1. Building the Domestic Church
Michigan State Council
Knights of Columbus
Summer Leadership Meeting
Building the Domestic Church

2. Ken Krause State Membership Director

3. Membership Development Model

4. Leadership Development Model

5. Developing Comprehensive Membership Programs5

7. MICHIGAN’S MEMBERSHIP DILEMMA

8. Historical Suspensions and Withdrawals
Total: 3967 Average: 1322 per year June

9. Deaths
Total: 4440 Average: June

10. OVERALL MEAN (AVERAGE) STATE AGE: 61.64
Demographics
OVERALL MEAN (AVERAGE) STATE AGE: 61.64

11. Historical Intake
Total: 6685 Average: June

12. Admission Degrees
450 Forms submitted to Supreme June 90 Districts x 12 months = 1080 Average Attendance / Degree 3.2

13. Knighthood Degrees
Form 450s submitted to Supreme Degrees Reported YTD – May Average Attendance per Degree 14.6

14. What’s the Prognosis if the Knights of Columbus in Michigan doesn’t grow? What’s the Prescription for turning this situation around?

15. Prescription More Admission Degrees
More Formation and Knighthood Degrees
Fewer Suspensions and Withdrawals
Recruit New and Reactivated Members and their Families

16. Prescription
View Every Activity and Program as a Recruitment Opportunity
Activate All Members
Communicate with Members
Develop Leadership Skills
Be Active in Parishes and Communities

17. Prescription
View all Programs and Membership Recruitment within the context of Building the Domestic Church
Recruit young members and their families

18. Commitment
District Deputy: _____________________ District Number: ____________________
July 1 – December 31
District Recruitment Target: _______
X 10% = Your Commitment: _______
Non-Functioning Council Numbers:

19. Michigan Action Plan Membership 365 New Council Development
Round Tables
Reactivations
Ethnic Outreach
College Councils

20. Achieving Membership Recruitment Success
Develop a monthly program using the Fraternal Leader Success Planner
Promote Membership 24 / 7 / 365
Every Council Active
Church Drives
Major Recruitment Activity
Use Membership Teams
Follow-up by Proposers’ Mentors

21. Programs Programs should ask for volunteers from the parish.
The more visible your programs, the more potential for recruitment.

22. Membership Recruitment and Program
Planning for Success
Membership Recruitment and Program
Action Plan
(Form MI-19)
Copy due to DD at the Diocesan Meeting
Council activities start July 1
Six months of quality programs with membership components
Refinements as needed at district meetings
DD submits copies to the Diocesan Membership and Program Directors 22

25. Major Recruitment Activity
Councils schedule each half of the fraternal year.
Held in addition to Church Drives and regular recruitment activities.
Details submitted to DD at the diocesan meeting.
Target: 3 new or reactivated members.
Should the drive fall short, the council should review its plan and invite the DD’s suggestions for changes.
What could have gone better? 25

26. Major Recruitment Activity continued
Use this information to plan for success in the second major recruiting program.
The DD’s experience with programs and membership recruitment are valuable.
DDs help councils maximize results with minimal efforts.

27. Key Factors for a Successful Recruiting Drive
Gain pastor / chaplain approval for the program.
Actively “work the audience” to solicit new members.
Recruitment is a team effort.
Insure the membership director has all the help he needs.

28. Membership Teams Membership Director Two or more assistants
Ex-officio members: Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Retention Director, Program Director
Use the Admission Committee Survey (1842) 28

29. Duties of a Proposer/Mentor
Shepherd him through the admission process and degrees.
Assist achievement of the Shining Armor Award.
Encourage council activity.
Tactfully follow-up if the new member stops attending council meetings and events.

