To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you must be a citizen of the United States over the age of 21 who believes in God.

You must be sponsored by a member of the Rochester Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Rochester Lodge. You also need two other Elks who will be your co-sponsors. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary.

After your proposer fills in the required portion, you will be given the Application for Membership. Fill it in, following the instructions and answering all questions. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary or your Sponsor with an application fee of $25.

Your application will be read at a regular Lodge meeting. It will then be forwarded to the Investigating Committee, who will contact you and set up a time for you and your sponsor to meet with the committee so that they can interview you. (Your spouse is welcome to attend.)

After the interview is concluded, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership. The members will be given written notice in the monthly newsletter - not less than 10 days nor more than two months before the vote will be taken.

When the vote is concluded, you will be notified and asked to present yourself and your spouse for indoctrination. During indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order's programs and charities. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated. (Dues are payable at the indoctrination meeting.)  Initiations are held at the 2nd meeting of each month - which is the 4th Monday of the month.

After initiation as an Elk you will receive your membership card and you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge. You are expected to carry your Elks membership card at all times and it is required to gain entry to the Lodge.

If for any reason your application is rejected, you cannot make application for membership for six months from the date of rejection.