Knights of Columbus - Kentucky State Council
New Council Development Program

The development of a new Council is primarily the responsibility of the District Deputy.  When you identify a parish that should have a Knights of Columbus Council immediately contact the local District Deputy.  The State Deputy and the New Council Development Director will assist him in his undertaking.

The following steps are a guide to forming a new council.

• The District Deputy in conjunction with the New Council Development Director will establish the potential for formation of a new council in the parish under consideration. (It usually requires at least 100 families for a council to be formed).
• The District Deputy should make personal contact with the pastor of the Parish and determine if he would support a Knights of Columbus Council in his parish.
• If he is receptive to the establishment of a Knights of Columbus Council the District Deputy will notify the State Deputy and request that the Notice of Intent to Establish a New Council (form #133NC) (This form is included in the District Deputies packet) be completed and mailed to the Supreme Secretary's office.
• During this time the District Deputy should notify the Insurance General Agent and inform him of the plans to establish a new Council.
• The District Deputy should request that the Parish Priest furnish him the names of some individuals that might be willing to serve on a Steering Committee during the subsequent steps toward the establishment of a new Council.
• Form a Steering Committee and appoint a temporary Chairman and a Secretary.
• In conjunction with the Parish Priests, the Steering Committee, the State Deputy, and the New Council Development Director set dates for the council recruitment drive. (There are many techniques to be used during a recruitment drive...i.e., Church drive where the function of the Knights of Columbus might be explained to parishioners; an open house with a Knights of Columbus film and an explanation of what a Knights of Columbus Council can do for a parish; individual visitations to prospective members and their families).
• When the New Council has attained its required 30 members, complete the Notice of Institution (Form #136) and forward one copy along with the membership documents to the Supreme Secretary's Office.
• After the new council has had sufficient time to recruit additional members (less than 60 days) complete the Application for Charter (Form #137) and forward one copy along with the membership documents for the charter members to the Supreme Secretary's office.  (The opportunity to become a charter member is a good recruitment tool.)
• Make arrangements for the State Deputy to make a formal presentation of the Charter to the New Council.  Ensure that this event is publicized in the local newspaper(s).
• Maintain a close personal contact with the new Council officers to insure that they are properly instructed in their respective duties and responsibilities.

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