30. DD Follow-Up is Essential
Roundtables
DD Follow-Up is Essential
Support for parishes unable to sustain a council
Work with pastors / parish councils
As appropriate, appoint a coordinator
Complete Roundtable form 2630, due June 30
Direct questions to Dan Remeika, State Roundtable Director 30

31. Membership Awards and Incentives31

32. The State Convention Membership Award Deadline – May 1
Awards
“Quick Start” Council and District Awards
State Chaplain / State Deputy Awards
Council Membership Director Awards
“Finish Strong” Award and District Recognition
The State Convention Membership Award Deadline – May 1 32

33. NEW STATE INCENTIVES
July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 for All members who recruit a new or reactivated member: Specially Designed Proposer Pin

35. NEW STATE INCENTIVES July All proposers receive $10 gift cards.
August – September
Proposers entered in a lottery where 10 are drawn for $50 checks.
AND
All proposers receive $5 gift cards. 35

36. NEW STATE INCENTIVES
October All proposers who recruit 5 new / reactivated members will receive a Pen and Pencil set.

37. Exemplary Public Relations Award (MI-22)
Quality councils communicate with their members, parishes, communities as well as State and Supreme publications.
They are known and recognized as organizations to which men and their families want to belong.
They recognize their members contributions. 37

38. 38

40. Exemplary Public Relations Award Process
Upon completion of criteria, council submits form MI-22 to District Deputy for verification.
District Deputy submits form to the State Public Relations Director.
Awards presented at the Summer Diocesan meetings. 40

41. Programs / Recruitment Methods
Ed Nickel
Assistant Membership Dir.

42. Church Drives are held 4 times per year
August Fr. Michael J. McGivney birthday drive
Mid-October 7-8 or October 14-15, Columbus Day Drive
March , 2018 Founder’s Drive
April 14-15, 2018 After Easter Drive

43. Information Night Held after the Church Drive
All new potential members and families are invited to attend
The speakers should be the Grand Knight, District Deputy, Father and the General Agent
NO ALCOHOL SHOULD BE SERVED!!!!

44. Recruitment Tools and Techniques
The following tools and techniques are
recommended by the Supreme Council
as effective in recruiting new members.
Experience demonstrates that they work!

45. Every Council Active Initiative
In order for a council to survive they need to recruit new members.
New members are needed to support your councils programs.
Failure to recruit will lead to a council that is being set up to fail
Why did you join your council?

46. Membership 365
Members at the Council level need to be encouraged to think about membership at every opportunity
Council membership director should speak at every council meeting

47. One-on-One Recruitment
One-on-One remains the most productive recruitment tool
Show interest in the potential new Knight and not just another member
Never give up - You never know when he will say YES !

48. Council Chaplain / Pastor Invitation
All of the following are with the approval of the Pastor
Compose a letter inviting the potential member and his family to an information night
Follow up with a telephone call requesting the potential member and family attend the information night

49. Catholic H.S. Partnership
Establish partnerships that will benefit the high school students and the council.
Support school events.
Include the school on mailing lists.

50. Partnerships
Invite students to assist in a K of C activity for service credit.
Donate back to the school when they provide assistance at a council fund raising event.
Ask to address senior male students in the spring about the K of C.

51. 24 Hour Knight 4 hrs a year – corporate communion
4 hrs a year – attend at least 2 meetings
4 hrs a year – helping church and community programs
2 hrs a year – supporting council programs
4 hrs a year – helping at council functions
4 hrs a year – enjoying council social functions
2 hrs a year – reading Supreme, council news

52. Power of 10
Each Council should select a Chairman to lead the Power of 10 (8-6-4)
The Council roster then should be divided among the Power of 10 team
Each team should contact members of their council to see which programs the members have an interest in participating

53. Information Table Should consist of:
Pictures of council members in action
Pictures of your current council officers
Council awards
Copy of your council brochure
Copies of Supreme information brochures
Regalia from the 4th Degree
A bib from the MI-Drive with a bowl of Tootsie Roll miniatures

