How To Conduct An Open House

An open house provides an opportunity to introduce your council and the Order to a broad audience of prospects at one event. 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.

• Appoint a committee to organize the open house.

• Set a date and time. Publicize the event in local newspapers, radio, cable television and church bulletins.

• Order quantities of promotional materials including the “Open House” poster (#2826) at least six weeks in advance.

• Compile a list of prospective members.

• Send open house invitations to prospects and their spouses.

• Follow up the mailing with a telephone confirmation of receipt and availability to attend events.

As the event approaches, reconfirm all arrangements for site, materials, program, etc.

• Arrange for a display of council scrapbooks, awards, programs, activities and

• Assign to each attending prospect to a recruiter who will act as host throughout the event.

• Invite your chaplain/parish priest and insurance agent to your event.

• Plan program:

  • Welcome committee to greet guests;

  • Ask your chaplain or parish priest to endorse the Knights of Columbus;

  • Introduce officers, members;

  • Grand knight/membership director should explain council aims/organization;

  • Ask the insurance agent to explain benefits of membership.

• Show a promotional video:

  • Experience of a Lifetime

  • Membership Recruitment Flip Chart

  • Life and Legacy of Father McGivney

  • Founding to Future

• Schedule a question and answer session following the film further explaining the council and the Order. Conclude with refreshments or a light buffet.

• Make certain host-recruiters ask prospects to join, and assist them in completing the Membership Document (#100).