Council Publicity and Public Relations

Glossary

Public Relations and Publicity - Glossary of Terms

Message
Your message is the information you want to communicate to your key or target audience.

Media List
Your media list will comprise a listing of the newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations in your area. You will direct your public relations activities to these media outlets.

Key or Target Audience
Your key or target audience is the group of people you want to reach with your message. Your audience may include families, youth, etc.

Press or News Release
A press or news release is a typewritten announcement of a newsworthy activity or program for distribution to the print media (newspapers and magazines) and/or broadcast media (radio and television).

Photo Release
A photo release includes a photograph and typewritten caption (a short description of the photo) for distribution to the print media.

Media Alert
A media alert is a typewritten advance announcement of an upcoming event listing details of Who, What, Where, When and Why, for distribution to print and/or broadcast media, encouraging their attendance and coverage.

Public Service Announcement
A public service announcement (PSA) is a typewritten, audiotape, videotape, or slide announcement of a community service activity or event for distribution to newspapers, radio or television stations.

Feature Story
A feature is a story of wider scope than a news release and often includes a human-interest angle. It is distributed to print and/or television media.

Local Cable Access
Many local cable companies have cable access channels for programming that originates locally from community organizations or individuals. These channels offer publicity opportunities.

Media Spokesperson
A media spokesperson is a person designated by your council as the one who will talk to media, discuss programs and provide quotes.

Media Mention
An article about or mention of your program or activity appearing in a newspaper or magazine, on radio or television is an example of a media mention, either placed by your council or initiated by the media itself. Quality coverage will mention the name of your organization and council.

Recognizing News

How to Recognize a News Story

Information sent to editors and broadcasters must describe local, timely, newsworthy events that will appeal to readers, listeners and viewers. Following is a sample list of council activities in which the media may be interested. There are bound to be others related to your specific council and community.

• Awards presented to members or to the council and awards which it gives to others;
• Number of new members recruited during a membership drive;
• New officers;
• Basketball Free Throw Championship and Soccer Challenge;
• Senior citizens programs;
• Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP);
• Fund-raising projects for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities;
• Sponsored cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other health related courses;
• Unusual or extensive church renovations;
• Student loan programs, scholarship winners;
• Other community service or fundraising projects;
• Knights of Columbus support after natural disasters;
• Hands-on assistance to families that have suffered personal disaster, loss or illness;
• Council awards to “Family of the Year” and “Knight of the Year”;
• Local results of Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity;
• Financial contributions to community agencies;
• Major anniversaries or related activities;
• Almost anything that is superlative: biggest, smallest, latest, or newest.

The News Peg

Coming up with angles to interest the media isn’t always easy. Timeliness is important, of course, but it’s also important to focus on some aspect of the program or event that is interesting to the media and the public. This is called the “news peg.”

As a planning aid, develop and maintain a “forcing events” calendar: a comprehensive chronological listing of pending initiatives and developments that have the potential of becoming news pegs.

For the Knights of Columbus, interesting news pegs might be:

• Announcement of new officers;
• Winners in the Free Throw Championship or the Soccer Challenge on a local, district, state council or international level;
• Dollars raised for the community through fund-raising efforts with examples of where the money goes and how it is being used;
• How senior citizens benefit from the Order’s programs, with examples of one or two individuals;
• Oldest or youngest Knight’s involvement;
• An interesting community service project and the volunteer hours and number of volunteers involved;
• Results of the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity.

These would not only make good news stories, but also offer excellent photo and feature opportunities. For example, send an action photo of the Free Throw Championship or help the media develop a feature story on a senior citizen who has been aided through a Knights of Columbus program. If you take the photo, be sure it is of professional quality - a sharp, clear image with good contrast and interesting subject.

Use your imagination, and don’t be afraid to ask your media contacts for advice. In most cases, you’ll find they will be eager to help you. They’re as anxious for a good story as you are for a placement.

Mechanics

The Mechanics of Publicity and Public Relations

Print and Broadcast Media

Media outlets fall into two major groups: print and broadcast. Both should be used to target information about your local activities.

