2. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• The Knights of Columbus was founded by
Father Michael J. McGivney so that men could
work together to serve their Parishes and
communities, protect the well being of their
Catholic families and support each other in
faith and in many other way’s along life’s
journey.
2
3. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• The Knights of Columbus offers its members
the opportunity to grow in their faith through
living the example of Charity that evangelizes
and personifies what it means to be a Catholic
gentleman through the practicing of good
works, this is the first and foremost principle
of our order. Unity and Fraternity are the
second and third principles of the Knights of
Columbus.
3
4. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• We are not just a Fraternity in name. We are a
brotherhood of Catholic men who each play a
part in improving the world around us, one
community at a time. We stand together in
faith, dedicated to uphold the principles we
cherish while lending our support and strength,
to Parish, Community, and fellow Knights.
4
5. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• We are all here today with the hope of sharing
information so that we can go home and be
able to lead our Councils to their best year in
Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.
5
6. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• This morning we are going to have an
interactive discussion on how you can lead
your Council to new heights by building a
Strong Visible Program.
6
7. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
Agenda
• We are going to define a Strong Visible Program.
• We are going to talk about the benefits of a Strong
Visible Council.
• We will review the existing Health of our Councils.
• We are going to review in detail how you can
utilize the Eight Featured Programs from Supreme
which are very Visible.
• We will then discuss other Programs that you are
currently doing in each of the six Activity Areas.
7
8. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
Agenda (continued)
• We will then discuss the best Organization
Structure , utilizing the Surge…with Service
Pamphlet, to be able to deliver these Programs.
• We will review the material that is in your Grand
Knights Handbook & Operations Manual.
• We will then look at the Seven Keys to a
Successful Council.
• We will finish up with a Challenge for this
Council Year.
8
9. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• How many of you are new Grand Knights ?
• How many of you are returning Grand
Knights?
9
10. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• I have experienced what a Strong Visible
Program can do for a Council.
• Four and a half years ago, Dwane Berens, the
current District Deputy for District 33, and I
were selected to be the Grand Knight and
Deputy Grand Knight respectively of our
Council in Colbert.
10
11. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• At that time our Council was probably average
with those across the State with meeting
attendance of 15 Knights and a program
comprised of a couple of donation breakfasts
per year coupled with a few other activities.
• Dwane and I challenged one another to the
Objective of taking our Council to a higher
level utilizing a Strong Visible Program.
11
12. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• We were not sure where to start so we looked
to information from Supreme. We read the
• Surge…with Service Pamphlet and the
• Leadership Guide for Membership
Recruitment.
12
13. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• The Leadership Guide gave us a sample
Survey to send to our membership and inquire
as to what it would take to get them involved
with Council Activities.
• Their responses were simple:
– More Community Service Activities
– More Church Service Activities
– More Social/Council Activities
13
14. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• The Surge…with Service Pamphlet helped
introduce us to the right organization structure
and was packed with projects that a Knights
Council can do. But the true spark that kindled the
fire to our success was the Summer Leadership
Meeting that year. Our current State Treasurer,
Bob Baemmert, who was then our State Warden,
led a morning presentation on Programs that
helped us realize the simplicity to the process that
would lead to success.
14
15. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• The results over the past 4 years have been
amazing.
– Council meetings averaging 65 to 70 Knights.
– Three International Service Program Awards for
Community Service.
– Council of the Year, three out of the last four years.
– Numerous State Program Awards.
– Over $210,000 dollars given as donations to Community,
Church and Youth activities.
– 80 new Members with 55% coming to us to join.
– Fulfilling the dream of Father Michael J. McGivney and
the reason why we all became Knights of Columbus.
– (story)
15
16. Washington State Council
Program Direction 2014-2015
• The State Officers and our State Program
Team are poised to help make this the best
year your Council has ever had. We are here to
assist you in every way possible.
• Your District Deputy’s are the frontline, there
to help you and share their experiences, so
don’t hesitate to call on them to guide you in
any area.
16
17. Washington State Council
Program
• Objective of the Program
– To build stronger Councils in Washington State by
utilizing a Strong Visible Program.
• Definition of a Strong Program
– At least one Program Project in each of the six
Program area’s per quarter.
– The Program Projects will have a major focus on the
Eight Featured Programs by Supreme because of the
visibility each will bring.
– A Program carried out by a large portion of the
Council.
17
18. Washington State Council
Program
• Definition of a Visible Program
– Knights wearing vests when carrying out the Project.
– Utilization of the Parish Bulletin before and after the
Project.
– Utilization of a Council Bulletin Board showing the
Project in Action.
– Utilization of Announcements from the Pulpit to
announce results of major projects and to thank the
Parish for their support whenever it occurs.
– Presentations at Mass to the Beneficiaries of Council
Projects.
18
21. 21
Leading the Parish in the “Prayer for Life” during Mass
Commemoration of 41st Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade
22. Thanks for Your Support
During the months of April and May the Knights of Columbus distributed 20
Wheelchairs that we were able to purchase through your support of our Wheelchair
Breakfast in late January. In addition to Shriners Hospital for Children pictured below
Wheelchairs were given to Catholic Charities, Manor Care, Franklin Hills, Regency
Northpointe, and Avalon Care Center.
22Bulletin Insert after Wheelchair Sunday Breakfast
26. Washington State Council
Program
• Benefits of a Strong Visible Program
– 1) Retention is easier as Knights want to be a part
of a successful Program that carries out the vision
of Father Michael J. McGivney. That is why they
became Knights in the first place. More “active”
Knights allows your Program to grow and will not
be done by the same 10 or 12 Knights each time.
(Story)
26
27. Washington State Council
Program
• Benefits of a Strong Visible Program
– 2) Service to the Church, Community, Family, and
Youth gets accomplished and gains you the respect
of your Pastor, your Parish, and your Community.
(Story)
– 3) Membership recruitment becomes easier
because of number 2 above and your Council will
grow and will continually get stronger with the
addition of each new Knight. (Story)
27
28. Washington State Council
Program
• Before we begin reviewing how to get to be a
Strong Visible Council we need to take a first
step and that is for each Grand Knight to
determine the Health of his own Council.
• This Health check will not only make you
think about where you have been, but later this
morning, will allow each of you to set some
objectives that you would like to accomplish
during the 2014 – 2015 Council Year.
