Mid-Year Meeting of State Deputies in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson addresses state deputies at their mid-year meeting in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson told state deputies gathering for their mid-year meeting in Washington, D.C., Friday evening that “tremendous opportunities” for growth in membership, insurance and charity await Knights of Columbus at every level during the coming year. View video

The theme of the opening session Saturday morning was strategic planning for growth in membership, new councils, insurance coverage, fraternal service and charitable efforts.

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“Have a team in place to advance the plan so you don’t have to start over every one or two years, when a new state deputy starts,” Supreme Knight Anderson said. “You have to sow wheat and oats. Have a plan for immediate growth but also a plan to develop growth over the long term – three, four and five years down the line.”

He also said that the potential for growth for the Knights of Columbus is virtually unlimited, given the fact that the Catholic Church is growing in every jurisdiction where the Order is active. Growth among Hispanics, who are the fastest growing population in many jurisdictions, is especially important, he said.

George Hanna, vice president of Fraternal Services.

In a presentation on “The Importance of a State Strategic Growth Plan,” George Hanna, vice president for Fraternal Services, said that one of the surest ways to attract new members is through consistent and effective programming in areas of family life, pro-life issues and support of the Church. The state deputy should develop a strategic plan and communicate it to the districts and councils, he added.

“You must have a vision for growth and communicate that vision,” Hanna said. “But the vision is not the destination, it is not where you stop. The vision should leave room for others to build on and go beyond.”

He said the membership Blitz, which is scheduled twice a year by the Supreme Council is not the only goal for membership growth. “The Blitz is the beginning and aid, but each jurisdiction must be membership active 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Louis Barbour, director of Council Growth and Development.

Louis Barbour, director of Council Growth and Development, spoke on New Council Development, Round Tables and Council Reactivation.”

“This is a great year: the 125th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus, and you are the state deputy for this historic year,” Barbour said. “We can make this the best year ever in terms of membership and council growth, and in charitable giving,” adding that there is no alternative:  “What if we do not grow? Who will replace all our efforts for the most needy?”

After Saturday morning’s general session, supreme officers, board members and regional program consultants joined the state deputies in a series of workshops dealing with strategic growth plans, using the Shining Armor Program to aid in recruitment and retention, developing a partnership with the insurance field force, and ideas for new council development.

Saturday evening, the state deputies and supreme council board members will be joined by vice supreme masters of the Fourth Degree, as well as a large contingent of Washington area Knights in regalia for the official dedication of the Knights of Columbus Incarnation Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.