REGION 2 Knights of Columbus

1. ADMISSION & RETENTION COMMITTEES REGION 2 Knights of Columbus MEMBERSHIP & PROGRAM CONSULTANT B. Dan O’Hara, IPSD

2. Admission Committees Purpose: The Admission Committee, used correctly, ensures that applicants understand the Order and that the council understands what the candidate expects from his membership. This mutual understanding makes for a more thorough recruitment process and is the first step to membership retention.

3. ROLE Admission Committees The Admissions Committee informs the prospect about the Order and the Council including: • The purpose of the Order • Structure of the Order/Council • How much dues will be • When the member will be billed • When he is expected to pay once billed • Expectations on attending meetings • Encourage to get involved with programs • Remind that the Order is for the ENTIRE family • Explain some of the free, tangible benefits i.e. the Accidental Death Benefit for member and wife.

4. Admission Committees RESPONSIBILITIES: • Enlist seven men to serve on the Admission Committee (appointed by the grand knight, Chaired by the CHANCELLOR). • FS: Order copies of the Admission Committee Reports (#283), the Admission Committee Inquiries Guide (#390), and the Admission Committee Questionnaire (#391) from Supply Department. Distribute to the committee for review/use.

5. Admission Committees • All membership applications (Form 100) to be forwarded to the Grand Knight for referral to the admission committee within five days of receipt. • Admission Committee notifies all applicants to appear before the committee. • Conduct an interview using the Admission Committee Inquiries Guide. • Request the applicant to complete the Admission Committee Questionnaire. Help him with Form 100 if not already completed.

6. Admission Committees • Forward the Admission Committee Report to the Grand Knight. • Read the Admission Committee Report at the next meeting. Conduct balloting. • Inform the candidates of the date of the next First Degree. • Advise the proposer to accompany his candidate to degree. • Chancellor to assign new members to committees/activities that match the interests noted on their Admission Committee Questionnaires and the Form 100. • Refer to the Grand Knight’s Handbook (#915) "Admission Committee" section for complete instructions on the Admission Committee.

7. Admission Committees To get a new members involved, implement the MENTOR Program (Leadership Guide for Membership Recruitment #9290, Page 17 This responsibility should be assigned to the Council CHANCELLOR Any member who knows the Order, has good attendance and a willingness to help new members can serve as a Mentor. This can be a very rewarding opportunity.

8. Admission Committees • ADMISSION COMMITTEE TIPS: • Whenever possible, interview the prospect and his wife at the same time • Ensure the prospect knows what you expect of him: dues, attendance at meetings, participation in programs, involvement of his family and to expect a visit from the Fraternal Advisor • Plan your Admissions Committee interview. Make the location an agreeable one. If possible, conduct the Interview at the Open House so as not to take more of the prospects time. • Ensure you allow yourself two weeks from the time of the interview until the First Degree. This will provide you with plenty of time to have the prospect cleared by his Pastor. REMEMBER – ALL prospects MUST be approved by their Pastor.

9. Admission Committees What are the benefits of having an effective Admissions Committee? • The new member is better informed • An informed member is a better member. Knowing what is expected goes a long way to developing a Knight of “quality”. • Reduces the number of men we lose – higher retention rate. • Provides vital information necessary for retention. • Using the Mentor program assists the new member in achieving Shining Armour Award. • Successful use of the Shining Armour Award program means your council is growing. • Helps new members make friends faster.

10. QUESTIONS – ADMISSION COMMITTEE PROCESS?

11. Retention Committees

12. Retention Committees How does your Council handle Membership Retention?

13. Retention Committees Retention IS linked directly to Admission. The Admission Questionnaire is the only document we have that provides important information the Retention Committee will require such as the Prospects Employer. Retention Committees are absolutely essential to assist with the growth and well-being of your council. This is the most important committee EVERY Council must have.

14. Retention Committees Don’t be Afraid!!! COMPOSITION OF A RETENTION COMMITTEE Chaired by the DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT The three TRUSTEES are the other required members of the Retention Committee Field Agent Pastor Proposer Any other member who may know the delinquent member The FS is NOT a part of the RETENTION COMMITTEE

15. Retention Committees Retaining your current Membership…. • What a new member is thinking… • Do I know what is expected of me? • Do I have the information I need to be a good Knight? • Do I have the opportunity do to what I do best? • Have I received recognition or praise? • Do council officers or members care for me as a person?

16. What a new member is thinking… Is there someone who encourages me…? Do my opinions seem to count..? Does the mission of my council make me feel that my membership is important? Do I have a best friend in the council? Have I had opportunities to learn and grow?

17. Thoughts on MEMBERSHIP RETENTION…. • FACTS ON RETENTION • The higher your retention rate, the less you HAVE TO recruit. • There is a clear link between high retention and high recruitment.

18. Retention Committees QUESTION: What is the most effective way to recruit more members? ANSWER: Retain your existing membership!!!

19. Membership Retention …. • FS: Notice of Intent to Suspend – Form #1845 • RETENTION COMMITTEE GETS INVOLVED • Completed & sent to Supreme Council after non-payment of Dues – with copies to Member, State Council & District Deputy, • After 60 days, if member has not paid, Form #100 is filed with Supreme & members is suspended. • This time period allows State Council, DD & Supreme time to contact & retain member.

20. The Retention Committee contacts the member PERSONALLY • The Retention Committee must do everything they can to RETAIN the member, not to lose him. • The Fraternal Benefit Brochure is a great retention tool

21. Let the member know you are calling because you are concerned for his membership. • Listen to him with Charity in your heart. He IS your Brother! • Report your results to the FS and the Chair, the DGK. • The DGK provides a report to the GK,

22. RETENTION • IS EASIER THEN YOU’D THINK IF YOU WANT TO RETAIN THE MEMBER. • LET HIM KNOW YOU ARE THERE TO HELP • BE CLEAR OF WHAT IS EXPECTED • PREPARE YOUR MESSAGE BEFORE CALLING • MAKE SURE THAT YOUR APPROACH IS ABOUT WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR MEMBER AND HIS FAMILY. • WIN – WIN – WIN • CHURCH – ORDER – MEMBER

23. Retention Committees BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP RETENTION: • Council growth is easier, faster • We continue to protect our Catholic families • We ensure we are not losing men who wanted to stay with us • We ensure we are not losing those who are not capable of contacting us • We improve our relationship with those members we don’t often see • We open doors to invite members and their families back into our council life • We let our members know that we care

24. BC & YUKON Knights of Columbus ALASKA Knights of Columbus ALBERTA Knights of Columbus SASKATCHEWAN Knights of Columbus MANITOBA Knights of Columbus Ontario Knights of Columbus