Print Media

• Newspapers include daily, weekly and community papers — secular, diocesan, ethnic and state council publications.
• Magazines include state and community publications, company and association publications, as well as general and special-interest magazines, such as sports or youth publications, and Columbia.
• Newsletters include council, church and organization (senior citizen, chamber of commerce, local service clubs) bulletins, and library and school publications.

Broadcast Media

• Radio includes AM, FM and online stations with news or talk segments or shows.
• Broadcast television includes network, independent and local television stations (and their Web sites).
• Cable television includes cable stations with local-origination programming available. Not all local cable companies have local programming capabilities, so check your television listings or call the local cable operator to find out which stations have local programming.

Defining Target Markets

Reaching the right people with the right message is critical to a successful public relations/publicity program. First, look at the subject of your message. Who should receive that message? Are you trying to reach families, young people, community leaders, business people or general audiences?

As you develop your media list, you can match your target audience to the appropriate media outlet to reach that audience. The media can tell you who their audiences are.

For example, if your council in Peoria is planning a major activity or event that requires public support, the appropriate medium is Peoria’s Journal-Star, not the Chicago Tribune.

Duplication

Your release should be clearly printed on appropriate Knights of Columbus letterhead. Be certain that the copies are legible and clean

Distribution

Distributing news and feature releases requires attention to several mechanical functions.

Hand-Delivered
If you are in a small community, you may want to hand deliver your releases. This is an effective personal touch.

Fax or E-Mail
Most reporters have distinct personal preferences on how they receive news releases. A reporter may have an e-mail address, but may strongly prefer to get a time-sensitive release via fax or in other “paper” form.

Mail Distribution
If you mail your releases, send them first-class and address them by name to a specific contact. Call the media outlet for the name of the individual to whom your release should be directed.

Electronic Distribution
There are professional services that specialize in distributing news releases by electronic wire directly to media newsrooms. If you have any activity that is particularly timely or important, and has interest beyond your local community, this vehicle can be useful.

Timing

To be successful, publicity must be timely. Similarly, the success or failure of an event often depends on the publicity surrounding the event. Your council should use publicity for two main purposes: (1) to announce forthcoming events in order to ensure full participation by members or the public, and (2) to inform members and the public about the accomplishments of the council and the Order.

Proper timing of your releases can make the difference in getting media coverage. You should schedule your release about an upcoming event so that the media has it in hand at least two weeks prior to the event or activity. Follow up with phone calls closer to the time of the event.

For releases that pertain to new members or officers, results of fundraising or other activities, plan to get the release to the media as quickly as possible and no later that a few days after the event or activity. There is no news in old news.

Your credibility as an information source will falter if you extend last-minute invitations to the media or send announcement information after the program or event has taken place. You also will not receive the coverage you request. Allow adequate time to prepare and distribute your material.

Developing and Maintaining Media Lists

A key component in any public relations effort is an up-to-date and accurate media list. To develop this list, you can consult your local telephone book for a listing of all newspapers, magazines, radio, television and cable stations. Check with your local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, Public Relations Society of America or Women in Communication.

These organizations may have local media directories already prepared, or may be able to identify outside companies that sell media lists. Your local library might have media resource books such as Bacon’s Radio/TV/Newspaper/Magazine Directory, or The Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media. Also include church and state council bulletins and diocesan newspapers on your list.

For newspapers, the right contact is usually the city editor or religion editor. For television, radio and cable stations, the news or assignment editor/director is the proper contact person. PSAs should be directed to the public service director. The best way to find out who is the most appropriate contact is to call and ask, “Who would be the person most interested in receiving a release on (subject)?”Keep in mind that releases on different topics might have to be directed to different people at the same publication. When you call the media to ask for a contact name, you can also ask who is the major audience for that newspaper, magazine or station.

You should know the deadlines of the media on your list. The media will be glad to provide these to you. Keep in mind that even at the same publication, different departments may have different deadline schedules. Note how best to reach your contact with news materials — fax, mail, hand-delivery or e-mail. You should plan to update your list every three months. In the media business, people move around a lot. A quick and simple phone call can verify that your contact is still there.

