Blog #1 - Convention 2024 of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is quickly approaching and members have a multitude of items to check off of a travel list in preparation. Some of those items include registering for the convention, hotels reservations and deciding what to bring to the great state of Maryland as DKG gathers in National Harbor. One item that should not be left behind is “your knowledge of the proposed amendments for 2024” which can be found in the March/April 2024 DKG News. The amendments will consume a major portion of the general sessions in which members have the opportunity to hear from the authors, Administrative Board and members of the Constitution Committee. Look out for the upcoming Blog #2 for more information on the grouping of the 94 proposed amendments.
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Monday, March 11, 2024
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Do Chapters Need to Vote to Approve New Members?
The International Membership and Expansion Committee continues to be asked this question.
Once upon a time in DKG, a vote was required to accept new members into the Society. However, this requirement was dropped several years ago and DKG DOES NOT require voting on new members.
While DKG has dropped the voting requirement the DKG Constitution states under Article III Membership Section C Election, “A candidate for active or collegiate membership shall be selected by the method established by the chapter’s rules.”
What if our chapter rules still say we need to vote members in?
Many chapters are changing their chapter rules to eliminate voting on members. If your chapter rules say that a vote is needed here are some suggestions of ways that a vote can be taken without making the new members feel uncomfortable:
When your chapter is discussing membership and brainstorming who to invite, make a motion to extend the offer of membership to all prospective members listed by chapter members who accept the invitation to membership.
If a vote needs to be taken, vote electronically so the vote is not taken in front of the new members. Then invite these members to an orientation.
If someone attends your meeting and asks to join and writes out a check, figure out a way for them to join right now. (Under Article III Membership Section A Membership, the DKG Constitution states, “An individual becomes a member of the Society when she pays her dues.”)
What not to do:
- Some chapters used to have prospective members in attendance leave the room so they could talk about the members and take a vote. This made the new members feel uncomfortable.
- Even if slips of paper are passed out for voting, it makes the new members feel uncomfortable if they are present during the voting.
What about members transferring from other state organizations or other chapters within your state organization that are unknown to the members of your chapter?
The DKG Constitution Article III Membership Section D Transfer states, “A member in good standing may transfer from one chapter to another upon notification to Society Headquarters.” No vote is needed when a member transfers from one chapter to another chapter. They are welcomed enthusiastically into the new chapter.
What about former members requesting to be reinstated into membership?
The DKG Constitution Article III Membership Section F Reinstatement says, “A former member shall be reinstated to membership by the chapter receiving the request.” A vote is not needed to reinstate a former member into her previous chapter or a new chapter.
Remember, members who recommend prospective members know the people they are recommending so if someone is recommended by a member, they should be encouraged to attend the orientation and join the Society. We should all work to make the Society as welcoming as possible. Being open and receptive to those who want to join should be a priority for everyone.
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Mentoring an In-coming Chapter President
What if the in-coming president is assured of assistance in the form of a mentor? With a mentor to provide guidance, reluctance may take a back seat.
The logical mentor may be the immediate past chapter president, but that does not always have to be the case. Any of the past chapter presidents can fill that role. Past chapter presidents have experience and insights necessary to share with the new president.
With prior planning, the chapter can ensure that this transition is smooth and less stressful. An arrangement can already be in place that guarantees mentorship of a new chapter president. Many resources are available for chapter presidents, and those can be daunting at first glance. A mentor can take the time to study those with an in-coming chapter president and offer advice. Among those resources are the International Constitution and International Standing Rules, The Handbook of The DKG Society International, and a Leadership Calendar, all of which are found on the DKG website. Additionally, chapter rules need to be examined.
The relationship between the mentor and in-coming chapter president needs to be on-going and intentional. For success to occur, time needs to be allocated and devoted to the needs identified through each meeting. These meetings can occur in a variety of settings and manners. Face-to-face, while often the most desired, can also occur via a virtual platform such as Zoom, Facetime or Google Meet. Scheduled check-ins could include emails, texts, or phone calls. The chapter president should also feel comfortable contacting her mentor at any time with questions.
