Grand Knight

1.Introduction

(No VO: Intro Screen)

1.2 Opening Prayer

Notes: Let us start with an inspirational prayer. 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.

1.3 How-To: Screen 1.03

This course is divided into chapters, each of which is divided into a number of topics. To reinforce the important learning objectives of each chapter, chapters start with a test my knowledge test and finish with a knowledge check quiz. If you pass the test my knowledge test, you can skip that chapter and move on to the next one. The chapters are locked until the previous chapter is completed by either passing the test my knowledge test or by viewing all the topics and completing the knowledge check quiz. Once unlocked, you can start each chapter by clicking the first topic in the navigation. Completed topics will be checked off in the navigation menu as you progress through the course. Please ensure that your computer speaker is on and that it is set to a

comfortable volume. You can adjust the player volume and pause or restart playback by using the player controls on the bottom of the screen. At the end of some screens a flashing arrow will appear. Click on this arrow to progress to the next screen. Click the arrow to continue.

1.4 Welcome 1.04

Notes: Welcome to the Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Leadership Training Course. This course is designed to help train and inspire you in your important fraternal leadership role. The course is divided into four chapters: Duties, Resources, Administration, and Keys to Success. Each chapter is divided into a number of topics. At the end of this course, you should be able to identify the duties and responsibilities of a Grand Knight and describe how effective leadership can guide your council to earn the Star Council Award. List the resources and training materials available to you to help you learn and grow to be effective in your role and describe how the 10 Keys to Success as Grand Knight helps you focus on successful outcomes and build a positive

council culture of charity and growth. Click the arrow to continue.

2. Chapter 2: Introduction to Grand Knight Leadership Course

Hello, I'm Gary Nolan, Vice President for Fraternal Training and Ceremonials. Let's talk about the important leadership role of council Grand Knight. Pope Francis discussed the vocation of a leader in "On Heaven and Earth." He said, "God called and that's what we see in the vocation of great leaders." In our tradition, a mission always starts with a calling. By electing you as Grand Knight, the brother Knights of your council have placed their trust in you and have set you upon a mission. This is your opportunity and your calling to exemplify Catholic Fraternal leadership. The good works that have defined the Knights of Columbus since our founding, can only occur with leadership from the Grand Knight. Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, spoke about the importance of each council and 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." Because your council is an enormous force for good, let's talk about your important leadership role and your calling to be the Grand Knight of your council. How you lead your council is very important.

2. Chapter 2: Duties: Pre-assessment test

You will now Test Your Knowledge for this chapter. If you pass, you will be able to access the next chapter. If you don't, you will have to review the chapter's content and complete the Knowledge Check quiz before the next chapter becomes available. Good luck! Click the arrow to begin.

2.2.1 Chapter 2: Operational Responsibilities

Notes:

Great councils grow from conducting effective programs. Council meetings are most worth while when they focus on the core mission of your council and mobilize and energize members in acts of charity. As Grand Knight, your role is one of service. In this role, you are elected to be the executive officer of your council. It is important that you preside over good meetings in order for your council to be positioned to conduct effective programs. If members ask themselves, "Why am I here?" then your meeting needs more preparation and focus. So here's a few tips for presiding over an effective meeting. • Communicate regularly and ensure that your council Chaplain plays an

active spiritual role. • Inform council officers and members about ongoing and new

initiatives. • Use your council meeting to conduct business and officer meetings for

detailed planning, and avail yourself of opportunities to brainstorm for the future.

• Start your meetings on time and try to keep all discussions within reasonable time limits.

• Prevent deliberations from becoming discussions and wandering off point.

• Refer any nonessential matters to the appropriate committees for their action.

• Hold meetings when it's convenient to most members. • Encourage members to voice their opinions in an orderly way while

keeping things open. • And utilize the method of conducting council meetings which is the

approved meeting agenda provided by the Supreme Council to help you keep your meeting on track.

Be prepared. • Work with your officers to plan your council calendar of events for the

fraternal year in advance and promote it to officers, members of your parish, strategic alliance partners, and to people in your community.

• Communicate important meeting topics before the meeting to allow members to be prepared.

2.2.2 Chapter 2: Operational Responsibilities: Rules for conducting a Fraternal meeting

Notes: Meetings are important forums where you - as a Grand Knight - exercise your leadership role to conduct the necessary business of your council. There are rules and protocols that have served our Order well, for many years and - following them - will help ensure that the meetings you preside over are “good” and “engaging” meetings. Here are some of the basics:

• As Grand Knight, you call the meeting to order and preside. • Start each meeting by calling upon the Chaplain to lead the opening

prayer, or in his absence, lead the prayer yourself. • Keep each meeting orderly and under control; motions should be

made formally. For example: “I make a motion that the committee report be approved as presented.”

• Once a motion is made, before any discussion can begin, ask if there is a second to the motion.

