Council Officer Training course.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Council Officer Training

Notes:

Welcome to the Knights of Columbus Council Officer leadership training course!

How to Navigate the Course

Notes:

This course is divided in to chapters.

Each Chapter contains a number of Topics.

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Council Officer Duties and Responsibilities - Course Objectives

Notes:

At the end of this course you will be a more successful leader by:

• Understanding the fraternal roles and administrative responsibilities of Council Officers

• Incorporating teamwork and proper committee operation into effective council action

• Using S.M.A.R.T. Goals to help guide and measure success

• Focusing on the Star Council Award as a mission goal

• Engaging officers and members in the programs and initiatives of your council

Prayer to our Lady of Guadalupe

Notes:

Let’s start with a short prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to whom our order is entrusted:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. God of power

and mercy, You blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary

of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as

brothers and sisters. Through Your justice-present in our hearts-may Your peace reign in

the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns

with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. In the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Welcome Message

Notes:

Welcome to this Knights of Columbus training program, and thank you for your

commitment to the Knights of Columbus. And through our order, to those most in need.

As a brother Knight, you already know how important it is to make a difference in your

parish and in your community. This program is designed to give you the tools to take

your council and its good works to even greater heights. These modules will help you

identify, and help those most in need. Work more effectively in your parish and

community. Strengthen the faith of your brother Knights and their families. Protect the

financial future of Catholic families. And attract the new members who will strengthen

your council.

In other words, what you need to make your council as successful as it can be. Each

year, the Knights of Columbus touches the lives of millions of people. We are proud of

that record of service. But we must also remember that there are still millions more who

need our help. That’s why we have developed these training modules; to help prepare

you and your council for even greater success. Active councils are growing councils.

And growing councils have the manpower to be even more active in the service of their

neighbors. How we answer the call to charitable action depends on two things. First,

how we work with our brother Knights in each council. And second, our ability to bring

even more men into our ranks.

When I became Supreme Knight, I said we have a moral obligation to offer every eligible

Catholic man the opportunity of membership in the Knights of Columbus. By doing this,

we will strengthen the vitality of our councils. We will build a greater future for our order.

We will brighten the lives of so many who need our help, and we will better the lives of

our new brother Knights. With each new member, we can do even more good, while

giving our new brother Knights the opportunity to grow in their faith. But our principles

are just words if we do not live them out. And so I want to thank you for your service,

and for wanting to make that service even more effective. Let us redouble our efforts as

Knights, as men of faith, and as men of action based on that faith. Together we can

write a new chapter in the history of the Knights of Columbus.

And we can be even more faithful to the vision of Father McGivney while we continue to

pray for the day of his canonization. Through his intersession, may we live out charity to

our neighbor, in unity with our Church, working together in a spirit of fraternity.

Vivat Jesus.

Chapter 2: Council Officer Roles

Council Officer Duties

Notes:

What sets your Knights of Columbus council apart from other charitable service

organizations? The answer is simple; our Catholic faith. Our mission of purpose was

instituted by our founder, Father Michael McGivney. From the day of our founding

through today, that mission remains the same! Council charitable action putting the

shared faith of its members into action. These actions become the Charity that

Evangelizes. The results of council charitable service projects are only possible through

unity of purpose. The unity of action by the members of the council builds fraternity.

For your Knights of Columbus council to be successful and effective then the leadership

of your council officers must truly be fraternal. Pope Francis discussed the vocation of a

leader in “On Heaven and Earth.” He said, “God calls, and that’s what we see in the

vocation of great leaders. In our tradition, a mission always starts with a calling.”

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson has spoken about this individual calling and the vital role

of each council and how, when councils work in unity great things are accomplished. He

said, “Together we are an enormous force for good in a world that so obviously needs

the love of God and love of neighbor, which must be reflected in our work.” Every council

has the potential to be an enormous force for good, and it all starts with council officers

that are a working together.

When council officers are elected, their brother knights are placing their trust in them to

be a leader. And, how fellow officers work together will determine the direction that their

council takes and will be a measurement of their success.

Council Officer Overview

Notes:

Each council officer, whether elected or appointed, becomes a fraternal leader. A council

can only be successful by working as a team. A team or council can accomplish far more

than individuals acting alone.

As much as your council needs a charitable component it also needs a spiritual

component. When combined they become the charity that evangelizes.

The fraternal leaders of your council oversee the health, welfare, and conduct the

business of the council. Twelve officers are elected by the council membership, and the

Grand Knight appoints additional officers, directors and chairmen to conduct the

programs and initiatives of the council.

Key Fraternal Leaders

Notes:

An effective spiritual and charitable vision is fundamental to your council’s long-term

success. Your Grand Knight, Chaplain, Financial Secretary and Treasurer are key

leaders.

These leaders provide active, hands-on, leadership. Click on each medal of office to

learn more.

Grand Knight (Slide Layer)

Notes:

A pivotal fraternal leader is the Grand Knight who leads the council by setting a personal

example as a leader and establishes and maintains a good working relationship with the

Chaplain, District Deputy, Field Agent, council officers, your Knights of Columbus area

leaders along with Catholic lay and religious leaders.

The Grand Knight presides over all meetings and countersigns checks and vouchers.

He also makes key appointments and works with his officers in scheduling the fraternal

calendar which needs to include frequent First Degrees so that potential members can

join your council at a time that is convenient for them.

It is important that the Grand Knight has a working knowledge of the Knights of

Columbus Website, kofc.org, and accesses the secure officers areas. Many resources

for success are contained here, which will help the Grand Knight be a more effective

fraternal leader.

