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The Dictionary Project was founded in 1995 by Mrs. Mary French of Charleston, SC. The sole mission of this non-profit organization – which we as Elks, share – is to distribute dictionaries to as many 3rd graders as possible in the 50 United States and our environs. At this point in time more than 9,942,342 dictionaries have been distributed. Varying service clubs were the main thrust of sponsorship.

In the 2004-2005 Lodge year, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks became involved. Dictionaries have been distributed to every State of the Union, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. At this point in time close to 7 million children have received a dictionary thanks to the generosity of sponsors who have participated in the Dictionary Project.

The Dictionary Project is a wonderful community service project. Consider these motivations for your Lodge to become involved. It is: A wonderful literacy project; an opportunity to be involved in a hands-on-project that does not require a great deal of time; relatively inexpensive; an opener of doors into the schools of your community paving the way for other Youth Projects - scholarships, essay contests, sponsorship of scouting, an Antlers Program, etc.; lends itself to media coverage, to let the community know of the good works you do, of your concern for our Nations young people.

How do we Begin? Once you have decided to participate in the Dictionary Project, determine the funds needed to sponsor the project, and decide how many dictionaries you can present within your budget.

Where can I go for help? You can contact your Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee representative for the Project – he or she can get the necessary information and forms to you. Your State Youth Activity Chairperson also can provide you with this information. Also, you can e-mail the Dictionary Project source directly at www.dictionaryproject.org. This is the project’s website and here you may review the different dictionaries available. You may also order sample copies by calling 843-856-2706 at a cost of $15.00.

What comes next? Step One: Contact your local school principle(s) / administrator(s) to explain the Project. From them (after permission to continue the Project is granted) obtain the number of 3rd graders to be involved. Many communities contain Parochial Schools, private schools and Christian Academies in addition to the public schools. By involving these schools, you further our mission to present a dictionary to every 3rd grader in our country.

Step Two: Many Lodges choose to personalize the dictionaries with labels for names- and an Elks logo accompanying the name and number of their Lodge.

Step Three: Points to make during your visit: Introduce yourself and make a brief presentation so the students know the dictionaries are being presented by your lodge as a personal gift. If you do not personalize the dictionaries with name labels have them write their names and addresses in the front cover at that time.

Some dictionaries editions, e.g., “A STUDENT’S DICTIONARY” (Dictionary Project Inc.) contain much valuable information that you point out to the students for their use. This one contains, in addition to the dictionary, for example, a Table of Weights and Measures, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Maps of Seven Continents, information on the 50 States, biographies of the 43 U.S. Presidents, facts about the Solar System as well as several factual sections. In closing, encourage the daily use of the dictionary.

Your visit should last 10-15 minutes-3rd grade attention spans fall within this length of time.

Step Four: Utilize media coverage, it is a great Project and media cooperation should be easily obtained.

Information and suggestions - Distribution: Select a distribution date that can be tied to an important literary event - e.g., the week of October 16th - Noah Webster’s birthday.

Be sure to order enough dictionaries to be able to present one to each classroom teacher. Also, to appear on the agenda at the Board of Education meeting with a dictionary for Board Members and Administrator present is invaluable “PR”.

Have a few extra dictionaries with you in case new students have enrolled.

A dictionary is perhaps the first and most powerful reference tool that a child could own. Its usefulness goes beyond the spelling, pronunciation, and definitions it lists; it is a companion for solving problems that arise as a child develops his or her reading, writing, and creative thinking abilities. Students benefit from an increase in self-reliance and resourcefulness inspired by the maxim, “look it up”. For many children it will be the first book they have ever owned.

Many schools today struggle with rising day-to-day operating costs and are not financially able to provide dictionaries to individual students. The schools appreciate our help.

We hope every Elks Lodge in America and our environs will help in this united effort, providing once again that: Elks Care – Elks Share