Establishing Media Relations

After you have developed your media list, the next step is to get personally acquainted with your new contacts. Keep conversations short and to the point, particularly with newspapers and television stations in large cities. Always remember these simple guidelines when contacting the “right person” by telephone:

• Identify yourself, your organization and the purpose of your call (to introduce yourself and your role as public relations representative for the Knights of Columbus).
• Editors and broadcasters work on deadlines, so always ask if the timing of your call is convenient. If not, ask when to call back.
• Once you have reached your contact, you can talk by phone or set a convenient time to meet to discuss your council’s upcoming activities and determine what type of information your contact may be able to use in the future.
• Always show appreciation for any time you are given. Once you have established a basic relationship, continue to touch base with your contact from time to time. Don’t become a bother, as editors and broadcasters are busy. Don’t ask if they will use your story.
• Remember that your story is competing with many others for limited space and you will not always succeed in attracting coverage. The media are not obliged to cover your news.
• Demanding their support will jeopardize your relationship.
• Send a note occasionally thanking contacts for the help they have given your council.

Tips

Publicity and Public Relations Tips

Written Media Materials Guidelines

No matter the timeliness or newsworthiness of your information, failure to comply with a few copy guidelines could derail your chances for media coverage. Written media materials that require the least amount of effort on the part of the editor have the best chance of publication. When sending any written materials (including press releases, photo releases and media alerts) to an editor or broadcaster, always make certain you do the following:

• Remember that the appearance of any news release or other correspondence reflects the professionalism of the Knights of Columbus and yourself.
• Keep the information as brief and concise as possible.
• Print releases double-spaced on 8 1/2” by 11” Knights of Columbus letterhead, if possible, using the front side only.
• Make margins at least 1” on both sides of the release for editing and making notes.
• Include the Knights of Columbus contact person’s name, title, telephone number and e-mail address in the upper right-hand corner of the release’s first page. If letterhead is not available, add the council name and address to this block of information.
• Precede your first paragraph with the city and state/province (printed in all caps) where the information originated, as well as the mailing date.
• If your story runs more than one page, use the word “more” at the bottom of each page except the last. Identify second and subsequent pages with page numbers and a reference to the subject so that the pages may be put back together in the event they become separated.
• Use the symbol “###” centered on a line by itself after the last paragraph, to indicate the end of the release.
• Standard language describing the Knights of Columbus and its mission should be included in every press release.
• For future reference, keep copies of all information you send.
• Distribute your materials by hand delivery, fax, e-mail or regular mail. Depending on the time sensitivity and various media deadlines, all modes of distribution should be considered for your distribution plan.

Press Release Guidelines (Use for print and broadcast media.)

• Use a short, eye-catching action headline (title) on your release.
• Identify the primary purpose or goal of your release and make it your “lead” in the first paragraph. Write your lead so it will catch and hold the editor’s attention.
• Make sure that your release answers six important questions about your topic: Who, What, Where, When, How and Why.
• When writing your release, always put the most important information at the beginning. Organize the information in order of descending importance, with the least important facts at the end. (If the media cuts the release to make it shorter, most often they’ll cut the end and the most important facts will still be included.)
• Make sure the names, numbers, quotations and other factual information are correct. Make sure all quotes are properly attributed to the person quoted, including the person’s name and title.
• Keep the information factual; avoid opinions, except attributed quotations.
• For every person quoted in the release, always obtain verbal or written consent to have his or her name and statement published.
• Keep your release short and to the point. A press release should be focused, discussing one subject at a time.
• Follow up by phone to make sure your release was received. Be prepared to send another copy if an editor is interested in the story but can’t locate or can’t remember receiving the release.

