Officer/Director Roles Overview

Grand Knight - The grand knight is the council's chief executive officer. He is responsible for setting council goals and ensuring that all officers fulfill their duties in reaching these objectives. He presides over all meetings; appoints program and committee directors as needed; fills officer roles in the event of vacancies; countersigns checks and orders for payment; and oversees the council’s degree team. Ideally, the grand knight should be a junior so that as a senior he can serve as a mentor for the next grand knight. The grand knight must complete the Safe Environment training.

Review Article 1 in By-Laws

Program Director - The program director is appointed by the grand knight and oversees the Faith in Action areas of Faith, Family, Community and Life. In some councils this may be the duty of the deputy grand knight. The program director ensures that all his subordinate committees meet regularly and plan appropriate events. He communicates individual committee reports to the grand knight. Keeps accurate record of council programs for reporting on the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728) and the Columbian Award Application (#SP-7). Must complete required Safe Environment training.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

1. Preside Over Meetings. Preside at all meetings of his council and shall enforce the rules and regulations of the council and the laws of the Order, and shall be Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

   1. Make agendas for Full Council Meetings to be submitted to the Recorder for annotation during such meetings.

2. Appoint Committees. Appoint committees in and for his council whose appointment is not regularly provided for by the laws of his council, and shall be a member ex officio of all committees.

3. When Act as Chaplain. Act as Chaplain in absence of the regular Chaplain.

4. Countersign Orders. Countersign orders drawn and signed by the Financial Secretary for the payment of money when the same have been ordered by his council, or approved by the Board of Trustees, provided, however, that benefit orders may be drawn upon the Treasurer of the council upon an order drawn and signed by the Financial Secretary and countersigned by the Grand Knight and with the Grand Knight’s approval alone, and also all demands of the Supreme Council or Board of Directors or State Council, and the regular and usual payments of the council may be paid upon an order drawn and signed by the Financial Secretary and countersigned by the Grand Knight without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

5. Countersign Checks Countersign checks drawn and signed by the Treasurer.

6. Read Vouchers, Etc. Receive the vouchers from the Financial Secretary of the monies paid by such Secretary to the Treasurer, and also the vouchers showing that such monies were by such Treasurer deposited in an approved bank or other secure institution of deposit, and shall read the same publicly at the next subsequent meeting after receiving the same, and shall then deposit such vouchers for safekeeping with the trustees of his council, and it shall be his duty to read all receipts and vouchers sent through him to the Treasurer by the Supreme Council to the council at the next meeting subsequent to receiving the same and before delivering said receipts and vouchers to said Treasurer.

7. Read Notices Relative to the Fourth Degree.Read or cause to be read at council meetings all notices relative to the Fourth Degree sent them by the Supreme Officers or by the Supreme Master, Vice-Supreme Master or Masters of the Fourth Degree. 54 LAWS

8. Other Duties. Perform such other duties as the Order may impose.

9. Role as Program Director. The Grand Knight shall be recorded as program director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area member management, and as such shall be responsible for coordinating Faith in Action Programs for the good of his council in addition to completing any requirements pertaining to either position as imposed by Supreme or State.

10. Chief Executive. The Grand Knight has the right to instruct any officer on the execution of their duties, especially as it related to State and Supreme requirements. The Grand Knight shall complete or delegate the completion of the SP-7 (Columbian Award Application) and 10766 (Outstanding CollegeCouncil Award Application) forms using past agendas and attendance information and ensure it is saved/sent to the designated parties as stated on the respective form by June 30th every year. He shall concern himself with the development of his officers both as council officials and as Christian men. He shall approve or reject delegates requested for both the College Councils Conference and State Convention.

Deputy Grand Knight - The deputy grand knight serves as the grand knight's right-hand man and fills in for the grand knight when he is not present. Some deputy grand knights serve as their council's program director. Ultimately, he assists the grand knight in leading the council and reaching council objectives. In some councils, the deputy grand knight role might be used to groom a possible grand knight candidate for the following year. Finally, the deputy grand knight may serve as a liaison between the council and other groups that share similar interest (i.e. Newman Club, pro-life club, etc.).