Once logged in, he will find:

• Officers Online

• with applications for Member Management and Member Billing

• Along with the Officers Desk Reference for up to date fraternal guidance

• Council Bylaws Online

• Another application is the Fraternal Training Portal with broad based

information and leadership training courses

• The Open Enrollment Microsite is an open area for all Knights of

Columbus members, which will provide them with fraternal training

opportunities

• KnightsGear for council supplies, along with promotional gifts and

branded apparel.

The Grand Knight schedules the Semi-Annual Council Audit. With information from the

Treasurer and Financial Secretary, the Grand Knight and Council Trustees conduct and

prepare the audit; and ensure its submission prior to the August 15th and February

15th deadline.

The Grand Knight is also his councils’ Chief Compliance Officer and must ensure that he

and his council officers, directors or chairmen are in full compliance, or good standing in

all respects for our Youth Protection Program. If there are any state or province, diocese,

or other requirements, the Grand Knight will ensure compliance in all respects. Specific

guidance can be found on the Knights of Columbus website and in the Officer Desk

Reference.

Administratively, there are key forms that must be submitted to the Supreme Council in a

timely fashion, which is the Grand Knight’s responsibility.

The Grand Knight meets regularly with the District Deputy and Field Agent or General

Agent to keep them informed on council activities and upcoming programs. He invites

them to participate in the activities of your council, such as:

• Church recruitment drives

• Council open houses

• Fraternal benefits nights

• Charitable outreach service projects, and

• Programs and Initiatives

Chaplain (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Chaplain is a priest, preferably the active pastor. He serves as your council's

spiritual adviser. At your council meetings he provides a message, at a time convenient

for his schedule. If he's unavailable, he may choose to send a note. Chaplains are

appointed by the Grand Knight, after consultation with the Council Trustees.

Questions arise about the role of a deacon, in a council. Deacons often serve as council

lecturer or church director, and support the council chaplain through their service in

either of those roles.

Financial Secretary (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Financial Secretary collects money from all sources for the council, whether a

members dues, charitable service initiatives or social functions.

He needs to become proficient with the Member Management and Member Billing

applications available to him in the secure Officers Online area of the Knights of

Columbus website. He is responsible for sending billing notices, initiating retention

procedures, he ensures that council membership records are updated and that each

new member signs the council’s constitutional roll.

The Financial Secretary files various reports along with membership and insurance

transactions with the Supreme Council Office. In the United States he is responsible for

completing and submitting the proper IRS Form 990 for his council.

He keeps the official council seal and affixes it to membership cards, resolutions and

other official documentation as necessary.

The Financial Secretary also receives honorary life membership cards from the Supreme

Council headquarters for distribution to qualified members.

Treasurer (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Treasurer is responsible for properly maintaining all council financial accounts.

He receives all of the monies collected from the Financial Secretary and deposits them

into the proper council account.

Once the council has voted to pay a bill, the treasurer will prepare checks to pay the

expenses, including assessments from the Supreme Council.

Other Key Fraternal Leaders

Notes:

Here are some other key fraternal leaders that are integral to the operation of your

council.

Click each Medal of Office to learn more.

Deputy Grand Knight (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Deputy Grand Knight assists the Grand Knight with the operation of the council.

Successful Deputy Grand Knights focus on membership engagement in programs and

the recruitment of new members.

In the event of the Grand Knights absence, the Deputy Grand Knight presides over

council meetings.

It is recommended that the Deputy Grand Knight serves on the council’s retention

committee.

He also carries out any additional duties assigned to him by the Grand Knight, in order to

for the council to be successful.

Chancellor (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Chancellor has the duty of strengthening the members’ interest in council activities.

He assists the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight with their duties as assigned.

He takes charge of the council during the absence of both the Grand Knight and Deputy

Grand Knight.

It is recommended that the Chancellor serves on the council’s Admissions Committee

Advocate (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Advocate acts as parliamentarian for his council and needs a working knowledge of:

• The Laws of the Order

• Council Bylaws

• Roberts’ Rules of Order

• Method of Conducting a Council Meeting

• Protocol Handbook

The Advocate gets fraternal guidance from the Officers Desk Reference in Officers

Online, where he can find up-to-date guidance on a variety of fraternal issues. If an

issue comes forth that needs additional guidance, the Advocate should consult with the

State Advocate.

As a side note, if legal assistance is needed, the council may need to obtain competent

local legal advice.

Warden (Slide Layer)

Notes:

The Warden is responsible for supervising and maintaining all council property.

He prepares council chambers for meetings and degree exemplifications along with

overseeing guards and any other duties assigned by the Grand Knight.

Additional Fraternal Leaders

Notes:

Let’s discuss some additional fraternal leaders

The Lecturer is appointed by the Grand Knight and is responsible for providing suitable,

educational and entertaining programs.

Trustees are guardians of the health and welfare of all aspects of your council. They

supervise all financial business of the council and conduct the semiannual audits, which

enable your council to keep the financial officers bonded.

Trustees are elected for terms of three years, two years and one year. At each regular

election, the position of each trustee will be voted upon, with the current three- and two-

year trustees moving on to become the two- and one-year trustees respectively.

Guards attend the doors of council meetings, confirm membership status of those

present, and are elected annually.

Council Directors and Chairmen

Notes:

The Grand Knight appoints several directors and chairmen to lead committees, in order

that the programs and activities are successful. An outcome of each program should be

to engage your current members and to attract new ones.