• Only after a motion has a second can you ask if there is any discussion. • It is very important for you to manage the orderly process. All

comments or questions are addressed to you as Grand Knight; such as “Worthy Grand Knight could you ask for a clarification of the point in question?” Questions are not asked of one member to another, nor is this time for open discussion or a forum. Through your leadership, as

prescribed in our rules, you will be able to keep your meeting on track. This will engage more members in the business of the council.

• As Grand Knight always set a good example and refer to, and address officers by their proper title and show great respect for all members.

• When priests or special guests, such as state officers, district deputies, or others are present at your council meeting accord them due respect and recognition for their fraternal leadership role. They should always be seated in a place of honor.

As Grand Knight, schedule separate officers’ meetings on a regular basis to:

• Provide in-depth planning, • Handle organizational details, • Provide opportunities to brainstorm and plan for the future.

This allows committees to work through the project planning process while keeping committee reports at Council meetings short and to the point.

2.2.3 Chapter 2: Meetings and Ceremonials: Leadership in Ceremonials

Notes: As Grand Knight your leadership in the area of recruitment is crucial and is directly connected to the Ceremonials of our Order!

Our ceremonials are a key part of who we are, or have become as Knights of Columbus members and important in the recruitment of new members. The ceremonials of our Order educate, instruct and provide a spiritual component to attract men to join your council while encouraging them to advance further. As Grand Knight you play a very important role. You:

• Coordinate with the District Deputy who formally installs you and your fellow council officers.

• Schedule and publicize frequent First Degrees. • Confer with the District Deputy to stay informed about upcoming

Formation and Knighthood Degree that are close by. • Arrange Mass for departed Brothers and ensure that when a member

passes that your council is present. • Maintain proper conduct of ceremonials and protocol, during meetings

and all council activities.

As Grand Knight your role is to: • Set the tone for the council, as being one of action and involvement

and if following in the Mission of our Order. • Maintain a Ceremonial spirit in all actions of your council and among

members. • Ensure that new candidates are welcomed into your council and

become engaged in its activities.

2.2.4 Chapter 2: Meetings and Ceremonials: Recruitment

Notes: The exemplification of frequent First Degrees is essential to successfully building your council. Candidates joining your council, should be welcomed during a First Degree conducted in your council. Either sponsor a live First Degree team or use the First Degree Ceremonial Production DVD.

• Select honorees for each exemplification for greater impact, visibility and attendance.

• Contact candidates a day or two in advance to confirm attendance. • Advise them about recommended attire. • Degree team officers are encouraged to wear the Supreme Council

Ceremonial Baldric over a dark-colored business suit with the council jewel of office.

• Arrange for the proposer or a member of the recruitment committee to pick up a candidate and escort him to his Admission Degree.

• Advise new members of the next Formation and Knighthood degree exemplification dates.

• Recognize new members and their proposers at the conclusion of the degree and find out who they are and make them to feel welcome.

• Order and present a New Member Certificates to degree recipients. • Print the names of new members in the next scheduled council

bulletin. • Recognize degree team members to show appreciation.

• Invite neighboring councils to your degree exemplifications.

2.3.1 Chapter 2: Finances and Administration: Organizational Structure

Notes: So, where do you as Grand Knight fit in the organizational structure? As you can see from this chart, you hold an important leadership role. The Supreme Knight is at the head of the parent organization referred to as the Supreme Council. State Deputies and delegates from each jurisdiction, which is a state, province or country meet yearly and conduct the business of the Supreme Council. As Grand Knight, you and a duly elected delegate from your council; along with the Grand Knight and delegate from each council in your jurisdiction, make up the elective body of your State Council. So, your role is very important and not to be taken likely. The Grand Knight and delegate, or their alternates, elect state officers, and also elect delegates to the annual Supreme Convention, during the business sessions you will vote on resolutions. It is extremely important for you and the delegate from your council to attend and participate in the proceedings of your jurisdictions annual convention.

By taking an active role, you will ensure a stronger future for your council and jurisdiction and contribute greatly to the overall good of the Order.

2.3.2 Chapter 2: Finances and Administration: Council

Notes: As Grand Knight, you will play a vital role, not only in the good governance of your Council, but also in helping with the efficient operation of the Order as a whole. You will oversee the preparation of annual reports from all officers and standing committees for council files and for incoming officers. It is also your responsibility - along with your Council’s trustees - to complete the Semi-annual Council Audit Report (#1295). As a leader, you will need to hold your fellow officers accountable to ensure that the records kept and maintained by your Council are accurate and up-to-date because you will need them to complete this report - which is required to maintain the required bonding on the financial secretary and treasurer, as well as keeping your Council running smoothly. The Semi-annual Council Audit Report covers the 6-month period ending June 30th. It must be sent to the Supreme Council by August 15th. The 6-month period ending December 31st is due by February 15th.