Photo Release Guidelines

• Send glossy black-and-white prints, 4” x 5” or 5” x 7”, to newspapers. Columbia magazine prefers color photographs.
• When setting up the photo, make sure the background is simple and uncluttered.
• Try to include people in the shot whenever possible. Because they will be representing the Knights of Columbus, make sure your subjects appear neat and comfortable, not posed. Also try to include some Knights of Columbus identification . . . lapel pins, council banners, jackets and T-shirts, caps, etc.
• Try to get action that tells a story into your photograph. For example, instead of getting a photo of a Knight handing over a check to a local hospital administrator (called a “grip and grin” shot), create a photo which will show the use of the donation, such as a patient using equipment, etc.
• Obtain written usage consent from every person who appears in the photograph. It is useful to have a prepared photo-consent form available on site.
• Always send a typewritten photo caption, identifying the people from left to right, with the photograph. Double-check all names and titles. Use 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper. Print the caption on the lower half and tape the photo on the upper half.
• Never write on the front or back of a photograph or staple it to a press release.
• Send photos only to print media. Exception: some television stations may use a photo as backdrop to an announcer telling the story.
• Follow up by phone to make sure your photo was received and see if it might be used.
• Do not request media to return photos. Produce enough copies to keep one for your files.

Note: If you have access to the technology, print media and electronic media can now use photos via an e-mail. Check your contacts to learn if they are interested in this approach.

Media Alert Guidelines (Use for print and broadcast media)

• Send media alerts to announce an upcoming event and to encourage the media to attend.
• Type “Media Alert” at the top of the page.
• Write a catchy, short headline (title) designed to get the media’s attention.
• Keep the media alert to one page — the shorter the better.
• List the Who, What, Where, When and photos in clear simple words. Tell the media WHY they should cover this event.
• Follow up by phone to make sure your media alert was received and to see if the editor or broadcaster is planning to cover your event.

Feature Guidelines

• Unlike “hard news” stories, which typically focus on concrete data (names, numbers, specific events, etc.), feature stories tend to concentrate on the “human interest” of personalities and personal relationships.
• A feature story may, for example, deal with personalities or the history of programs or the Knights of Columbus itself.
• Most often, a feature is written or produced by the media. You must interest the media in writing or producing it.
• To “pitch” or tell the media about a feature opportunity, you should write a short synopsis of the idea and call a specific media outlet to talk about your idea.
• After you talk, send a letter with your synopsis.
• A feature is usually offered as an “exclusive.” This means that you offer it to just one media outlet, as opposed to press releases, photo releases and public service announcements, which should be sent to all media outlets at the same time. If the first outlet declines, then you can offer it to another, and so on. Do not try to interest more than one outlet at a time in your feature story.

Public Service Announcement Guidelines

• Use public service announcements (PSAs) to announce a Knights of Columbus community activity that is open or available to the public (e.g. Free Throw Championship or fund-raising program) or to provide information of use to the community (e.g., a message on youth safety or a family activity). Fund-raising activities for the needy, special community projects and special events would be appropriate subjects for a PSA.
• For radio, contact the public service director at the stations to identify the format for their PSAs. Most use 30-second PSA spots, but some use 60-second spots. You have two options: you can write your PSA, time it to meet the 30- or 60-second time frame by reading it out loud; or you can arrange to record your PSA for distribution to stations. Check with the stations to see what they require.
• For television, contact the stations’ public service directors to get their PSA specifications, including length and use of visuals. Visuals can usually be either a slide or brief videotape. You can supply the appropriate visuals with your script or have the PSA produced by a local production facility. Although your visuals do not have to be slick or commercial, they should be clear, interesting and professional.
• Along with the recording, it is important to provide a cover letter stating why the PSA is important and of interest to local viewers.
• Whatever format you use for radio and television, always include a typewritten copy of the message (done in all capital letters, double spaced, with the length of the announcement specified). Type “Public Service Announcement” at the top of the page.
• When writing your PSA, remember that your text will be read aloud. Read it out loud yourself to hear how it sounds.
• Make sure your PSA is addressed to the public service director of each radio or television station.
• Follow up by phone to make sure your PSA was received and is suitable for airing.
• If you are producing your own video PSA, it need not have a slick appearance, but it must meet broadcast standards. The PSA should be shot by a professional camera operator. A production company can be located by looking in the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory. Using home video would not be appropriate.
• On occasion, the Supreme Council produces radio and television PSAs which local councils can obtain free of charge to provide to local media. Councils can help get more air time for a PSA by calling the public service directors of local stations to encourage them to air the PSA, emphasizing the importance of its message to the local community.