28
29. Washington State Council
Program
• Health Check
1) What is the number of members in your Council?
2) What is the average number of Knights that
attend your monthly Council meetings?
3) Do you hold Monthly Officer & Directors
Meetings?
4) Do you utilize the seven Directors as laid out in
the Surge…with Service Pamphlet?
29
30. Washington State Council
Program
• Health Check (continued)
– 5) Did your Council do a Coats for Kids fundraiser
during the past Council year?
– 6) Did your Council collect food for a Food Bank
during the past Council year?
– 7) Did your Council do a Wheelchair fundraiser
during the past Council year?
– 8) Did your Council participate in a March for Life
or an Ultra Sound Project during the past Council
year?
30
31. Washington State Council
Program
• Health Check (continued)
– 9) Did your Council work on a Habitat for
Humanity Project during the past Council year?
– 10) Did your Council support Special Olympics
through the Tootsie Roll Program or other Project?
– 11) Did your Council do a Refund Support
Vocations Program (RSVP) during the past
Council year?
31
32. Washington State Council
Program
• Health Check (continued)
– 12) Does your Council have a Bulletin Board in
your Parish?
– 13) Does your Council do a monthly Newsletter
and do you send it to the State Webmaster?
– 14) Do you have a Council Brochure?
– 15) Does your Council recognize a Knight and a
Family of the Month?
– 16) How is the Council’s relationship with your
Pastor? Choices: ( Poor – Okay – Good – Excellent)
32
33. Washington State Council
Program
• Health Check (continued)
– 17) Did your Council hold a Program Planning
Meeting during the past Council year?
– 18) Did your Council attain 100% of it’s
Membership Goal during this past Council year?
– 19) Did your Council earn the Star Award during
the past Council year?
– 20) How many years has it been since your
Council received the Star Award?
33
34. Washington State Council
Program
• Health Check (continued)
– 21) When was the last time your Council did a
Survey asking the membership it’s opinion’s as
how to get better participation as well as each
individual's likes and dislikes?
– 22) Have you ever read the Surge…with Service
Pamphlet?
– 23) Have you ever read the Leadership Guide for
Membership Recruitment?
34
35. Washington State Council
Program
• Now that we have taken our Health Check on
where our Councils stand today we can begin
on how we are going to take our Councils to
the Next Level.
35
36. Washington State Council
Program
• To begin our goal to Build a Strong Visible
Program we are going to review the Eight Featured
Programs from Supreme.
• We will go into some detail of each and then I am
going to ask you to share some of the great Programs
your Council does in each of the six Activity Areas.
• I would like this to be as interactive as possible so
please add your comments as I am presenting and fire
away with any questions you may have.
36
38. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids – (Youth)
– How to Conduct a Coats for Kids Campaign.
– Determine the Need – School Principals and
Resource Center Directors can help with this.
– Determine the best way to meet the need – A
Donation Breakfast for new coats and/or a Gently
Used Coat Drive.
– Meet with your Pastor – Explain what you would like
to do – who you are going to help – and what part you
would like him to play. This is a great Community
Outreach Project.
38
39. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Advertise the Event – Two weeks before the
event and again one week before make a Pulpit
Announcement and have a Parish Bulletin insert
explaining the event and who you are helping.
– Tip for Donation Breakfasts – When you do your
Pulpit Announcements make sure you have a donation jar
in the “Gathering Space” of you Church. Make sure that
your Pulpit Announcement tells your Parishioners that a
Donation Jar is there for anyone who cannot make the
Breakfast but would like to support the cause. (Story)
39
40. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Fulfill the Need – When you meet with your Pastor
you might seek permission to hold a “Gently Used
Coat Drive.” This will help you get to your target
number of coats.
– Complete your Normal Donation Breakfast Prep.
• Determine the Menu.
• Purchase the Food.
• Enlist Cooks and Servers.
• Enlist Clean-up Team.
• Stack of Form 100’s available for potential candidates.
40
41. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Take Pictures of the Breakfast for Newsletter & Bulletin
Board.
– Get the Revenue and Receipts to the F.S.
– Determine how many Coats you can purchase and Place
your Order.
• The Supreme Council has a great quality coat that they offer for
$16.25 each. They come in a case of 12 coats and with the
freight delivered to your Church door the cost is $220 per case.
• This year, for the first time, Supreme will be offering Adult coats
at $20.50 a coat. They come in a case of 12 and with the freight
the cost is $271 per case.
41
42. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Tips for Purchasing Coats –
• 1) Supreme will fill an order for specific sizes. Your
contact is Robert Ennis- Director of Fraternal
Operations & Programs – robert.ennis@kofc.org or via
telephone at (203) 752-4616.
• 2) Supreme cannot fill small sizes such as 2T and 3T.
However you can get a great price (not quite as good
from Supreme) at Burlington Coat Factory and if you
ask for the Manager and tell him about your project you
will receive an extra 15% off the already reduced price.
(Stores in: Auburn; Edmonds; Kennewick; Spokane; Tacoma)
42
43. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– When coats arrive arrange for presentation date.
• Ensure you have several Knights (In Vests if possible)
• Invite your Pastor.
• Take plenty of pictures – Parish Bulletin and Council
Bulletin Board.
– Thank your Parish for their support.
• Do a Pulpit Announcement - telling them how many
coats you have purchased and if you do a “Gently Used
Collection” how many coats you collected.
• Do a “Thanks for Your Support” Bulletin Insert
using the pictures of Knights delivering the coats.
43
44. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Thank your Parish for their support.
• Do a Pulpit Announcement - telling them how many
coats you have purchased and if you do a “Gently Used
Collection” how many coats you collected. Tell them
again which organization the coats have been given to.
• Do a “Thanks for Your Support” Bulletin Insert
using the pictures of Knights delivering the coats.
44
45. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Additional Tips –
• Once you have received coats from Supreme if it is
possible to keep a few in inventory to utilize for your
next Coats for Kids Breakfast you will find that they are
great visual aids for your Parish when advertising.
Also, the quality and appearance are so good your
Parishioners will feel proud that they are giving a coat
of such quality.
• Once your event is over do a “Lessons Learned
Review” with your Chairman and members of the
committee.
45
46. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Issues/Concerns
• If you’re a small or financially troubled Parish any size
donation is a start to help those in need so do not be
afraid to jump in.