This ensures that the programs and initiatives will have continuous growth in

membership and charitable outreach. Attracting new members is only the first step, they

must still be invited to join. When measuring a program’s success, always remember to

note potential members, and assign someone to reach out to them, and invite them to

join your council.

Grand Knight’s Appointed Directors

Notes:

The two key directors appointed by the Grand Knight are the Program Director and the

Membership Director. These roles are directly responsible for your council’s continued

growth and viability in its program activities and initiatives.

The Program Director is responsible for all council programs, guides their success, and

extends your council’s charitable reach. He needs to be open to new ideas, programs

and initiatives. Programs engage and attract members, and no one program will attract

them all. So well-rounded programs will help your council be successful. The overall

success of a program is not simply the money donated for the charitable program, it is

measured by the hope brought to those in need, and the joy in giving for the member.

The Membership Director is responsible for all council recruitment, retention and

reactivation efforts. He needs to be aware of membership growth and engagement

opportunities. There are many ways to recruit members, and recruitment efforts need to

be conducted like a program. So Membership Directors need to guide the church drives,

open houses, and personal recruitment efforts. Inviting potential members must be an

activity that happens, twelve months per year. Measuring success in membership tends

to lean toward numbers, always remember, that every number has a name, a family, a

job and sits in a pew at Church. So always think of each number with a face.

Council Officers Goals

Notes:

Council Officers are the visible brand of the Knights of Columbus in their community and

parish and need to live an authentic Catholic life. More is expected from a Knights of

Columbus member, and even more is expected from a council officer, so in your daily

life live out the principles of our Order, namely:

Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

Councils grow through attraction, and council officers need to make certain that their

council is focused on membership growth, all year long. To be truly successful your

council must be visible. Being visible means inviting others to help with programs and

initiatives. So setting goals and striving to achieve them, is very important. Just as

important is good teamwork. Members are engaged by good teamwork, and new

members will be attracted because everyone wants to be a part of something that is

worthwhile and successful. As councils grow new ideas will come forward. Share your

good ideas and be open to listening to other members’ ideas. Recognize

accomplishments, and always say “thank you”. You will find that an officer can really,

never say thank you, too many times. Programs and initiatives become even more

successful through strategic alliance partnerships. Make sure you help build these

relationships.

3. Chapter 3: Council SMART Committee Operations

Effective Council Officer Duties

Notes:

Effective council officers:

• Set goals,

• Evaluate performance, and

• Plan for the future.

On a monthly basis, fraternal leaders need to ask the questions:

• Did we reach our goals this month?

• If not, why?

• What can we do to help more people?

• Who else should we be talking too?

• How can we achieve better results?

• Do we have the right people in the right positions?

One of the tools to use to help answer these questions is the Fraternal Leader Success

Planner (#5033). Using the planner helps you to:

• Plan ahead and be able to communicate clearly

• Keep on track with the vision and mission of the Order

o Break down what has to be done immediately,

o planned in the coming weeks and

o promoted in the months ahead in order to achieve success

• Measure your council’s progress, each month and determine the changes

needed to chart a more successful course

Council Committees

Notes:

A committee with a clearly stated mission and goal, which enlists a small set of

committed and equally empowered members, is an effective and powerful tool for any

council. The bulk of council action should be originating through committees, which are

formed to work out specific issues, and then report their progress back to the council,

who directs their further action.

Councils will generally have two types of committees - a standing committee, which

exists year after year and whose members change over time; and then there are

temporary committees, which exist for a short-term and are created for a specific task or

project.

An example of a standing committee would be the Membership Recruitment Committee

which helps its council to recruit members who provide strength and vitality for your

council.

An example of a temporary committee would be one charged with the responsibility of

exploring options in creating a new charitable outreach program, within a specific time

frame.

Committees are vital to your council today and its success tomorrow.

Chairing a Committee

Notes:

To be effective, committees need a clear goal, a vision on how to get there, good

communication, and good teamwork. Most importantly, they need an engaged leader.

Each committee chairman is appointed by the Grand Knight. The Chairman needs to

state the overall goal(s), makes sure the committee stays focused on the matters at

hand, and shares relevant information among the committee members.

A chairman should possess specific qualities and traits. An engaged chairman:

• Focuses on the mission of the Order and the Committee

• Shares his organizational knowledge

• Values committee members’ opinions

• Respects his committee by starting and concluding meetings on time

• Strives for consensus

• Plans for changes and challenges

• Ensures relevant decisions are made and recorded

• Reports outcomes to the Grand Knight

Being an Effective Committee Member

Notes:

Committee members play a key role. They become engaged in the Mission of the Order

through their council, and now are part of the decision-making process. Being an

effective committee member takes effort and also has many great outcomes such as

building a fraternal network and expanding leadership skills.

Committee members need to ask good questions and honestly state their views. One of

the main reasons a committee fails to meet its goals or deadlines, in most cases, has to

do with personal issues, such as talking, and not listening, or letting personal agendas

take precedence over the focus of the committee.

To be an effective Committee Member you should:

• Attend committee meetings and ask good questions

• Respect your brother knights’ suggestions

• Read the information provided

• Arm yourself with organizational knowledge

• Understand your role and its importance to council operation

• Participate fully, listening and providing input

• Take advantage of any training opportunities that will help you be a more

effective leader

• Keep yourself on track to help the committee keep on track

Example Meeting Agenda

Notes:

A critical key to success is for the committee to be proactive and inclusive of both its

members and ideas. At all times the committee needs to be on target to achieve its

goals, and by being punctual the committee members will feel that their time is being

respected. It needs a positive environment to be effective. Committees that meet their

deadlines engage their members and produces favorable outcomes which will create a

positive spirit within your council.