Newsletter and Web Site

Council Newsletter

A well-designed council newsletter keeps members informed and enthusiastic about council programs and activities and can help to increase participation.

Every grand knight should appoint a bulletin editor for his council. The bulletin editor should have a keen sense of organization and administration, as well as a flair for news. His duties include contacting council officers and committee chairmen to obtain items of interest, soliciting advertisements, writing copy and overseeing the layout of the publication.
Use consistent guidelines for photos, features and press releases to develop articles for the council newsletter. Send a copy of your newsletter to the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326.

Below are suggestions for appropriate content.

• Features and press releases developed for local newspapers and magazines. If an item is of interest to the general public, it will certainly be of interest to council members.
• Announcements of planned council events and special notices on council business such as dues, elections, etc.
• A regular column by the grand knight to highlight important news and to give credit for outstanding member achievement.
• Information received from the Supreme Council office, such as a Knights of Columbus film being aired on television, or letter-writing campaigns to legislators.
• A chaplain’s column to provide comment on pertinent matters.
• Reports from each of the Service Program directors on scheduled activities.
• Excerpts of speeches by visiting dignitaries.
• A calendar of coming events for members’ quick reference.
• Listings of birthdays, anniversaries, deaths, congratulations, etc.
• Membership campaign promotions.
• An "Insurance Matters" column written by the council's general or field agent.
• Notice of First, Second and Third degree exemplifications.
• Reprints from Knightline or Program Supplement of news stories and programming ideas of interest to all members.

The format of the newsletter will depend on the council's budget as well as the volume of news available. Make your newsletter as professional looking as your budget allows. Readability is as important as well-written articles. If at all possible, have a professional artist or desktop publisher from your council design your newsletter. In developing a “layout” design, keep the following in mind:

• Be sure to indicate the council number and location in a conspicuous place in your bulletin.
• Do not try to put too much information on a page — it will be difficult to read. Be sure to leave plenty of “white space” (blank space) around articles and artwork.
• Do not use more than two different typefaces. The use of many different styles creates a confusing look.
• Photographs and artwork help develop reader interest. Knights of Columbus clip art can be used to add graphics to the council newsletter. The clip art section of www.kofc.org contains samples of the Order’s various emblems; seasonal, programming, membership and religious artwork; and other images. Be sure that the photographs and artwork relate to a nearby story, and that any photo is clearly captioned.

Council Web Site

Many councils now maintain Web pages. They can easily be found and offer many ideas which your council may want to adopt or modify for its own use. Virtually all of the Internet “how to” books provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to set up your own Web page. As with anything in public relations, bear in mind your basic communications objectives and the interests of the target audiences you want to reach. In addition to whatever other information you offer on your Web site, be sure to post your news releases, and that they are easily accessible from your home page. Once you have created a council Web site, keep it fresh with updated material and promote your Web address through all your other public relations materials. Be sure to include it with the council telephone number, mailing address, and email address wherever they appear - especially on council news releases. You can include a link to the Supreme Council site - www.kofc.org - or links to your state council site or other nearby council sites. Prior to publishing materials from another site or any source, you should request permission from the source and include attribution.

Advertisements

Many councils finance their entire publication through the acceptance of carefully chosen advertisements. For purposes of editorial and financial planning, obtaining ads from a specific group of advertisers who pay a flat fee in exchange for publication in each issue throughout a fraternal year is more efficient than trying to sell individual ads on a monthly basis. When soliciting advertising for your publication, keep in mind the following resolution adopted by the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors in 1985:

“VOTED, that the Board of Directors reaffirms its position that fraternal publications, (state, chapter, council assembly or corporations) are prohibited from accepting advertisements and news items relating directly or indirectly to the sale or servicing of life or health insurance other than advertisements and news items promoting the Order’s insurance program, and that a violation of this rule by any publication will constitute cause to prohibit the further use of the name and emblem of the Order by said publication.”