Life Director - The life director is a sub-role to the DGK and reports to the GK. Responsible for all life-based council programs. The individual appointed to this position should be comfortable discussing and planning efforts within the context of supporting and affirming life in all stages and in all conditions. Notably, he strives to promote programs that support and encourage the advancement of the pro-life movement, people with intellectual disabilities, and persecuted Christians.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Deputy Grand Knight shall preside in the absence or inability of the Grand Knight and execute all the duties of said Grand Knight. He shall perform such other duties as the Order may impose. In the absence of the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight, then the duty of presiding at a meeting of the council shall devolve on the other officers of the council in the order in which they are named in Section 126 after the Deputy Grand Knight.

1. Judicial Board. Serve on the Judicial Board at the pleasure of the Advocate.

2. Life Director. The Deputy Grand Knight shall be recorded as life director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with implementing Life Programs for the good of his council in addition to completing any requirements pertaining to either position as imposed by Supreme or State. The Deputy Grand Knight shall send the intellectual disabilities funds raised to the appointed state person with the amounts tootsie rolls needed for the coming year agreed upon by the Warden and Guards and the completed Intellectual Disabilities worksheet from the form book.

3. Chief Advertising Officer. By utilizing software, the Deputy Grand Knight shall create advertisements for every event unless another officer agrees to do so for him:

   1. Submit an electronic copy to the Church secretary for weekly emails, discord, and parish calendar.

   2. Submit an electronic copy to the Chancellor for council communications and social media.

   3. Submit an electronic copy to any council officers for social media posts, etc. upon request.

   4. Have physical copies made as instructed by the Grand Knight for advertisement around South Dakota State’s Campus in addition to the Newman Center and other Parishes.

Chancellor - The chancellor assists both the grand and deputy grand knights in the leading of the council by engaging and strengthening the council's membership. His primary responsibilities include recruiting and retaining members and to this end he should set up events that display the values and principles of the Knights of Columbus. The chancellor should participate in the council's degree team and should serve on both the Admission and Retention committees. 

Campus Ministry Liaison - To communicate and collaborate with other Catholic groups and ministries on campus, the council should have a liaison to campus ministry staff, student advisory board and specific groups (such as the Pro-Life Club). The deputy grand knight can be a good fit for this role.

Social Media Chairman - The social media chairman is responsible for overseeing the council's social media accounts and making sure fresh content is posted on a regular basis. At minimum, at least two council members should have access to these accounts, ideally at least the recorder and grand knight.

Alumni Relations Chairman - Maintaining healthy relationships with alumni members helps the council utilize these relationships for mentorship and financial assistance. The alumni relations chairman should communicate regularly with alumni and plan at least one or two alumni/council events per year, usually in conjunction with homecoming or other campus alumni events.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Chancellor shall assist the Grand Knight and the Deputy Grand Knight in the performance of their duties and shall take charge of the council during the incapacity or extended absence of both. He shall be charged with the total participation of the membership in the activities of the council. Subject to the approval of the Grand Knight he shall institute a program to develop the availability and interest of the members in the specific activities of the council and refer his findings to the Grand Knight. He shall exercise a special interest in new members and those members who are sick or in need. He shall perform such other duties as the Grand Knight directs.

Communications/Public Relations Director:

The Chancellor shall be recorded as public relations director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with implementing effective means of communication for the council as well as the broader community of the parish, town, diocese, state, etc. for the good of his council in addition to completing any requirements pertaining to either position as imposed by Supreme or State.

1. He shall update the Knights Hub on the website

2. He shall check the council inbox and update the other officers in Officer Meetings of any apparently important information contained/received therein and organize it accordingly.