54. Turning Passive Recruitment into Active Membership
Every Council project or activity presents an opportunity for membership growth
When you see a family sitting by themselves go a talk with them. Let them know about who we are / how we support various charities / how we support our Church

55. Three for Life
Councils suspend / lose more members in the first three years after the man makes his Initiation degree
Councils fail to get the new Knight involved
Council need to communicate better with new members
Council need to get the proposers or a mentor involved with the new Knight

56. State & Supreme Expense Forms
David Bergeman
Assistant State Program Director

57. Found on-line at www.mikofc.org & www.kofc.org
District Deputy Expense Report
Supreme Expenses
District Deputy
Form #267
Found on-line at &

58. District Deputy Expense Report Instructions on back of expense form
Supreme Expenses
District Deputy
Form #267

59. Reimbursable Expenses by Supreme
$0.30 per mile within District
Parking & tolls while on official business
Meals while attending council meetings
Long distance phone calls
Hotel & meals while attending Organization and Mid-year meetings

60. Non-reimbursable from Supreme
Guest meals
Clerical assistance
Printing & copying expenses
Postage or stationary
Travel expenses outside of district without prior authorization
Expenses incurred while attending state meetings (i.e. convention, etc.)

61. District Deputy Expense Report
Supreme Expenses
District Deputy
Form #267
All supporting receipts must be attached
Completed form and receipts to be sent to State Deputy for approval;
Should be filed quarterly

62. District Deputy Expense Report
State Expenses
District Deputy
Form #MI 14
All supporting receipts must be attached
Completed form and receipts to be sent to State Deputy for approval
Should be filed quarterly

63. District Deputy Expense Report Instructions on tab of expense form
State Expenses
District Deputy
Form #MI 14

64. State Training Initiative
Joe Munie
State Training Director

66. State Advocate Key Issues
Walter Winkle
State Advocate

95. What Every DD Needs to Know to Build the Domestic Church
Thomas Wegener
Supreme Director

96. MICHIGAN STATE COUNCIL SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
JULY 1, 2017
BELIEVE IN SUCCESS! 96

97. July 1
???

98. What Every DD Needs to Know and Do A Recipe for Membership Growth
Thomas M. Wegener, PSD Supreme Director Chair, Membership Committee, Supreme Council Board of Directors

99. What Every DD Needs to Know and Do A Recipe for Membership Growth
Dannie Harris, PSD Supreme Membership Program Consultant Fraternal MIssion

100. You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have!
JRR Tolkien

101. care & well being of all councils within his district.
Job Description of District Deputy
The DD is responsible for the supervision, membership growth, expansion, general
care & well being of all councils within his district.

102. Michigan's Intake Trend 2010 - 2017 2010-2011 2456 2011-2012 2612
2457
2205
2270
2210
2100?
Michigan's Intake
Trend

104. Over the Last Ten Years:
Membership recruitment: From over 3,000 per year to just over 2,000 per year.
165 Councils have increased their membership by a total of 5,183 members.
41 New Councils have been instituted adding a total of 2,461 members
 221 Councils have lost net membership by a total of – 11,832 brother knights.

105. Over the Last Ten Years:
Which brings us to the number of today. Over the past ten years Michigan’s membership has declined from 70,480 to under 66,000. This decline is just over a 6% loss of membership.
At the same time the Order in the United States has grown by over 40,000.
Read the Screen

106. Over the Last Ten Years:
Membership recruitment: Averages 3,000 per year
165 Councils have increased their membership by a total of 5,183 members.
41 New Councils have been instituted adding a total of 2,461 members
 221 Councils have lost net membership by a total of – 11,832 brother knights
What If:

107. Over the Last Ten Years:
Which brings us to the number of today. Over the past ten years Michigan’s membership has declined increased from 70,480 to under 66,000 70,648. This decline is just over a 6% loss of membership.
At the same time the Order in the United States has grown by over 40,000.
What If:

108. Anything less is trouble!
3,000 is Michigan’s Membership Intake Floor
Michigan
3,000
3,000
Anything less is trouble!