Intellectual Disabilities

Addressing People with Intellectual Disabilities 

Members of the Knights of Columbus do a great deal to assist people with intellectual disabilities. As your council works to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities, some guidelines to follow in referring to people with intellectual disabilities might be useful. Council bulletins, committee reports, posters and flyers, press releases and everyday speech should be accurate and considerate when referring to people with disabilities. The following are some “dos and don’ts” of language:

• DO talk or write about “people with intellectual disabilities,” not “the retarded.” You should not identify the person as a label - leave room for having intellectual disabilities to be just one of the many ways you can describe a person. In addition, put the person before the condition - “people with intellectual disabilities” is probably best.
• DON’T refer to all people with intellectual disabilities as if they were children. Adults with intellectual disabilities should be spoken to and about as adults. A newsletter article which would normally refer to its adult subject as “William C. Smith” should not refer to an adult who has intellectual disabilities as “Billy,” or otherwise treat him as a child.
• DON’T use negative terms like “victim of,” “afflicted with,” “suffering from,” “unfortunate,” etc.,when describing an individual with intellectual disabilities. Say someone “uses a wheelchair” rather than “is crippled” or “is wheelchair-bound.”
• DON’T imply disease when speaking or writing about someone with intellectual disabilities. He or she is not “sick” and you cannot “catch” the condition.

Most importantly, people with any disabilities - mental, physical or emotional - are still people. Speak or write of these individuals with the respect any human being deserves. Keep in mind that how you refer to people can have a great impact on the way others perceive them.

“Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities”

One of the most popular and successful programs conducted by Knights of Columbus state and local councils for the benefit of people with intellectual disabilities is the fund-raiser in which councils collect donations outside stores and on street corners. In appreciation, the donor is offered a candy bar, often a Tootsie Roll. The high visibility of this program has led to the campaign being referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive.”

The nickname is understandable, but misleading.

The Knights of Columbus has no official tie to Tootsie Rolls or their manufacturer. In fact, many councils participate in the same fund-raising drive, but distribute other items. References to this program should highlight the good the money does, not advertise a candy bar. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended that this project be promoted as the “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” rather than the “Tootsie Roll Drive.”

Public Relations

An effective public relations chairman is always looking for ways to publicize and promote the activities of his council. In addition to the usual media — council bulletin, town newspaper, radio, television, Columbia – consider using some of these news outlets:

Local Plant and Industry Publications. Employee publications of the industries in your town are often interested in news of clubs to which employees belong. Call on the editor to find out if he or she uses such news.

Outdoor Advertising. The outdoor advertising industry contributes space annually on both a national and local basis. Local groups may get space by contacting and discussing the merits of their program with a member of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, Inc., in their city or area. If the member’s name is not known, it can be obtained at www.oaaa.org or by writing to: OAAA, Inc., 1850 M Street, NW, Suite 1040, Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 833-5566. The Order promotes, or makes available at reasonable cost, billboards promoting issues such as “Keep Christ in Christmas,” pro-life, etc.

Free-Shopping News. These weekly or semi-monthly “handouts” concentrate on food store and other retail advertising. Besides advertising, some also carry news.

Direct Mail. Postcard mailings allow councils to target a chosen audience with a succinct message. Postcards are good reminders for voter registration; elections; voter referendums; bazaars; benefits; rummage sales; fraternal, church and school affairs.

Posters. Attractive window posters build awareness of special events. Enlist the talents of the artists in your council, or hire a professional to design a poster, or use posters supplied by the Supreme Council office. Always remove posters as soon as the event they publicize is over. This gives you a chance to thank those who displayed them and to report on the success of the event.

Resort and Convention Publicity. In many resort and convention cities, the chamber of commerce publishes leaflets for visitors listing events of interest. These are distributed through hotels and motels in the area.

Hand Bills, Community Bulletin Boards, Cruising Loud Speakers. These are popular in some towns; frowned upon in others. Check their acceptability in your area.