3. He shall be the appointed person to communicate with the council on behalf of the officers, especially for notice of meetings and the transmission of the annotated agenda (“Meeting Minutes”) solicited/received from the Recorder after each Full Council meeting. If minutes shall be stored electronically in a folder, the name of each document shall consist of respectively: the four digits of the year, a hyphen, two digits for the month e.g. 01, a hyphen, two digits for the day of the month e.g. 09, and at least the phrase “Meeting Minutes”. Example: 2020-02-09 Meeting Minutes.pdf

4. He shall update Facebook for public events and research/utilize additional means to advertise to the communities beyond and including the Newman center.

5. He shall update the parish and council calendar as Intra-Newman community communication.

6. He shall ensure that pictures are taken at every event in which it is appropriate both candid (of those working) and group/arranged.

Financial Secretary - The financial secretary is chosen by the trustees and the officers of the council for a three-year term and approved by the supreme knight. He provides continuity in the council and has the responsibility of collecting dues as well as ensuring that the council's financial recordings are kept up to date. Additionally, he ensures that membership records are current, issues membership cards, files regular reports to the district, regional, state and supreme offices and submits the annual 990 to the IRS. The financial secretary cannot be an undergraduate student, but ideally should be a member of the campus faculty or staff. If no one from the campus community can serve in this role, it should be an adult member of the neighboring community.

Family Director - The family director is appointed by the grand knight and reports to the program director. Responsible for all family-based council programs. Knowing that most college knights do not have families of their own, the Supreme Council offers 5 college-specific family programs. Must complete required Safe Environment training and background check.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

1. Family Director. The Financial Secretary shall be recorded as the family director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with implementing effective means of improving the experience and spiritual lives of the families of the Knights through various means.

2. Collect and Receive All Monies. Collect and receive all monies due to the council, and all funds obtained from any source, by or through any person or persons, acting for or in the name of the council or under its direction or authority, including all monies resulting from any form of athletic activity carried on by the council or with its authority, or in which its name or any part thereof is used, or in which any representation is made in any way that such activity is a council activity. Provided, however, that where two or more councils engage jointly in any form of athletic activity the monies resulting therefrom shall be handled as directed by the State or Territorial Deputy or Deputies in whose jurisdictions such councils are located.

3. Keep Accounts. Keep an account of the indebtedness of each member and each certificate holder and the amount received from each, giving credit for the whole amount paid, and the purpose for which the same is paid, upon the precise day of payment, be the same made for arrears or advance or both, and make proper record of same in the books provided for that purpose.

   1. Complete Semi-Annual council audits with the Treasurer and Trustees via Form 1295 (Semi-Annual Council Audit) and send the completed Form 1295 (Semi-Annual Council Audit) to those designated on the Form by August 15th and February 15th.

4. Pay Money to the Treasurer. Pay over to the Treasurer of his council all monies received at meetings, or between meetings, for fines, dues, contributions, death benefit assessments, initiation fees or from other sources, at and to the close of each meeting, for which said Treasurer shall forthwith give a written receipt to such Secretary, specifying the funds to which the same be credited, which receipt shall be given to the acting Grand Knight by the Financial Secretary before next succeeding meeting.

5. Keep Roll. Keep a roll of the members and certificate holders, their ages, residences, and occupations, with the dates of initiation separate from the Recorder. Keep a record of Fourth Degree members as and when furnished by the Master of the Fourth Degree and Comptroller. Inform recorder of changes, updates, or corrections to the Record of Attendance mentioned in Article 1 Section 5. and Section 4 of this Article, to maintain accurate records for the council and ensure electronic attendance recording is effective and valid.

   1. The Financial Secretary shall create member cards using the MCD Sheet in the Record of Attendance and Microsoft Word Mail Merge using the corresponding template in the Council’s OneDrive between the Meeting dues are announced and when they are due.

   2. The Financial Secretary shall issue member cards when dues are paid and update the date of last payment in the Warden’s records as well as the council financial records.

6. Cause Members to Subscribe to By-Laws, Etc. Cause every member before initiation to subscribe his name, subjecting himself to the constitution and by-laws of the Order and of the council.