There is a pitfall for council officers to avoid! When communication is lacking, there is a

temptation to avoid the committee and just do all of the work yourself. Do not fall into

this trap. Make sure that the goals and objectives are clear, and that the committee

members grasp the outcomes expected.

In order to keep your committee meetings on track, it is important to have an agenda in

place before you start.

Here is a sample Committee Meeting Agenda

• Call to Order and Open with Prayer

• Roll Call

• Read and approve minutes of the prior meeting

• Members Action Reports

• Open Items for Action

• New Items for Consideration

• Announcements

• Close with Prayer

S.M.A.R.T. Goals - S.M.A.R.T Planning

Notes:

The expectations of your committee must be set, before your committee meets. Once

set, then, your committee must plan and stay on target. Successful planning is

enhanced through clarity of purpose, and identifying who needs to do what. So, we

recommend that you be SMART in your planning. SMART, is an acronym for - Specific,

Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely or time sensitive.

Setting SMART goals gives structure, focus, track-ability, and accountability for a

desired and worthwhile goal to be achieved. It replaces hopes, dreams or wishes with

identifying pathways to follow to successful outcomes, with clear milestones and realistic

and attainable goals.

When considering the goal, ask yourself:

• What specifically and in detail needs to be achieved?

• Can the goal be measured and how will you know success?

• Is it a worthwhile goal that can be achieved by the council?

• What are the realistic limitations? Are there resources available? What is the

expected outcome?

• What is the specific time period? Break the goal down into small steps and

ensure progress is checked along the way.

When working effectively, the council can accomplish so much more than a group of

individuals acting alone. A group of members working together produces better

outcomes than any single individual.

Smart GOAL Fraternal Planning Worksheet

Notes:

At the outset of any planning session, your committee should set goals. The Council

SMART Fraternal Planning Worksheet is a resource that will help to focus the goal,

define the steps needed, and when they have to be completed. Using the worksheet is

simple and will increase the likelihood of success.

The first step is to determine a true SMART goal that is specific.

The worksheet will aid in identifying the officers and others who will be of help, and sets

the specific dates, times for steps to be completed.

Use of the worksheet will help your committee to increase its focus and will drive

participation through timely promotion and personal accountability.

Click on the image to download your own council SMART Fraternal Planning worksheet.

Project Promotion and Communication

Notes:

Public relations can be a very useful communications tool in letting people know what

the Knights of Columbus is about and the good works that our members do.

It is important to promote the good works that are carried out by our members and also

to tell your council’s story. You need to let people know what your council is doing to

help, who is being helped, and why. Promoting the real outcomes of your council’s

efforts engages your current members and will attract potential members to join. New

members will want to get involved and help to make a difference, which in turn sets an

example for their family.

There are three main ways for you to promote the charitable projects carried out by your

council:

1: Through electronic media which includes text messaging, emails, web pages, social

media

2: Through print media: such as newspapers, newsletters, parish bulletins

3: And through broadcast media - local radio and television.

It is useful when promoting your good works to include pictures that show the tangible

benefits being received by those that we are helping. Ensure the images are aligned to

the story. By promoting the outstanding work that you council does, you will be

increasing your ability to help more people and attract new members to join.

Engaging Members is like Putting a Puzzle Together

Notes:

Hi! Have you ever put together a puzzle? For Knights of Columbus councils, getting

members engaged and attracting new ones, can seem like a complicated jig-saw puzzle.

Putting the pieces together properly helps a man “answer the call!” What call? The call,

to be an engaged man of God.

At the time of our founding Father Michael McGivney saw serious needs in his parish.

Members were marginalized, they didn’t have hope; they couldn’t see the love of God.

His action “called together” men in his parish. And, as a result Knights of Columbus

councils have been; protecting and building stronger families, defending life, and

implementing life-changing God-centered programs, for generations.

Answering a call to action is a personal decision. Different for each member today, and

different tomorrow. By being persistent in connecting these puzzle pieces we'll find that

current members, and new members, will “answer the call.”

In Father McGivney’s day figuring out the puzzle, began with faith-filled responses, by

the men of his parish, to care for the widow and children; and defending those

marginalized by society. These were urgent local needs, then, and are not really that

different, today!

FAITH

Calling men to action in faith-filled service strengthens their parish and builds a stronger

society; by feeding the hungry, comforting the poor, sheltering the homeless, providing

mobility, and clothing those who are cold. Our action brings love and joy to our

neighbors, it is easy to see why faith-filled action is an important piece of the puzzle.

CHARITY PUZZLE PIECE

Certainly you have heard of the evangelizing power of charity, and how charitable action

enlivens and renews the heart of the giver, and brings comfort and hope to the recipient.

This puzzle piece is the bedrock council action.

UNITY PUZZLE PIECE

They say united we stand. Well, unity of purpose, and unity in action has magnified our

dynamic responses to create an enduring legacy. Our ability to respond to help those in

need is a key puzzle piece, and is dependent upon engaging our members and

attracting new ones.

FRATERNITY PUZZLE PIECE

Effectively using the diverse skill sets of members’ is a necessity in putting together this

puzzle. Our fraternity, like a band of brothers helps unite members in faith-filled relevant

charitable outreach.

