Exalted Ruler’s Report – March 2025

March 1, 2025 | Exalted Ruler

Aloha 616,
Time continues to fly by. We find ourselves nearing the end of yet another fraternal year here at the 616 Lodge. The time line that the BPOE operates on is of an unbelievably grand scale. It has been here long before our longest lifetime member, and it will continue well past our days. It also functions on a day-to- day effort, meeting by meeting and with the motion of the motions. It is important to always understand that our mission is progressed at multiple scales and speeds. Some quick and last minute, others years long in the planning and final execution.

It has truly been a great, great honor to hold the trust of our members and serve our mission this past year as the Exalted Ruler. This experience will always be treasured in my heart and mind. I did not publicize much of my efforts in our Aloha Elk publications this year. I feel the volunteers doing the work deserved to have the limelight there and show our members that we are a team. I have been so fortunate being supported by such solid, upstanding, generous people. I enabled and empowered them to do their best in pursuit of the goals of the committees. This is what the Elks is. People, members, volunteers, Elks, serving the common goals with pride. I am very proud of what we have done this year. Elks Lodge is a special place serving our community locally, and our members. All the while we serve and support people and causes all across these United States.

Here in our Lodge I know many members feel like they are unable to effect change in our operations. I assure you need not be on the board to get things moved forward or accomplished. In this vein, I encourage you, I implore you, our members to make some time to revisit your oath taken to this organization. It asks that you abide by all the rules and statues. This sounds burdensome on the surface but i assure you it is empowering. “How?” you ask. To be effective in this order and be a true ELK you must read, learn, and understand the boundaries and paths that the Elks lodge is. “Where to Start?” You say. Log onto elks.org here you will find so much information and answers to all manner of issues that are Elk. You can also ask for manuals or booklets from the front desk or the Secretary’s office. Understand that generations of men and women, just like us have gone through this Lodge over the years. As the saying goes “There is nothing new under the sun”. Our statues and bylaws have evolved to keep our heard together and on mission, our mission. In learning our rules and processes you will be empowered get things done and exercise your rights of membership. It is the only way to have our lodge flourish and be rich is with the efforts of many hands.

Our board and chairs exist to serve the membership. Our lodge floor is the supreme authority on all matters Elk. This is you, the member, attending Lodge meeting and expressing your opinion through your vote. We are so very lucky to be with a group that empowers the members. Majority rules, minority is heard, and we move on to the next issue. This is the democratic process and it is good. You will not win every issue, things will happen in the most roundabout ways. But the Elks lodge will always move forward. Do not complain, do not take things too personally. Win some, lose some, participate, support, engage, communicate. Move on and continue the mission.

We as Elk 616 members must recognize the blessing of our position. We are poised to do great things. Thank you all for this great journey. I appreciate on a deep level every member who gave even 1 minute of their time to volunteer and participate this year. I look forward to my PER status and will be available to encourage and support volunteers.

Brotherly Love, Charity, Justice, Fraternity

Mahalo,

Jeffrey Renner
Exalted Ruler