The importance of working as a team is fostered with the mentor and in-coming chapter president relationship. The in-coming leadership team can also be included in some of the beginning meetings that set the stage for the new biennium.
As a mentor, past chapter presidents provide the following skills to an in-coming chapter president and her leadership team.
- Exhibit characteristics of a positive role model.
- Provide guidance as well as constructive feedback.
- Build mutual respect and trust.
- Share skills, knowledge, and expertise.
- Demonstrate commitment.
In turn, the in-coming leadership team can develop and expand their leadership skills for their own benefit and that of their chapter.
Now is the time to look at your chapter and what is in place to nurture and support your in-coming chapter leaders, and most especially your chapter president. If you do not have a mentor program in place, consider developing a plan now. This may be the answer to the reluctance of members to take on leadership roles.
Soon we will be offering congratulations to our new chapter officers. Success is only a plan away.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
International Speakers Fund: Creating Friendships Across Borders
Delta Kappa Gamma is an international organization with members in 17 countries. How can you make connections with DKG members from other countries? The DKGIEF International Speakers Fund (ISF) provides virtual or in-person speakers for state organization conventions, conferences, or meetings.
Hosting an ISF speaker allows members to meet an international member face-to-face. Members can participate in discussions about another country's culture, customs, and educational systems. They learn from the speaker's perspective about global issues and leadership while fostering diversity and collaboration within the Society. ISF speakers provide members with new learning opportunities to share with others, fulfilling the Society's mission to unite women educators worldwide.
State organizations may request an ISF speaker by May 1 and November 1 annually by emailing a request for an ISF Speaker form to Society Headquarters by May 1 or November 1. The ISF Committee will assign speakers to state organizations and notify the selected speakers.
The DKGIEF International Speakers Fund, one of nine funds administered by the Foundation, is supported by member donations. Your contributions to the International Speakers Fund cover the speakers' travel expenses to face-to-face state organization events. Contributions can be made on the DKGIEF webpage. Go to the International Speakers Fund page or the DKGIEF Donate page for various donation options.
Hosting an ISF speaker is an amazing opportunity for DKG members to meet a new friend and colleague while promoting cultural understanding and building worldwide connections.
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
You Can Make Art Out of What??
Heidi Ragsdale-Colorado
After visiting local art galleries over the past few months, it is inspiring to see how creative artists craft their creations.
Here are some of the materials used by local artists.
Project #1
- Aluminum Foil
- Fishing Line
- Green Glitter, 2 brown buttons and white paint
- Cardboard pieces.
- Some sort of adhesive.
Project #2
- An old rusty license plate, folded in half
- A small rubber duck sliced on the bottom
- A child’s favorite poem
- Some silver paint
- Two small dog stickers.
Project #3
- Wooden chair cut in half vertically
- Faded green clothes-line weaved through the back slats of the half chair
- Blue paint
- Glue gun and glue stick
- An old paint stick with various colors
- 3 small painted terra cotta vases
And what did each of these artists make?
- A glittery fish hanging from the fish line installation connecting to the ceiling.
- A book rack for a child’s favorite flip book collection
- A plant stand for one’s porch.
What did all these projects have in common?. . . . Reusable items and artistic creativity and innovation.
At times when chatting with others we may hear, “But I am not an artist”, or “I am not creative,” when somehow that person really is intrigued by art. When one is visually enthralled by viewing local or regional art, there’s a little moment of, “Ooooo, I could create something like that!!” These types of art pieces inspire others from within.
Three-dimensional art supplies can be found right in your own home. Perhaps look for adhesives in your utility drawer; find materials in your recycle bin; take apart an old shirt and turn it into your new shopping bag and add a painted rose; find old magazines and build a collage that brings joy to you and others. Write a poem about your art, snap a photo or design a complimentary piece to enhance your art. The creativity of the arts and humanities is limitless when one goes from: “I am not an artist” to “I want to make something like that!”
Click on the link below If you are interested in submitting your two photos of your own 3D multimedia art, or other Arts and Humanities submissions.
Spring/Fall Art Gallery submissions are open Jan 15 - Feb 15 & Aug 15 - Sept 15.
Submit your art for the 2024 International Convention Member Art Gallery here by April 15.
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