The report must be completed and be signed by the Grand Knight and three trustees, however if there are extenuating circumstances we will accept the report if signed by at least two trustees. A major objective of the audit is to reconcile local Council membership records with those on file with the Supreme Council Department of Membership Records. If your council uses Membership Management then this portion does not have to be completed. However, it is a good practice to make sure your records are reconciled. You need to ensure that all discrepancies between local council and Supreme Council records rectified. Therefore, you’ll need to make certain that any membership transactions submitted to the Department of Membership Records or local council records are corrected so that there is agreement between your records and those of the Supreme Council. Regarding the financial records, you can see the flow of funds into and out of your council. This provides monetary transparency. When examining the accounts of your membership you can easily see who is paid up or paid ahead, and also take note of those that are behind in paying their dues. This can be a call to action for your council if an increased number of members are in arrears. When reviewing the financial records of your council it will make sense to:

• Work closely with the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the trustees of your Council

• Look back to plan ahead and compare the past year’s actual figures with the budgeted figures that were voted on and approved

• Review the actual revenues and expenses for each program and activity

• Review membership records and dues due from members

2.3.3 Chapter 2: Finances and Administration: Budget

and Finance

Notes: One of the most important functions of the Grand Knight is to work with his fellow officers to establish a realistic council budget. As a Grand Knight, you need to work closely with the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the trustees of your Council to compare the past year’s actual figures with the budgeted figures that were voted on and approved by the Council. The information obtained will be used to develop the budget for the current fraternal year. Your Council’s budget should correspond to the fraternal year, which covers the period from July 1 to June 30. Don’t delay. Setting your Council’s budget should be started immediately after your election as Grand Knight. When beginning the budget process, review the actual revenues and expenses for each program and activity and compare those with the budgeted figures from the past year. When setting a budget, ask yourself:

1. Were the revenues skewed by one large donation? 2. Were items that were donated in the past now being charged for, thus

increasing expenses? 3. Was participation in a particular activity up or down? 4. Did it depend on the weather or a scheduling conflict? This could

impact both revenues and expenses. 5. Did the Council charge too little or too much for the event?

2.3.4 Chapter 2: Finances and Administration: Budget and Finance: Activity budgeting.

Notes: It is important that you keep the budgeted figures both realistic and attainable. The figures should reflect an approximation of the actual results from the prior year, adjusted as needed for either an extraordinary event or something that will be considered normal going forward. However, a good rule of thumb would be to increase revenue and expense projections a little every year to account for the cost of inflation. This is also the time to evaluate each activity to determine which ones the Council will continue or change. The budget for a new activity will require income and expense projections to

be allocated for the new activity, remember, the budget is a suggestion made at a particular time, and unforeseen items may come into play, which requires immediate council action. With this in mind the council will be able to remain nimble in its response and effort to be the “go-to” charitable service organization in its parish and community. Once the budget is prepared and finalized, it should be adopted at a regular council meeting by a vote of the membership. It is recommended that this takes place during one of the first meetings early in the fraternal year. This process ensures that future meetings are utilized to the fullest and are not taken up with voting on each project’s expense.

2.3.5 Chapter 2: Finances and Administration: Budget and Finance: Funds

Notes: It is best to ensure that excess funds are transferred from the Council’s general account to a savings account, as appropriate. Your Council is about your members being personally involved in fundraising and charitable activities. It is recommended that a cap is placed on the amount of accumulated funds that your Council should hold. The Supreme Council strongly advises Councils not to maintain total accumulated funds in excess of $10,000, except in certain special circumstances. Councils can receive funds into their general account for ordinary fraternal and charitable activities. If these funds are not spent on necessary expenses and charitable donations, they may be held in other bank and investment accounts. Funds should only be held in: • Ordinary short-term certificates of deposit • Simple savings accounts • Simple checking accounts

• Simple money market accounts Rather than forming charitable trusts, and handing out small amounts on an annual basis, councils should consider other ways to distribute their funds, including: • State council charitable foundations • Local Catholic schools • Other local faith-based organizations

2.4.1 Chapter 2: Communications

Notes: Communication - with your fellow Knights, your local community and with the people of your parish and district - is vital to the success of your Council. To get your message out there you should:

• Communicate regularly with Council members. • So, that members and officers know the strategic plans and goals

along with the upcoming programs of their Council during your term as Grand Knight.

• There are many tools available for communicating your Council’s news, initiatives and goals to your fellow Knights.

For instance, you can:

• Use or set up a council newsletter and write a monthly column that touches on important topics for that month.

• Use your parish bulletin. • Use your local media. • Send email blasts. • Or set up a website.

Conduct a member interest survey in your Council to determine what type of programs and activities the majority of your members are interested in. When Council members know what’s going on and how they can help, then you will find that the service projects of your Council will have a better opportunity for successful outcomes.

2.5 Chapter 2: Knowledge Check. No VO: This is a Knowledge Check.

3.0 Chapter 3: Knowledge Check. No VO: This is a Pre-Assessment Test.

3.1 Chapter 3: Introduction.

Notes: Let's begin by reviewing the many resources available that are designed to help you be a successful Grand Knight, and will help you as a Fraternal Leader to guide your council to make a difference in your parish and community. Leadership training resources include:

• Grand Knights Guide with high level strategies for success. • Knights of Columbus Resource Booklet - a detailed council operation

reference guide. • Leadership training resources:

o Fraternal Leader Success Planner to help you and your officers plan for a successful fraternal year.

o The Surge...with Service CD kit with detailed how-to guidance on conducting well-rounded programs that will engage a higher percentage of your council members and provide valuable service to real people that are in need.