FAMILY PUZZLE PIECE

What better way to build a strong family of faith, a stronger parish, council, and society,

than centering on family charitable action and prayer? When other men see that

charitable spirit and joy, they say, “I want that for myself and my family.” Family faith-

filled charity is an important puzzle piece, because it attracts and engages people in the

sacramental life of our Holy Church. By putting faith into action, the results are simple,

our families will bring hope and joy to others.

YOU PUZZLE PIECE

From the Gospel of Matthew, is a phrase we all have learned (25:40) ‘whatever you did

for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ We are called to practice charity

because Christ is present in every person, especially the poor and needy.

You’re not too young or too old, you are not too busy, or too burdened, to put your God-

given skills into action. Building a better society starts with you, answering the call. So

YOU, are the final piece of the puzzle.

To engage current members and attract new ones is the puzzle, the pieces to be

assembled are: Our faith, family, and fraternity, with charity and unity, all of which

enliven the mission of our founder, and complete the picture. To uplift the marginalized,

protect all Catholic families, and engage in the sacramental life of our Church, is not just

a simple puzzle to be put together, and then be put away; it is our way of life.

And, one of these things can happen . . . WITHOUT . . . YOU!

Help us complete the puzzle. Answer the call today! You’ll be glad you did!

Chapter 4: Star Council Award

Star Council Award

Notes:

I would like to talk to you today about the Star Council Award and why your council

should strive to earn it, every year.

In our Order we have thousands of councils. Every year, each council has the

opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding efforts and earn the prestigious Star

Council Award. Even though every council has the opportunity to earn the Star Council

Award, only a select few meet all of the requirements.

For your council to earn the Star Council Award it will need to provide tangible benefits

to real people and families in your parish and community. To do this your council will

have to increase its membership, promote our exclusive fraternal benefits and conduct

well rounded programs and activities that are rooted in the principles of charity, unity,

and fraternity which were established as the prime virtues of our Order.

As an Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven, Connecticut, our founder

Father Michael J. McGivney soon discovered that the needs of his parishioners were too

great! He gave what he could but soon realized that he could not do it alone. This is why

he brought a handful of parish leaders together to address the urgent needs of the day.

The needs in 1882 were universal from town to town and parish to parish.

Today, the needs are still universal. People need, food, shelter, and clothing; and, they

need to be affirmed in their faith. The mission of our Order, and of each council is to

effectively address the needs of the parish and community and further Father

McGivney’s vision. This is why councils have sprung up in parish after parish. After all,

the important lessons taught in our ceremonials are only words unless they are given life

in the actions of council members.

The Star Council Award will recognize achievement in:

• Membership growth

• Insurance growth

• Conducting well rounded programs that involve members in charitable service

• Being an active presence in the parish and community,

• Telling its “charitable outreach” story.

A council must conduct acts of service in which members donate their time and talents,

which provides tangible benefits to each recipient. At the same time, the council member

will grow in his faith, and he will become a better Catholic, a better husband and a better

father. His unselfish example, of living his faith, will be seen by many; especially by his

wife and children and they too, benefit in a tangible way.

So, what does your council have to do to earn the Star Council Award?

First, your council leadership team must decide to strive in united action to earn the “Star

Council Award.”

Membership 365 is not just a slogan! Each fraternal year begins on July 1 and ends on

June 30th. Councils that are membership and program active twelve months per year

are better able to position themselves to earn the Star Council Award.

The earlier that fraternal leaders formulate a council calendar of events the better the

opportunity to earn the “Star Council Award.” It is the appeal of helping others that will

motivate council members to volunteer and attract men to join your council. Remember

that every man in your parish is a potential Knight of Columbus.

To increase your council’s opportunities to earn the Star Council Award strategic

alliances is a key. The key strategic alliances include:

• Your council chaplain and the parish pastoral team;

• your field agent will help your recruitment efforts, so be sure he is kept informed

and is welcomed at all events and meetings;

• your district deputy helps your council to stay in tune and in touch with programs

of both the supreme council and your state council,

• and the Catholic institutions, in your area, such as a Catholic school, hospital,

seminary or agency.

These relationships are keys to helping your council host and conduct successful

programs and events. Oh, and don’t forget your community leaders. Good

communication and working together with the council’s strategic partners builds a strong

working relationship that is mutually beneficial for the long-term. Through united efforts

council members live out the ideals of our Order.

The Star Council Award is comprised of three important awards and two

additional requirements. Once your council earns all three awards and

fulfills the additional requirements, only then will your council earn the “Star

Council Award.”

The three awards are the;

• Father McGivney Award for membership growth;

• Founders’ Award for insurance growth; and

• Columbian Award for well rounded council program action.

For your council to earn the Father McGivney Award and the Founders’ Award it must

increase its number of members and insurance members more than the assigned quota,

which is found on your council’s Membership-Insurance Progress Report. Information on

your councils’ progress is available daily, for those officers granted access to “Officers

Online” in the Knights of Columbus website.

For your council to earn the Columbian Award it will have to conduct programs and

activities in each of the six “Surge with Service” defined areas:

• Church,

• Community,

• Council,

• Family,

• Culture of Life, and

• Youth.

The traditional method is for a council to conduct and report four activities in each area.

Additionally, your councils Service Program Personnel Report (#365) must be filed.

Several “Featured Programs” have been designated that once completed would fulfill the

requirements of each of the activity areas. Detailed information is available in your

“Surge with Service” kit, on the Knights of Columbus website, and in the Knights of

Columbus Training Portal.

There are two additional requirements that must be met to be eligible to earn the Star

Council Award.

