Hopes and Dreams for Your Chapter

For many chapters, September signals a new year of meetings, programs, and projects.  Chapter schedules often reflect a yearly rotation of traditions long held by their members.  But is that the schedule that really needs to be followed?  Now is the time to ask yourself – What are my hopes and dreams for my chapter this year?  Now ask yourself – Why do I attend meetings?  What programs are of importance to me?  What projects attract my time and attention?  

As chapters begin their planning process, consider asking members the questions posed above.  Send out a survey asking members what their hopes and dreams are.  Schedule a planning meeting after you gather the responses from the survey and together with all members discuss what the year can offer.  When members feel like they have a say in chapter decisions, they form a personal connection to the chapter meetings, programs, and projects, thus increasing the chance for greater participation.  

During your planning discussion, your chapter can tap into the skills and expertise of your own members.  Members can step up to plan and present the desired programs.  In this way, the contributions of each member are valued and celebrated.  Members also have varied contacts with local community organizations that they can use to facilitate programs that highlight your own area. 

Have you ever teamed up with another organization to combine meetings?  An example would be The League of Women Voters where their program on legislative issues may be of interest to your DKG members.  Additionally, at the beginning of the school year, chapters often provide food and other information at orientation sessions for new teachers.  This collaboration offers visibility for DKG as well as offering assistance and support to other organizations. 

As important as traditions are in DKG, you and your chapter need to consider what members really want to do with those traditions.  If you have always gathered socks for Christmas gifts to the homeless, in what other ways can your chapter reach out to those in need?  As another example, what creative ways can your chapters highlight the Founders yet be current and relevant?  Chapter leaders need to be open to new and different ways of planning, conducting meetings, and participating with members. 

In a time when losing members is widespread, it is time to make sure  your DKG year is engaging, educational, and dare we say memorable.  What are your hopes and dreams for your chapter this year?