• And Leadership media resources: o Knights of Columbus website where you'll find detailed

information on administrative reports, programs, initiatives, forms, and due dates.

o Fraternal Training Portal is where you can find video resources for your council like, the power of one.

• Membership Recruitment:

o Earning the Star Council Award along with other promotional videos.

o Fraternal promotional videos for use at council functions. • Leadership publication resources:

o Knightline provides information to council and jurisdiction fraternal leaders on order-wide initiatives and programs.

o And the Columbia magazine is our award winning monthly membership magazine and is geared to each of us as a Catholic.

o Knightline and Columbia are available online and in print. Allow yourself ample time for review all of these resources which will help you as Grand Knight become a successful fraternal leader.

3.2 Chapter 3: Guides

Notes: As a Grand Knight, to be truly effective in your role you will need to take advantage of the information and guidance that is available and provided to help you fulfill your Council’s mission as well as to stay up-to-date with the objectives, initiatives, and direction of the Order. The Grand Knight Guide along with the Knights of Columbus Leadership Resources Handbook (#5093) - were designed with you in mind and to help you in your role.

The Grand Knight Guide provides a high-level overview of the role and what a Grand Knight should focus on to be an effective leader. The Knights of Columbus Leadership Resources Handbook covers the roles of all officer positions within the Order - along with a section covering the Grand Knight - and comes with reference sections on the laws and rules of the Knights of Columbus. It combines a Grand Knight, District Deputy, and Financial Secretary handbook into one, single resource.

3.3 Chapter 3: Training material

Notes: The Fraternal Leader Success Planner (#5033) is a planning tool and online Surge... with Service Information is available as a resource, both are designed to help you plan for success. The Fraternal Leader Success Planner is designed to help you set goals, evaluate council performance, plan for the future, and measure success on a monthly basis. This keeps everything basic. The online Surge... with Service Information is accessible every day, 24 hours per day, by all of your council’s officers. Each year your financial secretary is reminded that this is the place to go to research up to date information on programs and initiatives so that you can fulfill your Council’s mission to

implement service programs that will assist your parish and community. Through your council’s active involvement in programs, and through your active leadership, you will find that members will come together. By working together, they will be able to accomplish far more than individuals can achieve by acting alone.

3.4 Chapter 3: Media

Notes: The Knights of Columbus website, is a wealth of knowledge and information and is publically available. Here you will find information on many topics and also many promotional videos. Promotional videos are valuable sources of information, inspiration, and up-to-date news and can bring an educational component to a council meeting. Here you’ll find detailed information on service programs, initiatives, forms, due-dates, awards and great program and recruiting ideas. The secure access “Officers Online” section of the website is where you get access to the Fraternal Training Portal. Here is compiled a wealth of training materials, information on service and partnership programs, membership, further resources, as well as role specific informational videos to help you in your leadership role.

3.5 Chapter 3: Publications

Notes: Knightline is specifically for fraternal leaders such as yourself to provide you with information on what’s happening in our Order, and what’s on the near-term horizon. Columbia is the award-winning monthly magazine of the Knights of Columbus. The magazine's editorial focus is specifically for Knights of Columbus as Catholics engaged in living a positive life and Building the Domestic Church While Strengthen our Parish. It content speaks to positive Catholic action and highlights those that are making a difference by putting their faith into action. Both these publications are available online and in print.

3.5.1 Chapter 3: Additional resources

Notes: The Method of Conducting Council Meetings booklet is an invaluable resource for a Grand Knight. It is the template to use when planning for and conducting Council meetings. Following the official order of business will help you to have a much more productive meeting. Another key resource for you as Grand Knight, whether conducting a meeting or taking any action as Grand Knight is the Protocol Handbook, designed to help you be effective in your role.

3.6 Chapter 3: Take the test. No VO: This is a Knowledge Check.

4.0 Chapter 4: Pre-Assessment Test No VO: This is a Pre-Assessment Test.

4.1 Chapter 4: Introduction

Notes:

• To be a successful leader, you need to: • Understand your duties and responsibilities • Engage your fellow officers • Form your membership into a team • Work with other councils on larger initiatives • Be the “go-to guys” for your parish pastors • Make charitable works the focus of your council • Invite all eligible Catholic men to join

4.2.1 Chapter 4: Star Council Award

Notes: By earning the Star Council Award, your council is recognized as living up to our Founder, Father Michael J. McGivney’s, vision of a network of Councils dedicated to faith-based, charitable outreach. Striving to earn the Star Council Award will be a major success goal of your leadership. The Star Council Award recognizes those councils that conduct well-rounded programs in the area of:

• Church • Community • Council • Culture of Life • Family • Youth

While at the same time succeeding with both Membership and Insurance growth.

