Be retention conscious when talking with someone interested in the Knights 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, present the following to each new member:

• Third Degree membership card
• 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 (swag) like a council hat or shirt
• Welcome Folder (#4326) that includes:
  • Congratulatory letter from the grand knight
  • Council brochure
  • Fraternal Benefits Flyer (#2761)
  • McGivney Guild Information
  • 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 the recruit (and his family) and instills a feeling that they are part of something truly worthwhile.

Relay the new member’s contact data to whoever distributes council news/announcements. If the member attends college or recently graduated, obtain his parents’ address/phone number for continuity purposes. Ensure you have his personal email address – not an ‘.edu’ address.

Document his pastimes on a Member Interest Survey (Form 1842) and forward it to the applicable service program director(s). Ensure they contact him 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. He may suggest a modification to an event or recommend an activity the council currently doesn’t do, and he may include his family in the execution aspects.

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).