3. Lodge Secretaries need to be reminded to send the recently dropped members the letter regarding reinstatement 60 day period immediately as well as send first delinquent letter.  (only down 31)

4. LODGE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Do you have the correct size Committee to get the job done?
Exalted Ruler
Lodge Secretary
Leading Knight
Membership Chairperson
Add at least one additional committee person per 100 members in your lodge.
200 Member Lodge- add 2
500 Member Lodge- add 5
1000 Member Lodge- add 10

5. Select a Great Membership Committee
The Membership Chairperson needs committee members with various skills:
Sales- working recruitment tables, working reinstatements, greeting guests and inviting them to join.
Public Relations/Marketing- Promoting membership on the social media page and lodge website. Making sure everyone is aware of the positive impact the lodge has contributed towards the community.
Orientation- Educating, involving and inspiring the new Members to recruit and be active. Matching their interests and time with a Lodge committee or activity.
Collection Department – Assist the Lodge Secretary with billing, collection letters, phone calls , s and personal visits to delinquents. Patience and persistence.

6. EFFECTIVE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
Must meet regularly (suggest weekly April through June, then monthly).
1. Set goals to initiate 10% more members.
2. Set goal of 5% dropped for non-payment of dues.
3. Review and study the membership manual.
4. Discuss initiatives to publicize membership efforts.
Use bulletins/social media/websites to encourage members to bring potential candidates to Lodge.
Publicize membership classes.
Discuss incentives and contests.
Discuss reinstatement opportunities and strategies.
9. Review Stray Elks.
10. Review delinquents.
11. Review and evaluate Orientation program.
12. Review membership numbers & compare to goals.

7. Delivering the Membership Experience through the Lodge Secretary
By mailbox, inbox or mobile device, your annual renewals must connect with your members.
We help you maximize the opportunity to create an experience with your members along all communication lines and build a more solid relationship. 
From traditional print and mail invoices to electronic invoice presentment and payment solutions to inspired collections campaigns.

8. Delinquency Action Plans
Is the Lodge Secretary using the "Gathen 1,2,3" delinquency letters ? 
The delinquency letters are named Gathen 1,2,&3. We recommend every dues invoice should include a letter. This will effectively boost payments and get to the root of why the Members is delinquent. We have 5,083 delinquents in Florida. More than a half million of uncollected dues.
The Lodge Secretary has a busy job....and many just don't have time to write letters. To this end, we have already done the work for them.  Let them know.....just a few clicks of the mouse and done!  
Clms2 PC
Click on sharing tab
Select letters
Type in 1962 in the lodge number box
Letters are named 
Gathen 1,2,&3
Put a check mark in those three
Select download
The letters will be downloaded into the mail merge of clms2 PC. 

9. 4/20/2017
Luis Agudelo
209 Valley Blvd
Wood Ridge, NJ
Member Luis,
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and well being. Are you aware that your dues have not been received? Perhaps it is an oversight. As you know, members’ dues allows us to support our youth programs, veterans’ programs, our local scholarships as well as our Community Baskets for the needed during the holidays.
It is your dues that allows us to make meaningful contributions of time and money to many worthy causes.
Besides being a part of the Benevolent side of the Elks, your dues also gives you privileges to all of our social activities and facilities.
If there is any reason you are unable to pay your dues at this time, please do not hesitate to contact our Lodge Secretary. Maybe we can help. If after careful consideration of what we are and what we do, you still do not wish to continue your membership, please give the Secretary a call or drop her a note. There are ways you may stop your membership without being considered dropped for non-payment. She will be more than glad to explain those options to you and answer any other questions you may have.
Luis, I urge you to continue your membership in one of the greatest fraternal organizations in America. We want you as a member and appreciate all the support you have given us over the years.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Joyce Powell, PDD
Lodge Secretary
Hasbrouck Heights Lodge #1962

10. April 20, 2017
Luis Agudelo
209 Valley Blvd
Wood Ridge, NJ
Hi Luis:
Have you forgotten to send us your annual dues payment? The amount of $_______ was due on April 1st, 2017.
If you have not already mailed it to us, please do so today in the enclosed envelope. You can also go online to our lodge website and pay with a major credit/debit card right away at .com. That’s fast and convenient and just takes a minute or two.
Please feel free to give me a call at_______or ____________with any questions or concerns.
Stay well and we hope to see you soon down at the lodge.
Fraternally,
Joyce Powell, PDD
Lodge Secretary

11. April 20, 2017
Luis Agudelo
209 Valley Blvd
Wood Ridge, NJ
Dear Luis:
I have written to you three times without any answer concerning
your annual dues of $_____ which was due on April 1st , 2017.
We have also tried to contact you by phone, but again without success. I am surprised in not hearing from you since you have been a good and reliable member for 5 years.
If there is a health or financial hardship please give me a call at
or me at explaining your unfortunate situation
so I can work with you.
Remember....You can go online to our lodge website and pay with
a major credit/debit card right away at hhelks1962.org.
That’s fast and convenient and just takes a minute or two.
Fraternally,
Joyce Powell, PDD
Lodge Secretary

