Steps to Membership - IMC Blog

Article III, Section C.1. Says that “A candidate for active or collegiate membership shall be selected by the method established by the chapter’s rules.” We are still an invitation only organization, so prospective members still must be invited and accepted as members by the chapter. Note that if a member wishes to be reinstated, there is no vote necessary but to accept a new member, a vote is needed by the chapter.

The following is information paraphrased from the dkg.org website. It is found under Resources and the Membership Plan and is just one way that a chapter may seek new members. It is not a part of the DKG Constitution or Standing Rules and is not an official mandate. You will find several paper documents provided if your chapter chooses to use any of them. They are not required forms. If another method of inviting members is listed in your chapter’s governing documents that you find successful, you may continue to use that.

Step 1: This plan emphasizes the honor of membership in DKG. The chapter membership committee should request members to submit a name via a prospect card at one or two meetings. They should then compile a list to present to the membership for a vote. These active educators and retirees do not have to be contacted before recommendation. (Key to making up this list is to choose those women whom you really want in your chapter—assume nothing would prevent them from saying yes. Don’t eliminate them because you “assume” they would say no. Let them decide for themselves!) 

Step 2: Each should be informed in a special, personal letter that she has been chosen for membership in our prestigious society. Key elements of the letter are that the prospect was recommended by a member (named) based on her stellar qualities as an educator and approved by the chapter. Brief information on DKG and the chapter is included, as well as the invitation to an orientation meeting. The letter emphasizes the honor of membership and asks them to RSVP for the meeting.

Some chapters see the orientation as a very important tool in bringing in members and helping them to make an informed decision. The orientation also provides the prospective member with valuable information and benefits of becoming a member of DKG. 

Step 3: Some may decline; some may call with questions; and some may agree to come immediately. For each of those who plan to attend, invite an equal number of current members to serve as “buddies” at the orientation. 

Step 4: At the orientation, provide social time for current and prospective members and then present the Pride in the Big Picture slide show (available for download at www.dkg.org). Current members can meet with the prospects in small groups to answer any questions. At the conclusion of the meeting (which lasts only one hour), ask them to decide to accept or decline the invitation to become members. (Remember, no one has approached these women about joining prior to the letter.) 

Step 5: The current member “buddy” can use the Chapter Member Application to learn about the prospective member. The form for membership (formerly Form 11) is now the Chapter Member Information Form and is part of the Membership Plan. It is found in "Forms” under "Membership". It can also serve as a commitment from the prospective member. 

Step 6: Invite the prospective members to the induction ceremony with the Induction Letter if you choose to do it this way.

Remember that a woman becomes a member when she pays her dues. Induction ceremonies do not make them members. Some chapters choose not to have an induction ceremony. Follow your chapter’s governing documents as to what they say about member induction.

In summary, seek out educators from all age groups with a wide variety of leadership qualities and educational backgrounds. Reach out to them, invite them, and welcome them to DKG!