State Advocate Forum
General
The Supreme Council and many dioceses in Florida place a major emphasis on protecting our children and elderly from abuse of any nature by requiring Safe Environment training as well as fingerprinting. This goal is so significant that Supreme has placed an obligation on several council officers to take the Supreme training in order to be eligible for Star Council. Your State Deputy and I are required to periodically take the on-line training as well.
General
The answer to the questions posed involves the review of 3 different statutory or regulatory schemes involved: State statute, Federal statute and USPS regulations.
REQUESTS FOR KNIGHTS TO PROVIDE SECURITY
Recently, it has come to our attention that a number of councils have been petitioned by their parishes and pregnancy centers for security as a result of the improper disclosure of a draft of an opinion by the US Supreme Court on abortion. While we should be proud that we are being called upon to assist, we, as members of the Knights of Columbus are generally not trained law enforcement. According to the directive from the Officers Desk Reference on the Supreme website, we are not to participate in security as a member of the Knights of Columbus
Recently, it has come to our attention that a number of councils have been petitioned by their parishes and pregnancy centers for security as a result of the improper disclosure of a draft of an opinion by the US Supreme Court on abortion. While we should be proud that we are being called upon to assist, we, as members of the Knights of Columbus are generally not trained law enforcement. According to the directive from the Officers Desk Reference on the Supreme website, we are not to participate in security as a member of the Knights of Columbus
Over the last 6 months, we have experienced multiple occurrences in which brother Knights have somehow obtained the State Councilââ'¬â"¢s complete email address list and sent out unauthorized emails across the state of Florida. In one case, that list even included many emails addresses at Supreme. Needless to say, such unauthorized emails drew significant ire from both Supreme and State officers.
For many years, I have taught clients the value of writing a letter, but not mailing it until at least the next day when their emotions cool down. With technology developing faster than the COVID variant Omicron is spreading, sending a text message, SMS or email is instantaneous and cannot be retrieved (also, be careful where copies are going!). Â
General
Suspensions for failure to pay council dues should be the last resort in the retention process. Each council should have a retention committee the minimum consisting of a team led by the Deputy Grand Knight, and including the council trustees (not including the Grand Knight or Financial Secretary). Please read the entire article.
General
The Supreme Council has for several years now mandated that certain officers in the state of Florida (as well as other states) MUST take the Safe Environment Program Training (called by Supreme "Praesidium's Aramatus").
General
Councils should safeguard their membership information and financial information, taking reasonable measures to ensure that such information is not improperly disclosed or misused.
General
The Florida State Council has negotiated and approved a new broad state liability policy through Lockton Affinity brokerage group based in Kansas City, but with a new insurance carrier called AIX (instead of Philadelphia). This plan covers all subordinate local councils and assemblies.
