Articles

Council Membership Recognition

Joe Torres, Programs Director

History has shown that when councils actively conduct a comprehensive activity program for their members, the result is often membership growth. The time is fast approaching when councils will be at that vital reporting point where their activities will need to be recognized and council successes be noted.

Annually, Supreme Council in conjunction with the Texas State Council conducts a service program that recognizes the best programs by respected councils.  There are six (6) divisions or areas of the service program.  They are: Church, Community, Council, Family,Youth, Pro-Life
The six winning entries from this competition are sent to Supreme Council where they will compete with all the other jurisdictions in the Order for the International Service Program Awards.  The Grand Knights and wives of the five winning councils are invited to attend the Supreme Council meeting at Supreme’s expense to be recognized and presented with their awards.
To participate, a council must first complete the State Council Service Awards Entry Form (#STSP) found in the Supreme’s Council Report Forms Booklet.  This form requires the explanation of the activity, its purpose, the amount of participation, number of hours, the success of the program, etc.  Photographs and news clippings are extremely valuable in judging the winners.  It is recommended that the entries be in a scrapbook format.  Refer to the Service Program chart on page 3 of the Surge… with Service manual for more examples and suggestions or page 45 of the 2010-2011 Texas State Council Star Guide Manual.
The deadline for these entries is March 20, 2011.  Send entries to State Program Director:
Joe Torres , 7118 Crapemyrtle Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414.
Remember that:
You cannot win if you do not enter
Late entries are non-entries
Entries in the wrong category can be
disqualified
Entries are judged first and foremost on the effectiveness of the activity.  The content and organization of the entries is important in conveying to the judges the effectiveness of the programs. The winning entries will be sent by the State Council to Supreme. 
If any of you feel that you have an accomplishment worth mentioning or submitting do so. Nothing is impossible, just have the desire and willingness to try and make it happen! Remember that membership growth is directly related to how you boast on your council accomplishments! It is my hope that everyone will consider submitting a Service Award.
It is not too late to submit accomplishments by your Council.  Send them in by March 20, 2011.


More Articles