From:
State Office <state.office@californiaknights.org>
Sent:
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:47 PM
To:
State Info <info@californiaknights.org>
Subject:
Guidance and Policy regarding Political Activity
Worthy District Deputies, Worthy Grand Knights…Please share the following information with the Brother Knights of your respective Councils.
Brothers All…We are currently in a very important national and local election cycle. The Right to Vote is paramount to our Nations success. As you exercise your Constitutional Rights, it is important that you have the necessary Supreme Guidance and Policy regarding Political Activity and Social Media. I am providing you these important guidelines for your information and use. Here are the specific highlights:
Prohibition On Use Of Membership To Promote Candidates For Public Office:
This guidance not only applies to supporting a specific candidate, it also applies to those who
ARE
running for political office. If you are running for office, I congratulate you. However, you must be very careful that you comply with the Laws of the Order. Failure to do so could lead us to take disciplinary action.
Guidelines for Political Activity:
This document outlines the
Do’s
and
Don’ts
as it concerns your efforts in exercising your Constitutional Rights. The
Do’s
outlined are very inclusive and are straight forward. However, please pay close attention to the
Don’ts
listed. Especially note the last
Don’t
listed which discusses social media and states:
“DO NOT use Knights of Columbus facilities, including, but not limited to, email accounts, social media, fax machines, letterhead and the like, in connection with partisan political activity.”
There have been instances in the past where Brother Knights did not comply with these guidelines and had to be cautioned or disciplinary action taken.
Member Social Communications Policy and Guidelines:
This policy is important in our daily activities as citizens and a member of the Knights of Columbus. This provides a clear and concise discourse of what you should follow. In the
Guidance for Members,
one of the sub-bullets states:
“Avoid making negative judgments about persons and organizations in connection with your membership in the Knights of Columbus. Avoid topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory – such as politics. Do not use ethnic slurs, personal insults, personal attacks, obscenity, or engage in any conduct unbecoming of a Catholic Gentleman.”
The above-mentioned documents are attached below. Please take time to print and review them so you can be a stronger member of the Knights of Columbus. Go and Vote!
Fraternally,
Brother Rene
State Advocate