Emblem Rules

Rules Governing the Use of the Order's Emblem

Under the rules of the Board of Directors governing the use of the name and emblem of the Order, the following apply:

a. The name or emblem of the Order, the name of any state council, chapter or assembly, the number of any council or the words council, chapter or assembly shall not be used on or in connection with any publication without permission of the Board of Directors.

b. Such publication shall plainly state that it is the organ of the state or subordinate council, chapter or assembly and not of the Order at large.

c. The publication shall be the property of the state or subordinate council, chapter or assembly, and all receipts and disbursements in connection with the publishing of such paper shall be handled in the same manner as other monies of the state or subordinate council, chapter or assembly.

d. If published by a state council, the publication shall be subject to censorship by the state deputy; if by a subordinate council, by the state deputy and grand knight; if by a chapter, by the state deputy or president of the chapter; if by an assembly, by the master and faithful navigator; and such state deputy or other officers shall be held responsible for all matter, including advertising, published therein.

e. Assessments by state or subordinate councils, chapters or assemblies for the purpose of publishing such paper shall be illegal.

f. The emblem of the Order and the name “Knights of Columbus” shall not be used in connection with any emblem, other than the national flag or emblem of the country, or in connection with any name other than the name of the state or subordinate council or other branch of the Order.

g. A copy of each regular and special number of the publication shall be filed with the supreme secretary.

h. The provisions of subdivision 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 18, 19, 22 and 23 of Section 162 of the Laws of the Order shall be strictly observed; the applicable portions thereof being as follows:

6. Willful insubordination, contempt or disobedience of the lawful orders of superior authority;

7. Giving scandal, scandalous conduct or practice unbecoming a member of this Order;

9. Speaking, writing, printing or publishing any matter or statement which shall be deemed to be detrimental to the harmony and good order of the Knights of Columbus, or tending to create discord and dissension among the members or create public scandal, or causing the same to be done;

10. Sending to subordinate councils, state councils, or their officers or members or to delegates to state councils or the Supreme Council written or printed matter or statements tending to defame or bring into disrepute officers or directors of the Order or decisions, rulings or actions of the officers or directors of the Order or its policies without permission of the Board of Directors;

11. Using the name Knights of Columbus or his membership in the Order in connection with any business, or social or other enterprise, without permission of the Board of Directors;

18. Improperly using the name of the Order or without authority representing the Order;

19. Making unjust or false statements, accusations or personal defamation of or against any officer of the Order in his official capacity;

22. Issuance of appeals for aid or contributions within the state, district or territory, without the consent and approval of the state or territorial deputy; or outside the state, district or territory, without the approval of the Board of Directors;

23. Issuing appeals for, or soliciting by virtue of his membership in the Knights of Columbus, aid, or assistance or support by or in behalf of or announcing candidates for office (including delegates to state and supreme councils) in another society or body or in the Order. Any member who knowingly permits or acquiesces in such appeal, solicitation, etc. shall, if elected, be ineligible to hold office.

i. No subscriptions or advertising shall be solicited other than in the state jurisdiction or council, chapter or assembly district in which the publication is issued.

j. The publication of political advertisements or announcements of candidates for public office or for office in another society or in the Order is not permitted.

k. The publication of advertisements of beer, wine or liquor or of establishments designed as places where they are sold is not permitted.

These rules are in effect and apply to any publication presently in existence or that may come into existence in the future.

The name “Knights of Columbus” and the emblem of the Order are protected by federal trademark law. This protection is vested in the Supreme Council.

Knights of Columbus Clip Art images, whether printed or in electronic form, are property of the Knights of Columbus and are protected by state and federal law. They are only to be used as directed by the Supreme Council.

Appendix

Council Publicity and Public Relations Appendix

To assist your council in its public relations and publicity efforts the links below lead to a variety of sample press releases, other sample materials, and instructions on the use of the Order’s emblem.

Links to Sample Publicity and Public Relations Documents

Press Release on Charitable Giving

Press Release on Newly Elected Officers

Press Release for Free Throw Championship

Press Release for Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest

Press Release for Soccer Challenge

Press release for Star Council Award

Media Alert Notice

Photograph Permission Release

Photograph Information Release

Public Service Announcement