Personal and Team Recruiting

There are many approaches to recruiting. Two of the most common are personal (one-on-one) and team (two-on-one) recruiting. We’ll explore both of these strategies here.

PERSONAL RECRUITING

Sometimes, the hardest thing about recruiting is taking the first step. Recruiting a new member can be as easy as asking him to join. Amazingly, many individuals haven't joined the Knights simply because they have never been asked to join. When the opportunity arrives, take the initiative and start a conversation with a potential prospect. It’s the first step for recruiting on a one-on-one basis and can yield very positive results. 

Once a conversation begins, be confident that you will be able to answer their questions, no matter what direction the conversation will go. The Knights of Columbus, through its many programs and activities, assists individuals in so many ways that there is sure to be something that will appeal to anyone who wants to help his community, Church, or family. To ensure the best chances of recruiting a new member, refer to the checklist below.

Make sure you ask all the pertinent questions while talking with the prospect, including:

• His complete name and address,
• Facts about his job,
• His parish affiliations and activities,
• Friends he has among present council members, and
• Information on his wife and children.

All of these facts can branch off into different areas: Knights of Columbus benefits, service projects, community involvement, or social events. Be prepared to answer any question he may ask in order to make your council look its best. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure you have all the answers and necessary materials ready at your disposal:

• The Order’s website, so he can learn more and join online
• Facts on the Order’s insurance program;
• A clear explanation of how membership has benefited you and your family; and

It may be good to also answer any questions his wife may have about the Knights of Columbus.

After making the pitch and answering any questions, ask the prospect to join and assist him in completing your council’s join process. The proposer should then follow through with the new member by escorting him to his exemplification ceremony and his first council meeting.

Recruiting on the personal level helps the potential member understand that you are not looking for numbers as much as you are looking for individuals like him. Let him know that he is not only wanted as a member, but that his membership can take all aspects of his life to new levels.

TEAM RECRUITING

Bringing twice the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and persistence to any endeavor doubles the likelihood of success. That’s the benefit of two-on-one recruiting.

• Organize two-man recruitment teams from the membership committee and additional recruiters.
• Train recruiters and ask your insurance agent to assist.
• Divide the prospect list among two-man teams.
• Telephone each prospect to a schedule a visit with the prospect and his wife by the two-man team.
• Conduct personal visits at the prospect’s home, emphasizing local council activities and opportunities for involvement by prospect, wife, and the entire family.
• ASK PROSPECT TO JOIN. Assist in completing Membership Document, and collect fees.
• Ensure prompt initiation. Inform candidate of the dates for the Admission Committee interview and the next Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
• Complete proposer duties:
  • Accompany the prospect to the Admission Committee interview, exemplification and council meetings;
  • Introduce prospect and his family to council members;
  • See that the prospect is assigned to committees/programs of interest.