NJ Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS OF NJ MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS 2011-2012

There are various ways to try to recruit and retain members. Contact the Grand Lodge if you have any questions or suggestions on how to improve these programs.

ASK

Personal contact always works best. Each member must find ways to introduce the subject of Pythianism to friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Talk about the charity work we do, the social programs and benefits offered. Hand out our KOP Business Cards as a way to initiate a conversation. Invite the prospective member to a membership function such as a dinner or breakfast, and/or to an informal meeting. An informal meeting, with a program, will allow the prospective member to see where you meet and be introduced to many brothers, while enjoying the program. The next step is to ASK him to become a Pythian and invite him to participate in Rank Work.

TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT PROGRAM

Offer free dues to any prospective new member (this includes both new initiates and reinstatements), for one year. The Grand Lodge will waive the per capita tax, so the subordinate lodge will not have an expense. To help the Grand Lodge offset their per capita to Supreme, please ask new members to purchase at least one piece of Pythian Attire, such as a hat or shirt; encourage them to use "goodsearch". This will give the new members some 'stake' in the lodge and Knights of Pythias, even though they are not paying dues. Then get them involved. See the Mentor program (Big Brother) below and adapt that as one way to accomplish this. If you get the new members involved, hopefully they will "like it" and be a dues paying member next year.

FAMILY AFFAIR

ASK your sons, grandsons, sons-in-law, nephews, etc. to join.
Consider having a 'father-son' night. This can be father-grandson, etc., and be held as a men only informal meeting with a program.

PUBLICITY

It is easier to talk to someone about the Knights of Pythias if they've heard of us. That is why we need to increase publicity. We have to go from being the "best kept secret" to being known as the best. In addition to press releases issued by the Grand Lodge Public Relations Chairman, subordinate lodges should also issue press releases to local media, such as newspapers, magazines, and local public cable TV. Send press releases prior to an event and follow up after it. When Grand Lodge Public Relations Chairman will be sending drafts of press releases to subordinate lodges, the subordinate lodge can use them as is, or preferably add some local information about their lodge, such as your name and when and where you meet.

Also, look into the possibility of advertising on a billboard, maybe at a local sports field. Find out if your local community allows for placement of signs in town. There are other ways to promote awareness of the Knights of Pythias, which appear below under Public Relations Programs.

PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAMS

Community relations help to establish ties, and contacts to help support the lodge in their projects and hopefully in efforts to gain membership. You can get involved with community revitalization or beautification projects. Participate in local events such as parades, fairs, and festivals. (Be sure to display the Pythian name). In the town where your lodge meets join the Chamber of Commerce.

If organizations can set up a table with information at a local event, picnic or 'Town Day', participate. Here is an opportunity to talk to people in person about the Knights of Pythias, and benefits of being a member. Contact the Grand Lodge Membership Chairman to inform him of such upcoming events. The Chairman will provide display, posters, flyers, business cards, membership brochures, etc., as needed. If you may need some manpower support, let the Membership Chairman know that as well. Also, be sure to have a sign-up sheet.

Contact local libraries to see if they allow organizations to display paraphernalia for a week at some time during the year. If so, set a date to do so, then contact the Membership Chairman to help obtain items to display. Try to open a dialog with local government officials, and even try to get some of them to join the lodge.

Consider having a Pythian speak at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting, or at a meeting of a professional/trade organization, religious organization, or Boy Scouts. Also consider a joint event with another organization.