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EDW Membership Frequently Asked Questions Below are a series of common questions and answers that prospective and existing members often ask. If you have suggestions for the content of this resource please contact the webmaster.
Who can join the Knights of Columbus? Membership is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See who have attained the age of 18. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church. TOP Who can join the EDW Council? EDW is unusual in that it encompasses 4 local parishes; Saint James, Saint Anne's, Saint Agnes, and Saint Charles. You may still join EDW if you do not belong to these 4 parishes. Email the TOP Why join the Knights of Columbus? You should join the Knights of Columbus if...
TOP How do I join? Joining is easy. Just a short form and a Thursday night and you'll be ready to go. Here's an outline of the process:
In the past we've collected applications at the bar, the Club office, snail-mail, sneaker mail, and other ways. We hope the new process described above will avoid any "lost" applications. It also ensures that the Membership Chairman knows who to expect as the initiation draws near and can prepare appropriately. 2.) Attend an initiation. Our initiation ceremony is called a "First Degree". These take place about six time a year (on Thursday nights) and when scheduled are announced in our Knight Life newsletter and here on our Website. These are specialized meetings in which a number of men, often for other Councils as well, join the Knights of Columbus. For more information see What should I know about the First Degree? below. 3.) Begin paying dues. Finally, upon joining, new members begin paying their first year's pro-rated dues and a small one-time processing fee. So, bring cash or check to the First Degree. TOP Is it too late? There are only X days until the next First Degree. If you're making the decision to join and want to squeak into an upcoming First Degree it is possible to handle "last minute" candidacies. We'll get it done; however, it is important that you contact the Membership Chairman so that we can prepare appropriately. TOP What should I know about the First Degree? First Degrees at EDW always fall on Thursdays -- our normal meeting night. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., but we ask candidates to show up by 6:45 p.m. so that your preparation can be completed and the meeting run on schedule. This is important as a First Degree meeting generally takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the class. Dress is respectful, but casual. Food and drink are served afterwards. Please bring a check or cash to cover your first dues payment. Other than that, just bring yourself; no extra preparation should be necessary. We encourage you to bring your sponsor or other family or friend Knights to attend. Upon completing the First Degree you are a member with all the benefits of membership. There are 4 Degrees in Columbianism; while the upper degrees are completely optional, we encourage you to consider advancing when the opportunities arise. TOP As a member, what is required of me? Technically, once you join, the requirements of membership are few and easy. Pay your dues and remain a Catholic in good standing. That said, you can get as much or as little from your membership as you desire. Our membership is diverse and we realize that individuals' abilities to donate their time reflects that -- a retiree may have more time to attend meetings than a Father of 4 young children. That said, EDW is a truly unique Council that needs an engaged and active membership. We hold 2 meetings each month (the 1st and 3rd Thursdays) with some exceptions that are noted, should they arise, in the Knight Life newsletter. We encourage you to attend these meetings as much as possible. They are also the best way to learn about the Council and Order. Through meetings, the Knight Life, and our many events you will meet more people and learn what role(s) you can play within the Council. TOP How do I transfer into the EDW Council? If you have already obtained membership as a Knight of Columbus and desire to transfer your membership from your previous Council to ours, please Email or phone our Financial Secretary. The process is as simple as filling out a Form 100 and having your application voted upon by our membership. A Transfer should always be initiated at the Council you are transferring into. This process will result in your old Council being notified. TOP How do I transfer out of the EDW Council? If you are an EDW member and transferring to another Council you should initiate the transfer at your new Council by contacting their Financial Secretary or other officer. This process will result in EDW being properly notified. An Email or phone call to our Financial Secretary stating your action or desire to transfer out of EDW will not officially change your membership status but is an appreciated courtesy. TOP How do I re-instate a lapsed membership? If you have a lapsed membership or are otherwise uncertain about your status please contact our Financial Secretary. TOP How do I terminate my membership? If you desire to terminate your membership please contact our Financial Secretary. He will make sure that the appropriate actions are taken to fulfill your request. TOP About EDW membership dues. The membership dues at EDW are comprised of both Council and Columbus Club dues, totaling $112 for 2007. They may be paid on an annually or quarterly basis. The dues schedule follows the calendar year. Collecting membership dues falls within the bailiwick of the Financial Secretary. Notices are sent out towards the end of each year so that members may mail their dues. Dues may also be submitted in person at a regular Council meeting. TOP What is the difference between the Council and "Club"? The Council (Edward Douglass White #2473) is the local Knights of Columbus entity. It is part of the larger organization which includes, moving upward, the District, the State, culminating in the Supreme. The Council is governed by a slate of officers elected by the membership each year. The "Club", or the Columbus Club of Arlington is a business entity created by the Council in the early 1900s. It's responsible for the operation and maintenance of most of the Council's physical assets. The Club is necessary considering the resources required to staff and operate the large Council Home, the Banquet Hall, the swimming pools and grounds. The Columbus Club is governed by a slate of Board Members elected for 1 or 2 year terms by the membership. Their meetings are generally open to the membership and their official meeting minutes are always read at Council meetings. TOP What should I do if I change address? You should notify our Financial Secretary. It's important to keep your address current with the Council as this will affect various mailings, including the delivery of your monthly Knight Life newsletter. Address changes are processed to Supreme so that any non-Council Knights of Columbus mailing lists will also be updated. If you are an insurance member it is also suggested that you contact your Fraternal Benefits Advisor. TOP Who should I notify regarding sick or distressed members or member deaths? You should contact our Financial Secretary who can record and take the appropriate steps. TOP Who should I contact with my membership question? In general, you should contact one of two people; their contact information is above on the right. The Membership Chairman. If you are a prospective or new member, or are an existing member who would like to coordinate membership activity or recruitment, contact the Membership Chairman. The Financial Secretary. If you are an existing (or new) member the Financial Secretary is the person to contact in a number of situations, including:
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