Before you consider HOW to recruit, you must address the question WHO to recruit. There are many eligible Catholic men and their families who would enjoy participating in the Order. Identifying them is easier than you think.
- Approach pastors for parish rosters for potential Knights.
- Add all local priests who are not Knights to prospect list.
- Consider ushers, parish council members, choir members, lectors, mens’ club, etc., as prospects.
- Welcome all new parishioners by asking them to join.
- Recruit all 18-year-old Squires, and high school and college graduates.
- Consider all vendors who serve council as potential members.
- Add fathers, sons, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, grandfathers, grandsons.
- Order free copies of the Prospect Referral Card (#921) from Supplies Online. Distribute copies of the card to all members at the council meeting or in the newsletter. Ask that completed cards with names of friends/acquaintances be returned to the membership director.
- Advertise regularly in church bulletins, inviting interested prospects to contact the membership committee about joining.
- Contact former members.
- Use your imagination. Potential new members are all around you!
Once you have your Prospect List, it’s important to reach out to them and invite them to join.
- Send a personal invitation (by mail or email) each prospect and his family, personally signed by the grand knight.
- Contact each prospect within one week of the mailing to arrange a home visit by the membership committee or your recruitment team.
- ASK THE PROSPECT TO JOIN. Assist him in completing his Membership Document (#100) and collect fees.
- Ensure a prompt initiation. Inform the candidate of dates for the Admission committee interview and the next Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
- Complete proposer duties:
- Accompany your prospect to the Admission Committee interview, Exemplification, council meetings;
- Introduce the prospect and family to council members;
- See that the prospect is assigned to committees/programs of interest.