Membership is the life blood of the Knights of Columbus. Membership recruitment, taking advantage of the Supreme-led virtual exemplifications, establishing teams and conducting local virtual degrees, and encouraging men to join online are very important. Why is it so important to recruit new members now?
Simply put, it’s important to recruit now because our pastors, parishes and communities need the Knights of Columbus…now. The effects of the global pandemic have been many…and they’re being felt everywhere. In our communities. In our parishes. Even among our own brother Knights and their families. People need help. They need our help. The Knights of Columbus must rise to the occasion as we always have. We must do that by making sure that every eligible Catholic man is invited to join our ranks.
There are many guidebooks from the Supreme Office that can help you along the way.
These are 'Council Growth & Retention' (#10506), 'Why Join?' (#10537), 'Suggested Remarks for Membership Recruitment - Reach out to the members of your parish' (#10067).
And, while we are at it let's address the 3rd Degree stepping up to the Patriotic 4th Degree. A nice brochure on this is 'An Invitation to Join the Patriotic Degree' (#10376).
There are Council Membership and Delta Kits available as well in the back office supply online. Most, if not pretty much all, of these brochures are free except for shipping and handling. As we embark on a new fraternal year, I know that you’re all anxious to leave your mark and lead your council to an outstanding year of support for your parish and community, of service to your members and their families, and of membership growth.
Remember the 4 C’s
Changes - You have and will face many SO are you and your Council Changing?
Challenges - Of course there are and will be BUT what are you doing? Being a defeatist or are you finding ways?
Commitments - We have them and need to understand each of our roles in meeting them.
Communication - Leave No Brother Behind. Don’t let dues mailed be your only Communication. Form a Team. Split up the roster. Check in on them (oh and after you find they are ok ASK them to invite someone they know or family member to JOIN US.
And the 3 A’s
Attitude - YOURs first and then the Council’s. Be positive during these challenges and changes we are all making.
Altitude - JUST HOW HIGH ARE YOU SETTING THE BAR?
Accountability - Again first yours and then others to get things done. Making the needed changes.
Given the recent City & County Stay at Home Order, the urgency is even greater. Everything that the Order is doing to help those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the likelihood that the needs in our parishes and communities will increase rather than decrease in the days ahead, we can’t afford to wait.
Catholic men need the Knights of Columbus…and we need them.
TODAY!
God Bless
SK. Paul Maple
GK, Council 6906
State Life Director
RECRUIT --> ENGAGE --> RETAIN
Above is a summary and very informative video of the Knights of Columbus 136th Supreme Convention held in Baltimore, MD. in August 2018.
Please take the time to watch this video, you will be proud you're a Knight of Columbus!