How To Schedule And Conduct First Degrees

Promptly advancing new members through the exemplification of degrees is absolutely essential to successfully building and maintaining membership. A well-organized, regular schedule of degrees will ensure this progression and help prevent the loss of potential Knights.

• Sponsor a First Degree team, if possible. If not, participate on a district degree team.

• Schedule and conduct frequent First Degrees – preferably every month or every other month.

• Publicize the degree schedule at council meetings, in council bulletins, advertisements and mailings.

• Schedule degrees around important Knights of Columbus/council dates – be sure to avoid major holidays.

• Select honorees for each exemplification for greater impact, visibility and attendance.

• Contact candidates a day or two in advance to confirm attendance. Advise recommended attire.

• Arrange for the proposer or a member of the recruitment committee to pick up candidate and escort him to the First Degree.

• Distribute Candidate Kits (#531) – rosary, Knights of Columbus lapel pin, and These Men They Call Knights booklet.

• Advise new members of the next Second and Third degree exemplification date(s).

• Recognize new members and their proposers at the conclusion of the degree.

• Order and present generic New Member Certificates (#268) or current campaign degree certificates to degree recipients.

• Print the names of new members in the next scheduled council bulletin.

• Recognize First and Second degree team members to show appreciation (see certificates flyer, #2640).
• Invite neighboring councils to your degree exemplifications.