1. Navigating the Statutes

2. The Oaths I will support the Constitution, and obey the Statutes, rules and regulations of this Order, and the By-Laws of ________ Lodge, No. _____... — From the Obligation sworn by Members (Initiation Ritual)... I solemnly promise and swear to conform with and maintain the Constitution, Statutes, Rules and Regulations of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the By-Laws of ________ Lodge No. _____... — From the Oath of Office (Installation Ritual)

3. Laws of the Order Constitution Underlying and guiding principles of the Order Statutes Laws enacted by Grand Lodge duly assembled Ritual The procedures of the Order, unifying actions Rules of the Lodge By-Laws Statutes applied locally; various local options House Rules Code of Conduct, general rules for all members Policies How business is conducted

4. Opinions & Decisions Opinions – Interpretations of Statute (“The Constitution, Statutes and the Ritual are the Supreme Law of the Order. The Decisions and Opinions are interpretations of that law.” – Opinion 01, Article I, Section 1, Constitution) – Issued by Committee on Judiciary, legal advisors to GER/GL Selected from among hundreds each year – Selected for publication by Advisory Committee (PGERs) – relevancy, broad applicability – Not “just an opinion” Decisions – Grand Forum cases – Multiple reviewers prior to issuance

5. What You Need Printed “Statutes Annotated” and PDF – Updated & published yearly – Download from www.Elks.org Annual GL Resolutions – Published and mailed prior to GL Session – Download from www.Elks.org (before & after) Lodge By-Laws & House Rules – Review & republish every five (5) years – Subject to Judiciary review and approval Published Lodge Policies

6. Elks.org Downloads

7. Questions to Ponder What constitutes a Quorum? What is the longest Club suspension allowed? A budgeted item needs no further approval for expenditure. True or false? What are YOUR Lodge dues?