Membership Tips: More connections

Our early-career educators and many veteran educators are facing new challenges and greater demands.  Many are leaving the classroom after only a year or two. DKG members are reaching out to educators to support them and strengthen the profession.

If your chapter is looking for ways to support early-career educators, here are a few ideas that won't break the bank account:

• Call a new teacher and offer to help with a bulletin board for her classroom.
• Offer help with lesson plans and test writing. 
• Offer your phone number as his/her personal "survival" hotline.
• Volunteer at an elementary school to read to children or assist with classroom activities.  

These ideas can easily be used as chapter programs or as individual projects.  Adopt a school and provide support throughout the year.  Create a "Make and Take" program where teachers leave your meeting with bulletin board items or class activities.

You will support educators and they will remember DKG!

Taking the BIG Picture

Chapters have the opportunity this year to create a profile and join in a photographic moment for the entire Society. Have you asked your members to complete a member profile?  By doing so, the chapter will know more about its members.  One more step and your state organization and region will know more about their members too.  For the first time, we can create a "picture" of the Society and its members.

Visit www.dkg.org and find both profiles on the Membership Committee page or under Forms. 

The link to the Survey Monkey survey for the Chapter Profile will be available on the front page of the DKG website until January 31, 2014.  Compile your chapter profile and submit your results today. 

The BIG picture of DKG won't be complete without you and your chapter!

Membership Tip: Make Meaningful Connections

The simplest acts can mean so much.  Often, they don't even cost us much money.

Make a phone call today to reach out to someone who needs a little cheering up.  Or to tell someone you have missed seeing her lately.  Or to remind someone there will be a meeting or event next week.  Or to offer a ride.  Or to appreciate her hard work.

Connections that are meaningful and grow relationships take time and effort but have lasting impact-  and they don't have to break your bank account.

If you are looking for ways your chapter can make member connections, look for opportunities to simply reach out. Connect with members who have not paid dues to find out why before dropping them. I heard from a chapter president last week who personally called every member in her chapter.  Every one of them will renew membership this year.  The connection was made!

With whom have you connected today?

Reflections of a DKG Member

When I think of all the associations in which I have held memberships over the years, I continue to be amazed at the many ways my membership in DKG offers value.  I have often paid far higher dues for far less value and less engagement in other associations.  And not that I did not benefit.  I read the journals and utilized the websites for research. Sometimes I even attended a conference or convention.

Likewise in DKG, I have read the journals, utilized the website, and attended many conferences and conventions.  But I also have chatted in the Social Network (free from the stress of public viewing!), made lifetime friends in my own backyard and around the world, furthered my education with the aid of scholarship money, developed my public speaking skills, learned about leadership, and put it all into practice in a comfortable environment. And, of course, I could go on.

What have you gained from your membership in DKG?  What have you missed if you are not a member?  I encourage you to step out and become involved- you'll be glad you did. Comment here or send me an email: let me know what you value most as a member of DKG.

Europe Regional Conference Meets in Amsterdam

From canal cruises to workshops, the members who attended the Europe Regional Conference in

Amsterdam enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship, fun and professional growth.  Sessions were filled with speakers from around the globe and workshops included topics from Society business and membership challenges to educational issues and global change.  We even learned how to utilize YouTube in the classroom and enjoyed a panel discussion on the topic. How delightful to experience DKG in so many different languages and from so many varied perspectives!  As if the events of the conference would not be enough, the warm smiles and friendly spirits of the Europe members will draw me back again and again. 

We are home now and back in the office.  So, I look forward to hearing from all of you who promised that now you will call or email!  If I do not see you along the way, I hope to see you next summer in Indianapolis.  Start planning now!

Northwest Members Enjoy Cheyenne

The Northwest Regional Conference provided a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the flavor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, without ever leaving the conference. In addition to exciting speakers, great workshops, delicious meals and a "starlight chat" with Society administrators, the conference

included the colors and culture of the local area. We enjoyed visits with the Mayor of Cheyenne, the Governor of Wyoming, and  the Cheyenne Trotters. With the Denim and Diamonds theme for the Celebration Luncheon, we even enjoyed a chance to dress the part! Although I was not able to pack my boots (not enough room in my suitcase this time), I certainly enjoyed the beauty of the location and the warmth of the fellowship during our time in the Northwest.

