Ron Alonzo
Membership Director
This summer, I will celebrate 40 years in the Order. As many of you that have been a member for any length of time knows, we have witnessed many changes and advancements in our Order. As Knights we prepare and plan for our fraternal year. Then along comes the Covid-19 coronavirus and in the space of a couple of months the world changes and we are all thinking of how to end this pandemic. Whatever happens, the wish for us all is that our loved ones remain well, and we can all get back to a sense of normalcy.
Social distancing has made this an unusual and trying time, and yet we learned how to continue to meet using virtual meetings, but a new fraternal year is here, it is time to turn over a new leaf, set goals, and strive to achieve them.
“Be Not Afraid”: This iconic message is found throughout the Scriptures and was emphasized by St. John Paul II as he began his papacy, leading our Church into a new millennium. It is time for the Knights of Columbus to lead once again.
The State of Texas is home to over 800 councils. Knights serve in almost every parish of our great state, in councils, online membership, assemblies, military councils, and college councils.
Remember, we recruit new members to make a difference in our Community, in our Church, and in the lives of the men who become Knights. We are called upon to invite every Catholic gentleman and their families the opportunity to join our Order.
District Deputies, we are asking for your help in keeping your councils motivated, active and accountable for their goals. You are a vital part of them achieving their goals. Unleash your potential! With everyone working together as a team, there is no question that Texas will reach our membership goals this fraternal year.
So, let us get back to the business at hand and rekindle that fire and grow this Order.
Let's get it done. Back to Basics, No Excuses
The Online Exemplification and the Council Exemplification for members, now afford members and their families to become immediately immersed in the activities and programs of the council.
Remember, it takes STRONG Programs to help attract members – and ACTIVE Members to run programs.
A new fraternal year affords the councils to adjust, help them function in this time of change, and not just with Order changes.
þ Set the council calendar for activities and meetings
þ Prepare a budget for operating expenses and revenues – suggest a line item to assist brothers who are unable to pay their dues this year.
þ CONTACT the membership. Use the Retention Committee along with the Chancellor for the council to contact the members – not for dues collection – but to find out how the brother and his family are doing. Use the TMCR form as a reporting tool. Let the brother know of the calendar & budget.
þ For new members, promote the Shining Armor Award
þ Promote the Insurance Program to Associate Members
A 4th Degree Insurance member is one that rarely has issues with ‘retention’. Same holds true for a 3rd Degree Insurance member.
Now comes the more difficult part of this process. YOU as District Deputies, Council Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries, Council Membership and Program Directors need to do one especially important thing…
ASK FOR ASSISTANCE
The State Membership, Programs, Education & Training Committees are here for you and WANT you to succeed.