4.2.2 Chapter 4: Star Council Award

Notes: The Star Council Award is comprised of the:

• Father McGivney Award • Founders’ Award • Columbian Award

To earn the Star Council Award, your council must submit three important forms to the Supreme Council, one is necessary to ensure good communication, one is like your council report card detailing your charitable reach and accounts for your volunteer hours, and the third is an application telling your council’s program story. You’ll need to submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728), the Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and the Columbian Award Application (#SP7). Your Council must also remain in good standing with Supreme Council assessments. The Father McGivney Award recognizes excellence in your council’s membership growth. For this award, your council must meet or exceed its yearly membership quota. Growth is reckoned as membership increases over membership losses.

Losses that count against your council’s quota include: • Member suspension or withdrawal. • The loss of a member due to death. • Transfers into and out of your council do not count against the council

quota. The Father McGivney Award new membership quota is an increase of 7% of current membership or a minimum of 4 new members. The Founders’ Award recognizes achievements in insurance membership. The quota for Councils is a 2.5% net increase in insurance membership as of July 1 for the fraternal year. The minimum quota is three and the maximum is 18. It is vital that completed application forms are returned in plenty of time. Again, the deadline for the Service Program Personnel Report (#365) or use the Service Program feature in Member Management before August 1. The Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728) is January 31 and is easily submitted in the Reports Online section of the Knights of Columbus website. The deadline for Columbian Award Application (#SP7) is June 30th, and to make sure that it is submitted in a timely manner will be accepted any time after April 1st.

4.3 Chapter 4: Columbian Award

Notes: The Columbian Award recognizes a Council’s efforts in charitable outreach. Councils must conduct and report on at least four service programs in each of the six Service Program categories:

• Church Activities • Community Activities • Council Activities • Culture of Life Activities • Family Activities • Youth Activities.

Building the Domestic Church While Strengthen Our Parishes is very important. In fact, it is so important that every council is required to conduct a certain number of Domestic Church Activities. These activities are not difficult and can be incorporated into almost any of our six categories, depending on your implementation in our council.

4.4 Chapter 4: Form #1728

Notes: The Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity is an important form often referred to as the #1728. Its purpose is to measure the success and impact of the charitable outreach of your Council throughout the year, in items of donation and in volunteer hours of service. Take care with it - it will ensure that your Council reports all of its good works and volunteer hours helping others. When every council reports what it has accomplished, when added together with all of the other councils in our Order, dramatically portrays the charitable reach of our Order and shows the true power of unity of purpose and unity in action. You can submit the form in multiples ways:

• The best way to submit the form is to do so electronically. You’ll find it in the Forms section of the Knights website.

• The second option is to download the form from the website, manually complete it and then either mail, email or fax it.

If you submitted your form electronically, and later found that you left out some data, you should re-submit the entire survey including the omitted information. The deadline for receipt of the completed form is January 31.

4.5 Chapter 4: Other Forms

Notes: There are two other forms that must be completed and submitted on time if your Council is to win the Star Council Award:

• The Service Program Personnel Report (#365) for the fraternal year and the

• Columbian Award Application (#SP7). • The Service Program Personnel Report (#365) is important because it

allows the Supreme Council office to communicate with your Council’s service committee members.

It must be received at the Supreme Council office by August 1 if your Council is to meet the first requirement for the Star Council, Columbian, Father McGivney and Founders’ Awards. The best way to submit the Service Program Personnel Report is to use the Member Management application in Officers Online, and simply complete the Service Program Personnel screen. The Columbian Award Application (#SP7) is used by your Council to report on the various service programs in the six service categories.

The deadline for this report is June 30. If you complete the form each month you may be surprised at just how much good work your council does in your parish and district.

4.6 Chapter 4: Take the Test. No VO: This is a Knowledge Check.

5.0 Chapter 5: Pre-assessment test for Ten Keys No VO: This is a Pre-Assessment test.

5.1 Chapter 5: Ten Keys Intro

Notes: One of the most important leadership roles in our Order is that of the Grand Knight. The first time you are addressed as “Worthy Grand Knight” places responsibility upon your shoulders to uphold and live the mission of our Order as established by our founder Father Michael McGivney. The basis of all success in the Knights of Columbus is the work done and actions taken by Councils like yours.

And it all starts with fraternal leadership. As a Grand Knight, you’ll need to understand your duties and know what resources you can use to help you and steer your Council to success. As Grand Knight, you need to set an example and truly live out the principles of our Order, namely Charity, Unity, and Fraternity the lessons taught in our Ceremonials. Your leadership will see you engage your fellow officers and inspire members to new successes. Council programs enable fellow Knights to put Catholic charity into action and Grand Knights can help members become an evangelizing force to uplift members, their families and those in need. By electing you, the brother Knights of your Council have placed their trust in you and set you upon a mission. To be successful you need to maintain a focus on items that are truly important. Here are Ten Keys to successful leadership as a Grand Knight. Click on each one and, when you’re finished, Take the Test.