– If you have any questions once you get home
contact your State Youth Chairman – Ken DeVos
for help – youth@kofc-wa.org or via phone at
(206) 248-2543.
46
47. Washington State Council
Program
• Coats for Kids (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful Coats for Kids
Program do two things:
• 1) Drop our State Youth Chairman Ken DeVos a quick
email about your success. He will contact you so that he
can do an article for the State Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
47
48. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Youth Programs
– Who would like to tell us about a great program
that their Council does to support the Youth of
their Parish or the Community?
– In your explanation of the Project please mention
any of the particular important “Prep Items” you
do to insure a successful event.
48
49. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Youth Programs (continued)
– K of C Soccer Challenge
– Halloween Carnival
– K of C Free Throw Championship
– College Bound Scholarships
– Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest
– Youth Group Mentors
– If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Youth Chairman – Ken DeVos for help –
youth@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (206) 248-2543.
49
51. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families – (Family)
– Determine the need – There are 172 Food Bank’s
located in 103 cities in WA State. Meet with the
Director of the facility to determine their needs and
gather information for your Pastor and Parish.
– Determine the best way to meet the need – A one
time Shelf Re-stocking or a Monthly Campaign.
– Meet with your Pastor – Explain what you would like
to do – who you are going to help – and what part you
would like him to play. This is a great Community
Outreach Project.
51
52. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– If your plan is to do a monthly food collection
at your Parish:
• 1) Obtain a list of food related items the Food
Bank desires. Get a listing from your Parish Office
of the number of Parishioner Families in each letter
of the Alphabet. Making the assumption that
everyone will contribute divide up the last name
alphabetically with the food items to get an even
distribution of the required items.
52
53. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
• 2) Do a Bulletin Insert explaining who we are
going to help, the need – how many families/
number of people needing help and the Campaign –
i.e. We are going to do this on the First Saturday
and Sunday of each Month. Give the Campaign a
name – “Food Sunday Weekend.”
• 3) Do a Pulpit Announcement explaining the
Campaign.
• 4) Put up signs the week before the event.
53
54. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– Tips for Food Collection Process
• You will need containers to collect the food in. Recycle
bins from Waste Management are excellent for this
purpose. Call your District Manager and explain your
need.
• Always utilize a Donation Jar on the table for anyone
who has forgotten to bring food but would like to support
the cause.
• Check with your Pastor about utilizing a wicker basket
filled with food to be brought to the Altar with the Gifts
during the Offertory part of the Mass.
54
55. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– Tips for Food Collection Process
• You will need a constant reminder for your
Parishioners. You can adopt a yellow circle with “Food
Sunday” on it. This can be on the signs you put up in
the Church the week before the collection. You can also
print yellow labels and insert them in the Parish
Bulletin (12 per Bulletin) for Family Calendars.
55
56. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– 5) Plan on having at least three Knights at a
table in the Gathering Space to collect food.
• Greet each Parishioner and thank them for their support.
• As bins are filled they will need to be taken to a storage
room.
• Have a stack of Form 100’s available for potential
candidates.
– 6) Turn over any cash donations to the F.S. These
funds will be used to Purchase Additional Food.
56
57. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– 7) Deliver the food to the Food Bank.
• Your food will be weighed in upon arrival.
• Take some pictures of the Food Bank and its operation
for your Council Bulletin Board and Parish Bulletin.
– 8) Do a Pulpit Announcement telling the Parish
the results in lbs. of the first event.
– 9) Post your pictures on the Council Bulletin
Board and on an insert for the Parish Bulletin.
57
58. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– Other Opportunities
• 1) Meet with the Manager of your local Supermarket
and ask if they are willing to help sponsor a Food Drive
by asking customers to purchase additional food while
shopping and put in designated bins by the exit doors.
• 2) Assist in helping at a Soup Kitchen on given days of
the month. Meet with the Director and see how your
Council can make a difference in their efforts.
58
59. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– Supreme Food Reimbursement Program
– Councils are eligible to receive rebates from the Supreme
Council for participating in such programs. For every $500
– or every 1,000 pounds of food – that a council contributes
to a food bank, food pantry, or soup kitchen, the Supreme
Council will rebate the council $100 up to a maximum of
$500 per council per fraternal year. Report this activity
using the Food for Families Reimbursement Program
Refund and Plaque Application (No. 10057) by June 30th.
59
61. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– Supreme Food Reimbursement Program
• During the presentation of the check to the local Food
Bank the presentation is from the Parish and the Knights
of Columbus.
• What a great way to show your fellow Parishioners
what the Knights of Columbus is all about.
• Take pictures for Council Bulletin Board and
Newsletter.
61
62. Washington State Council
Program
• Food for Families (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful Food for
Families Campaign do two things:
• 1) Drop our State Family Chairman Steve Snell a quick
email about your success. He will contact you so that he
can do an article for the State Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
62
63. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Tips for Food for Families
– Supreme contact for the Reimbursement Program is
Jason Porrello – Program Coordinator Youth
Programs – jason.porrello@kofc.org or telephone
(203) 752-4571.
– Normal processing time for reimbursement is 30 to 40
days.
– If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Family Chairman – Steve Snell for help –
family@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (509) 525-4534.
63
64. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Family Programs
– Who would like to tell us about a great program
that their Council does to support Families in their
Parish?
– In your explanation of the Project please mention
any of the particular important “Prep Items” you
do to insure a successful event.
64
65. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Family Programs (continued)
– Wine Experience
– Lenten Dinners after Stations of the Cross
– Oktoberfest
– Parish Picnic
– Mother’s Day Breakfast
– If you have any questions once you get home
contact your State Family Chairman – Steve Snell
for help – family@kofc-wa.org or via phone at
(509) 525-4534
65
67. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity – (Community Svc.)
– Background – Habitat for Humanity seeks to eliminate
poverty, housing and homelessness one family at a
time. The organization assists in providing quality-built,
affordable homes to needy families by cooperatively,
involving the future homeowner with community
volunteers and suppliers to build the home.
– Each home owner is required to put their own sweat
equity into the program, working 400 hours on
someone else’s home and 100 hours on their own home.
67
68. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
• Steps involved in participating :
– Determine the Need - Contact the local Habitat
for Humanity affiliate in your community. Visit
www.habitat.org or e-mail volunteer@habitat.org
for information. They will be able to brief you on
the volunteer opportunities available.
