What Is An Honorary Member?

    Does your chapter know a woman who has made a significant contribution to education or women, but is not eligible for active membership? Have you considered nominating her for honorary membership?

    An honorary member is a woman, who while not eligible for active membership, has given considerable service to education or to women. At the chapter level this service may be of local significance. At the state organization level, the contribution would be at a statewide level. At the international level the service would be significant at a national or international scope. Any member, chapter, or state organization can nominate a woman for honorary membership.

    How does an honorary member participate in the activities of the Society? She may participate in any activities except holding an office. The honorary member is welcome to attend meetings and events at all levels. She may even serve as the parliamentarian since that is not an elected office.

    The process for election is determined by the respective executive board. For the chapter, this is most likely outlined in the chapter rules. Each honorary member is presented with a membership certificate. Giving her a key pin is optional. The inducting unit pays to international a lifetime one-time fee of $49.95. After that no annual dues or fees are paid at any level.

    For more information about honorary membership visit dkg.org. (You must be logged into the website to view these documents.)

These items are all under Governing Documents:

1. Procedures for Honorary Members (GAPP) - (Located under Procedures/Honorary Membership)
2. Go-To-Guide - pp. 18-19
3. Constitution - p. 2
4. International Standing Rules - pp. 1-2

    Honorary membership is a great opportunity to recognize women who are making significant contributions to education or the lives of women. At all levels from the community to state organizations to national and international levels there are women making a difference. Honorary membership provides recognition and even a way of saying thank you for their service. It is also an opportunity for DKG to share with the community that we exist and have an active role in promoting education and women.

    Take a moment and look around your community for someone who is providing exceptional service to education or women and then consider nominating her for honorary membership.