Your Role as Lodge Chair

Welcome to Lodge DAP Leadership

Congratulations on becoming your lodge's Drug Awareness Program Chair. This role places you at the heart of your community's efforts to protect young people from the dangers of drug abuse. As Lodge Chair, you're not just organizing events—you're building a movement that can change and save lives.

Understanding Your Position

The Lodge DAP Chair is one of the most impactful volunteer positions in the Elks organization. You serve as the connection between the national DAP program and your local community. Your lodge's Exalted Ruler has entrusted you with leading this critical initiative.

You'll work within a support structure designed to help you succeed:

• Your Exalted Ruler provides lodge-level support and resources
• Your District Chair coordinates regional efforts and shares best practices
• Your State Chair provides materials, training, and statewide coordination
• The National DAP Committee develops programs, partnerships, and resources

Core Responsibilities

As Lodge Chair, your primary responsibilities include:

Program Coordination

• Plan and schedule drug awareness presentations at local schools
• Coordinate your lodge's Red Ribbon Week activities
• Organize community outreach events and health fair participation
• Manage the ordering and distribution of DAP materials

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit lodge members to serve as DAP volunteers and presenters
• Train volunteers on DAP messaging and presentation techniques
• Recognize and appreciate volunteer contributions
• Build a sustainable team that can grow the program

Community Partnerships

• Build relationships with school administrators and teachers
• Connect with local law enforcement and community organizations
• Represent DAP at community events and meetings
• Serve as the public face of your lodge's drug prevention efforts

Reporting and Communication

• Track all DAP activities in CLMS (Community Lodges Management System)
• Report to your Exalted Ruler and lodge meetings
• Communicate with your District and State Chairs
• Share successes and challenges to help improve the program

Time Commitment

The time you invest in DAP varies throughout the year:

• Monthly: 2-4 hours for planning, coordination, and reporting
• School visits: 1-2 hours per presentation (plus travel)
• Red Ribbon Week (October): Additional 5-10 hours for events
• Special events: Variable based on your lodge's activities

Most successful Lodge Chairs dedicate 5-10 hours per month to the program, with peaks during Red Ribbon Week and the school year.

Keys to Success

Effective Lodge Chairs share several characteristics:

• Passion for youth: A genuine desire to help young people make healthy choices
• Organizational skills: Ability to plan events and coordinate volunteers
• Communication: Comfort speaking with school officials, community members, and fellow Elks
• Persistence: Getting into schools can take multiple attempts—don't give up
• Delegation: You don't have to do everything yourself—build a team

What You Don't Need

You don't need to be:

• A drug expert (you'll learn what you need)
• A professional speaker (training is available)
• A former teacher (though it helps)
• Young (volunteers of all ages connect with students)

What matters most is your commitment to the mission and your willingness to learn and grow in the role.