– There are 36 Habitat affiliates in Washington State.
68
69. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
– Meet with Your Pastor – explain the need and
suggest that this be a Parish wide outreach project.
This is a great way for Knights to build camaraderie
and meet other men in the Parish that could
potentially gain new members for the Council.
– Do a pulpit announcement and Bulletin Insert
explaining the need and give a date in the next week
for an information meeting.
69
70. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
– At the meeting after explaining the need, the
location, and the work day’s and times, hand out
the Habitat Volunteer Applications and Voluntary
Waiver and Release of Liability Form to be filled
out by all interested parties.
– Develop a calendar of build dates as most
Habitat Projects do not run six days a week.
Distribute the calendar to all parties.
70
71. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
– Arrange for car pooling to the work site.
– Insure that no one takes on a project that they are
not comfortable – there is plenty of work to do
without anyone risking injury.
– Take pictures to display in the Gathering Space at
Church so the entire Parish can see the effort that
the Parish and the Knights are making. Also to be
used for the Council Bulletin Board and Newsletter.
71
72. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
– Tips while at Habitat
– 1) This is a construction site – you should dress
accordingly – good work boots and gloves. You will
need to purchase a good tool belt – while all tools are
furnished by Habitat you may want to bring a hammer
and ruler of your own.
– 2) Hard Hats and safety glasses are required. They
will be provided – wear them at all times.
– 3) Don’t forget to bring a lunch and beverage as they
are not provided by Habitat.
72
73. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
• Tips while at Habitat
• 4) Work is done in teams – keep your Knights/Parish team
together to build camaraderie.
• 5) Keep track of the hours worked each day.
• 6) If you feel uncomfortable with the job site – due to snow
on the ground – or for any reason tell the supervisor on the
job – do not risk injury.
• 7) There are many volunteers working a Habitat Project.
They are not all skilled carpenters so you may spend some
of your time repairing what others have done incorrectly.
73
74. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
– If you have any questions once you get home
contact your State Community Service Chairman
Mike McCloskey at community@kofc-wa.org or
via telephone at (206) 459-6872.
74
75. Washington State Council
Program
• Habitat for Humanity (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful start on a
Habitat for Humanity Project do two things:
• 1) Drop our State Community Service Chairman Mike
McCloskey a quick email about your success. He will
contact you so that he can do an article for the State
Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
75
77. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program – (Community Svc.)
– Background – In 2003 the Knights of Columbus
began participating in the Global Wheelchair
Mission and since then have delivered the gift of
mobility with over 45,000 wheelchairs.
– A $500 Wheelchair can be purchased for $150.
– Contact for Global Wheelchair Mission is Dan
Moberg at dmoberg@amwheelchair.org or via
telephone at (208) 457-0745.
77
78. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– How to Conduct a Wheelchair Sunday Program.
– Determine the need. Hospitals, Senior Care
Facilities, VFW Posts, Catholic Charities.
– Meet with your Pastor to discuss the ways to
conduct the Program and seek his approval.
• 1) Presentation by Global Wheelchair personnel after
the Homily at Mass with a second collection taken
during Mass. (Contact Dan Moberg – they will arrive on
Saturday and will meet with your Council Members and
Pastor to explain their process).
78
79. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
• Meet with your Pastor (continued)
• 2) Pulpit Announcement by the Council describing the
need with a second collection taken during Mass.
(Prepare your Pulpit speech and have Knights take up the
second collection.)
• 3) A Donation Breakfast after the Masses with the
proceeds used to purchase Wheelchairs.
79
80. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Tips on Program Process
– 1) Regardless of whatever method you choose you
need to advertise the event at least 2 weeks in
advance so that your Parishioners understand the
purpose of the event.
– 2) Insure that you have a donation jar in the
Gathering Space at Church on the first weekend
you make your announcement for those who won’t
be there when the event happens but want to
support your cause.
80
81. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– If you are doing a Donation Breakfast complete your
normal prep.
• Determine the Menu.
• Purchase the Food.
• Enlist Cooks and Servers.
• Enlist Clean-up Team.
• Stack of Form 100’s available for potential
candidates.
81
82. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Take Pictures of the Breakfast for Newsletter &
Bulletin Board.
– Get the Revenue and Receipts to the F.S.
– Determine how many Wheelchairs you can
purchase and Place your Order. Contact
Community Service Chair Mike McCloskey at
community@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (206)
459-6872.
82
83. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Tips for Wheelchair Purchases
– 1) When your gathering your information as to the
Need ask the recipient the particular size they
require as the Wheelchairs come in 5 sizes - 12” -
14” – 16” – 18” and 20”. Children’s Hospitals
such as Shriners Hospital for Children prefer the
12” and 14”Wheelchairs.
83
84. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Tips for Wheelchair Purchases
– 2) The Washington State Wheelchairs are stored in
Richland so in order to avoid the cost of freight
your Council would need to pick them up. A better
way is to inquire at a Council Meeting if one of
your Knights has a business contact with a freight
carrier who will do it at no charge once they
understand what they are transporting.
84
85. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– When the wheelchairs arrive arrange for a
presentation date.
• Ensure you have several Knights (In Vests if possible)
– Each Wheelchair comes in the “typical” folded position. The
only assembly required is to install the foot rests on each side
of the Wheelchair, peel off the plastic protector’s from the tires
and arm rests.
• Invite your Pastor.
• Take plenty of pictures – Parish Bulletin and Council
Bulletin Board.
85
86. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Thank your Parish for their support.
• Do a Pulpit Announcement - telling them how many
wheelchairs you have purchased and where they will be
going.
• Do a “Thanks for Your Support” Bulletin Insert using
the pictures of Knights delivering the wheelchairs. It is
great if you can take pictures of the “real recipients” who
will use the Wheelchair.
86
87. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Issues/Concerns
• If you’re a small or financially troubled Parish any size
donation is a start to help those in need so do not be afraid to
jump in. Just one Wheelchair will have an impact on 10 lives.
– Questions – anything we have not covered?
– If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Community Service Chairman – Mike
McCloskey for help – community@kofc-wa.org or
via phone at (206) 459-6872.
