Regularly inform the council of scheduled activities through the following:

• Distribute a newsletter or other communication means that highlights the council’s goings-on each month.
• Keep your website current with adequate details on upcoming events. Remember a website not only keeps members updated, but it advertises to those thinking of joining, so it’s important to keep your site up-to-date.
• Explore group text options and social media platforms since not everyone uses email nowadays!

Note: Here are other important things to keep in mind when communicating your council’s activities:

• Send a reminder notice just prior to each activity.
• Call or use postal mail to notify those needing more of a personal touch.

Do not forget your seldom seen Knights! The council’s Retention Committee should periodically contact them, especially around birthdays and anniversaries, to see how they are doing. Committee members should remind them of upcoming events, and mention that we would love to see them of their family.

Council leaders must conduct meetings effectively and typically limit their duration to an hour. Discussions and reports can easily go astray, so rein them in. Time is precious to your members, do not waste it!

Spice up meetings periodically! Invite a guest speaker, and the subject matter can pertain to the K of C or something of general interest to the members such as wills, community issues, Social Security, current news topics, or retirement planning. Show a free video from the Knights of Columbus Video Library. Any of these quality productions will be entertaining, but more importantly, they will reinforce why we became Knights. When was the last time you held a meeting at a Brother’s home or in the “back room” of a popular local restaurant?

Continually remind the membership by newsletter or other means to report a change in their email, mailing address, or phone number. During dues season, Financial Secretaries should confirm every Knight’s email and replace any ‘.edu’ addresses with personal email addresses.

Follow-up on members who are moving. Soon after their departure, send a letter to their last-known address and the postal system will kickback the letter with their new/forwarding address. Stay in frequent contact with military members (especially those overseas) to know where they are headed next, as they may be leaving the military. A sponsor who closely monitors his recruit will know of such changes which helps prevent a loss of continuity. Ask the State Membership Engagement and Development Committee (engageanddevelop@vakofc.org) for help finding nonresponsive associate Brothers. Solicit the field agent’s assistance in locating nonresponsive insurance members.

Never miss an opportunity to thank someone for their service. Present various lapel pins or recognition certificates, such as the following, at various meetings, events, or Mass if the pastor will allow:

• Knight of the Month #1476
• Knight of the Year #1545
• Family of the Month #1843
• Family of the Year #1843A
• Knighthood Degree Honoree Scroll #273
• Past Grand Knight Certificate #1453
• Certificate of Appreciation #1579
• Certificate of Merit #1454
• Years of Service #1419
• Honor Member #1457
• Honorary Life Member #1458

Note: All certificates are available via the Supplies Online app in Supreme’s Officers Online.

No, our members did not join to receive awards, but an “atta-boy” demonstrates appreciation for their efforts and can produce extra mileage from the recipient. Hearing the accomplishments may inspire non-members at Mass to learn more about us.

Do not allow strong personalities to always sway council decisions. If others (especially new members) feel their input does not matter, they will quickly lose interest, and you will not see them again. Realize their perspective may not represent a proper attitude nor set the appropriate example, and others (especially new members), may be negatively
influenced as a result.

Ensure sponsors are monitoring their recruit’s progress toward the Shining Armor Award. The flyer lists what must be accomplished during the member’s first year to qualify. The concept of the program is to get new members active as early as possible in the many facets of the Order and provide incentive to maintain their involvement. When the requirements have been met, the Grand Knight should present the member a Shining Armor Award certificate (#4293) and lapel pin (#1700).

Frequently talk up the Fourth Degree! It furthers a member’s knowledge of the Order and enhances their commitment.