First, your council must submit of the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728). This

form needs to be submitted by every council, no matter the number of hours of volunteer

time and dollars donated during the year. This is the report of your council’s fraternal and

charitable action and activity. It details your council’s volunteer service hours and

donations to charity during the previous calendar year. This information is very

important, and your timely completion of this survey helps the Supreme Council to

accurately calculate the worldwide charitable impact through the united efforts of every

member in every council. The Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity, in many ways is the

report card and the annual state of your council report. It is due each year on January

31st.

Second, your council must be current in its obligations for per capita taxes and Catholic

Advertising assessments to the Supreme Council. When membership growth, charitable

service, and insurance growth are combined together your council is making a tangible

difference, both for those that are being helped, and also for your council members.

By striving to earn the Star Council Award your council will be able to grow at a

sustainable pace; make a positive impact in your parish and local community; and show

potential members that the Knights of Columbus has something important to offer to

every eligible Catholic man in your parish and community, no matter his stage in life.

Whatever program or activity attracts a new member to join your council, there is a great

responsibility, to help that brother knight to become a better Catholic, a better husband,

a better father. Through the charitable programs in your council, when a member makes

a tangible difference in the lives of others, he will never leave and your council will grow

stronger. When a council earns the Star Council Award it reflects a council’s

commitment to the highest standards and most cherished traditions of the Knights of

Columbus.

There are additional resources available that detail the requirements of the Father

McGivney Award, the Founders’ Award and the Columbian Award available in the

Fraternal Training portal that provide practical tools, tips and techniques.

Remember, that when Father McGivney discovered that discovered that the needs of his

parishioners were too great! He could not do it alone. Our order formed in 1882 to

minister to universal needs, then, and your council is called today. People need, food,

shelter, and clothing; and, they need to be affirmed in their faith. The mission of your

council is to effectively address the needs of the parish and community and further

Father McGivney’s vision. Your council will make a tangible difference by striving to

earn the Star Council Award each fraternal year. After all, the important lessons taught

in our ceremonials are only words unless they are given life in the actions of council

members.

Vivat Jesus!

Why is Earning the Star Council Award important?

Notes:

Why is striving to earn the Star Council Award so important to your council?

The Star Council Award recognizes councils that conduct well-balanced programs; who

recruit new members to perform more and greater activities, and, helping members’

families through our fraternal benefit programs and insurance products.

The Star Council Award is much more important to your council, than a wooden plaque,

it is a practical framework on which to build its fraternal mission.

Striving to earn the Star Council Award will help your council be mission focused by:

• Helping more people in your parish and community through expanded charitable

outreach

• Attracting more members who can then benefit from the bonds of common

Catholic brotherhood and grow in their faith

• Protecting Catholic family’s financial well-being

• Encouraging participation in the sacramental life of the Church, and

• Keeping current with your council's financial and administrative obligations

All members can find the most up to date information and official announcements on the

Knights of Columbus website. Star Council information can be found at kofc.org/star

Fraternal Mission Foundational Pillars

Notes:

The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance

and in program growth. The Star Council Award structure rests on three pillars Each of

these pillars has its own individual award. Click or tap on each pillar to learn more.

Membership Growth (Slide Layer)

Membership Growth:

The Father McGivney award rewards a council with good membership growth. Supreme

Knight Carl Anderson stated that: “Our responsibility as the leaders of the Knights of

Columbus is to assure the continued growth and sustainability of our Order. This is our

first and primary responsibility. While we have other goals and activities that are

necessary, no other task is sufficient to advance the Good of the Order if we do not

advance membership growth. Everything we do depends upon membership.”

Insurance Growth (Slide Layer)

Insurance Growth:

At the time of our founding, many Catholics, mostly immigrants, worked in dangerous

jobs, and tragically died sending their widow and family members into financial ruin, and

even tearing apart the grieving family. Today, our fraternal insurance programs continue

to serve our families and is a pillar of strength, and helps extend our Fraternal Mission

through charitable action around the world. The Founders’ Award recognizes councils

doing outstanding work in insurance growth.

Program Growth (Slide Layer)

Program Growth:

Guided by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity members of the Knights of

Columbus work to overcome the hardships that people face in their parishes and

communities, building stronger families, defending life and implementing life-changing

God-centered programs for generations. Conducting well-rounded visible council

programs engages today’s members and attracts members to join your council, and

affords you with the opportunity to earn the Columbian award.

Involvement… Engagement … Commitment

Notes:

Your involvement… your engagement… your commitment… and your leadership is

tremendously powerful.

Striving to earn the Star Council Award helps your council build a solid fraternal

foundation. It helps to instill an abiding spirit of fraternal camaraderie with your brother

Knights; saving lives and changing lives through Christian charity. As we profess and

share our faith, through council action is how we grow a stronger and more vibrant

council.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson spoke of the impact of a Knights of Columbus council,

when he said; “I don’t think there’s any other Catholic volunteer association that is

making such a difference day in and day out in our communities for charity. That is our

mission. And we are going to grow and accomplish that mission.”

When membership growth, charitable service and insurance growth are combined

together, your council is making a tangible difference on your local community, both for

those being helped and for those who are members. The Star Council award will show

potential members that your council is special and has something important to offer

every eligible Catholic man, no matter his stage in life. When a member is offered the

opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others he is more likely to remain

in your council, which helps it grow stronger and he will become a better Catholic, a

better husband and a better father.