7. Notify the Supreme Secretary. Notify the Supreme Secretary of the names and addresses of all council officers.

   1. The Financial Secretary shall notify Supreme of the change of officers after each Election Meeting and each officer's respective director role either through Forms 185 (Report of Officers Chosen for Term) and 365 (Service Program Personnel Report) or member management by July 1st.

   2. The Financial Secretary shall ensure the directors, required to complete safe environment training per the Supreme Council, do so prior to the middle of the Fall Semester of their term.

8. Keep Certain Records. Keep a record of the financial and business transactions of his council upon books approved by the Board of Directors and furnished by the Supreme Council at the expense of the council, to wit: The number of propositions received and the names of the candidates, the number elected and their names, the number initiated and their names; the amount of money received and from what sources; the amount paid to the Treasurer and for what purpose, the amounts of all orders drawn against the Treasurer, stating to whom paid and for what purpose.

9. Draw Orders. Draw all orders on the Treasurer of his council when ordered by the Supreme Council, State Council, his local council, Board of Trustees or Grand Knight for the payment of all claims or demands against his council, which orders shall be signed by him and countersigned by the Grand Knight.

10. Notify the Supreme Secretary of Suspensions, Etc. With the Grand Knight, notify promptly the Supreme Secretary of names of members initiated, suspended, expelled, withdrawn, deceased, reinstated, readmitted, transferring to or from the council, and changes of address, for necessary entry on the Supreme Council records.

11. Keep Accounts. Be the accountant of his council, keeping said accounts, so that the same shall show complete and accurate financial standing of the council and its members at all times, and such books and records as are required by the laws and rules, and furnished by the Supreme Council at the expense of the subordinate council.

12. Notify Candidate’s Grand Knight. When a candidate receives degrees in a council of which he is not a member, the Financial Secretary thereof shall notify the Grand Knight of said candidate’s council.

13. Seal. Keep the seal of the council and affix the same to all proper papers, etc.

14. Notify Comptroller. Notify the Comptroller of the Fourth Degree Assembly of any Fourth Degree member who may transfer to the council, or who may transfer from the council, or who may be suspended by the council.

15. Other Duties. Perform all other acts required by the laws of his council (including responsibilities required by the Judicial board) and the Order and the rules of the Board of Directors.

16. Judicial Board. Serve on the Judicial Board at the pleasure of the Chaplain.

17. Resignation and Appointment. Council leadership shall refer to the FS Procedure.pdf document found in the L5.1 Folder of the Council Google Drive Records for procedures to follow in the process of Appointment/Resignation or solicit such information from financialsecreatry@kofc.org. 

Recorder - The recorder has the responsibility of recording all meetings and events held by the council. He should record minutes, conversations and other information helpful to the council and prepare them to be distributed to the membership in a timely manner. Additionally, he should help with council event notifications, council meeting reminders, and assist with council social media responsibilities.

Retention Chairman - The retention chairman works to keep the council's members active. implements programs and practices that provide mentors for new members and regularly communicates with the members to encourage their participation. When students graduate, the retention chairman helps them transfer to a council in their area. At times when a council wishes to suspend members, they must have the retention chairman reach out to members and ask them to keep their membership or to transfer to another council. 

Recommendations from supreme:

Bringing Knights Back

• Former Knights are men who are familiar with the ideals of Columbianism. They left the Order at one time but represent a pool of prospects councils should not overlook in striving for membership growth.

• Appoint a special “Welcome Back Brother” or “Operation Re-Member” committee specifically to recruit former members. Past grand knights familiar with circumstances of earlier departures are especially suited.

• Obtain a list of “Former Members” (those who took withdrawals/suspensions) and “Inactive Insurance Members” (those who took withdrawals/suspensions but maintain K of C insurance policies) from the Department of Fraternal Mission. Check with your financial secretary for additional names and most recent addresses.

• Review the list to determine former members known to be residing in the area and still eligible for membership.

• Prepare information for a presentation for former members highlighting changes, new programs/activities/benefits and recent council achievements.

