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!