109. Need to turn Nomentum into Momentum

110. Michigan’s Demographic Problem

111. Michigan’s Demographic Problem

112. Who are the Knights of Columbus?
Do we know who the Knights of Columbus are?
How do we Market Ourselves?

113. Members feel that the organization is more Catholic and Philanthropic than it is fraternal.
Internally, Knights of Columbus receives overwhelmingly positive impressions with many referencing its Catholic, family, and service values.
The wider community identifies several concerning misperceptions including older, elitist, and beer driven.
Not surprisingly, most councils are comprised of middle to older aged white males and therefore lacking in diversity.
The majority of members believe their Council is growing and likely won’t see the need to focus on recruitment and retention unless this perception is changed.

114. Mission & Motivations For Joining Knights of Columbus
Knights believe they are charged with supporting the community and the priest, as well as building on their faith.
The desire to give back and to continue the family legacy of knighthood are strong motivating factors for membership, as is the opportunity to grow in and serve the Catholic faith.
Members also point out that fellow Knights are a second family and support mechanism. In addition, Knights of Columbus involves the entire family in events rather than pull fathers away. Insurance is an added bonus.

115. You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have!
JRR Tolkien

116. Reasons for more Members?
Do not put stock in those that say all Supreme cares about are numbers. What we care about is fewer hungry children, what we care about is less of our kids becoming alcoholics or drug users and pregnant out of wedlock. What we care about is fewer divorces where kids are traumatized for the rest of their lives. What we care about is being able to afford your mortgage payment, your health insurance, your children’s education when you die unexpectedly. What we care about is the defense of the Catholic Church and our solidarity with our Bishops and Priests.

117. Reasons for more Members?
Need more Hands, more Heads, More Hearts
to do the work of the Order.
Make our Councils attractive to new members by offering programs for them, and by them.
Make our Councils attractive to new members by including them in programs and leadership.
Moral Obligation to Offer Membership In Our Order to Every Eligible Catholic Man
False Argument: Quality over Quantity

118. How Can I Help? 70% Solution
District Deputy Goal = 70% of the total of your councils’ goals (DD Report), in any combination.
100% of District Deputies make their 100% Goal = 3,000+ new members for Michigan

119. 25% Star Council Solution and a little help from their friends
How Can I Help?
25% Star Council Solution
and a little help from their friends
When 25% of the smallest councils in each of Michigan’s 3 Horse Race Heats make their goal (McGivney Award)
AND
Then the remaining 75% of councils make only 50% of their goal Michigan is well over 4,000 new members annually - Fact

120. Star Council Award:
Earn the Father McGivney Award for membership growth;
Earn the Founders’ Award for insurance growth;
Earn the Columbian Award for well-rounded council programs, Submit the Columbian Award Application (#SP-7);
Submit the Service Program Personnel Report (#365);
Submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728); and
Remain current with assessments from Supreme Council Headquarters

121. Star Council Award
Checklist
Checklist

122. Why Recruit?

123. Reasons we recruit Build up the Church
Evangelization of our Catholic faith
Grow and enhance witness to our Catholic faith
Promote and engage others in a better prayer life.

124. Reasons we recruit Sharing opportunity to serve others.
Give back to the community
Develop relationships with other Catholic families
Assist others to become leaders

125. Reasons we recruit For activity suggestions and programming ideas.
New members bring new experiences, ideas and talents.
New members infuse new enthusiasm into a council.

126. Reasons we recruit
Support the financial needs of the council, through dues and working at fundraising events.
Provide opportunity to participate in the Order’s top rated insurance programs.
They can participate in our annuities, long term care programs and other fraternal benefits.

127. Reasons we recruit
Eventual replacement of what WE contribute today, as volunteers and as leaders.
Growth of our Order. With 1.75 million members and growing. Strength in numbers.
For continued growth in volunteer hours and dollars contributed to worthy causes.

