Be retention conscious when talking with someone interested in joining or soon after a Brother transfers in because first impressions are lasting!! It is crucial that council activities keep him and his family engaged and committed. Refer to the Retention-Minded From the Outset page for more details.

After the Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity (ECUF), present the following to each new member:

• Membership card (#154)
• New Member certificate (#11091)
• These Men They Call Knights booklet
• How to Pray the Rosary card
• Shining Armor Qualification card
• Blessed Michael McGivney Canonization Prayer card

Consider giving the following to new members:

• Knights of Columbus branded merchandise like a council hat or shirt
• Welcome Folder (#10374) that includes:
  • Congratulatory letter from the grand knight
  • Council brochure
  • Fraternal Benefits Flyer (#2761)
  • Fraternal Benefits Card (#11730)
  • Fourth Degree Recruitment (#10376)
  • McGivney Guild Information
  • New Member Orientation
  • Council bylaws
  • Calendar of events
  • Latest newsletter

Note: Be careful not to overwhelm them with information at the outset, but a well-tailored folder imparts a good first impression to him (and his family) and instills a feeling that they are part of something truly worthwhile.

Forward the completed Member Interest Survey (Form 1842) to the applicable service program directors. Ensure they contact the new member to discuss upcoming activities that should be appealing and encourage him to assist with planning/preparation for those events. This keeps him active and engaged and enables him to contribute in a worthwhile way. He may even include his family in conducting it. Note any interests and passions he mentioned in the survey for which the council does not currently have corresponding happenings on the calendar and offer him the reins to plan and execute the activity. Assure him that other member support will be available. Be open to change and fresh ideas!

Assign every new member (including First and Second Degree transfers) a sponsor who will closely monitor their assignee. Provide sponsors with Sponsor Responsibilities. If it has been a while since a member attended a meeting or activity, the sponsor should call him from a concerned standpoint to see how he is doing. This may bring to light
something the member is dealing with, so offer the council’s help and support. Being there for him demonstrates we truly are a fraternal organization. Convey the upcoming important events and urge him and his family to take part. Ensure First and Second Degree transfers are scheduled quickly to attend an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.

Make Brothers feel comfortable and welcome when they participate at meetings and events. Foster an environment where members share their ideas. It is crucial for the council to be open to change and fresh ways of doing things! Mingle the newbies with appropriate ‘elder statesmen’ to further their learning. Try to shake hands with everyone before a meeting starts and speak with their family members at events. Give a ride to those having difficulty driving at night or disabled so they can participate. They will feel that they have not been forgotten and their presence matters. By treating our members like family, they are more likely to remain committed and get their friends to join.

Assign every new member (including First and Second Degree transfers) a sponsor who will closely monitor their assignee. Provide sponsors with Sponsor Responsibilities. If it has been a while since a member attended a meeting or activity, the sponsor should call him from a concerned standpoint to see how he is doing. This may bring to light
something the member is dealing with, so offer the council’s help and support. Being there for him demonstrates we truly are a fraternal organization. Convey the upcoming important events and urge him and his family to take part. Ensure First and Second Degree transfers are scheduled quickly to attend an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.

Help your Knights grow by keeping them and their families active in charitable outreach and spiritual fulfillment. Create a path to leadership by first offering him a minor responsibility, then challenge him later to take on more. When he is ready, encourage him to assume an officer or program director role. Enhancing Member Experience has more insight.

Use a cross-section of the membership and spouses when developing the yearly calendar. The more feedback you get on what people enjoy, the greater the turnout should be. The “Faith in Action” guidebook is also a good source of ideas. Do not be too quick to simply perpetuate what was done in the past because those activities may not engage the passion of the new members! Attendance at historically staple events may no longer be what it once was. You may also realize the council has a growing demographic that has been overlooked. It is critical to determine what enhances participation and oftentimes it is by conducting activities that cater to a variety of interests. Solicit feedback from members and spouses during dues season via a Member Interest Survey (Form 1842).