The Difference One Member Makes

I was honored to visit Iota Upsilon Chapter in Priddy TX yesterday.  I was invited to share with them about the DKG Girl Scout Patch Project. They invited two Girl Scout troop leaders to join us and by the end of the evening, we were all excited about the possibilities.

I am particularly excited about the DKG Girl Scout Patch for two reasons.  One is because a relationship between DKG and the Girl Scouts is so natural... both organizations focus on growing leadership in women and girls. However, it also so exciting for another reason that has nothing to do with the mission of either organization! It is a project that began as one member's vision and has gained momentum with chapters throughout the country.  It truly shows the difference one member can make within an organization.

What will be your contribution to DKG?  How will you make a difference as one member?  Share your vision for DKG and the impact we can have on education, for women, in the world, in your community.

It IS what YOU make it.

 My late mother always said "you get out of something what you put into it." I believe she was right. I just expanded my exercise routine to add a little interest and step up the intensity.  I spent quite a bit of time researching the wide variety of programs available on CD, TV, DVD, at the Gym, in my home or even live streamed from somewhere else I may never go.  If I had spent this much time
exercising, I would be fit again by now!

However, I realized suddenly that the most important factor is ME! I am, quite simply, going to get out of any program about what I put into it.  It is not really as much about the program itself as it is about my commitment to it.

And so, I think, it is with DKG. Are you committed to the Purposes and mission of DKG?  Would you count the women in your chapter as professional peers and friends?  Do you want to impact education worldwide in a positive way?  Do you work alongside dedicated educators who care about the success of their students, whether young or adult?  Then, what are you waiting for?  Ask a fellow educator to join DKG.  Get engaged in whatever way suits you best.  Volunteer for the next project, step up to a leadership role, or  log in to the communities through the DKG website or APP and network globally.

DKG is what you make it - so make it count for you today!

Moving Forward - Together!

If we are not moving forward on our journey in DKG, we will either stay where we are or go backward.  So, perhaps the basic laws of motion will lead us all to agree that we want to move forward in our journey. The question, however, is how?

As a member of DKG, you have a voice - use it as effectively as possible.  Talk to the leaders in your state organization about what you envision for the DKG of tomorrow.  If you are an officer or chair in your state organization, bring those ideas to the international boards. The conversation has already begun, so take part - have a chapter discussion, participate in a poll, or Tweet about it!

Remember, however, your voice speaks loudest when you vote as a member at international conventions. At the 2016 International Convention in Nashville TN,  your state organization president's votes on behalf of the members will elect the next International Administrative Board.  Candidate nominations are due to the International Nominations Committee by October 15, 2015, and can be submitted by any member, even yourself! Recommend a member you feel is qualified to lead DKG forward. Inform your president how you would like her to vote when the slate is published.

And your most effective voice?  The vote you cast when you attend convention in July where the International Standing Rules will be amended. Amendment proposals are due by October 1 and come from any committee, chapter, state organization or member - that's You!  And then be present to vote again in 2018 (in Austin TX ) when the Constitution is amended.

Make your plans to be in Nashville and be heard!

A Tool for All Seasons (And Many Reasons!)

Have you downloaded the new DKG App yet?  If you attended a regional conference this summer, you may have downloaded it for use during the conference.  It provided easy access to the event schedule, session information, maps and more.

However, the DKG App is so much more than just an event app.  It provides you easy access to news, website features, blogs, DKG social media sites, the DKG Store, meeting schedules and many other items of interest.  For fun, use the "postcard" feature and take a selfie or a chapter photo.  Access information about Society projects and view videos.  Use the "My DKG" icon to access your personal profile and information in the DKG database and social communities.

Download the DKG App through the Google Play Store (android smartphones) and the Apple App Store (iPhones, iPads can use the iPhone app).  After all, even though there is so much to see and do now, we will all be heading to Nashville for the 2016 International Convention before we know it!

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!