Wise Words from Across the Generations

This week, I enjoyed a lively panel discussion during the DKG Texas State Organization Convention where representatives from varied generations explored membership issues and challenges. Here are a few of the buzz words from the discussion that grabbed my attention:

Honor, opportunity, leadership training, grants, life-long learning, global connections, networking, collaboration, innovative thinking, foresight, international perspective, life-long friendships, conference/convention experiences, mentorship, recruiting through relationships, open meetings, connecting with the community, first year teacher grants, social media, student teacher relationships, promotion through video, connectivity.


Let your mind wander outside the box and see what develops...it may just be our next great idea!

Young California Members Share Insights about DKG Membership

Visit the DKG California State Organization website (Chi State)  and click on the box for the "Enlightening  Video of the Young DKG Members Panel Sharing Their Perspective During the Chi State Convention."   As six young panelists discuss membership in DKG you will laugh, you will cry and you will be inspired. The full video lasts a little over a half hour, but you will enjoy every minute!  Research shows the new generation of members and employees want engaging experiences with opportunities for leadership.

Check out the Chi State website and resources like the XYZ University for more ideas about attracting and engaging young members.  XYZ University CEO Sarah Sladek will be a keynote speaker at the 2014 International Convention in Indianapolis - will you be there?

From the Mountains to the Ocean

What a wonderful month it has been!  I was privileged to join two different state organizations for

meetings/conventions. The Wyoming State Organization Leadership Training was held in Casper during the last weekend in April. Members from throughout the state met to share strategies for strengthening chapters and conduct the business of the organization.  These amazing women are ready to guide Wyoming DKG into the future.

I spent the first weekend in May with members of Massachusetts enjoying the sights of Plymouth and  celebrating DKG.  From authors sharing book excerpts to singers performing broadway music and business meetings to workshops, the weekend included something for everyone.  I look forward to reuniting with a new friend who plans to celebrate her fiftieth year of membership in Indianapolis at the 2014 International Convention. Will you join us there?

DKG and Girl Scouts - Empowering Young Women Leaders

Wow!  I was delighted to join Zeta Beta Chapter members in San Antonio, Texas, this week to award the first DKG-Girl Scout patches.  Almost a year ago we began talking about developing this relationship, and we will soon be ready to publish details about how your chapter can make a connection with a Girl Scout troop in your area.

The curriculum for this official council patch  allows girls to work with chapter members to develop leadership skills while exploring careers, developing an awareness of community and government, and investigating the history of both the Girl Scouts and DKG.  The activities can be customized for the chapter and community but follow the Society's seven Purposes. Look for more information in the DKGNews and at www.dkg.org.

Congratulations to the 33 members of the two Girl Scout troops and the members of Zeta Beta Chapter for this accomplishment.  I believe it is the beginning of something wonderful!

DKG: From Generation to Generation

One of our Florida members, Alisa, recently shared that DKG has become a family tradition.  Her mother and her aunt have been very active in DKG for years.  Now, she and her cousin are members as well.  They plan to attend an international convention together soon. Realizing how special it must be that DKG is such a bond between the generations of women in one family, I  began wondering how we each could also "play it forward" as the saying goes.


As professional educators, we all recognize the opportunity we have to impact our worlds by our work with students, at whatever level that might be. However, we often forget the impact we can also have as we touch the lives of other educators. Have you noticed someone in your school or university who positively impacts the lives of students?  Perhaps you have recently found yourself thinking "why, she would be a wonderful candidate for membership!" If so, play it forward.  Membership in DKG is not only an honor but also an opportunity.  Share the gift of membership today.

A Penny for Your Thoughts!

Google can track you with cookies and your phone keeps you on the map with GPS.  But DKG is proud to be personal and upfront - we are going to simply ask you for your thoughts! 



Tell us how we are doing and complete the Society Headquarters Survey . Take a few moments to complete a short survey regarding your experiences with Society Headquarters, the staff and the resources available to members. The link is also available on the home page of the Society website. We want to know how to better serve you!

If your chapter has not completed a chapter profile, that survey is still available, too!  After compiling member profiles on the chapter profile form, each chapter can enter the responses in the Chapter Profile Survey for Chapter Membership Chairs.  The link is also available on the home page of the Society website. Help us create a demographic profile of DKG! 

Enjoy, Learn AND Get Credit!

Will you need credit for professional development this summer?  Are you struggling to schedule both time for professional growth and time to travel?


Think about attending the 2014 DKG International Convention in Indianapolis this summer. If you have not read Dr. Beverly Helms' blog about the convention workshops, read it at http://beverlyhelms.blogspot.com/.  A detailed list of the workshops and general sessions will be available soon on the DKG website and in the DKG News.


 By submitting your workshop choices for approval by your supervisor or director, you can enjoy the convention and receive professional credit!  Look for information on the website soon!