Hosting Lodge DAP Events

Bringing the Community to Your Lodge

Hosting DAP events at your lodge creates opportunities to engage families in your own space. These events showcase your lodge's commitment to the community and can attract potential new members.

Event Ideas for Your Lodge

Family Drug Prevention Night

Invite families for an evening focused on drug prevention. Include presentations for both parents and children, interactive activities, and refreshments.

Youth Recognition Events

Celebrate students who have completed DAP pledges, won contests, or shown leadership in drug prevention.

Community Speaker Events

Invite local experts—law enforcement, healthcare providers, or people in recovery—to share their perspectives with the community.

Red Ribbon Week Kick-Off

Host a community event to launch Red Ribbon Week activities.

Youth Group Visits

Invite Scout troops, 4-H clubs, or other youth groups for DAP presentations and lodge tours.

Planning Your Event

6-8 Weeks Before

• Choose the date and reserve your lodge space
• Define the event format and target audience
• Recruit volunteers for specific roles
• Begin promoting through schools and community channels

3-4 Weeks Before

• Confirm speakers or entertainment
• Order any needed materials
• Plan refreshments
• Create promotional materials (flyers, social media posts)

1 Week Before

• Confirm attendance numbers
• Finalize logistics and setup
• Remind all volunteers of their roles
• Send reminder to registered attendees

Making Families Feel Welcome

Many community members have never been inside an Elks lodge. Make them comfortable:

• Have greeters at the door to welcome guests
• Provide clear signage for parking, entrance, and event location
• Keep the bar area closed or separate during family events
• Have activities for children during parent-focused segments
• Introduce the Elks and explain your community service mission

Partnering with Schools for Attendance

Getting families to attend lodge events can be challenging. Partner with schools:

• Send flyers home in backpacks
• Ask for announcements in school newsletters
• Invite specific classes or grades
• Offer incentives (raffle prizes, certificates)
• Have school staff attend if possible

Documenting Your Events

Take photos throughout (with appropriate permissions) and record:

• Number of families and children attending
• Partners and speakers involved
• Volunteer hours contributed
• Materials distributed
• Feedback from attendees