Paying it Forward

I recently enjoyed a rare opportunity to return to my beginnings and say thank you.  My mentor and sponsor in DKG was installed last weekend as Tennessee State Organization President.  I surprised her at the convention and was thus given the opportunity to honor her and say thank you.  You see, she not only invited me to join this great association, but she continued to stand beside me and guide me along as I grew in DKG as a member, an educator, a women and a leader.

I almost did not go.  This is not a good time to take vacation - we are all busy preparing for regional conferences.  Money is tight right now for my family.  I could think of many reasons why I should stay in Austin. But my heart said go and I went. I am so very glad I did! What a wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to honor the woman who helped me become what I am today.

Do you have someone like that in your life?  If so, take the time to honor her or him.  But, for me now, the bigger question is:  for whom am I a mentor?  And to whom have I handed a rose at initiation and then never called again?  Reach forward to say thank you to the mentor who brought you to where you are and, then, return the kindness:
Reach back and bring someone else along.

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!

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.