Chapter 5: Fraternal Leadership and Teamwork

Fraternal Leadership – Catholic Lay Leadership

Notes:

As a Catholic organization, the Knights of Columbus is composed of Catholic men

gathered together in councils, looking to put their faith into action through acts of charity.

Council officers, or, fraternal leaders, take on roles that help spur council action. Council

leaders take personal responsibility for setting an example of faith, charity and sound

judgement while encouraging others to act.

Effective leaders:

• Have good people skills

• Share their gifts and talents

Sometimes members can be reluctant to step into a leadership role due to a lack of

confidence in their personal leadership abilities, or have never thought of themselves as

a leader. For many, taking on leadership roles started because of a desire to help

others, and that desire attracts others to step up and lend a helping hand.

Being a leader means managing a timeline with a complex set of variables. The most

successful leaders take time to balance and prioritize their personal and work lives. This

allows them the ability to be effective fraternal leaders focusing on worthwhile initiatives.

Only by having that balance can fraternal leaders help their council in conducting

activities, meeting deadlines and achieving goals. Leadership is learned, and respect is

earned.

Lay fraternal leadership is about how a Catholic man conducts his life and is a natural

bridge between parish life and the family as Domestic Church. God is a constant part of

their life and those that they touch.

Individual identity as a Catholic

Notes:

Families today want to be a part of a people, parish and community that is a reflection of

who they are and what they want to become. They are looking to share their Catholic

faith, friendships and experiences among other like-minded families. Men, as fathers and

members of communities, can find that identity by joining their local, Knights of

Columbus council. By providing rich and meaningful faith-based and family centered

programs, councils can help men and their families find enrichment in both their personal

and spiritual lives.

Developing a Catholic identity as a family is important. Identifying as a faithful Catholic

is not always easy, especially at work. From our very beginning, our founder, Father

Michael McGivney sought to involve young men in the sacramental life of our church,

and to identify themselves as Catholic men. It was much harder, at our founding,

because one could be denied a job, or fired, simply for being identified as Catholic. A

tough question to answer in those days was, “How do I live my faith and feed my

family?” As a result Father McGivney and the original founders of the Knights of

Columbus at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, uplifted families and provided faith-filled

programs that would become the hallmark of Catholic lay leadership. These leadership

opportunities are an extension of our shared faith. A visible Catholic identity attracts

new members and their families through their acts of charity.

Building fraternity with other Catholic Men

Notes:

Fraternity, in its simplest form is described as “brotherly love.” Yes, sometimes brothers

don’t always get along. Fraternal Leaders may disagree about how things should be

done, or who should be doing what! Even though there are disagreements in working

together, brother knights can all agree that their lives need to be centered on a shared

faith that calls them to sometimes give of themselves and do more for the good of others.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called upon very simple men to do very extraordinary

things. Like the first apostles, Knights of Columbus members are called to put their gifts

and talents into action with other members who believe in the same fundamental things.

Our Church is not a building in the physical sense, the faithful gathering together are the

Church. Your council is not one member, it is identified by all of its members. When

one brother needs help, the other brothers come to offer aid or protection. This principle

of fraternity has helped our Order develop over the years.

Developing your faith through the sacramental life of the Church

Notes:

Gathering together, as faithful Catholics, participating in the sacramental life of the

Church brings joy and friendship. Joy was at the heart of Father McGivney’s vision, of

men coming together to worship God, and build the body or the family of the Church. A

Knights of Columbus council in the same way needs to be engaged in the sacramental,

spiritual and charitable life of the Church.

Each year when the outstanding service project awards are announced, each in its own

right is an example of authentic Catholic witness and an extension of the sacramental

life of our Church. The councils and individuals receiving the awards go above and

beyond what it means to run a charitable program. They put into action the sacraments

we receive. Joy from the recipient and joy in giving is truly rooted in charity, and an

extension of our sacramental life. Make it a point of being together, of praying together,

as a family and as a council. People everywhere are hungry for love and acceptance.

Putting your faith into action

Notes:

In the First Degree ceremony, every member is promised the opportunity to put his faith

into action, through acts of charity. It must be the fundamental building block upon which

every council program and action happens. Individuals can do many good and

outstanding works of mercy, however councils can do far more than individuals acting

alone.

The better the council’s charitable outreach, the more members will be engaged in its

activities, and the more potential members will be attracted to the council. Maybe lots of

people don’t want to be, or think that they cannot be a leader. However, after

involvement in charitable programs, they will become invested and the leadership traits

will take root. The charity that evangelizes comes from the heart; it is a gift of self; a

personal encounter. The personal encounter in charitable outreach is the untold true

story of the benefits of membership. So putting faith into action is truly joyful and what

we are sacramentally called to do. What better vehicle exists for this, than a Knights of

Columbus council?

Building a Strong Council with Strategic Alliance Partners

Notes:

Council officers need to understand that they are not alone, and that programs, projects

and initiatives take on a new dimension when cooperating with strategic alliance

partners.

Potential strategic alliance partners can be found in many areas of your community. For

example:

• The Catholic clerical, organizational and lay leaders such as your pastor, and the

pastoral staff

• The leaders or faculty of any Catholic schools in your area.

• The leaders of Catholic agencies in your area

• Catholic civic leaders in your community

Who is your council field agent? Who is your district deputy? What about other Knights

of Columbus area leaders? Take a look at past grand knights and former district

deputies? Were they successful in their service? If so, build a relationship to learn more

about the history, the needs currently and the needs of the future. Councils need to

react quickly to current local needs. Only through strong strategic alliance partnerships

can your council be grounded in your parish, aware of the needs of Catholic agencies,

and a good citizen in your community. By engaging strategic alliance partners, your

council can position itself as the go-to charitable outreach organization in both the parish

and community.