5.2.1 Chapter 5: Key 1 – Star Council

Notes: Earning the Star Council Award takes your leadership as Grand Knight and begins by setting goals, planning early, involving your officers and members and keeping focused. When you become a Star Council Grand Knight, you will know that your council grew stronger and responded to the needs of your parish and community. Your charitable service projects made a tangible difference in the lives of many people and gave your council members the opportunity to respond to their own calling by putting their faith into action. For more information, please visit our website, kofc.org/star. Earning the Star Council Award is a measure of success for your Council. It creates enthusiasm for the mission among members, making it easier for you to find volunteers for your Council’s various service programs and other charitable initiatives. It is also a good measure of how effective your Council is in providing tangible benefits to real people and families in your parish and community. The Star Council Award lapel pin recognizes your leadership in steering your

Council to doing good and making a difference in the world. Tap the “Next” button for the next video or go back to the menu and choose another Key.

5.2.2 Chapter 5: Key 2 – Charity

Notes: Be the go-to charitable organization in your parish and community. You are a fraternal leader making a difference and building your council. Make sure that your council is at the forefront of your parish and community by volunteering the time and services of council members and their families. Your council must be visible. Ensure that your council advertises in your parish bulletin and distributes flyers after masses to promote the programs and initiatives of your council. Advertise these programs in your local papers. And invite radio and television to help tell you council's great service story. This will help attract numbers. Father Michael McGivney's vision for the Knights of Columbus as an organization, was to offer Catholic men the opportunity to put their shared faith into action, serve their fellow man and their church while helping to financially protect their families. In essence, be the go-to organization in their parish and community. As the go-to organization, one never knows when a new service opportunity will present itself, and your council must be ready to respond.

Be open and aware of these opportunities because each charitable service program provides additional opportunities for charitable outreach that helps others. Provides visibility in the parish and community which creates awareness in potential members and engages more council members in council programs. Your effective leadership will guide your Council to be or become the “go-to charitable service organization” in your parish and community. Building a rapport with your parish and community leaders costs nothing and builds strategic alliance partnership that will build a stronger council. Advertising, on the other hand, costs money. So, use your local media - invite newspapers and TV to help relate the story of your Council’s great work. It can be hard to attract new members. However, you’re likely to get a more positive response to your recruitment efforts if your prospective new Knights already know about your Council’s good works.

5.2.3 Chapter 5: Key 3 – Recruitment

Notes: Focus on offering membership and it's benefits to all qualified Catholic men and on conducting frequent First Degree Ceremonials.

As Grand Knight, this is one of your most important leadership duties. When a man is offered membership in your council, he has the opportunity to grow in his faith through service to God and his neighbor. Each member also gains access to exclusive, top-rated insurance providing protection for his family. Who should your council look for when conducting a Recruitment Drive? Our Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, explained it best when he said, "Our goal is to take good men, seeking to be better men and give them the opportunity to become great men." For information on how to recruit, visit our website kofc.org/drive and show the Membership Recruitment Video to your council recruitment teams. Explore options to expand your Church Recruitment Drives. Open houses. Friends recruiting friends. And inviting potential members at key stages in their life. Be open, warm, and welcoming to men that decide to join your council. This is the first step in keeping a member for life. It is important that your council have the ability to conduct it's own First Degree Ceremonial. This allows a candidate to join at a regularly scheduled Degree or provide your council with the flexibility to conduct a special Degree exemplification at a convenient time for the candidate. Keep in mind, if one or more regular Degree team members becomes unavailable for a Degree, other members need to be prepared to step in or use the Ceremonial Narration CD, or the First Degree Video Production. The best place for a candidate to join is in his own council. Visit the secure Officers Online section of the Order's website for additional information on the First Degree Video Production. As Grand Knight, ongoing recruitment efforts by your Council is an essential part of your leadership role. Your mission will be to focus on offering membership to all qualified Catholic men. And on conducting frequent First Degree ceremonials to admit them as members of your councils. Focus on developing ceremonial staff to conduct the Admission Degree whether conducted from memory or by reading or through the use of the

First Degree video production DVD.

5.2.4 Chapter 5: Key 4 – Insurance

Notes: Promote our Order as top-rated insurance program. One of the primary reasons that Father Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus was for the care of a member's widow and children following his untimely death. Today, the Knights of Columbus continues our Founder's vision. Most fraternal benefit societies require that an insurance policy be purchased to become a member. In this regard, the Knights of Columbus is unique in the industry. Insurance in our order is voluntary. This speaks both to the great things that council's can accomplish and also the confidence we have in our benefits. It is the excess earnings from our insurance sales that provide the many low-cost brochures, posters, and handbooks for your council each year. As members, each has access to our order's insurance products and we can be proud that our fraternal insurance society is among the most highly rated in all of North America and stands ready to provide for the financial security of all member's families. Knights of Columbus insurance products are by Brother Knights for Brother Knights. Ensure that all of your members have ample opportunities to learn about our

