Be Someone's "Someone"

I love my job and the wonderful opportunity I have to meet people every day from around the world.  The amazing women who are DKG!  Today I chatted with DKG member and author, Dede Rittman.  We talked about the joys of teaching and the influence we each have on the world around us.  She has published a book providing insight for student teachers and is realizing in a real way how powerful words of encouragement can be.  Read more about her book and learn from her insights and experiences through her blog at http://www.bunnyteacher.blogspot.com/ . 

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate in the U.S. this week, take a moment and think about this:  Has someone influenced you in a powerful and positive way? If so, have you said thank you?  And go ahead - play it forward today.  Be that someone for someone else. 

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. 

Outside Of the Box

Boxes can be a great way to secure items, keep them safe and transport them easily.  But boxes are also confining.  Boxes can also hide what is inside the box.  That can be good or ... sometimes not.

For example, I love the anticipation of a gift.  Beautifully boxed and wrapped.  I shake it and turn it and examine it in hopes of identifying what is inside.  Anticipation can be sheer joy.

But until the box is opened and the hidden contents are taken Outside Of the Box, the gift cannot truly be enjoyed.

So, open your box.  Expand your horizons.  Find ways to think outside of the box in your life and in your DKG chapter.  Here is one idea:  Arizona State Organization is hosting its Fall Conference at a tech high school where they will enjoy a delightful luncheon and breakfast prepared by the culinary students.  What a wonderful way to connect DKG with the community and school.

I just heard from a young educator in California who wants to connect with the chapter who mentored and supported her as a student teacher.  While she was not eligible for membership at that time, their relationship to her is paying off because she is now employed and ready to connect with them again - this time as a member.  Thanks to the great network of DKG members in California, I am confident she will be a member soon!

More to come...don't climb back in that box yet!

Just Share Your Excitement!

It's really about sharing your excitement - that's all.

Marketing can be such a frightening word to many people.  But it is really very simple:  when I was in the classroom, someone once shared a tip with me about a household cleaning product that would

clean my classroom's whiteboards to a polished shine.  It worked! And I was so excited that I told every teacher I knew about my new find!  Guess what?  I was marketing that product every time I told someone else about it.  And I was just sharing my excitement about a product that worked for me.

Are you excited about your membership in DKG?  Share that excitement with the world.  Those women who are eligible will be excited to learn more.  Those people who are not eligible may know others who are.

Carola is a member in The Netherlands who participated in the recent Golden Gift Leadership Management Seminar held in Austin, Texas.    She  attended a seminar held this month for educators in Europe.  She wrote "These are people from all over the world and I try to promote DKG."

Now, that's marketing!

Small Action: Big Effect

Every day I am reminded how little effort it really takes to impact the world around us.  I tend to think that to make an impact, I have to do something really big.  But, that simply is not true.  We have all pondered the idea that a simple smile and a kind word to a stranger can have a ripple effect beyond imagination.

Let’s apply that to marketing – and specifically, to marketing DKG.  We do not have to be a marketing expert to promote the Society we so appreciate!  Today I received an email (one of around 5 that I receive each week) from an educator interested in membership.  She wrote that she received a “kind note and a candy bar in [her] mailbox, welcoming new teachers to the district.”  While I am sure she felt welcomed, her deduction was that “Obviously the chapter is very active and I’m excited for the chance to join.”  This small act created an incredibly positive picture of DKG and the chapter. I do hope the chapter takes the chance (even if it is outside of the comfortable zone where we only invite women we know well) and invites her to join! Her initiative and ambition certainly show the potential of a key woman educator.

Speaking of taking a chance, a 70 year member recently told me a story about her reinstatement after losing track of DKG during the war years when she moved frequently with her husband who was a naval officer.  At that time, chapters were less open to the idea of reinstatement.  She read about the current initiative to reinstate members and, while recounting her membership experience since reinstatement in 1949, she wrote “I have been an active member ever since…I am thankful that the chapter was ahead of their time.”

So, you see, it may only be a small act in your view but the impact on someone else may be grand.  Take a small step out of the comfort zone and watch the ripples grow!

Back in Austin

What a wonderful convention in Indianapolis!  The 2014 International Convention was a wonderful time of genuine spiritual fellowship, Society business, professional development and personal growth.  We shopped the marketplace, broke bread together, engaged in thought-provoking discussion, heard inspiring speakers, learned from members' expertise, and enjoyed a wonderful stay at the JW Marriot Hotel.

I hope you were there, but if you were not able to attend - keep an eye on the Society website.  We hope to share the recording of the opening session which was live streamed during convention. I hope you can join us for a regional conference in 2015 - start making your plans now!

The In's and Out's of Marketing DKG

I just had a wonderful conversation with the DKG  California State Organization President, Judy Kearns, where we discussed the concept of marketing. We agreed that it seems we often forget that promoting DKG to our own members is just as vital as promoting this amazing Society to the community. After reflecting on this idea, Judy recently involved DKG leaders in California in the creation of marketing modules that could be used to remind members of the value of membership. During a recent state organization leadership training session, they created PowerPoint presentations, recommitment ceremonies and other tools to be used in chapters around the state. She encouraged them to visit other chapters and share the benefits of membership.


Do you remember why you joined?  Do you remember how special, how honored, you felt that day?  Take a walk down memory lane if you have been a member for a long time and reflect on the power of membership in DKG.  If you recently became a member, explore the benefits that come with membership in an international organization promoting excellence in education and developing innovative educators.  Find out what your membership offers you.  And then, remember to share that gift with other key women in your community.