87
88. Washington State Council
Program
• Wheelchair Program (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful Wheelchair
Program do two things:
• 1) Drop our State Community Service Chairman Mike
McCloskey a quick email about your success. He will
contact you so that he can do an article for the State
Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
88
89. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Community Service Programs
– Who would like to tell us about a great program
that their Council does to support the Community?
– In your explanation of the Project please mention
any of the particular important “Prep Items” you
do to insure a successful event.
89
90. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Community Svc. Projects (continued)
– Highway Rest Stop – Motorist Refreshments
– Helping People With Disabilities
– Cutting & Splitting Firewood for those in Need.
• If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Community Service Chairman – Mike
McCloskey for help – community@kofc-wa.org or
via phone at (206) 459-6872.
90
92. Washington State Council
Program
• Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP)
– Background –
– Since the inception of the RSVP Program in 1981,
Councils around the world have provided $60
million in financial support to more than 98,000
seminarians, postulates and novices.
– The Supreme Council will refund each Council
$100 for every $500 in financial support provided
up to a maximum refund of $400 per individual
($2,000 in contributions).
92
93. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– How to Conduct The RSVP Program
– 1) Identify a seminarian to support. Contact the State RSVP
Chairman Tim Coyle at
– pfh@kofc-wa.org or via telephone at (509) 939-3424
– 2) Send a letter of introduction. After a seminarian’s name
and address is secured, prepare a letter of introduction from
the Council.
– 3) Determine how the support money is to be raised.
Normally a donations breakfast.
93
94. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– 4) Do a pulpit announcement and a Parish
Bulletin Insert at least two weeks before the
event. Place a donation jar in the gathering space
for anyone who will not be in town the day of the
event but would like to support the cause.
– 5) Invite the Seminarian to Mass before the
breakfast so that he can be introduced by your
Pastor to the Parish Community.
94
95. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– 6) If you are doing a Donation Breakfast complete
your normal prep.
• Determine the Menu.
• Purchase the Food.
• Enlist Cooks and Servers.
• Enlist Clean-up Team.
• Stack of Form 100’s available for potential candidates.
95
96. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– 7) Take Pictures of the Breakfast for Newsletter &
Bulletin Board.
– 8) Get the Revenue and Receipts to the F.S.
– 9) Determine how the money will be presented.
Best if you can do it at a Mass in front of your
Parishioners.
– 10) When presenting the money notify the
diocesan vocations director.
96
97. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– 11) Use RSVP Refund application (#2863) found
on the Supreme Website at kofc.org.
– To be eligible for a refund:
• Monies must be given directly to an individual (not to
and institution or fund).
• Money given to an individual must be vocations related.
• Paid with a check drawn from the Council account.
• Copies of the check or other documentation must
accompany the application for a refund.
97
98. Washington State Council
Program
• If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State RSVP Chairman – Tim Coyle for help –
pfh@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (509) 939-3424.
98
99. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– RSVP assistance also involves prayer and moral
support. Stay in contact with the seminarian.
– Encourage Parishioners and Council Members to
keep them in their prayers.
– Arrange for the Seminarian to host a group of
young people at their Seminary to meet other
Seminarians and get a feeling of preparing for the
priesthood.
99
100. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful RSVP Program
do two things:
• 1) Drop our State RSVP Chairman Tim Coyle a quick
email about your success. He will contact you so that he
can do an article for the State Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
100
101. Washington State Council
Program
• RSVP Program (continued)
• Because of the amount of RSVP Programs done by local
Councils we have a specific RSVP Chairman for this
activity as well as Pennies For Heaven - Tim Coyle.
• We also have a separate Church Chairman – Leo O’Dore
his contact information is church@kofc-wa.org or via
phone at (206) 427-5054.
101
102. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Church Programs
– Who would like to tell us about a great program
that their Council does to support their Church?
– In your explanation of the Project please mention
any of the particular important “Prep Items” you
do to insure a successful event.
102
103. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Church Programs (continued)
– Altar Server Recognition Breakfast
– Parish Auction
– Spring Clean-up at the Church & Rectory
– Keep Christ in Christmas Event
– Debt Reduction for Bishop White Seminary
• If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Church Chairman – Leo O’ Dore for help
church@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (206) 427-5054.
103
105. Washington State Council
Program
• March for Life – Culture of Life
– Background
– The Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Programs
are the very essence of being a Catholic and a
foundation of the Order’s principles.
– Respect for Life allows our Councils to stand in
solidarity with our bishop, our priests and our Church.
– The March for Life commemorates the anniversary of
the U.S. Supreme Court’s infamous Roe vs. Wade
decision that legalized abortion on January 22, 1973.
105
106. Washington State Council
Program
• March for Life (continued)
– How to get involved in a March for Life:
– 1) The March is held annually in Washington, D.C.
on or around January 22nd.
– 2) In Washington State there are several Marches
that local Council’s can participate in:
• Olympia
• Spokane
106
107. Washington State Council
Program
• March for Life (continued)
– 3) Local Marches are excellent ways to involve
Parishioners in the Culture of Life Activities of the
Council.
– 4) Knights should carry Council banners and
Knights of Columbus posters, wear jackets with
the Knights of Columbus emblem, and walk
together to show the Order’s support for the right
to life.
107
108. Washington State Council
Program
• March for Life (continued)
– Tips for March for Life
– 1) Councils should work with their Pastor to let the
Knights lead the Parish in a Prayer for Life during
Mass, after the Intercessions, on the Sunday
commemorating the Roe vs. Wade decision.
– 2) Be prepared for winter and dress accordingly.
– 3) If your Council can assist the marchers in any
way, via food or beverage please make the effort.
108
109. Washington State Council
Program
• March for Life (continued)
• If you have any questions once you get home
contact your State Culture of Life Chairs –
Andy & Joanne Kopriva for help at
cultureoflife@kofc-wa.org or via phone at
(509) 396-0876.
109
110. Washington State Council
Program
• March for Life (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful March for Life
Program do two things:
• 1) Drop our State March for Life Chairman Andy Kopriva
a quick email about your success. He will contact you so
that he can do an article for the State Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
110
112. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative – Culture of Life
– Background
– The Knights of Columbus initiative seeks to
provide medically certified pro-life pregnancy
centers with the modern technology to let mothers
hear and see their babies in utero and experience
their development.
– Since its inception in 2009 over 350 Ultrasound
Machines costing over $10 million have been
purchased through this program in the U.S.