order's exclusive insurance products. Your field agent is a great resource and ally for you. You will find that when you include him when planning, and in meetings, your council will be in a better position to attain its membership and insurance goals. When you host a Fraternal Benefits night with your field agent, you provide an opportunity to educate your brother Knights on the importance of insurance and how the products carried by our order can fill their insurance needs. Promoting our top-rated insurance program is a key function of your leadership duties as Grand Knight. As members, each of us has access to our Order’s insurance products and we can be proud that, in our fraternal insurance society, we’re among the most highly rated in all of North America. Your field agent is a key strategic alliance partner, and he can help your council in many ways, including teaching members skills in recruiting new members and reactivating former members. Plan and promote frequent fraternal benefits nights to educate members on the importance of insurance and how the products carried by the Order can fill their insurance needs.

5.2.5 Chapter 5: Key 5 – Set Goals

Notes: Set goals, evaluate performance, and plan for the future. On a monthly basis, council officers need to ask the questions, "Is my council better than it was last month?" "What can we do to help more people?" "How can we do better?" The answers to these questions will help move your council forward and provide the best opportunity for council growth. Here's some time tested advice. Set goals, evaluate performance, and plan for the future. Host a planning session with your fellow officers to set goals and provide 12 months of council activity. Plan enough programs to earn the Columbian Award. This is where the Surge...with Service CD kit is an invaluable resource. Use the Fraternal Leader Success Planner which is provided to key Fraternal leaders in each council with additional copies available from the supply department. Measuring success is the council's monthly report card and evaluates your councils performance. When a Fraternal Leader gives an honest evaluation to a program, he will quickly see what needs to be adjusted to help more people and obtain more participation. Better program results can be achieved by carefully deciding who should be in what role.

Members will be more productive when they use their natural talents when they volunteer. They will be motivated and engaged because their contribution to the program is easier to accomplish. To set the stage for the future, remember to be open to change and don't get stuck in the past. In this way your council can help more people in the future. As a leader, you will need to set goals, evaluate performance, and plan for the future. Host a planning session with your fellow officers to set your goals and provide an outline of 12 months of Council activity. Use the Fraternal Leader Success Planner resource to help you to plan ahead and communicate clearly, keep on track with the Founder’s vision and your mission and determine what must be done now, what needs planning for in the coming weeks and what needs to be promoted in the months ahead. The planner has an events calendar designed to keep track of events and key dates and it’s where you can add your program of events and initiatives. Each month, measure your success and determine the changes needed to achieve greater success. Don’t be tempted to sit back and wait to see what happens. Be honest in the evaluations of your success. Be open to change and don’t get stuck in the past.

5.2.6 Chapter 5: Key 6 – Enlisting Support

Notes: Enlist the support of your pastor or Chaplain and develop a working relationship with organizations in the community to ensure membership growth and successful service projects. You need to know who the alliance partners and centers of influence are in your area. These leaders can help you be an effective leader and help your council to be more effective in the results of its programs, and they need to know you. Meet with your team of officers and prioritize which centers of influence would be the most productive alliances and partners to help your council to further it's charitable mission. Start with your Chaplain or pastor, your parish pastoral team, District Deputy, General and Field Agent, and key community leaders. In this way, your council will have higher visibility and additional man power when conducting programs. This in turn will lead prospective candidates to get more interested and inquire about your council and the Knights of Columbus. Gaining new members is a recipe for more successful and frequent service projects in the future. For example, by asking your pastoral team, a Catholic school, hospital, agency, your community soup kitchen, or a local food pantry, "What can we do to help?" Or say, "We have an idea." You'll bring to life additional service opportunities.

This will enhance good will of your council. In addition, your parish, community, and potential members will see that your Knights of Columbus council is ready to lend a helping hand whenever a need arises. Successful Grand Knights find that when they develop working relationships with other organizations or leaders that council members are motivated and engaged in the charity that evangelizes. Find out who the alliance partners and centers of influence are, in your area. Start with your Chaplain or Pastor, General Agent and/or Field Agent and District Deputy. Reach out to local Catholic leaders to ensure higher visibility for your Council and its good works. Ask: What can we do to help? This will bring to light additional service opportunities, enhance the goodwill of the Council and position your Council to be ready to lend support when necessary.

5.2.7 Chapter 5: Key 7 – Delegate

Notes: Share responsibilities.

Sharing responsibilities is a long-term effective leadership principle. For you to be a successful Fraternal Leader, sharing responsibility is absolutely necessary. With one quick look at your Fraternal Leader's success planner, calendar of events, it should be quite apparent that you cannot do it alone. When sharing responsibilities in your council becomes a regular way of life, more officers and members will experience the positive outcomes of your service projects and are equipped to adjust when the outcomes are less than expected. This helps ever leader grow in his role. Remember, sharing responsibilities is a 2-way street. The reports of those with which you have shared responsibilities indicate if they're on the right track. If not, you can quickly step in to provide Fraternal guidance to get them back on track. The trust, confidence, and respect you have in your fellow elected officers, should also be afforded 2 key appointments you make as Grand Knight. The Council Membership Director and the Program Director. The appointment of these directors rounds out your leadership team and sharing responsibilities with them builds a positive council culture for success. Delegation is essential. But with each request you receive, it will be necessary to determine its priority, and whether it can be delegated or if it requires your personal action.