12. Luis Agudelo
209 Valley Blvd
Wood Ridge, NJ
Dear Luis
As you may know, as Secretary of our Lodge, it is my responsibility to insure that our dues are collected in a timely manner. Your annual dues not only support our Lodge, but they also support our programs for our Veterans, our Special Needs Children, and our Youth programs including Drug Awareness and Scholarship. Also, as a Member in good standing, you are entitled to visit any Elks Lodge across our great State and Country.
Your delinquency is no doubt an oversight on your part, for I know I can count on your cooperation. If there is any reason why you cannot pay, please communicate with me. Other wise, I shall consider it a personal favor if you will send in your check for the amount shown on the enclosed dues statement. Please also note that you can pay your dues online thru paypal. Log on to www. hhelks1962.org and click on the Membership Tab.
Please remember that dues must be paid in advance-by April 1.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Joyce Powell, PDDGER
Secretary

15. Top Recruiter Incentive Ideas
Members initiating or reinstating three members into the Order will receive the prestigious GER pin award.
Members initiating or reinstating eleven or more members into the Order will receive the prestigious and attractive Elks watch (male or female sizes available.)
Make Thank You! posters thanking recruiters and showing a picture of them.
Hand out Thank You! tickets each time a recruiter brings in a new Member. Each ticket offers the chance for a monthly drawing for something as simple as a $25 gift card.
List your recruiters in your Lodge newsletter/website and social media page and thank them.
Create a recruiter of the month parking space (or 2) at your Lodge.
Create a special recognition program for great recruiters - because without new Members we can’t survive!
Pennsylvania Top Recruiters
Robert C Anders #0212: 30
Charles J Palermo #0200: 12
Krista L Ebert #0264: 11
UTAH top Recruiters Bettyann-Lodge 1743, Judith Cooley-Lodge 1743, Suzanne Carter-Lodge 711, and Tony Randy Valerio-Lodge 1673

16. Invite Prospects to become New Members
Develop a brochure- To have available for open house guests. Include contact information, state major projects, community projects, hours and dinning menu, Elks mission, and national programs including scholarship information and grants.
Put a positive spin on everything- Steer away from anything negative.
Be sure to have a sign-in sheet- For guests’ names and contact information.
It has to be fun- Being entertained, doing for others, and being respected are priorities. Image matters- Portray your Lodge to be friendly, modern and fun.
Incorporate stories- From those who have benefited from the Lodge’s charity.
Sales pitch- The open house is a sales event.
What we are about- Have presentations or stations. Tables display boards, videos, overheads, etc.
What we expect- Outline what we expect and what they can expect from the Elks.
Financial Responsibility –Spell out the dues and responsibilities of membership.
I thought you never ask- Don’t forget to ask them to join.

18. Orientation Tips
A tour of the lodge- Tell them what takes place in each area of your lodge.
A how-to session – Bringing in guests, sign up sheets, etc…
Written copy- Lodge & House rules and customs. When you provide rules in writing, there is no confusion as to what is and isn’t accepted. Do not embarrass. They won’t be back.
How to accomplish basic tasks- How to volunteer, who to ask, how to get help.
Develop- wELKome packets.
Request- and cell phone If not on the application.
Explain - How to become a good and productive Member.
Birds of a Feather – Give 3 applications and how they earn the GER Award pin.
Provide -Hours the Lodge is open.
Chain of Command- Provide them with a written list of Officer contact information.
Communicate- Copy of the Lodge bulletin, website and social media page.
Survey- Hand out the new Member survey.

21. Guidelines for Initiation Celebration Section 15
Guidelines for Initiation Celebration Section (paragraph 3)  "Special Meetings“
Consider holding Initiation Celebration other than meeting nights.
Make it an event to always remember.
Socialize prior and after the Initiation Celebration to create and build friendships.
Have an open free meal and encourage Members to attend.
Provide a guideline list for Initiation Celebration.
The new Member should leave the Initiation with an invitation to an upcoming Lodge activity or event.

23. Mentoring-Assimilate Into the Family
Who- Ideally, this should be the new Member’s sponsor.
Not able- Assign a trained Member or Officer.
Goal- To empower the new Member and create an environment where their thoughts and ideas can be contributed.
Introduce- The new Members to others.
Invite – The new Member to join them at a Lodge meeting or event.
Call- The new Member to ask for help with a project they are working on.
Engage- In Informal conversations outside the meeting room.
Special Events- Let the new Members know about game nights and outings.
Post Pictures- Of the new Members.

32. Lodge Promotional Tool Box
Printable Press Releases for Local Lodge & media outlets
Suggested ER messages and Member blasts
Printable 150th poster sized artwork
Printable 150th table tent cards
Member 150th buttons
Printable 150th place-mats Lodge tables
Provide thirty second (:30) units of TV commercials
Provide thirty second (:30) radio broadcasts
Provide electronic sky-box artwork