112
113. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– When a Council fund-raising campaign raises one-
half of the cost of purchasing an ultrasound
machine for a pro-life pregnancy center, the
Supreme Council will match the other half of the
machine’s cost.
113
114. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– How to Qualify for Matching Funds:
– 1) Review the “Ultrasound Initiative Guidelines”
and “Frequently Asked Questions,” available on
the Supreme website at www.kofc.org/ultrasound,
for complete guidelines.
– 2) Locate a pro-life pregnancy care center that is
prepared to receive, use and maintain an
ultrasound machine.
114
115. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultra Sound Initiative (continued)
– 3) Present a Diocesan Evaluation form
(#9884) to the diocesan Culture of Life
Director, who will recommend whether or
not the pregnancy center will be eligible to
participate in the Ultrasound Initiative, by
working with the Council to determine if the
pregnancy care center will be able to staff
and operate the machine.
115
116. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultra Sound Initiative (continued)
– This will include:
• A) Ensuring that the center is properly licensed under
state and local laws and regulations to operate an
ultrasound machine.
• B) Ensuring that the center is affiliated with a medical
doctor who is willing to oversee the ultrasound machine
operations.
• C) Ensuring that the machine will be staffed with
licensed and experienced medical personnel.
• D) Ensuring that the center had adequate insurance for
the machine.
116
117. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– 4) Determine that the pregnancy care center is not
anti-Catholic in any way.
– 5) Once a positive Diocesan Evaluation form has
been submitted and acknowledged by the Supreme
Office, the pregnancy care center’s director should
chose an ultrasound machine that will meet the
center’s need. Get a quote for the machine (not
including sales tax, shipping charges, maintenance
agreements or other add-on costs).
117
118. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– 6) If the Council commits to raising 50% of the
cost of the machine, fundraising can then begin.
– 7) The Council must be actively involved in
raising the funds for half of the purchase price. The
Council should designate, or open a Council bank
account to receive the funds, which should be kept
separate from other Council funds, to assure tax
deductibility of donations.
118
119. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– 8) Donated checks should be made out to “Knights
of Columbus”, not to the pregnancy care center, to
assure that all donations are counted towards the
Council’s share of the funds to be raised and
matched.
– 9) Once the funds for not less that half of the
purchase price are raised, the Ultrasound Initiative
application (#4886) should be completed, signed
by the State Deputy and submitted to the Supreme
Council Office.
119
120. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– Note: While the pregnancy care center may
certainly assist in fundraising, if the pregnancy
care center raises the funds predominantly on its
own, without ongoing and significant involvement
of the Council, the pregnancy care center will not
be eligible for matching funds from the Supreme
Council Office.
120
121. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– 10) Plan a check presentation or ribbon cutting ceremony
to be held when the Ultrasound machine is delivered or is
ready for operation. Never just mail a check. (Story)
– 11) Take pictures for your Council Bulletin Board and
your Parish Bulletin.
– If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Culture of Life Chairs – Andy & Joanne
Kopriva for help at cultureoflife@kofc-wa.org or via
phone at (509) 396-0876.
121
122. Washington State Council
Program
• Ultrasound Initiative (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful Ultrasound
Initiative Program do two things:
• 1) Drop our State March for Life Chairman Andy Kopriva
a quick email about your success. He will contact you so
that he can do an article for the State Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
122
123. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Culture of Life Programs
– Who would like to tell us about a great program
that their Council does to support Culture of Life?
– In your explanation of the Project please mention
any of the particular important “Prep Items” you
do to insure a successful event.
123
124. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Culture of Life Programs
– Culture of Life Booth at the Spokane Interstate Fair
– Forty Days for Life Prayer around the Altar
– Childbirth and Parenting Assistance Baby Shower in
support of Catholic Charities -
• Catholic Charities of Yakima – John Young
• Catholic Community Services of Western WA – Tony Mestres
• Catholic Charities of Spokane - Rob McCann
– If you have any questions once you get home
contact your State Culture of Life Chairs – Andy
& Joanne Kopriva for help at cultureoflife@kofc-
wa.org or via phone at (509) 396-0876.
124
126. Washington State Council
Program
• Special Olympics (Council)
– Background :
• The Knights of Columbus believes that Special
Olympics is unparalleled in its ability to show the
intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being. In the
last three years Council throughout the U.S. have
contributed $7.7 million to Special Olympics, and
160,000 members have volunteered 670,000 hours in
support of the program.
126
127. Washington State Council
Program
• Special Olympics (continued)
– How to get involved with Special Olympics:
1) Councils can assist Special Olympics at the local
or state level.
2) Special Olympics is a year-round program.
Knights and Parishioners can provide volunteer
support for both Summer and Winter Games, and in
training the athletes in preparation for competitions.
127
128. Washington State Council
Program
• Special Olympics (continued)
– 3) Volunteers can staff information centers, food
courts and other support functions.
– 4) Volunteers can get the greatest satisfaction
through the direct interaction with the athletes,
helping with competitions or awards presentations
– 5) Host a “Thank You” or “Open House” for all
volunteers who gave of their time and talent.
128
129. Washington State Council
Program
• Special Olympics (continued)
– It is our intent to post a Calendar of Events for Special
Olympics Activities on the K of C State Website. This
Calendar will go out 3 to 6 months and show the activities
that are occurring in the various cities across WA State. It
will be our aim to provide this for your Council Planning
Purposes. We will also do articles in the State Bulletin each
month to highlight where volunteers are needed to ensure
the success of an event.
– We should know in about 30 to 45 days how we can help
local athletes in preparation for the 2015 World Games.
129
130. Washington State Council
Program
• Special Olympics (continued)
• If you have any questions once you get home contact
your State Special Olympics Chairman – Joe James
for help at specialolympics@kofc-wa.org or via phone
at (206) 406-3606.
• We also have a State Council Chairman – Joe Wolleat
that you can contact for any Council questions at
Council@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (253) 394-3147.
130
131. Washington State Council
Program
• Special Olympics (continued)
– Now that you have had a successful Special
Olympics Program, do two things:
• 1) Drop our State Special Olympics Chairman Joe James
a quick email about your success. He will contact you so
that he can do an article for the State Newsletter.
• 2) Start planning for your next Highly Visible Supreme
Featured Program at your next Officers & Directors
Meeting.