Northeast Regional Conference Attendees Enjoy Portland

During the Northeast Regional Conference in Portland Maine, we enjoyed sea breezes by the bay and the flavors of the state.  Lobster, scallops and prawn were favorites at most meals, bay cruises and shopping downtown kept us busy in the evenings and presenters challenged us to explore new possibilities during workshops and general sessions. 

As a guest at the Canadian Forum, I not only enjoyed their hospitality but also learned much about the educational issues in Canada. Provincial presidents shared their goals for the biennium and members reported on the activities of the forum during the past year.

What a lovely week in Maine!  If I have not seen you along the way, there is still time to join us this summer in the Northwest and Europe!

Missouri Hosts Southwest Regional Conference

Wow! My first Southwest Regional Conference is a wonderful memory filled with the colorful banners and beautiful languages of the various countries in the southwest region. We learned, laughed and shared in English, Spanish and Japanese.  We sang, danced and even dressed our international president in a kimono. I was privileged to join the Latin American Forum where I was not only welcomed but included (with a little help from my Spanish speaking friends there) in the activities of the meeting.
What a wonderful time in Branson!  I hope to see you down the road in Portland, Cheyenne or Amsterdam.

Florida Welcomes Southeast Regional Conference

I just enjoyed a wonderful week in Orlando, Florida, with DKG members from the Southeast region. State organization officers developed their leadership skills during pre-conference activities. Florida night brought us a celebration of talent shared by Florida dancers and musicians.  We heard from amazing women speakers such as Kate Campbell Stevenson, Carolyn M. Fennell and Sandra Ford Walston.  Siobban "Sam" Bennett joined us for the U.S. Forum session.

If you missed the Southeast conference, join us this week in Branson, Missouri, for the Southwest conference.

If I don't see you this week, I hope to see you in Portland, Cheyenne or Amsterdam!

Will I be Seeing You This Summer?

I hope you have made your plans to attend a regional conference this summer!  With five exciting locations, an awesome array of speakers, an innovative new Info Fair, a variety of workshops, shopping opportunities at the conference vendor area, and the entertainment, dining and shopping available at each venue - you won't want to miss your regional. A regional conference is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  I am planning to do just that!

So, whether we are reconnecting or meeting for the first time, I am looking forward to visiting with you and hearing your membership story.  Plan to join us at a regional conference!

May is Blooming in the Mountains

Nita at Lake Louise, Alberta Canada

The month of May began for me with a visit to Calgary, Alberta in Canada.  What a beautiful city and a what a phenomenal group of women in the DKG Alberta State Organization!  In addition to enjoying a time of fellowship as the convention began on Friday, they enjoyed interesting workshops, productive business meetings and the overall celebration of membership, professional pride and life itself. 

I was also invited to stay around a day or two and enjoy the sites.  Treated to a special trip to the mountains by two wonderful DKG members from Calgary, I enjoyed a day at Lake Louise and Banff National Park.  If you ever have the chance to visit, you won't want to miss it!

Celebrating Membership with Nebraska

My recent visit to Nebraska was simply a pleasure. This phenomenal group of women are looking ahead to the future of DKG with a progressive spirit. They celebrated the honor of membership and enjoyed the genuine fellowship that is truly one of the great benefits of our membership.  Members brought recycled and decorated bags in lieu of the traditional "convention bag." They maintained strong membership totals over the year. And eight chapters initiated at least five new members - with some as many as 17.  I look forward to hearing more success stories from Nebraska chapters in the future!

Alaska State Convention: The Snow was Cold but Hearts were Warm

Nita at the Alaska Pipeline

I enjoyed a wonderful weekend with the great ladies of DKG Alaska recently.  It snowed outside, but the hearts inside were warm - as is always the case when DKG members gather together.  We told stories about ourselves, our experiences in DKG, our experiences as educators, and just experienced a great time reminding ourselves why we joined this great Society. Alaska honored long term members, welcomed new members, celebrated a new chapter (Congratulations Tau Chapter!) and looked to the future with discussions about making changes while respecting our core traditions. 


