locally; various local options House Rules Code of Conduct, general rules for all members Policies How business is conducted 3

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Opinions & Decisions Opinions – Interpretations of Statute (“The Constitution, Statutes and the Ritual are the Supreme Law of the Order. The Decisions and Opinions are interpretations of that law.” – Opinion 01, Article I, Section 1, Constitution) – Issued by Committee on Judiciary, legal advisors to GER/GL Selected from among hundreds each year – Selected for publication by Advisory Committee (PGERs) – relevancy, broad applicability – Not “just an opinion” Decisions – Grand Forum cases – Multiple reviewers prior to issuance 4

Officer Training Navigating Statutes What You Need Printed “Statutes Annotated” and PDF – Updated & published yearly – Download from Annual GL Resolutions – Published and mailed prior to GL Session – Download from (before & after) Lodge By-Laws & House Rules – Review & republish every five (5) years – Subject to Judiciary review and approval Published Lodge Policies 5

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Elks.org Downloads 6

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder What constitutes a Quorum? 7

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder What constitutes a Quorum? GL Statutes, Section Quorum and Lodge By-Laws, Article IV: Meetings, Section 4 “Nine Members of a Lodge, at least two of whom shall be elected Officers…” “Committee or Board shall consist of a simple majority of that body’s members of record” “Past Exalted Rulers Association: 3 members or a simple majority, whichever is less.” 8

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder What is the longest Club suspension allowed? 9

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder What is the longest Club suspension allowed? GL Statutes, Section , paragraph 3 “…for a period not exceeding one (1) year…” 10

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder What are YOUR Lodge dues? 11

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder What are YOUR Lodge dues? Lodge By-Laws, Article X: Fees and Dues, Section 2, (b) Regular Lodge Dues Should be ONLY the amount that the Lodge receives: “…which shall NOT include the Grand Lodge per capita fee, the Grand Lodge per capita insurance assessment, and State Association dues.” 12

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder The District Deputy has authority to allow a Lodge to change a meeting date 13

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder The District Deputy has authority to allow a Lodge to change a meeting date GL Statutes, Section Local Lodge Meetings Opinion 01 – The District Deputy has no authority to set a different meeting date. He cannot give permission to dispense with a specific Order of Business. 14

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder Any member can serve on the Auditing and Accounting Committee 15

Officer Training Navigating Statutes Questions to Ponder Any member can serve on the Auditing and Accounting Committee GL Statutes, Section (k) Quorum and Lodge By- Laws, Article IV: Meetings, Section 4 No Lodge Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Director, or any member of the Supervising or Managing Body of the Club, Social Parlor or other facility established in connection with the Lodge shall serve as a member of the Auditing & Accounting Committee. 16