Members Share DKG International Speaker Fund Experiences

 

Thoughts from the presenter:

The DKG International Society’s International Speaker Fund (ISF) serves as an excellent program to promote and increase diversity, international experiences, and cultural exchange throughout the organization.

I have had the pleasure of presenting to a DKG group as an international speaker four times. My most recent speaking experiences include Nebraska (2017) and Washington (2018) in person, and in late April 2022 at the DKG California Convention via Zoom, a new experience for me.

I think the experience for a speaker from the International Speaker Fund is almost like a scholarship to get to know DKG sisters in different parts of the world. The experience helps to make new friends, meet them later in the convention, or be in contact with them e.g., by email. The state convention creates a unique experience and excellent contacts among the speakers, the organizers, and the audience.

The virtual meeting is very different because one misses the in person contact. However, it offers another dimension; it makes meeting possible in difficult times. During the DKG California Convention, I gave a talk during the banquet about music, wellbeing, and the brain which are some of my favorite themes. I also presented during a workshop about Finnish education. Since the audience was smaller in the workshop, I could see the participants, create a connection with them, and answer their questions. I hope that was a win-win situation.

I have also had the pleasure as the Finland state president of twice inviting an ISF speaker– one in early 2000’s and one in 2021 online. Those speakers offered the audience enlightening experiences as well and created connections.

The ISF program is great. It is worth applying for the ISF program to be a speaker or have a speaker attend an event. The application time is now so you should send your application in by the 15^th of September. I warmly recommend it.

Eija Liisa  Sokka-Meaney, Finland, DKG International Speakers Fund and Member of the International Communications and Marketing Committee

Thoughts from a member of the audience:

When I first discovered that Eija Liisa was going to speak at the DKG California Convention, I was thrilled! Eija Liisa and I currently serve on the DKG International Communications and Marketing Committee. Eija Liisa certainly brought the international spirit to the California convention. Via Zoom, Eija Liisa came halfway around the world to the convention in Burbank to share her life experiences in Finland. She spoke about her favorite themes, including music, well-being and the brain, and offered slides to illustrate her thoughts.

I highly recommend that your state take advantage of the ISF program. The speaker will add depth to your convention through her keynote presentations and workshop, especially if your speaker is able to travel to your location now that travel has opened up.

Julie Drysdale, California, DKG International Communications and Marketing Committee

International Speakers Fund Flyer

Time to share your experiences with the ISF. Leave a comment to this blog to share your experiences.