5.2.8 Chapter 5: Key 8 – Council Meetings

Notes: Use council and officer meetings to brainstorm and plan council projects. To conduct productive council meetings and effectively use the time of the officers and members, the most successful Grand Knights schedule a separate officers' meeting to provide in-depth planning, handle organizational details and brainstorm. Brainstorming provides insight to overcome obstacles and avoid pitfalls. This allows for each committee to work through the project planning process and for a committee report at council meetings to be concise by presenting high-level information. Council meetings are not the time to ask for volunteers for service projects. All members, whether they can attend the meeting or not, need to be kept informed and engaged in the service projects of your council. Be sure to use these three important resources. The Method of Conducting a Council Meeting is the template to conduct your council meetings. The Protocol Handbook helps build rapport and strong fraternal relationships. And Roberts Rules of Order is a reference guide for procedural questions in book form or online. All of these reference materials are included in the Surge...with Service CD kit which is mailed to your council's Financial Secretary of Record at the beginning of the fraternal year. When you conduct a good meeting, your member participation will increase

in all programs, and the outcomes will be positive. Council Meetings:

• Bring members together • Engage officers and members in programs • Are a forum to transact Council business • Provide a spiritual and educational component • Pass on information about upcoming events

Council meetings are not:

• The time or place to recruit workers for programs • The place to start the planning process • An open forum to debate the details • A social gab-fest

5.2.9 Chapter 5: Key 9 – Valuing Members

Notes: Generate an atmosphere where all members feel welcomed and valued. An effective Grand Knight keeps in mind that the greatest assets of his Knights of Columbus Council are the individual members with their multitude of talents and ideas for success. As Grand Knight, weigh the opinions of your fellow officers, directors, committee chairmen and brother Knights.

In particularly difficult cases, seek the advice and assistance of your Chaplain, District Deputy and Field Agent. And don't forget your highly successful past Grand Knights and former District Deputies. Build an atmosphere of valuing members. Use the opinions and advice gathered from these many sources and render a decision for the good of your council. By doing so, you help motivate your council into action. Keep in mind that younger members need to be kept engaged so that they are prepared for leadership roles in your council. Your council must be open to change. Your council, undoubtedly, has members in broad age groups. And you need to identify ways to engage each group in activities that appeal to them. The unity of your council is most evident when members of all ages come together for a common goal. This enables you and your councils to build a true spirit of fraternity. Build a team atmosphere among your members by helping them feel like their opinions and services are valued. Ask members for advice and seek out their hidden talents such as web design, writing ability, sales experience, and regularly consult with them and keep them informed of your council’s initiatives. Always make it a point to first listen and evaluate, and then be ready to explain the reasons for final decisions. Also, keep your younger members interested and engaged so they are prepared to take leadership roles in your council.

5.2.10 Chapter 5: Key 10 – Communications

Notes: Communicate regularly with council members. Council members and officers need to know this strategic plans and goals along with the upcoming programs of their council during your term as Grand Knight. An effective tool is is to write a monthly column for your council's newsletter, whether online or mailed, that touches on important topics for that month and the plans for upcoming initiatives. Use your parish bulletin, and don't forget your local media. When council members know what's going on and how they can help you will find the service projects of your councils will have better outcomes. Here's a tip for success in communicating your priorities. Work with your officers to plan your council's calendar of events immediately after your election. Have the installation of council officers as close as possible to July 1. The installation is a great way to begin your council's program calendar by incorporating mass with your council Chaplain and following with a social to promote your calendar of events. By incorporating the 10 keys for success as Grant Knight, your success will not be a check box on a report. Your leadership will drive positive action by addressing the needs of your parish and community. The statement by Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, that began this video clearly speaks to the importance of your council when 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." Remember, your council is part of that enormous force for good. I wish you success in your work as a fraternal leader during your service as Grand Knight. There are many tools available for communicating your council’s news, initiatives and goals to your fellow Knights. Use or set up a council newsletter, email blasts or website. Conduct a member interest survey in your council to determine what type of programs and activities the majority of your members are interested in.

5.3 Chapter 5: Ten Keys: Take the Test No VO: This is a Knowledge Check.

6.1 Learning Resources

Notes: When you complete this course, you will be able to avail of a wide range of further reading material and training resources to help you in your new role. All of the resource materials you learned about in the Resources Chapter of this course are available for you to access or download from our website - kofc.org. There you can also find more information about the role and

responsibilities of a Grand Knight, watch training videos, and familiarize yourself with online forms and reports. No one expects Council officers to know everything. However, successful Grand Knights know that they have a wealth of knowledge and information available to help them.

7.1 Closing Prayer

Notes: 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 (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Vivat Jesus!