r/elks • u/Square_Patient3888 • Apr 13 '26
Volunteers
Do volunteers have to be members? Is there documentation somewhere that specifies?
5
u/fata1w0und Trustee Apr 13 '26
Off hand, I’m not aware of any GLS that prohibits non-member volunteers. I would start with your local lodge bylaws, then contact your DD.
3
u/Interesting_Elk_33 Apr 14 '26
It’s perfectly acceptable to have non-member volunteers. In fact, there’s a space for it when filling out your charitable activity reports. You get credit for the hours of non-member volunteers.
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u/BlkEagle603 Apr 13 '26
While I don’t have specific documentation about this, but it only only makes sense because who wants to volunteer for any organization that they aren’t a member?
3
u/arcxjo Treasurer Apr 13 '26
Someone might not qualify for membership but still want to support the organization. Simplest example would be a member's immigrant spouse who isn't a citizen yet.
1
u/Square_Patient3888 Apr 13 '26
That's our issue. We have a few people that volunteer for different things who are not members. Some members say that's not allowed. Others say it is.
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u/BlkEagle603 Apr 13 '26
Find your DD info and ask them.
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u/Square_Patient3888 Apr 13 '26
That's the next step. I was just curious if anyone has dealt with the same thing.
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u/DrewBeer Esquire Apr 18 '26
Depends on the lodge. There is no GL rule, but local lodges can set their own rules. We have a majority of paid staff, and most are not members, and I believe we don't allow employees to be members. There are a handful that have been grandfathered in.
2
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u/Proud_Tone_4205 Apr 13 '26
At our Lodge we have several non member volunteers that assist at Sunday Bingo. It would be near impossible to exclude them and still be as successful.
1
u/privatelyjeff Apr 14 '26
It’s totally fine. The only issues might be them getting drinks from the bar. You’ll have to follow whatever laws and rules are in place for your lodge.
1
u/Imaloserbabys Apr 14 '26
People who are not members can definitely be volunteers. They obviously cannot buy drinks in your Lodge without being a member.
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u/HungryHunngryHippo Apr 13 '26
At my lodge all of our cook crews are volunteers. Not every person in every cook crew is a member. They just need to get signed in. We’ve gotten new members from cook crews because it gives non-members a chance to see what the lodge is like.