New York State Knights of Columbus

1. New York State Knights of Columbus Retention 1

2. Retention All struggling councils can increase their membership. All it takes is a Grand Knight to put together a retention team of at least two enthusiastic Knights to see the challenge as an opportunity to close the back door, so the council can stay focused on the needs of their council to service the family, church and community. 2

3. Retention Retention Committee PURPOSE: To put in place an effective retention committee in each council, whose sole purpose will be to reach out to members in danger of suspension and try to re-educate them on the aims and ideals of our Knights of Columbus New York State Council. To put into place an effective Retention Procedure, which council Financial Secretaries and Retention Committees will follow. GOALS: To reduce the number of annual suspensions so that the efforts of recruitment are not in vain. To maintain the “NUMBER ONE” status of this great New York State 3

4. Retention Retention The first 2 years of a new member’s life are the times he is more likely to leave the Council. A new member is out of his comfort zone and must be constantly mentored. EVERY Council must have a retention chairman. There must be a two man retention team to work with the Grand Knight and Financial Secretary. When the member is getting behind or is behind in his dues, the 2 man retention team must contact the member personally. When contacting the member they must be dressed appropriately. Approach the member gently and you MUST have a good attitude. Remember, you are representing the Grand Knight and the Council. 4

5. Retention PLAN: Retention Committees will start to operate immediately and not wait until it is too late. Council Financial Secretaries should advise this committee when members are in arrears for dues and also give them an up-to-date list of members in danger of suspension so that the committee can make contact with each of them . The Committee will work in concert with the area Membership Facilitators, that will concentrate on showing the importance of the local councils Retention Committee, and the welfare of our State. They will also set up an education seminar for the council committee members. 5

6. Retention PLAN: Review the current procedure for suspension of members and to educate council Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries in the proper use of the “Intend to Suspend” form #1845\A. If a new member doesn't pay his dues within the first year, DO NOT CARRY HIM OVER TO THE NEXT YEAR The State Membership Growth Committee has Membership Facilitators available to all councils throughout the State and in all Districts to help them in any way possible and to answer any questions they may have. Also, the committee will report at District meetings on the status of councils in their area. 6

7. Retention PLAN continued When finding out what is wrong with the member, report immediately to the Grand Knight for his decision. When a member comes back welcome him, we all have a tendency to ignore comebacks. He must be treated like a new member and this means get him involved as soon as possible. Retention starts the day the man signs the application. Don’t let him wait for the degree. Get him in as soon as possible and certainly after his 1stdegree. Make sure he is asked to be part of a council program, remember he joined to be part of your council. 7

8. Retention PLAN continued If a man wants to leave the order, we need to find out why. There is an Exit interview form. The ideal approach for all Grand Knights is to have a good attitude with everyone in the council. If you have a good attitude with all your members you will have a happy and excited council. When that happens, everyone will want to be part of your council. 8