• Order promotional materials from Supplies Online. Prepare kits of these materials for distribution.

• Contact each former member by phone to arrange a personal visit or invite them to a reception for former members.

• If conducting personal visits, it may be helpful to utilize two members to meet with the former Brother and to tailor the presentation to highlight new changes/benefits, etc.

• If planning a “Welcome Back” or former-member reception be sure to invite your council chaplain and insurance agent to speak at the event.

• Ask every former member visited or those at reception to sign Membership Document (#100) to renew membership.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Recorder shall keep a true record of the doings of his council upon books approved by the Board of Directors and furnished by the Supreme Secretary at the expense of the council: conduct all correspondence of the council and shall perform such duties as the council or the Order may direct.

1. Retention Director. The Recorder shall be recorded as retention director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with implementing effective means of retaining members for the council as well as increasing attendance and involvement of council members.

2. Production of Minutes. The Grand Knight prior to the beginning of every Full Council Meeting shall provide the Recorder with an agenda to annotate as described in 1.1 of subsection 1 of Section 2 of this Article. The Recorder shall thus expect such from the Grand Knight, and maintain the Meeting Minutes according to the Grand Knights instruction. After each Full Council Meeting, the Recorder shall provide an electronic copy to the Chancellor to be added to the corresponding folder on the Knight Hub and notify the council.

3. Keeper of Records. As the Keeper of Records, the Recorder shall maintain records as he believes sufficient for the Council each year to best preserve the institutional memory of the council and shall add any notable achievements of the council to the website for publicity, coordinating with the Chancellor. The Recorder shall submit an updated Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Form 1728(coordinating with Warden and Treasurer) by January 31st to the parties designated by Form 1728.

Treasurer – The treasurer is responsible for managing the council funds, whether in bank or school accounts. He receives money from the financial secretary and deposits funds into council accounts. He is also responsible for paying all council expenses. He also balances and verifies the ledger and keeps the updated budget approved by the council.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

1. Be the Custodian of Funds. Be the custodian of all funds of the council obtained from any source, by or through any person or persons, acting for or in the name of the council or under its direction or authority.

2. Receive Monies, Etc. At each meeting of the council receives from the Financial Secretary all monies whatever received by said Secretary at such meeting, or between meetings, and shall give a written receipt to such Secretary, therefore, specifying the funds to which the same shall be credited. The money so received by such Treasurer shall be forthwith deposited by said Treasurer to the credit of the council in an approved bank or other secure institution of deposit, subject to KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 57 approval of the Board of Trustees or a majority vote of the council. He shall obtain vouchers or certificates of deposit therefore, a copy of each of which shall be delivered by such Treasurer to the acting Grand Knight before the next succeeding meeting. His deposit books may be accepted as such vouchers.

3. Pay to the Supreme Secretary. He shall pay to the Supreme Council all monies assessed by it or by the Board of Directors against his council upon order drawn and signed by the Financial Secretary and countersigned by the Grand Knight. Payment to the Supreme Council shall be by check, money order or draft, payable to “Knights of Columbus, Supreme Council” and no other form of payment shall be received by the Supreme Secretary nor shall any other form of payment discharge the subordinate council of its obligation.

4. Pay Orders Drawn. He shall pay all orders drawn on him which are signed by the Financial Secretary and countersigned by the Grand Knight. All such orders shall have the approval of the Board of Trustees, except demands of the Supreme Council, Board of Directors or State Councils, and the regular and usual stated payments of the council and payments authorized by the council after notice and vote in accordance with Section 122. Payment of all orders shall be by check, money order or draft signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Grand Knight.

5. Keep Accounts. He shall keep separate accounts of the monies placed in his hands by his council or the officers thereof that shall plainly show at all times the amount of monies in the general expense fund of the council, and the amount of monies in each and every special fund of such council and the dates of receiving and disbursing the same; such accounts to be kept in books furnished by the Supreme Secretary to such Treasurers at the expense of their respective councils.