131
132. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Council Programs
– Who would like to tell us about a great program
that their Council does in the area of Council
Activities?
– In your explanation of the Project please mention
any of the particular important “Prep Items” you
do to insure a successful event.
132
133. Washington State Council
Program
• Additional Council Programs (continued)
– Wives Appreciation Dinner Dance
– Council Newsletter
– Council Christmas Party
– Founders Day Dinner Dance
– Officer & Director Installation and Dinner
– If you have any questions once you get home contact your
State Council Chairman – Joe Wolleat for help at
council@kofc-wa.org or via phone at (253) 394-3147.
133
135. Washington State Council
Program
• Now that we have talked about Programs, I
would now like you to take your Council
Health Check Form and fill in the 2014-2015
Objectives Column.
• Based on what you have heard today hopefully
you can bring some of the Eight Featured
Programs to your Council and begin to build a
Strong Visible Program.
• (Collect the Reports)
135
137. Washington State Council
Program
• Washington State Service Program Report
– Each month the Grand Knight or the Program Director
should fill out the Service Program Report. The report
is found on the State Website. This report replaces the
Grand Knights 1,000 Point Report.
– It is different from the 1,000 Point Report in two ways:
• 1) It includes all of the Eight Supreme Featured
Programs we have discussed today.
• 2) There is no restriction on the number of Program
Points you can earn.
137
138. Washington State Council
Program
• Washington State Service Program Report
– The report is due on the 10th of the following month.
– A hard copy version of the report is found in the Grand
Knights Handbook & Operations Manual, which will
address shortly, on pages 72 – 74.
– This report will be used by your District Deputy and
the Program Team to help you achieve your Objectives
for the Year.
– This report will by used by the State Deputy as one of
the tools in determining the Top Council in the State.
138
139. Washington State Council
Program
• We have talked about a number of great programs today.
• There are many more in the Surge…with Service
pamphlet. By now you Financial Secretary’s have received
12 copies of the Surge… with Service Kit CD and there
are more hard copy pamphlets available for purchase in
the Country Store.
• Use whatever media fit’s your team…but use it.
139
141. Washington State Council
Program
• Now that we have talked about the
Program, we are going to focus on the
organization structure you should have in
place to be able to deliver them.
141
142. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service
– Structure and people are vital to success.
– First and foremost you need to select the Program Director
and there is no one more perfect for this position than your
Deputy Grand Knight.
• The Program Director provides the leadership, guidance and
direction needed in Council programming.
– Next is the appointment of the seven Activities Directors:
• Membership - Church – Community – Council
• Culture of Life – Family - Youth
142
143. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– Tips to your Organization Decisions
– 1) Do not choose a man for a position as an
“honor” simply because he is a long-time member.
To name a man to a post for which he is not suited
is unfair to the man and to the Council.
– 2) Appointees should:
• Be respected by Council members.
• Have the ability to organize and supervise the work of
various chairman.
• Communicate, guide, and instill enthusiasm in others.
143
144. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– You are now ready to conduct your first Program
Meeting. Attendees should be the Council Officers
and All Directors.
– You should send an agenda to all participants along
with a hard copy or a CD of the Surge…with Service
ahead of time so everyone is prepared for the
meeting.
144
145. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– Do a quick review of the prior year programs and
determine which ones you would like to repeat.
– Then review the Program Presentation from the
Summer Leadership Meeting giving particular
emphasis to the Health Check and the Objectives you
picked for the 2014-2015 Council Year. Review those
items in detail with your team, emphasizing what a
Strong Visible Program will do for your Council,
and then pick a time on the Council Calendar when
they can occur.
145
146. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– Stress programs needed in each area to earn the
Star Council Award and at the same time focus
on the benefits of a Strong Visible Program. This
needs to be the goal of the entire team.
– The key to teamwork is organization so that
everyone understands what is expected of one
another. Having a written job description in the
beginning will help alleviate any problems later
on.
146
147. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– Once you have determined the Program for the
Council Year you will know how many chairman
you will need to lead these efforts.
– Filling chairman positions is not always easy, not
because people don’t want the responsibility, but
because they don’t want to let the Council down by
doing a poor job getting involved in an area where
they don’t feel all that confident.
147
148. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– There are two things that every Council should do
to alleviate these problems faced by their Chairman:
• 1) Build it’s own Council Operations Manual.
Anytime your doing a project, you sit down and think it
through so you don’t forget anything, and a lot of times
you put it to paper. So formalize it in a specific format
and build your own Operations Manual. Next time the
event needs to be done, just hand the blue print to the
new Chairman. (Story )
148
149. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
• 2) Make “Lessons Learned Meetings” a part of you
culture. No matter how successful an Event was never
fail to take the time to review it with your Director,
Chairman, and at least one committee member. The
questions that should be asked are as follows:
– 1) What went well?
– 2) What didn’t go so well ?
– 3) How can we improve what didn’t go so well?
– 4) Are there any idea’s that we can add to make the
Event even better the next time we do it?
149
150. Washington State Council
Program
• Utilizing the Surge…with Service (continued)
– Set your Calendar and include your monthly
Officers & Directors Meeting as it is a key form of
communication and preparation for the Council
Business Meeting.
– Once you have completed your Calendar visit with
your Pastor:
• Ask what the Council can do for him?
• Review your Programs with him and insure that they are
available for using the Parish facilities that you require.
150
152. Washington State Council
Program
• Grand Knights Handbook & Operations Manual
– Each of you have been given this important tool to help you
lead your Council to success. The book is comprised of the
following sections under GRAND KNIGHTS HANDBOOK:
– I. Grand Knight Quick Start
• Overview of items that require your immediate focus
– II. General Council Information
• Officer Job Description & Helpful Hints
• Council & Officer Meetings
152
153. Washington State Council
Program
• Grand Knights Handbook & Operations Manual
– III. Council Financial Information
– Per Capita Assessments
– Council Audits
– Council Receipts and Payments
– Budget Preparation
– IV. Membership
– Membership Drive
– Open House Agenda & Talking Points
153
154. Washington State Council
Program
• Grand Knights Handbook & Operations Manual
– V. Ceremonials
– Hints for Holding successful First Degree’s
– Councils responsibilities as Host of 2nd & 3rd Degree’s
– VI. Council Program Activities
– Supreme Featured Programs
– Program Activity Planner
– Service Program Report
154
155. Washington State Council
Program
• Grand Knights Handbook & Operations Manual
VII. Council References
– Council Calendar Checklist
– Sample Project – Vocations Awareness
155
156. Washington State Council
Program
• Grand Knights Handbook & Operations Manual
– The back section of the binder is set up for your
COUNCIL OPERATIONS MANUAL. There is
sample information for the Six Activity Area’s -
Church, Community Service, Council, Culture of Life,
Family, and Youth. There is also sample information
for a Membership Report and Information for a
Candidate Information Meeting – review it – and then
make it specific to your Council and you will be on
your way to building your Council’s Operations
Manual.
