Program Manual

Communications Director Message

Joe Torres, Communications Director

The objective of the Communications Team is to provide the Knights leadership with the available asset tools and training to help councils be successful and maintain good membership growth.

One of the responsibilities of the Communications Team is to help you clearly understand the expectations, duties and goals placed on you by the State Deputy and the resources available to accomplish those goals.

One of the primary roles of the Communications Team is the Education & Training of Diocesan and District Deputies along with the Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries. This is done through a series of Organizational & Mid-Year Meetings as well as Diocesan Conferences and FS Training Classes. Your role is to attend and actively participate in the Training Programs and take this knowledge and information back to your Districts and Councils. These are the building blocks to be used to assist councils toward the achievement of Star Council. Once Star Council is attained, councils are eligible for the Lone Star Award for Excellence or Lone Star Award for Excellence with Distinction.

The STAR TRACKER REPORT shows the progress of each council as it submits the required forms, information and financial commitments. This form is updated monthly and is available on the state website. It covers State and Supreme requirements. Certain members of the Communications Team keeps the report updated and other members will monitor and send gentle reminders when councils are not meeting their requirements.

Texas has three of the top Financial Secretary Trainers in the Order, and they are available to train the Financial Secretaries in your Diocese. Grand Knights should coordinate through their Diocesan Deputy to schedule a training session that will enlighten any member who deals with finances, (GK’s, DGK’s, treasurers and trustees as well) to the advantages of the Member Management System.

The State Webmaster Mark Johnson is very proficient in guiding our State Website. He also publishes the Texas Knight three times a year, as well as maintains the State Website. Additionally, an electronic publication The Finish Line will be published by Bobb Mahrer as a means in giving GK’s, FS’s, DD’s and Diocese Deputies a 30-60-90 day look ahead of approaching deadlines.

Public Relations Awards – Councils are encouraged to participate in two communications based awards to be presented at State Convention. The only requirement for applying for these awards is participation by submitting an article to the publications (no application submittal form is required).

Texas Knight Publication Award – Best article submitted to the Texas Knight.

Communications Spotlight Award – Best article submitted to State Council Web page.