Mentoring Goals Setting & Analysis – (Final entry of a 3 part Series)

Within mentoring relationships, mentees learn best by applying what they are learning. With the guidance of a mentor, DKG members are supported as they practice different roles and test their skills and readiness to find solutions to different problems. In this process it is helpful to set and prioritize goals, and outline activities that are needed to achieve those goals. SMART goals are specific and accomplishable. They are:

Specific

Measureable

Achievable

Realistic

Timely

As part of setting goals, mentees work with their mentor to assess strengths and weaknesses and prioritize action as needed. Some questions could be:

• What makes you think there is a problem?
• Where is it happening?
• How is it happening?
• When is it happening?
• Who is it happening with?
• Why is it happening?

And finally the strategy is created: ‘A problem is happening because. …… and what we can do is ………’

Through this analysis mentees improve confidence as they overcome challenges and obstacles. Mentors and mentees develop analytical skills, sharpen problem-solving skills, become better leaders, and contribute to the success of DKG.

Share the Secret with Someone

Does your chapter find it difficult to find new members?  Do you struggle to initiate even one or two new members each year?

Consider using the Membership Recruitment Plan.  If your chapter is or will be using the plan, now is the time to request members to complete a Prospect Card (sample is available at www.dkg.org). So, what tips can you give your members about finding the names of prospects?

Here are a few:

• Consider new teachers hired this year by the local district or community. 
• Volunteer to provide refreshments or the program at a district meeting or new teacher orientation.
• Set up an exhibit at a community meeting.
• Ask children and grandchildren for the names of their best teachers.
• Invite principals and administrators to provide the names of women teachers on staff they would like to honor with membership.
• Watch the newsletters and newspapers for the names of educators awarded for accomplishments, such as teacher of the year or national board certification awardee.

In-Touch and Involved

Members who are committed are frequently the most engaged in chapter activities.  However, members to whom we reach out and with whom we stay connected have the best chance of becoming committed, engaged members.

So, how does your chapter maintain communication and connection between members?  Many chapters provide members with frequent updates through newsletters, whether in print or by electronic media.  Phone trees and emails can also be great ways to "spread the word" about events or changes in chapter schedules.

Consider, however, a few other options when designing your chapter's communications & publicity plan.  Some chapters have developed Facebook groups so members can keep in touch regarding both chapter and personal matters.  Twitter, Instagram and other social media can also be great ways to increase communication.

Encourage your chapter members to keep in touch with the Society on an International level, as well. DKG has a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dkgorg) where frequent posts share the latest happenings.  Find DKG on Twitter (@DKG_SI), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/delta-kappa-gamma-society-international), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/DKGSI/)and Instagram (@DKGSI), as well. Of course, the DKG website (www.dkg.org)is also a great source of information and you can find links there to Follow Us.

What's Growing in Your Chapter?

Chapter growth can be challenging - sometimes hard to define, difficult to measure and uncomfortable to talk about.  What is growth?  Have you ever thought about what it means to be a "growing" chapter?

Of course, growth can mean new members and reinstatements, but it also includes keeping the members you have. Growing chapters have developed a culture that encourages member participation, engages new members and develops leadership.  Have you asked your members what they like and want in chapter programs and meetings?  Are you providing those things?  Are your members active in chaper events, projects and leadership?  Are they serving the state organization on committees?  Are they attending state organizaiton and international events?  These can all be indicators of a growing chapter.

Simply put, does your chapter have a strategy in place to insure sustainability and promote growth? If you have not heard about the new Membrership Recruitment Plan,  check it out!  It is posted on the International Membership Committee page and is adaptable for your chapter.  And, best of all, it has shown real results!  Look for more information in the next blog.