6. Retain Orders. He shall retain all orders of the Grand Knight as his vouchers.

Advocate - The advocate acts as council parliamentarian. He should be knowledgeable in Robert's Rules of Order and Methods of Conducting a Council Meeting (#1937). He may seek legal assistance from the state advocate, should issues arise. The advocate should be able to take on additional responsibilities as the council deems necessary.

Also Review Article 1

Community Director - The community director is appointed by the grand knight and reports to the program director. Responsible for all community-based council programs. He directs programs that support and encourage service to the community that fight poverty, aid the individual, promote athletic events, and sponsor larger programs and campaigns. He should be comfortable contacting and coordinating with organizations that align in key areas of community assistance. Must complete required Safe Environment training and background check.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Advocate shall be the attorney (parliamentarian) of the council in case of trial and investigation of any matter whatsoever of interest to the council. He may seek legal assistance from the State advocate should issues arise. Preceding the meeting following the election, He shall have read and understood this document.

1. Judicial Board. He shall advise the Judicial Board, moderate all Evaluation Meetings maintaining the charity of conversation and actions therein, and appoint replacements for a vacated Judicial Board position as per Article II.

2. Community Director. The Advocate shall be recorded as the community director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with implementing volunteer work to help the community in any perceived need.

3. History of the Council. With the Help of the Recorder, the Advocate share send a completed council History Worksheet for the State’s current Form Book to the designated person by December 1st.

Lecturer - The lecturer provides brief spiritual discourses and reflections during business meetings for the “Good of the Order”. If the lecturer cannot be present, he should appoint a council member to give the reflection for him.

Faith Director - The faith director is appointed by the grand knight and reports to the program director. Responsible for all faith-based council programs. He should develop relationships with other catholic student center ministries to advance the needs of the whole campus ministry community at the pastor’s direction.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Lecturer shall endeavor to devise means to entertain his council at meetings with a prepared, brief spiritual discourse to be given by himself or another officer in his absence for the “Good of the Order”. He shall perform such duties as his council may direct.

1. Faith Director. The Lecturer shall be recorded as the faith director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with implementing effective means of improving the spiritual lives of Knights through various means, arranging/performing a brief presentation during a meeting, and/or other programs.

2. “Good of the Order”. The Lecturer shall represent the members of the council to grieving or newlywed/ordained/professed parties known to any member, upon request of any member of the council as prudence allows whether by card or attendance. The Lecturer shall co-ordinate with the Chancellor for the dispersal of prayer requests from such parties. The Lecturer shall maintain a record of ongoing prayer requests. The Lecturer shall report on all aforementioned duties of this subsection at every Full Council Meeting unless otherwise notified by the Grand Knight beforehand.

Warden - The warden is responsible for the property owned by the council. He is also in charge of setting up meetings and leads both the inside and outside guards. Many college councils utilize the warden and guards as custodians of the campus ministry property which may include raking leaves, shoveling snow and assisting with interior maintenance.

Membership Director - The membership director serves as the head of the Admission Committee and works to grow the council's membership through new and transfer members. He should actively identify potential recruits, plan recruitment programs, host informational meetings and encourage council members to seek candidates. In addition, the membership director should ensure that a council has access to frequent degree exemplifications (whether its own or local councils) and should work that each member reaches at least the third degree in a timely manner.

See more information in the Guards dropdown below

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Warden and Inside/Outside Guards shall be the Member and Recruitment Committee.

1. Member Director. The Warden shall be recorded as the member director on Form 365 or entered as such into the corresponding area of member management, and as such shall be concerned with providing the council with recruitment event ideas as well as using any given event as such with the help of the Guards and coordinating with the Recorder to provide each member with the best possible experience of being a member of this council. With the member’s interest/permission, the Member and Recruitment Committee may make a motion to appoint a member as a delegate to a convention (Supreme in the fall at the appropriate time and State by the end of January), as Knight of the Year, a Knight’s Family as Family of the Year, etc., and upon approval, complete the corresponding forms and send such forms to the designated person on the state council by the Form in the State’s Form Book corresponding to the current fraternal year.

