Working with Your Chain of Command

Your Support Network

As Lodge DAP Chair, you're part of a structured support network designed to help you succeed. Understanding how to work effectively with your District Chair, State Chair, and national resources will make your job easier and your program more effective.

The DAP Leadership Structure

DAP operates through a hierarchical support system:

• Lodge Chair (You): Leads your lodge's local program
• District Chair: Coordinates multiple lodges in your district
• State Chair: Oversees all lodges in your state
• National Committee: Sets direction and provides resources for all Elks

Information and support flow both ways—you receive guidance from above while sharing your experiences and needs upward.

Your District Chair

Your District Chair is often your most accessible resource. They typically:

• Coordinate DAP activities across multiple lodges
• Share successful practices from other lodges in your district
• Help troubleshoot challenges you encounter
• Organize district-level training and meetings
• Serve as your connection to the State Chair

How to work with your District Chair:

• Introduce yourself early in your term
• Attend district DAP meetings when scheduled
• Share your successes and challenges openly
• Ask for help when you need it—they want to support you
• Report your activities regularly so they can track district progress

Your State Chair

Your State Chair provides statewide coordination and resources:

• Manages state-level materials ordering and distribution
• Organizes state convention DAP sessions and training
• Coordinates with the State Elks Association leadership
• Communicates national initiatives and deadlines
• Recognizes outstanding lodge programs

How to work with your State Chair:

• Attend state convention DAP sessions when possible
• Coordinate materials orders through proper channels
• Submit required reports on time
• Share innovative ideas that could benefit other lodges
• Apply for state-level awards and recognition

National DAP Resources

The national DAP program provides:

• Curriculum and materials: What Heroes Do, Elroy resources, presentation guides
• Partnerships: DEA collaboration, Red Ribbon Week coordination
• Training: National convention sessions, online resources
• Recognition: National awards for outstanding programs
• Advocacy: Representing Elks in national drug prevention efforts

Effective Communication Up the Chain

Your leadership needs to hear from you. Good communication includes:

• Regular updates: Brief monthly reports on activities and plans
• Success stories: Share what's working—these help other lodges
• Challenges: Ask for help before problems become crises
• Ideas: Suggest improvements to programs and processes
• Accurate CLMS reporting: Your data helps demonstrate DAP's impact

When to Escalate Issues

Some situations warrant involving your District or State Chair:

• Conflicts with school administrators that you can't resolve
• Questions about appropriate messaging or content
• Opportunities for larger-scale events or partnerships
• Requests from media or public officials
• Concerns about volunteer conduct or safety

Don't hesitate to reach out—your leadership would rather help with a small issue than learn about a big problem after the fact.