The Importance of Programs

Historically, the DKG Society International has been a key driver for change owing to our interdisciplinary knowledge. However, we must not be complacent, we must always remain relevant and step up to new challenges. In Andrew Wilson’s book, “Ukraine Crisis:  What the West Needs to Know,” Wilson discussed the importance of education to build up a common knowledge and about social challenges as well as democracy. The dynamic educational process guides us as citizens towards solutions for wellbeing, resource management and the global sustainable development goals. Therefore, programs on the chapter level, as well as on conferences and conventions, are the backbone of the Society. They empower us as members and allow us to act for a better world through the education of our students.

What are the current programs that win hearts and minds? Your chapter certainly has a long list already. Some good examples are outdoor learning, psychological effects of distance learning, sustainability and entrepreneurship in science teaching, game as a teaching tool and the reflection of modern literature on society. Outdoor learning is a practical way to let the students experience nature, but spending time outside also increases your students’ health and wellbeing. You can invite authorities and politicians who are responsible for the schools and universities to find out what the educational future looks like.

Choose a theme for a string of meetings. This helps you to concentrate and allows many aspects to be highlighted. This string of meetings can be short, over a semester, or long, over a year.  Write a summary of each meeting on your webpage or Facebook. Then you will build up a library of knowledge. To get more perspectives on your subject as well as a more high-spirited discussion, invite your neighbor chapters to a webinar or extend your network to all the chapters in your region. By sharing program ideas your chapter will have a wider pool of topics to enlighten your members. Last year, the European Director started a common program for all members with a speaker from each of the eight state organizations/countries.

The program can also be a tool to interest potential new members.  Choose a “hot topic” that may be perceived as a barrier in today’s education, i.e. language disorder. Ask a chapter member who has worked with the problem to give a lecture. Invite teachers from a diverse pool of educational institutions, not only schools. I have tried this method in my own chapter and 25 teachers were directly interested.

There are so many opportunities to build interesting programs to empower your members. Remember that DKG is an international organization and your friends worldwide are ready to help and bond with you and your chapter.