Sign in to "My DKG" and make it YOURS!

 I hope you are attending at least one of the 5 DKG regional conferences this summer! What a wonderful opportunity to explore great ideas, learn new things, visit with old friends and make new ones, network with the best educators in the world and celebrate what it means to be a woman and a professional. Attendance at a conference can enrich your membership experience in so many ways!

This summer, attendees will get a sneak preview of the member portal that will be part of the remodeled DKG website when it launches soon.  For now, however, members can enter the portal through a back door available in the Member Center on the Home Page at www.dkg.org.  By clicking on the gray banner titled "My DKG", members can access the Member Portal and sign in using the same information that was necessary for registration.  Use your member ID as your username and the default password shared with your chapter president in the Presidents' Page. The password was shared this way because this publication is the only one securely mailed in a sealed envelope, thus keeping our member portal secure to members only. Email or call me if you need assistance.

In the "My Account" area, members can create a personal profile for other DKG members to view, join communities,and network with other members from around the world.  But, be careful! The member data entered will be saved in the Society database as member contact data.  Thus, any changes will affect mailings and other Society communications in the future.

Check out "My DKG" soon and make it yours!

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.

Questions, Questions, Questions...

When I was young, I was that child who would drive everyone crazy with the "Why?" question.  I suppose I still do at some times!  So, when members drop, I always want to know why.  And if you have answers, let me know what you have found.

So, when members drop, we send a survey to those for whom we have an email address.  The responses have been enlightening, soul-stirring and, in some cases, shocking.  I hope you have registered to attend a regional conference this summer.  This information and more will be the topic of conversation and who knows where our conversations may lead? As we explore the road ahead, let's arm ourselves with the kind of knowledge that empowers us to think about all the possibilities.

What is your dream for this great organization?  Add a comment, send me an email or text, or find me on Facebook or Twitter.  I want to know your vision for DKG!

Do You have Reservations?

Anticipation.  It is one of my favorite feelings.  Watching each scoop of ice cream make its way to the top of the cone that will soon be in my hands.  Waiting for that loaf of bread to come out of the oven.  Sitting on the edge of my seat as the movie begins. Looking forward to that next chapter meeting. And I am already making plans to attend my state organization convention - what about you?

So, it's almost time:  regional conferences are right around the corner!  Look for information in the DKG News and on the website soon.  Make your plans to attend the conference in your region. Or travel to a new region where you can make new friends and enjoy a new experience!

Remember, you will need your Member ID to register online, so find your membership card, ask your chapter treasurer or call us here at Society Headquarters.  You should use your member ID number as your Username.  The default password will be shared by your chapter or state organization president who received it through her mailed copy of the President's Page or President to President. Or call or email Headquarters.

So, Get Ready, Get Set, and Go!

Please Tell Me About It!

Communication is key to marketing any new or great idea.  We all agree that membership in DKG changes lives, develops women as professionals, and promotes richer learning at all levels.  So, spread the word! Find a way to communicate that works best for your chapter and state organization.

California State Organization did.  I recently subscribed to the email distribution list the state organization has developed.  They are sending to all the subscribers on the list a weekly email that is informative, positive and inspiring.   The one I received this week recounted the story of a young educator who received a Cornetet Grant from the DKG Educational Foundation and was so inspired by the experience that she has since joined DKG! Not only will this amazing story inspire members to share the benefits of membership with other women educators, it will also perhaps remind us all about the membership benefits we forget to enjoy ourselves!

Think about the ways that you can best communicate to your community, state organization, members and potential members about DKG.  Explore the options.  Then, Spread the Word!

PLAN for Membership Growth

One of the best parts of my job is meeting members!  The International President and I were privileged to join members of three chapters in the Orange, TX, area recently.  After 

Historic Stark House - Orange, TX

a wonderful meal at a local restaurant, we shared with them the new membership plan promoted by both the International and the Texas State Organization Presidents.  With the plan, we also discussed ways to maintain membership by keeping members active and engaged at all three levels of the Society. Members in Orange are excited about the possibilities - what a wonderful evening it was!

Have you considered new ways to recruit and keep members?  The plan recommends a change in the order of recruiting and suggests developing a strategy for being sure new members are welcomed and involved in activities.  If you are interested in more details, email me at nitas@dkg.org.  I would love to share!

The Best Gifts are Given Away

The holidays are a wonderful time of year!  The weather has turned cooler (of course, here in South Central Texas, that could just mean we can open the windows and turn the air conditioning off!), the sky is a deeper blue and the lights of the holiday decorations dance on the roof tops and trees around town.

And I have realized over the years that the best gifts are the ones I give away.  Xi Chapter TX
traditionally meets here at Society Headquarters every December for a holiday celebration and initiation.  We initiated two new members (one a fourth generation member!) and this year we all brought stuffed toys to be donated for the New Life Treatment Center here in Austin.  What a wonderful time and how special to know that our gifts would enrich the lives of others!

May your holidays be joyous and may your New Year bring peace and prosperity.