Government Relations
The Government Relations Committee serves as a vital link between Elks Lodges and various levels of government, advocating for legislation that supports our Order's charitable mission while protecting our fraternal status. Through education, communication, and strategic engagement with elected officials, we ensure our voice is heard on issues affecting veterans, youth, and communities we serve. This committee works diligently to maintain positive relationships with government entities, safeguard our tax-exempt status, and promote awareness of the Elks' impactful charitable work, all while helping Lodges navigate regulatory requirements essential to their continued operation and success.
Our Team.
Charitable Reporting
The Charitable Reporting program captures and showcases the tremendous impact Elks make in their communities. By meticulously documenting volunteer hours, monetary donations, and in-kind contributions, we create a comprehensive picture of our collective service. This vital data not only helps maintain our tax-exempt status but also demonstrates to potential members, donors, and government officials the significant value Elks bring to society. Through accurate and thorough reporting, we transform individual Lodge efforts into a powerful narrative that proves Elks truly care and share in meaningful, measurable ways across Mississippi and beyond.
Program Resources
Program Support
Government Relations in the Order of Elks
The Mississippi State Elks Association Government Relations Committee operates under the authority granted in Grand Lodge Statutes Section 18.020, which enables State Associations to establish committees necessary to carry out their functions. This committee monitors state legislation, represents Mississippi Elks Lodges to government officials, and provides guidance on regulatory compliance matters that affect our fraternal operations and charitable activities throughout the state. Additionally, it provides resources for and supports Charitable Reporting as per Section 16.010 of the Grand Lodge Statutes, ensuring Lodges properly document and report their charitable activities.
Chair Message
Hello, for those that may not know who I am, my name is Spence Rees and I am the State Government Relations Chairperson. Everyone including me asks what does this committee do? Well we try to monitor any legislation coming before our local, state, or federal governments to see if any proposed legislature will affect the local lodges, the state association, or the ELKS as a whole. If you hear of anything that we may need to be aware of please send me a copy or a link to gateman@bellsouth.net.
That is only one part of what we do. We are also responsible for ensuring that the order and our lodges are able to retain their non profit status! How do we do this you ask? We can’t! Not without you doing your part! Every Lodge has a Charity Workbook, if you haven't seen it ask your secretary or go to CHARITY WORKBOOK (elks.org - manuals - charity workbook and click on download not the manual itself.) This manual has all of the reporting codes and blank sheets you can copy and use for getting the information to your secretary.
So you are now saying I dusted off the manual now what do I do with it? Remember our whole reason for existence is to provide charitable, civic and community assistance. Everything we do is in some way related to one of these categories. If you are doing anything that is related to one of these categories, report it. The easiest way is to keep a Government Relations Monthly reporting form handy.
It is highly suggested that you fill out this report monthly as it is cumulative for the whole year.
That way you won’t forget to enter something throughout the year. Are you not sure if something should be reported? If in doubt fill it out. The secretary can make the determination. If the secretary has a question I will be glad to make the call on whether it should be in there or not. I would rather turn stuff down then beg for the input. One thing that seems to get overlooked is one of the largest charitable items that every lodge is pretty much required to do: ENF! ALL DONATIONS to ENF are reportable!
Even though we do a great job sending them to ENF we do not fill out our charitable reporting forms! Make sure you put that one in your books. If you do something like a Veterans Bingo once a month, you can make an average entry one time to cover the year. (if 3 ELKS go once a month and drive 10 miles each way and spend 4 hours each time. 3*4=12 12*12mos=144 ELK Hours 3*10miles=30 30*2 both ways=60 60*12=720 ELK miles) plus expenses for food, games etc. plus cash given and date it 3/31 of the lodge year end, and you don't have to worry about it again! Easy! Mid Winter, State and National conventions. If you are attending, part of the business meeting is all about the charitable works we do… Therefore the GL committee has determined that 1/2 of the business meeting time and travel to and from is …. Reportable! This does not count the time you take to do shots at the hospitality rooms!
OK so you filled out the form now what… Are you reporting for a state committee? or your local lodge? If you are doing this report for a local lodge event you will give or send these reports to your local lodge secretary. If you are doing this work as a district or state chairperson then your reports will go to myself. I will compile them and give them to the State Secretary for filing on CLMS for the state.
Thank you for your time and attention. I hope that now that you know, or have been reminded, about charitable reporting I will be receiving reports from the state committees. On a monthly basis, I will be checking to see if the local lodges are reporting as well. If we do not report what we are doing, we may lose our non-profit status. I don't think any of us want that to happen.