How to Conduct an Open House

Following up your Church Recruitment Drive with an open house provides an opportunity to further introduce your council and the Order to prospects and their families. The main objective is to “exhibit your products” — your volunteer service programs, your social and fraternal activities, your membership benefits — that your council and the Order have to offer to members and their families.

 

o Appoint a committee to organize the open house.
 

o Invite your chaplain/parish priest and field agent to your event.
  o The open house should be held in your council’s meeting place.
  o Set a date and time. Publicize the event in local newspapers, community websites, radio, cable television and church bulletins.
  o Order quantities of promotional materials including the “Open House” poster (#2826) from knightsgear.com in advance.
  o In addition to the prospects from your Church Recruitment Drive, compile a list of other potential members.
  o Send open house invitations to prospects and their spouses.
  o Follow up the mailing with a telephone call (your council's field agent can be a big help with this) to confirm receipt of invitation and availability to attend.
  o As the event approaches, reconfirm all arrangements for site, materials, program, etc.
  o Arrange for a display of council scrapbooks, awards, programs, activities and
  o Assign to each attending prospect to a recruiter who will act as his host throughout the event.
   
Plan program:
  o Welcome committee to greet guests;
  o Ask your chaplain or parish priest to begin with an opening prayer and comment;
  o Introduce officers, members;
  o Grand knight/membership director should explain council aims/organization;
  o Ask the insurance agent to explain benefits of membership.
  o Show promotional videos (Available at kofc.org/films under the “Fraternal” tab):
  • Haitian Amputee Soccer Team
  • Trail of Charity (tractor cruise)
  • Pulling for Our Troops (Wounded Warrior support)
  • K of C Commercials
o Hope
  o Heroes
o What We Do
  o Be the Difference
o Building the Church
o Charity

 

o Schedule a question and answer session following the film to further explain the benefits of joining your council.  Conclude with refreshment or a light buffet.

o For those attendees who haven't already completed a Membership Document (#100), make certain their host-recruiters ask prospects to join and assist them in completing the Membership Document.
   

o Inform prospects of the First Degree Ceremonial date.