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| To Ritual or Not to Ritual |
The Ritual Competition is a long standing activity within the Elks organization. Teams from various lodges compete at a state and then a national level for recognition as the best ritual team.
The ritual competition is based on the ritual performed for new member initiations. There are highly prescribed steps, movements, words and even facial expressions that are
dictated by the ritual and upon which the participants are measured. They are also measured on more subjective factors such as presence (e.g. impressiveness) and vocal projection.
This year, the Hopkins, Red Wing and Minneapolis lodges participated in the state competition. Minneapolis won and will be representing Minnesota at the national level. Hopkins took second this year with Red Wing taking home third place.
There are many reasons why a lodge may choose to participate in the Ritual Competition. They may include:
- Demonstrates one of the core principles of the Elks - Brotherhood
- Forges relationships - both within the team and with other lodges
- Brings lodges together in both a competitive and social situation
- Engages other lodge members through watching the competition
- Builds a desire to compete
- Provides a forum to educate other lodges on our lodge
Many lodges do not participate in the ritual competition for a variety of reasons. There are a significant number of hours invested by both the participants as well as the ritual coaches and support staff
to practice the precise movements and memorize the words. Not everyone has the willingness or the time to devote to the weekly practices required.
And, contrary to some beliefs, the lodge does not invest a significant amount of money to support the ritual team. The team is funded by a combination of state, local lodge and
individual participant contributions. This year, Hopkins sent 11 members of the lodge to the
National Convention to participate in the 2008 national competition. The state association contributed 50% of the monies,
the ritual team itself contributed roughly 35% of the monies through fundraising activities and the lodge contributed only about 15% of the total cost. These monies basically cover the cost of the travel and hotel for the participants. It does not cover other
expenses related to traveling for the state and national competition such as food and basic necessities.
The participants and coaches in the ritual should be commended for their commitment to the time and effort expended to compete in the ritual competition.
It reflects well on our lodge particularly as Hopkins has done well in the competition.
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