Disclaimer

These scoring criteria reflect the initial framework. After gathering feedback and wrapping up convention, we may adjust the system - including rebalancing how categories are weighted - to make it even better. But you get the idea!

Judging Criteria for Website Evaluation (100 Points Total)

1. Design & Aesthetics (15 points)
   • Professional appearance with a visually appealing layout, cohesive branding, and creative use of color and imagery.
2. Usability (15 points)
   • Clear and intuitive navigation with a well-structured layout.
   • Mobile-friendly design and accessibility for all users.
3. Content & Engagement (15 points)
   • Up-to-date and relevant information for members and the public.
   • Detailed descriptions of events, programs, and opportunities to engage with the lodge.
   • Prominent and clear calls-to-action (e.g., joining, volunteering, or donating).
   • Functional elements that encourage interaction, such as event calendars, contact forms, donation links, or photo galleries.
4. Focus on Elkdom (10 points)
   • Highlights and promotes broader Elks initiatives and values (e.g., veterans’ programs, scholarships, community service, or national campaigns).
   • Demonstrates the lodge’s connection to the larger Elks mission while balancing local content.
5. Security & Privacy (10 points)
   • The website uses proper security measures, such as SSL encryption (HTTPS).
   • A clear and accessible privacy policy is available, ensuring transparency about data usage and protection.
6. Members-Only Section (10 points)
   • Secure area for members to access exclusive content: newsletters, governance documents, private updates, etc.
   • Judging Note: This will be evaluated solely by the committee based on the depth and variety of content available. Temporary access may be requested for judging.
7. Online Payments (10 points)
   • Seamless, secure online payment options for dues and donations.
8. Volunteer Sign-Up Functionality (5 points)
   • Clear, functional volunteer sign-up forms or systems.
9. Officers Listing (5 points)
   • Current lodge officers listed with names, titles, and accompanying photos.
10. Thinking Outside the Box (5 points)
    • Innovative or unexpected features demonstrating forward-thinking ideas and creativity specific to the lodge's needs.

Judging Criteria for Elks.org Virtual Page (50 Points Total)

1. Completeness of Links (15 points)
   • Includes functioning links to lodge website, social media, and payment portals.
2. Accuracy of Lodge Information (15 points)
   • Accurate contact information, meeting dates/times, event schedules, and announcements.
3. Officer Information (10 points)
   • Current, complete officer roster with titles.
4. Visual Appeal (5 points)
   • Clean, organized, and professional appearance.
5. Extra Features or Customization (5 points)
   • Creative enhancements to functionality or user experience.

Judging Criteria for Email Blasts (50 Points Total)

1. Frequency of Use (15 points)
   • Consistent communication schedule aligned with lodge activity level.
2. Relevance of Content (15 points)
   • Timely updates on events, dues, member news, and lodge activities.
3. Clarity & Presentation (10 points)
   • Visually appealing layout, branded format, clear subject lines, concise messaging.
4. Engagement Features (5 points)
   • Interactive links for donations, event sign-ups, and lodge resources.
5. List-Building Accessibility (5 points)
   • Easy access for new members or guests to join email lists.

Judging Criteria for Social Media (50 Points Total)

1. Activity Level (15 points)
   • Consistent, ongoing posting that reflects current lodge activity.
2. Content Quality (10 points)
   • Engaging, visually appealing, mission-aligned content across text, photos, graphics, and video.
3. Engagement & Interaction (10 points)
   • Responding to comments, messages, fostering conversations and member interaction.
4. Focus on Elkdom (10 points)
   • Showcasing both local lodge content and state/national Elks programs, community service, scholarships, and national campaigns.
5. Diversity of Content (5 points)
   • Varied content formats: promotions, member highlights, education, community updates, creative campaigns.

Member Voting Bonus (Up to 60 Points)

Every logged-in Elks member receives 25 votes to allocate across any registered Washington lodges. Lodges receive 1 bonus point for every 25 votes received, up to a maximum of 60 points (1,500 votes). Bonus points will be manually calculated at the end of voting.

While members are encouraged to support their home lodge, we strongly encourage exploring and voting across Washington State Elkdom — discovering best practices, learning from peers, and building connections statewide.

Total Maximum Score: 310 Points