The BPO Elks of the U.S.A.

The Order of Elks and Youth Work
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have always known that our youths are the future of this country. Therefore, the Elks spend much time and effort working with young people.

More than 10 million youths participate in Elks-sponsored programs like the Elks National "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest, Scouting, Boys and Girls Clubs, and on more than 3,000 youth athletic teams.

Lodge facilities in hundred of cities and towns serve as youth centers. Club rooms are used for dances, entertainment, meetings, hobby shows and other organized activities.

Many of the Elks State Associations own and operate their own camps for children with disabilities or who are financially disadvantaged.

The Elks National Foundation, the major philanthropic endeavor of the Order, annually award more than $3 million in college scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors. These grants are given regardless of race, creed or national origin based on need, scholarship and leadership.

The fist week in May each year is Elks National Youth Week, during which the ELks recognized young people for their achievements and contributions to their community. Youth WEek programs traditionally feature student government days, essay and poster contests, junior fairs, parades and other entertainment. In many communities, the highlight of the week is the award presentation to winners of the annual "Most Valuable Student" scholarship contest.

Every year, the Elks National "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest continues to grow. More than three million boys and girls from 8 to 13 compete annually. The national finals are held at the Springfield, Massachusetts, Civic Center in May. The names of the six national champions are inscribed on a plaque in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.

One of the strongest activities in Elkdom has been the Drug Awareness Program. Hundreds of Lodges sponsor their own clinics, seminars and workshops to educate youths and adults. The program targets fourth- thorough ninth-graders. Since the program's inception in 1985, the Elks have printed and distributed, free of charge, more than 100 million pieces of educational literature.

The proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" has become a buzz phrase. But for the Elks, it was no revelation. They've been practicing this belief for years.

The Elks' Commitment to America's Youth
President Bill Clinton and the other organizers of The President's Summit for America's Future knew what they were doing when they invited the B.P.O Elks to attend their bipartisan summit in Philadelphia April 27 to 29, 1997. Responding to a call to action by President Bill Clinton and former President George Bush, the Elks offered seven specific commitments to America's youth. Speaking on behalf of the more than 1.2 million men and women of the Elks, former Elks National President Gerald Coats pledge that the Elks would:

• Sponsor drug-free proms and/or graduation parties in 2,000 communities by the year 2000.
• Develop weekly after-school program at 1,000 Elks Lodges by the year 2000.
• Develop mentoring relationships with at least 10 at-risk ids in each of the Elks' 2,217 local Lodge communities by the year 2000.
• Mobilize at least 275,000 kids as partners in the Elks' community service every year.
• Commit $34.9 million a year in support of Scouting, athletic programs,Elks "Hoop Shoot," and other youth organizations and programs.
• Commit $12.1 million a year in aid and treatment for children with disabilities and drug education and prevention programs by the year 2000.
• Commit $6.5 million a year in College Scholarships, based on need, leadership, and scholastic ability, by the year 2000.

The ELks have already fulfilled their commitment to Youth Activity funding, a former National President Coates has reported significant progress on the organization's other commitments, as well.

"We're educating our members and creating new programs," said Coates. "By the year 2000, I'm confident our members will respond and fulfill all of our commitments."

Colin Powell, Chairman of America's Promise, the organization created to propel the mission and goals of the Summit, has cited the work of the Elks and other commitment-makers in his Annual Report to the Nation.