Reflections on a Regional Conference

“It’s a small world” seems like a cliché, but it is becoming more and more evident

that our planet is shrinking, at least in thought. DKG has shrunk borders between

states, nations and continents for me but, at the same time, has broadened my

worldwide experiences. I recently returned from the NW Regional Conference in

Spearfish, South Dakota. For anyone unfamiliar with regional conferences, they are

similar to a high school or college reunion. Hugs and squeals of excitement are

commonplace during the conference. For some, it has been only a year since they

last saw their DKG comrade, but for others it has been a decade. Walks down

memory lane fill many conversations. If someone attended a regional conference

solely for this reason, it would be money well spent, but there is so much more to

offer.

Our general session speakers reminded us of our importance to education and

the difference we, and those before us, have already made. They made us think of

courage, determination, connectedness, empathy, and involvement. DKG women

embrace all of these characteristics! Training, break-outs, and 10-minute

takeaway sessions offered us the opportunity to look forward and to plan for 2029 and

beyond. As I reflected on my involvement in DKG, my heart was full, knowing that

across the globe, 75,000 of my sisters are leading education worldwide. I was also

reminded that physical borders may separate us, but the bond that is created among

DKG women surpasses rivers, plains, and mountains. I left the conference with a

renewed pride in DKG and look forward to our International Convention in Austin

next summer.