Growth is beautiful

Written by Brother Cory Blair - Director, Member Services - Elks of Canada

So I have been working for the Elks for about 5 months now.  I have been learning the ropes here in the office and seeing how the order operates.  Policy, constitution, bylaws and all that fun stuff.  I have enjoyed talking to a lot of members over the phone and meeting people from all over Canada at Convention.   I have a pretty good understanding of what it means to be an Elk, especially since I have been a member since 2010.

Now I have a better understanding of what my role is here.  It is to help this organization grow. PERIOD.  I am currently working on a strategy to do just that.  A new fresh approach that I hope will bring growth and energize our membership.  But growth is currently happening.  When I hear an awesome story about a lodge I am going to share it. I hope this encourages all of you to share your stories too.

Yorkton lodge No. 392 had a motion to hand in their charter and close at the end of this year.  They have an older group of members that just have run out of gas.  They have been doing awesome things in the community for decades.  Earl Greiner the Exalted ruler gave me a call a month or so ago and said I have recruited some members!  I said fantastic.  Earl explained to me that a group of people that live in Yorkton approached him to do some charitable work in Yorkton.  They wanted to give back to the community that has welcomed them with open arms.

Earl said the group of people were first generation Canadians that have come from the Philippines.  They have settled into Yorkton working in various industries.  They want to volunteer and do great things.  Earl being a proud Elk said they should become Elks!  Well 10 new people committed to joining and just recently 4 new members went through a traditional initiation with our own Executive member Ron Potter leading the way.

There are examples of this across the country and we need to know about them.  These stories show that we can grow our membership and sustain our lodges.  We all have to think outside the box and tell our story.  There are people out there that want to be a part of an organization like ours.  Great job Earl and Yorkton No. 392.  You make us all Elks Proud!