156
157. Washington State Council
Program
• Grand Knights Handbook & Operations Manual
– In addition to these seven activity area’s the Table
of Contents speaks to the following:
• Calendar
• Telephone Tree
• Budget
– There are 10 different color pages that you can use
to separate each of the sections once you start
constructing your own Operations Manual.
157
159. Washington State Council
Program
• Keys to a Successful Council
– There are Seven Keys to a Successful Council. We
have gone into great detail on the first two –
Program and Organization.
– So lets spend a few minutes on the remaining
five:
• Communication Support of Your Pastor
• Membership Support of Our Wives
• Council Meetings
159
160. Washington State Council
Program
• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Communication – In a Company the employees
want to hear about how the Company is doing,
what new business it has won, what new products
it is working on, and how all this will lead to a
successful year. Its all about being Visible.
• Officers Phone Tree Council Website
• Council Bulletin Board Parish Bulletin
• Council Newsletter Meeting Power Point
160
161. Washington State Council
Program
• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Tips for Communication:
– 1) Try sending out weekly updates based on your
calendar – “Knight Update” – you will find that
attendance at all activities will improve.
– 2) Officer Phone Tree (i.e. used for attendance at
dinner before Council Meeting) allows for
understanding of what is going on in each Knights
life.
161
162. Washington State Council
Program
• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Membership – the lifeblood of any Council.
Recruiting new members is important for the simple
reason that a Council is able to achieve more good
works simply based on the number of members. We
always need to remember that the gift each Knight
brings to his Council is a gift of time and skills.
• Information Meetings First Degree Exemplification
162
163. Washington State Council
Program
• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Tips on Membership
– 1) Church Drives are great but sometime they put the
emphasis on membership off to the two months when
a Church Drive is done. When you start Building
your Strong Visible Program try doing a Pulpit
Announcement once a month – “there will be a
meeting after Mass for anyone interested in
becoming a Knight of Columbus. The meeting is for
both the husband & wife and will be held in the
_________ room.” You will be amazed at the results.163
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Council Meetings – No one wants to go to a dull
or boring meeting. Everyone’s time is important.
Have an Agenda and insure that all presenters are
prepared.
• Your Meeting focus should be on Program - showing
what has occurred in the past month and what is
scheduled for the current month. Details of upcoming
events should be left to Committee Meetings and/or the
Officers & Directors Meeting.
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Tips on Council Meetings
– 1) Dinner is a great way to start. It helps build
camaraderie that doesn't happen during the meeting as you
can’t socialize during a meeting.
– 2) Be as organized as possible. If someone has the time to
put your meeting into Power Point you get two benefits:
• An Organized Meeting Flow – a lot of information in the
shortest time possible and it keeps your meeting on track.
• Ability to send the Power Point out to all members the next
day so those that were unable to attend the meeting know
what took place.
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Your Pastors Support – Your Pastor can play a very key
role in the success of your Council. Communication is a
vital to build a successful relationship.
• Meet with him right away and introduce yourself as the new
Grand Knight and bring your Program Director with you.
• Ask him what the Council can do for him.
• Ask him what the Council can do for the Parish.
• Discuss what the Council would like to do during this Council
year.
• As your Program grows you will need to meet with him
regularly and review weekly Parish Announcements.
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Tips relating to Support of Your Pastor
– 1) If the Council currently has a poor relationship
with your Pastor now is the time to get it fixed.
• If you know what has caused the problem you need to
take the first steps forward in fixing it.
• Schedule a meeting with your Pastor. Give him an
Agenda of what you would like to discuss.
• Bring your Deputy Grand Knight/ Program Director
and you three Trustees.
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Tips relating to Support of Your Pastor
• Prepare for the meeting just as if you were preparing for
a Business Client Meeting as this has just as much
importance. In the preparation determine who will
speak to what points and develop responses based on
various responses that may come from your Pastor.
• Regardless of the outcome schedule another meeting as
a follow –up to the situation as you need to build a
positive relationship with open communication.
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Support and Appreciation of our Wives
• Simply stated our Wives do much for us, in our personal
lives and in our lives as members of the Knights of
Columbus. They serve as co-chairs on various
committee’s and do many things to lead to our success.
They need to be recognized for this contribution.
• Wives Appreciation Dinner Dance
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• Keys to a Successful Council (continued)
– Tips on the Support of Our Wives
– 1) If you want to really improve your Programs
through your “Lessons Learned” reviews just ask
a couple of wives to join you for that. You will be
amazed at what you might be missing without
them.
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• Challenge to Each Grand Knight
– Take the information that we have shared
today and make the 2014 – 2015 Council
Year the best year in your Council’s history
utilizing a Strong Visible Program.
– You can make this happen by following six
easy steps:
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• Challenge to Each Grand Knight (continued)
• 1) Insure your Council utilizes the organization
with seven directors as prescribed in the
Surge…with Service Pamphlet.
• 2) Review the presentation material from the
Summer Leadership Meeting with your team of
Officers & Directors as it is on the State Website.
• 3) Review with your team of Officers &Directors
the Objectives you have chosen for your Council
from the Health Check Form.
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• Challenge to Each Grand Knight (continued)
– 4) Utilize the Grand Knights Handbook and
Operations Manual to help insure the success of
every Program and begin building your Council’s
own Operations Manual.
– 5) Ask each Officer & Director to read the
Surge…with Service Pamphlet/CD.
– 6) On a monthly basis send in the Monthly Service
Program Report showing the move to a Strong
Visible Program.
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• In closing, I hope the Program we shared with
one another today will ignite that fire in you
just as it did 4 years ago for Dwane Berens and
myself to make your Councils the best ever.
• Vivat Jesus.
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