What an amazing group of women we are!  Celebrate your membership and share your story with me.

Opportunities

I was honored last month to receive an invitation to participate as a presenter at a Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) Learn @ Lunch session. The panel discussion centered on membership issues and I was proud that I could represent DKG on the panel along with membership administrators from four other associations. I learned as much as I shared that afternoon.  I learned that DKG is facing the same challenges other associations are facing, that the Society is not alone in “feeling the crunch” of recent economic and cultural changes, and that in fact this great organization of key women educators, as were our Founders, is ahead of the game in many ways. 

This month, Austin's KXAN News reporter for education is interviewing DKG members who are mentoring teachers as part of the international project, Supporting Early-career Educators. Erin joined DKG in New York to accept a media award and is now sharing our work with the Austin community.  What an opportunity for our members in Austin area!

So, seize the opportunities that come your way.  Opportunities to learn from other great educators, to lead in growth and reform, and to share about the good things happening in education today - these opportunities often come our way when we least expect them.  I am excited that our Society is moving forward with a powerful presence in the 21st Century, proud that our impact on education is being noticed and honored to be a member of DKG.  I hope you are, too.

DKG: A Family of Friends

I have been reminded over and over again since the beginning of 2013 just how much support and encouragement I find within the DKG "family of friends." In January, my husband and I travelled back to Tennessee for business and I surprised my old chapter, TN Beta Sigma, at their annual "Christmas in January" gathering.  I was amazed that after a year and a half, I felt as if I had not been gone a day! I remember how these ladies supported me in so many ways during my move from Tennessee to Texas,  - from packing boxes to calling with encouraging words. Then when I arrived in Texas, I found support from DKG members here - some I did not even know - who helped me settle in and find my way around.

In February, I participated in the Texas State Organization Leadership Seminar.  Again, I met 30 amazing women who make a difference every day in their communities and schools.  What a difference they have made in my life and what a difference they will continue to make for years to come!  I hope to share what I have learned through new responsibilities in my chapter, TX Xi, and within the Texas State Organization as well.

I cannot imagine not being a member of this great organization - can you?  Let me know what you value most about your membership!

Get Involved in the Conversation!

 DKGNetwork

One of my favorite aspects of a face-to-face meeting or social gathering is the conversation.  With approximately 90,000 members, we cannot always see each other face to face; but we can still enjoy the conversation!  Have you logged in to the DKGNetwork?  It works a little like Facebook, except it is private to our Society.  Since only members can log in, you are safe from many of the worries of a public social network!       

So, log in and begin enjoying yet another benefit of your membership in DKG. Join in the the general conversation or join a specialized group.  The Members in Action group is currently discussing the issues and challenges of recruiting and engaging members.  The Educational Excellence Chairs group is exploring the goals and work of the still rather new Educational Excellence Committee.  The DKG Artists group promotes discussion about arts and music.  And the list goes on.

Visit the DKG website at www.dkg.org and explore the Network by choosing the DKGNetwork link in the upper portion of the page.  You will also find directions for setting up an account in the Library of the Society website.  "See you" on the Network!

"Roping" in Members in the New Year

I spent the first weekend of the new year watching my husband do what he loves most: team roping.  It is a sport where a team of two horseback riders rope the head and heels of a steer and stretch him gently by tying off each rope on the horn of their saddles (a "dally" and, thus, the sport is called dally team roping). It all happens at a fast pace - covering almost 200 feet in around six seconds. The activity, like most rodeo events, grew from ranch activities where the cows must be caught and doctored in the pasture or corral.

I began to think about the art of roping - how the header must handle his cattle and depend on the strength of his horse in order for the heeler and his horse to be in the correct position for catching the heels of a steer on the run.  Teamwork.  Each horse and each rider doing his part of the job.  Getting off to a good start and following through.

In this new year, I hope we all have our team in place to get off to a great start and follow through to the finish.  Membership chairs are leading us as we identify new members and plan for orientations and initiations.  Chapter treasurers are following through with gathering dues and identifying members who have not responded so the membership committee can call them. Chapter presidents are contacting members who have not been to a meeting in a while to let them know they are missed. Is your team off to a good start and ready to "rope" in new members for the new year?