After Alliances Have Been Formed…

Notes:

There are some things that you and your council should do with your new alliances after

you have formed them.

Click on the buttons below to find out more.

Outreach to the community through council programs

Notes:

Outreach to the community through council programs

Councils have conducted numerous amounts of fund-raisers to support countless

numbers of local programs, projects, and initiatives. Reaching out in your community is

important to engage members in programs and activities. What triggers one to action,

will not necessarily trigger others.

Supporting specific organizations or initiatives for long periods of time is laudable and

highly encouraged. However, councils that get repetitive in the same programs fall into a

trap. The trap is doing the same program, with the same chairman, in the same way,

year after year. Effective council officers make certain that they are focused on goals

and outcomes, as opposed to completing a to-do list or simply writing a check.

Knights of Columbus councils set themselves apart from other organizations by caring

and their ability to react quickly to new needs. Only through our united efforts as an

Order, has the Knights of Columbus, been able to donate hundreds of millions of dollars

to charities and millions of volunteer hours. These volunteer efforts are the direct result

of individual council and member action.

Building relationships is a two way street

Notes:

Building relationships is a two way street

As council officers work to position their council in both their parish and community, they

need to be aware of others, which can help them be more successful. Identifying

strategic alliance partners, is just the first step. Once your council has aligned with a

strategic partner, working together is a two way street. Helping others and working

together just makes sense and helps both to have better outcomes. The great news is

that every partnership opportunity can attract more members both to the project and to

membership in your council. So, be open to new opportunities!

In all strategic alliance partnerships keep your chaplain informed. This is the best way to

make sure your council is staying grounded in your Catholic community.

Being visible and available to help others

Notes:

Often times being visible and available is the most important thing that a council can do!

Reflect upon the needs of both your parish and community. Often times a pressing need

appears, and councils that are stuck in the past respond with, “We are too busy,” or “We

don’t have the ability to respond,” or “We have other programs that we need to focus

on.” In short, this is saying “no.” “No, we will not, or cannot help, you.”

Never give an excuse, never say “no,” and only say “yes.” Pope Saint John Paul II often

said, “Say ‘yes’ to Christ!” When your council says “yes,” to the needs of your parish

and community you are saying “yes,” to Christ and by responding to the real and present

needs, your council is building the community of Christ.

Teamwork can be complex

Notes:

When a need for help is presented, a council finds itself as a diverse group of individuals

working together for a common cause. When a need is presented, council leaders must

respond with a sense of care and urgency. Only by working together can a council and

its fraternal leaders be ultimately successful, and responding to these situations is

challenging and takes much work.

Not one team is perfect, whether in sports, in an office environment, or in your council.

As a council officer, one must be very aware of the needs of the members who are

active in the council but are not officers. To keep them engaged they must feel welcome,

and see the positive results of the council’s efforts.

Dealing with personalities must be met with an understanding response and an

appreciative attitude with a focus on the ultimate goal. Sometimes members are so

committed to a project that they get caught up on the details, instead of looking at the big

picture.

Keep calm; be prayerful and positive. In too many cases, conflicts occur when those

involved all want to achieve their own outcomes. True leadership keeps everyone on

track, working together as a team and focused on the outcomes.

Teamwork can be complex

Notes:

Building functional committees

Functional committees start with clearly defined goals and great communication. A

committee without goals is like a ship without a rudder. Committees only work when a

group works together. When only one person alone is handling the committee, it ceases

to be effective. Creating an effective committee begins with leadership, listening,

communicating, delegating and accountability. What are the goals of the committee?

Agree on how the committee will operate, and work together to achieve the goals set

forth by the council.

Teamwork improves communication

Good communication improves the overall operation and effectiveness of the committee.

It also builds trust and motivates teamwork. Communication among committee

members is very important; so too, is the committee’s communication back to the Grand

Knight. Clear goals help the committee to keep focused on the outcomes.

Information is key to engagement

Information is key to engagement from an officer and member standpoint. Accurate and

positive information helps the council determine the best course of action in any scenario.

Accurate and positive information given from the council to the member is key in

promoting any initiative. Not every member is available for every initiative no matter how

worthwhile, however, when members see the importance and the resulting outcomes of

that initiative, they will generally try to do all they can to help.

Chapter 6: Summary

Summary

Notes:

Father Michael McGivney’s vision for the Knights of Columbus stands the test of time.

Fraternal leaders or council officers must have a principle responsibility to ensure that

their council is healthy, remains in good standing, and has the ability to respond to the

needs of their parish and community. This means your council is vibrant and attractive

to your members, potential members and to casual onlookers. At the outset of this

course, our goal was to help you, grow in your role as a council officer by:

Understanding the fraternal roles and administrative responsibilities of Council Officers

Incorporating teamwork and proper committee operation into effective council action

Using S.M.A.R.T. Goals to help guide and measure success

Focusing on the Star Council Award as a mission goal

Engaging officers and members in the programs and initiatives of your council

We trust that by your participation in this course, that your council, too, will stand the test

of time.

Closing Prayer

Notes:

Thank you for participating in this Council Officers course. Let us close with the Prayer

for Canonization for our venerable founder.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called

your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to

lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor.

Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more

closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the

Church.

Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that

we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast.

We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on

earth according to the design of your holy will.

Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Vivat Jesus!