Working with Your Lodge Leadership

DAP and Your Lodge

Your DAP program operates within the larger context of your Elks lodge. Working effectively with lodge leadership—your Exalted Ruler, officers, and fellow committee chairs—ensures DAP has the support and resources it needs to succeed.

Partnering with Your Exalted Ruler

Your Exalted Ruler is your primary lodge contact:

• Regular updates: Keep them informed of activities, successes, and challenges
• Resource requests: Work through them for budget, materials, and volunteer support
• Recognition opportunities: Invite them to DAP events and presentations when possible
• Strategic alignment: Understand their priorities and show how DAP supports them

Reporting to the Lodge

Regular communication builds support for your program:

• Monthly reports: Brief updates at lodge meetings—activities completed, upcoming plans, volunteer needs
• Annual summary: Comprehensive report of the year's achievements
• Success stories: Share specific examples that illustrate impact
• Photos and visuals: Show the program in action

Keep reports concise but compelling. Your fellow Elks are busy—give them the highlights.

Securing Resources

Your lodge may provide:

• Budget allocation: Funds for materials, events, and activities
• Facility use: Space for events and meetings
• Volunteer support: Encouragement for members to participate
• Publicity: Promotion through lodge communications

To secure resources:

• Submit budget requests on time through proper channels
• Justify requests with clear explanations of how funds will be used
• Demonstrate return on investment through activity reports
• Be a good steward of resources provided

Coordinating with Other Committees

Look for synergies with other lodge programs:

• Youth Activities: Coordinate on events involving young people
• Community Service: Partner on community events and outreach
• Public Relations: Share DAP stories for lodge publicity
• Veterans: Some veterans programs address substance abuse issues
• Scholarship: DAP-related essay themes for scholarship competitions

Building Lodge-Wide Support

When the whole lodge supports DAP:

• More members volunteer
• Resources are easier to secure
• Program sustainability improves
• Community impact grows

Build support by:

• Making DAP visible at lodge events
• Inviting members to observe activities
• Celebrating successes publicly
• Showing gratitude for all support received
• Being a positive, engaged lodge member yourself

Transitioning to a New Chair

When your term ends:

• Help identify and recruit your successor
• Prepare documentation of contacts, processes, and institutional knowledge
• Introduce your successor to key partners
• Offer to be available for questions during the transition
• Step back gracefully and let the new chair lead