2. Record Attendance. Record attendance in accord with Article I, Section 6. 

Inside/Outside Guards - The inside and outside guards carry out tasks given to them by the grand knight and follow the warden's orders. They are responsible for checking membership cards and allowing entrance to meetings. Councils should consider appointing additional inside and outside guards, especially among promising freshmen, as this provides early leadership opportunities.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Warden and Inside/Outside Guards shall be the Member and Recruitment Committee.

Supreme's Recommendations:

• Plan a full schedule of exemplifications.

• Identify and schedule recruitment methods that best suit the council’s needs and goals: church drives, open houses, team recruiting, etc.

• Set membership goals (exceed quota, achieve Star Council, win Century Club, break previous council recruitment record, etc.).

• Get the ENTIRE council involved. Those who don’t recruit directly can identify/suggest prospects.

Inviting Prospective Members:

Before you consider HOW to recruit, you must address the question WHO to recruit. There are many eligible Catholic men and their families who would enjoy participating in the Order. Identifying them is easier than you think.

• Approach pastors for parish rosters for potential Knights.

• Add all local priests who are not Knights to prospect list.

• Consider ushers, parish council members, choir members, lectors, mens’ club, etc., as prospects.

• Welcome all new parishioners by asking them to join.

• Recruit all 18-year-old Squires, and high school and college graduates.

• Consider all vendors who serve council as potential members.

• Add fathers, sons, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, grandfathers, grandsons.

• Order free copies of the Prospect Referral Card (#921) from Supplies Online. Distribute copies of the card to all members at the council meeting or in the newsletter. Ask that completed cards with names of friends/acquaintances be returned to the membership director.

• Advertise regularly in church bulletins, inviting interested prospects to contact the membership committee about joining.

• Contact former members.

• Use your imagination. Potential new members are all around you!

• Once you have your Prospect List, it’s important to reach out to them and invite them to join.

 How

• Send a personal invitation (by mail or email) each prospect and his family, personally signed by the grand knight.

• Contact each prospect within one week of the mailing to arrange a home visit by the membership committee or your recruitment team.

• Host a recruitment event and/or tell them why you joined and want others to join - What is your story?

ASK THE PROSPECT TO JOIN. Assist him in completing his Membership Document (#100) and collect fees.

• Ensure a prompt initiation. Inform the candidate of dates for the Admission committee interview and the next Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

Complete proposer duties:

• Accompany your prospect to the Admission Committee interview, Exemplification, council meetings;

• Introduce the prospect and family to council members;

• See that the prospect is assigned to committees/programs of interest.

• Follow-up with individuals and continue to invite them to events and befriend them

• Ask the man to complete the Member Interest Survey (#1842) to find out what type of activities are of interest to him. 

Trustees (3) - The trustees advise the grand knight, supervise the council's financial matters, and conduct the semiannual audits. Usually the immediate past grand knight will serve as a trustee. Some college councils utilize alumni members and/or university faculty members as the other two trustees to provide additional oversight and support.

Council Bylaws and the Constitution of the Order Prescribe:

The Board of Trustees shall consist of the Grand Knight and three members to be elected by the council. The Grand Knight shall be its chairman. At the first election of a new council, three trustees shall be elected, one to hold office for one year or until the next regular election, one for two years or until the second next regular election, and the other for three years or until the third next regular election, as determined by lot among themselves. Thereafter, at each succeeding election, one Trustee shall be chosen for a term of three years. The Trustees shall have supervision of all the financial business of the council and their approval shall be necessary for the payment of all monies except Benefit Fund monies and demands of the Supreme Council or Board of Directors or State Council, and the regular and usual stated payments of the council, and payments authorized by the council after notice and vote in accordance with Section 122. They shall audit the accounts of the Financial Secretary and Treasurer at least every twelve months, and in January and July report thereon to their council, State Deputy, District Deputy, and Supreme Secretary, upon blanks approved by the Board of Directors and furnished by the Supreme Council.