Author: Rick Lewis
Worthy Grand Knights and council officers.
We come to that time of year where we start to “LOOK TO THE FUTURE””. That is to say, it’s Council Election time. As you prepare for your council elections, there is so much more that goes into electing officers:
A properly prepared SLATE OF OFFICERS and knowing how to run the elections. Our STATE ADVOCATE is our best resource to help you answer any questions about this process. Do not take for granted just because your council “has always done it this way”, it follows the correct parliamentary process. STUDY NOW ON HOW TO CONDUCT ELECTIONS, then send questions to the State Advocate.
Reporting of officers needs to be completed. The best State resource on how to properly report officers is the STATE WARDEN. All reporting must be done through MEMBER MANAGEMENT. This also needs to be done within 2 weeks of the election by your Financial Secretary. The form needs to be submitted to multiple entities. We have built in duplicity for a reason, and for those councils that have had challenges, it was that duplicity that made the difference.
If you already know who your council directors will be, go ahead and get that form prepared and submitted.
Are you financially ready for the new year? That means having a budget. Our STATE TREASURER can provide excellent guidance on how to prepare and present budgets. He can also provide you with an understanding of what having a budget does to help a council. In conjunction with him, our STATE ADVOCATE can guide you on the proper process for presenting and voting on your council budget.
Now is the time to map out the first 6 months of your new year. That means planning out what programs you will do from July 1 through December 31, 2025. Most councils will have new leadership. They are going to be learning their roles and duties in those first 90 days. Planning calendars will not be at the top of their list of to-do items. Our General Program Director (GPD) and his amazing staff can help you map our key initiatives for the first six months. Reach out to them and talk to them. Some will be at our State Convention.
MEMBERSHIP: Like LAMB, this is a 12-month PROGRAM. Yes, I used the word program because that is exactly what it is. As leadership transitions to the new year, that new leadership should already have a blueprint for success that will get them through December 31. Our Membership team has the answers to ALL your questions:
Conducting Membership drives
Affiliate Program
Hispanic Recruitment
Don’t wait till July 1 to start planning these out. Plan now. Talk to the expected incoming Grand Knight and get his input on what he would like to see for the first half of the year. Believe me when I tell you, collaboration now is essential to ensuring success for the future.
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS:
Congratulations to the latest recipients of STAR COUNCIL RECOGNITION for March:
Raleigh 9709
What an AMAZING JOB! Thank you for your STEWARDSHIP and all you did to achieve this honor. There are a couple more that have been added to the calendar going into April.
We are now well into Q4. With less than 3 months to go, are you on track for STAR RECOGNITION for 24/25?
Are you recruiting new members? Contact your Membership team for help and suggestions.
Are you current on all your form submissions? Contact the State Warden for possible missing forms.
Is your council's SAFE ENVIRONMENT compliant? Contact the State Advocate for more information on completing this.
Is your council conducting and reporting vibrant programs? Contact any of your talented Program Directors for ideas. [Be sure to fill out that 10784 after EVERY program you do]
life@kofcnc.org
community@kofcnc.org
Faith@kofcnc.org
Family@kofcnc.org
Have you scheduled your two (2) Fraternal Benefits Knights? Contact your Field Agent for help and support. If you don’t know who your agent is, you can contact the general agent christopher.mahoney@kofc.org
COUNTDOWN TO CONVENTION:
The State Convention 2025 in Hickory, NC is just around the corner. All registration links for the convention, the hotel(s) and Delegates have now been closed. If you need assistance, please call the State Secretary at 919-369-9094 to talk through what help you need.
Additional, specific questions regarding the convention can be directed to the Convention Chairman. However, anything with registration will be redirected to the State Secretary.
Here are the last things you need to do to prepare for attending the Convention:
Bishop Fund Check – Councils are asked to contribute to either the Diocese of Charlotte or Raleigh. Bring a check made out to Knights of Columbus NC State Council with Bishop’s Fund Charlotte or Bishop’s Fund Raleigh on memo line.
Culture of Life Check – Councils are asked to make a donation. Bring a check made out to Knights of Columbus NC State Council with Culture of Life Fund on memo line.
Penny Per Day Check – Bring a check made out to Knights of Columbus NC State Council with Penny Per Day on memo line.
Grand Knight Report – Send your GK report on the Council’s yearly activities to State Secretary StateSecretary@kofcnc.org
Columbian Award Report (SP7 Form) – Include Forms@kofcnc.org with the submission.
LAMB Auction - Bring items for LAMB Auction.
Council Banner – Bring and display your Council banner at the convention. Any questions, contact the State Warden. StateWarden@kofcnc.org
Fourth Degree Uniform – Fourth Degree members should bring their new regalia & participate in the Color/Honor Guard at Mass. Honor Guard Signup
3 MONTH ROLLING STATE CALENDAR:
May:
ROSARY EVERY SUNDAY EVENING AT 8P
April 15 – Submit Family of the Month to Supreme
May 16-18 – NC State Convention, Hickory, NC
May 23 – THK Articles Due
June:
COUNCIL LEADERSHIP TRAININGS (TBA) – ALL NEW GK, DGK/PROGRAM DIRECTORS AND SITTING FS NEED TO ATTEND
June 7 – NEW 4th Degree Exemplification, GREENVILLE (See Golden Plume)
June 15 – Submit Family of the Month to Supreme
June 23 – THK Articles Due
June 30 – Colombian Award (SP-7 Form) is due
June 27 - 28 – State Officers Meeting
June 30 – Council Program Director appointments due no later than today (Form 365)
July:
JULY 1 - WELCOME NEW COUNCIL LEADERSHIP!!!!
July 1 – Report of Council Officer Elections due no later than today
July 11 – 13 – District Deputy Organizational Meeting Raleigh
July 19 – Council Leadership Training (TBD)
July 26 – Council Leadership Training (TBD)
July 15 – Submit Family of the Month to Supreme
July 23 – THK Articles Due