There's a Member in Membership

It's that time of year again.  Schools are back in session, the seasons are changing and, in fact, the holidays are quickly approaching.  As a member of DKG, you may be wondering who you might recommend for membership or perhaps you are already planning an initiation for your chapter.  Eligible and deserving women educators are all around you - in the schools, universities and other institutions of your communities. 


However, when the ceremony is over and you are celebrating new membership, remember there's a "member" in that word.  Studies show that most members and customers maintain a connection to an association or company because of personal relationships. We have so many avenues for maintaining personal connections these days - letters and phone are now joined by texting, email, and social media in various forms - that it breaks my heart to hear that members drop out of DKG because they do not feel connected to other members or do not feel a part of the chapter.  And, according to our surveys, they do just that for just that reason. 


So, whether by phone or Facebook, reach out to each other today.  Remember Purpose number 1?  It's about  "genuine spiritual fellowship" and it's important. 

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!

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?

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!