Program-based Membership Drives

Iowa Knights of Columbus

Mid-Year Membership Meeting

December 2017

Goals and Expectations

• Understand how every program is a membership drive

• Discuss typical council programs that occur during Jan-June

• Highlights of a successful program-based membership drive

Every Program is a Membership opportunity

• The Knights of Columbus IS a membership-based organization• If your council is not growing, your council is fading.

There is NO standing still.

• The greatest exposure of the local KofC council is its programs and fundraisers

Every Program is a Membership opportunity

• Conduct programs and solicit parish volunteers for workers

• Most council programs are geared for younger families,

where the average age of Knights in the state of Iowa is 59

Programs help with membership…..

• …To RECRUIT

• …To RETAIN

• …To ENGAGE

RECRUITMENT

• Invite a prospect (and his family) to take part in an impactful council program

• Show him the good that the council does in the parish and community…and that you have fun doing it

• INVITE HIM TO JOIN THE COUNCIL

RETENTION

• When recruiting a man to join, we promise him the opportunity to make a positive difference in the parish and community

• Programs allow us to keep that promise

ENGAGEMENT

• Solicit and welcome the input of members, parishioners and the community at-large

• Give all the opportunity to be vested in the council’s success

Typical Council Programs from Jan-Jun

• Bowling Tournaments

• KofC Spelling Bee

• KofC Free Throw Competition

• Golf Tournaments

• Lent Stations of the Cross

• Lenten Fish Fries

• Easter Triduum celebrations

• Easter Egg Hunt

• First Holy Communion

• Confirmations

• Altar Server appreciations

• Decorating graves for Memorial Day

What’s special about a program-based membership drive?

• Before the event• Invite non-Knights to help out

• Set-up promotional table near focal points

• Have PLENTY of APPROPRIATE flyers available

• Placemats on every table (FA to get for free!!!)

• During the event• Pass out flyers to ALL attendees

• Have someone go around and welcome people

• Have people man your recruitment table with NO OTHER DUTIES

Effective Materials

Effective Materials

Effective Materials

Effective Materials

Pictures of action, showcasing events

Pictures of young families

Tools for success

• Supreme Fraternal Success planner (BLUE)

• State Council resource book (WHITE)

• Surge with Service book/CD

• Insurance Agent

• District Deputy and/or State Team

• KofC branded shirts, aprons, hats

Wrapping it up

• EVERY program is a membership opportunity

• FAIL to PLAN, means you have PLANNED to FAIL

• Utilize your resources, engage the widest array people