Washington State Elks Association

05/26/2026

Today, the members of Oak Harbor Elks Lodge #2362 stood proudly alongside veterans, military leadership, elected officials, community organizations, students, and citizens from across Whidbey Island at the Memorial Day Service of Remembrance at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

This was more than a ceremony. It was a powerful example of what happens when community leaders come together publicly to honor those who gave everything for our nation while also showing what organizations like the Elks are truly about: fellowship, service, patriotism, veterans support, and community involvement.

We are duly impressed with the leadership and commitment shown by Oak Harbor Elks Lodge and their continued dedication to veterans and community outreach. Events like this help increase awareness of who the Elks are and what we do every day in communities across Washington.

The service was MC’d by Oak Harbor Elks Lodge Baby Past Exalted Ruler Mike Doughty and featured thought provoking speeches from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Command Chaplain Javon Johnson, U.S. Representative Rick Larson, Washington State Representative David Paul, retired U.S. Navy officer and best-selling author Stephen Coonts, NASWI Base Commander Captain Nathan Gammache, and concluded with heartfelt remarks from Oak Harbor Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Lolly Titherington.

The ceremony also included participation from Oak Harbor High School NJROTC, Sons of the American Revolution, the Northwest Ceremonial Navy Band, the American Legion, Fleet Reserve, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and even a special musical performance by the Scottish American Military Society Post 1859 Band.

Military Funeral Honors were presented by the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Funeral Detail, with final Taps performed by Navy Band buglers. Today was a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

This is what the Elks do.
We show up.
We honor.
We serve.
And we build stronger communities through visible leadership and meaningful action.

05/13/2026

ElkJourney.org is currently on the main homepage of elks.org!
Washington Elks doing big things this years!

04/27/2026

Now Seeking: Soccer Shoot Committee Chair (2026–2027)

The Washington State Elks Association is currently seeking a motivated self-starting leader to serve as the State Soccer Shoot Committee Chair for the 2026–2027 fraternal year.

The Elks Soccer Shoot program is one of our premier youth activities, promoting sportsmanship, confidence, and community engagement through a free skills competition for boys and girls across our state. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on youth while supporting local lodges in delivering a successful and rewarding program.

Position Overview
The State Soccer Shoot Committee Chair oversees and coordinates the Soccer Shoot program throughout Washington, ensuring alignment with Grand Lodge guidelines and timelines. This includes:
• Promoting the program to local lodges and encouraging participation
• Supporting district and lodge-level contests
• Coordinating advancement of winners through district, state, regional, and national levels
• Ensuring adherence to official rules, contest formats, and reporting requirements
• Communicating regularly with lodge chairs, district leaders, and state leadership

What We’re Looking For:
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to motivate and support volunteers across the state
• Passion for youth programs and community involvement
• Willingness to collaborate with state and lodge leadership

Why Serve?
This is a highly rewarding leadership role that directly contributes to youth development and strengthens the visibility of the Elks in communities across Washington. You’ll help create opportunities for young athletes while building connections and awareness of the Elks statewide.

Interested?
If you are interested in serving or would like to learn more about the role, please contact Washington State Elks Association leadership in your district. The official Soccer Shoot Program Manual can be found on Elks.org for your review and ultimate success in the position.

Step forward. Lead the program. Be the Difference.

04/27/2026

Applications for 2026 Charitable Trust grants are available on our state website, due May 15, 2026. If your lodge received a 2025 grant final reports are due prior to being awarded a grant for 2026.

This program is designed to strengthen community engagement, increase exposure for Elks programs, and support membership retention and growth through impactful local projects lodges undertake that they may not otherwise be able to afford and/or expanding the reach and impact of their committee work.

Learn more at https://waelks.org/charitable-trust/

04/14/2026

Golf season is teeing off soon and so are the fundraisers for "Our Kids."
Yakima Elks Lodge #318 is holding their 3rd Annual Therapy Program for Children Golf Tournament on May 29th followed by the 6th Annual Car Show on May 30th which also supports our State Major Project!
Two great opportunities to have fun and raise funds for the kids.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/yakima-elks-318-washington-elks-therapy-program-for-children-2026-golf-tournament

04/14/2026

Washington Elks: Let’s Lead the Way Again!

Last year, Area 8 (right here in the Northwest) rose to #1 in the nation with an incredible 14,593 media mentions, outperforming the next closest area by over 3,000 mentions. Even more impressive? We did it as one of the smallest areas of our nation in membership.

That tells us something powerful: It’s not about size, it’s about engagement.

Now, we have an opportunity to take things even further.
Our goal is clear: Double our impact, Push beyond 28,000 mentions, Showcase the incredible work happening in our lodges every single week

Here’s how we get there:
One press release every Monday
Social media posts every Wednesday & Friday
Share your events, your volunteers, your impact

Washington alone generated over 3,000 mentions, an incredibly strong showing, but we know we can do even more when every lodge participates.

Our State Marketing Committee stands ready to offer support with:
• Writing press releases
• Creating social media posts
• Using ready-made Social Shareables: Make yours today at https://virtualmanuals.elks.org/marketing-guide/:
• Highlighting your lodge’s unique story

And don’t forget: big moments create big visibility.

Whether it’s community events, major regional happenings, or unique Elk stories, this is our time to shine.

We are storytellers of service.
We are champions of community.
We are Elks.

Rally together, support one another, make Washington, and all of Area 8, the gold standard for Elks marketing across the country.

Don’t settle for leading… Set the pace.

04/12/2026

Exciting news is just around the corner! Registration and full details for our upcoming Summer Convention will be released very soon. This year’s event will be especially memorable, featuring a visit from our Grand Exalted Ruler along with no fewer than three Past Grand Exalted Rulers.

Be sure to check our online state pages throughout the coming week as information becomes available, we can’t wait to share what’s in store!

Visit our convention page at waelks.org to find out more.

04/10/2026

Our Discover Elks sponsored #05 car driven by Madex Moran Motorsports starts its season April 11th. Can't make it to Tri-Cities this Saturday - you can stream it live on floracing.com

It's almost time for the first race of the year - This Saturday April 11 at the Tri-City Raceway.

04/08/2026

Past Exalted Ruler John has passed the 300 mile marker! There are some amazing journal entries to read at elkjourney.org. Take a moment and take a look. Thank you everyone for all you do to help our members and our potential members discover more about the Elks.