State Director
John Napoli
Advisors
William J. Oakley PSP
Thomas M. Zisa PSP

 The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a nationwide patriotic and charitable organization. One hundred seventeen Lodges are maintained within the State of New Jersey, consisting of a membership in excess of 42,000.

Deeply rooted in their communities, this fraternal organization perpetuates a presence dedicated to the service of their communities. Programs are varied and contribute to the benefit of many groups such as veterans, senior citizens, handicapped children, youth peer leaders, civic organizations and much more.

The Elks are family-oriented, and as such, a significant percentage of effort is dedicated toward the youth of local and encompassing neighborhoods. Today's youth will form the foundation of tomorrow's society and the Elks are in the forefront to offer their support and help provide forums for physical and mental growth while offering the students the opportunities to make their own decisions.

This then, is the Mission of the Drug Awareness Committee: "To support, in a nun-clinical format. Local, municipal, school, and civic programs dealing with drug usage and the direct nature of an insidious problem that is affecting our communities, our families, and our very lives."

"ELKS AND YOUTH: Welcome aboard the SS Leadership.” is the 2012 Peer Leadership Youth Conference theme. The prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse is one component that will contribute to the overall wellness of America. By learning how to make good choices and working together in their communities, youth can step up and realize their true potential. This year's conference will have three primary goals to ensure that our youth step up. First is to help our youth discover their true potential. Second will be to help our youth create a clear set of goals for themselves that includes leadership and a drug free life style. And third is to inspire our youth to be the best leaders they can be and return to their community stronger and healthier. We feel this will help create better and stronger leaders for the future of New Jersey. The New Jersey State Elks Association is committed to helping communities create an environment that will promote wellness. 

This conference will include action planning strategies that participants will be able to bring back to their schools and peer groups. The conference will include keynote addresses, interactive workshops and fun events. We will strive to provide Peer Leaders throughout New Jersey with the information and skills to help them continue to increase wellness in their communities.

John Napoli 

"I believe the children are our are future 
Teach them well and let them lead the way 
Show them all the beauty they possess inside 
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier 
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be "

 Michael Masser & Linda Creed