128. Reasons we recruit Fulfill Fr McGivney’s vision.
Fulfill God’s instruction to us; to know, to love and to serve Him on this earth.
Knowing we did something good for another Catholic man and his family, the church and community.

129. Reasons we recruit St Theresa of Avila said,
“Yours are the only hands with which God can do His work, and yours are the only eyes through which God’s compassion can shine upon a troubled world”.

130. “Our truest value is being a value to others”
Reasons we recruit
“Our truest value is being a value to others”

131. Membership Opportunities
Young Adult Recruitment
Insurance/Fraternal Partnership
Pastor/Fraternal Partnership
Member Mentorship Program
Ethnic Recruitment

132. Membership Opportunities
Young Adult Recruitment
This is the question: Are my son and his friends members of my Order?
Do we know what they want?
Are we prepared to offer this to them?

133. Membership Opportunities
Insurance/Fraternal Partnership
Don’t our fellow members, who offer insight into our fraternal benefits, deserve the opportunity to meet with our members without prejudice?
Isn’t Fraternal and Insurance two sides of the same coin?
Where would we be, as an Order, if we didn’t protect our own families?

134. Membership Opportunities
Pastor/Fraternal Partnership
Is it easy being a ‘Man In Black’?
24/7 preaching, 24/7 administering,
24/7 living in the real world
Are our councils offering themselves to their pastors? Building the Domestic Church
Are we offering our families to our pastors? Building the Domestic Church

135. Membership Opportunities
Member Mentorship Program
Are members that do not come to meetings good members?
Our officers must understand that not everyone can make every (or any) meeting.
Call him or text him (no ) minimum every six months, talk to him, invite to function or charity.
Every member is one of our own.

136. Membership Opportunities
Member Mentorship Program
Recruiter vs Mentor
Duties of a Proposer Cannot Work with a Super Recruiter
Mentor Committee Under the Retention Director
Officer Mentor – Who is waiting for your position? DD Shelf Life.
Sales

137. Membership Opportunities
Ethnic Recruitment
Is Ethnic Recruitment only Hispanic? NO!
Search out those Catholic Churches that are not Orthodox
Eastern Rite
Vietnamese
Pilipino
Korean
Every Eligible Catholic Man
Diocesan Parish Listing will help you find those hidden parishes.

138. Membership Opportunities
Young Adult Recruitment
Insurance/Fraternal Partnership
Pastor/Fraternal Partnership
Member Mentorship Program
Ethnic Recruitment
By availing yourselves of these five categories you will open the councils to new members, and in the end ….

139. Inclusive Membership
Your councils will be more diverse, more inclusive, much stronger and vibrant.

140. Goals: More Members More Members More Members More Members

142. Plan:
Checklist
_______________

143. Supreme Council Resources _______________
Plan:
Checklist
Supreme Council Resources
_______________

144. Supreme Council Resources State Council Resources _______________
Plan:
Checklist
Supreme Council Resources
State Council Resources
_______________

145. Supreme Council Resources State Council Resources
Plan:
Checklist
Supreme Council Resources
State Council Resources
District Deputy Buy In
_______________

146. Supreme Council Resources State Council Resources
Plan:
Checklist
Supreme Council Resources
State Council Resources
District Deputy Buy In
Believe In Success

147. Supreme Council Resources
MPC - Supreme Membership Program Consultant
Webinars (Training Portal)
Officer’s Desk Reference
Pamphlets
Videos
Online District Reporting

148. State Council Resources
Diocesan Membership Director
State Membership Director
Diocesan Program Director
State Program Director
State Training Director
State Website

149. District Deputy Buy In Michigan Needs Your Leadership
Educator / Mentor for Councils
Shepherd During Troubled Times
Your Knowledge Can Open Doors
You Can Dispel The “We Haven’t Done It That Way Before” Narrative

152. Thank you.