World Fellowship

 

International World Fellowship Committee
selecting the recipients and extensions
 in Austin on March 3-4, 2014.

     The International World Fellowship Committee selected 19 new recipients and extended four awards for a total of $80,000.

The awards are made possible though the generous contributions and fund raising efforts of our members.

 The World Fellowship Committee has awarded a total of $180,200 during the 2012-2014 biennium.

Missing Leaders?

I am amazed that a large number of state organization presidents report difficulty getting members at the chapter level to accept positions of leadership. Why?

While the discussion, as to the reasons for this, is uncomfortable; it is vital to the future of our Society.

What is the problem? Do members not see themselves as leaders? Do they feel that the duties and responsibilities are overwhelming?

Consider having a chapter dialogue to address possible reasons many are not willing to take on additional responsibilities. Be sure to include all the positives of assuming leadership roles in your discussion; increased personal and professional growth opportunities, enhanced skills in delegation, improved organizational ability, and many networking occasions across your state organization and the Society.

  Might the  conversation also include the idea of simplifying the tasks, and sharing the load? This way all members can contribute to and accomplish the work of the chapter and the state organization.

 

Germany Cross of Merit

Left, Marika Heimbach, DKG European Regional Director,
presents Gitta Franke-Zoellmer a rose upon her receipt
of the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Gitta Franke-Zoellmer, one of the founders of the Germany DKG state organization and former state organization president, was recently awarded the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

She received  this prestigious award because of her longstanding commitment as leader of the VBE (Union for Education) and her work for equality for women on the national and European level.

She is a member of the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE/EI), and serves as chairperson of the Status of Women Committee (ETUCE)  which was founded because of her initiative.

It was a festive event, accompanied by Celli music performed by Gitta´s former students.

Congratulations, Gitta!

QR Codes at Grave Sites?

     I recently learned from Phyllis Hickey, Operation Services Administrator, that the cemetery at which two of our Founders are buried use QR codes. With a smart phone and a QR Reader you can get information on the individual buried at the site.

     Phyllis took a photo of the sign that displayed the QR code at Dr. Annie Webb Blanton's grave site in Austin. Wouldn't Dr. Blanton, who died in 1945, be amazed that we now use technology from the womb to the tomb!

Amazing Strategy!

As a result of the encouragement of Margaret Church of North Carolina, Dr. Sherry Willis, Alpha Nu Chapter President, sent a mass email to her chapter members. She included information about blogging and tweeting. Fantastic!

 

Dr. Willis said, "I joined Twitter this morning and have sent Alpha Nu members an invitation to join if you wish to do so."

That is a great way to connect and communicate!

 

Music to My Ears!

Margaret Church, North Carolina, is a winner in the contest soliciting ideas to increase readership of my blogs.

Following her notification, she immediately communicated with her chapter president, "Would you mind sending something to our members encouraging them to read her blogs and follow her on Twitter?   I think they will enjoy reading and keeping up with what is going on in DKG." 

Margaret, Thank You! Your email to Dr. Sherry Willis, Alpha Nu Chapter President, was music to my ears.

Utah - Successful Year

Vanessa Mori, Utah DKG State Organization President, shared what made her proud of the members in her state organization.

"The phenomenal educators who have given so much in supporting the field of education and devote time and energy to the success of Utah DKG. We continue to work on increasing membership and this year has been a success."

Congratulations members of Utah!

State organization presidents are in the process of submitting state organization reports. They have the opportunity to communicate and network with all chapter presidents and members. These reports are reviewed and the information is used to assist the Society in making better decisions.

A Peaceful World?

     Join the members of A Curriculum of Hope for a Peaceful World Committee of Connecticut as they lead a roundtable discussion at the 2014 International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The session, Global Peace Roundtable: Worldwide Educational Initiatives, will discuss how teachers are implementing peace curriculums worldwide.

     Two participants from each of the 18 member countries have been invited to share comments and submit written responses to questions that will be included in a summary report. Speakers from each country will also address questions from the Committee.

     Check the convention program for the room, day, and time for the roundtable discussion. Listen to the speakers and learn how promoting peace, valuing diversity, human rights, critical thinking, conflict resolution and environmental issues are addressed in the 18 different countries that make up DKG.

Members Visit Headquarters

Nita Holt, Gamma Delta Chapter, Virginia,
with her husband, Calvin, on their tour of
Society Headquarters. Sarah Sanchez, left
and Gloria Morales, right, were tour guides.

The staff at Society Headquarters is always invigorated when members of the organization come to Austin and tour the headquarters building. On March 7, 2014, Nita Holt and her husband, Calvin, met the headquarters staff. Nita is a member of Gamma Delta Chapter in Franklin, Virginia.

You are encouraged to visit headquarters any time you are in Austin. This is your headquarters building and we would love to show you around!

New Look!

     The Educational Foundation Board of Trustees is launching its new logo.


     The 50th Anniversary of the Foundation is being celebrated during the Luncheon at the 2014 International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fifty $1,000 stipends have been awarded in recognition of the Foundation's 50th anniversary. Recipients who are in attendance at the luncheon will be recognized.

     On July 23-26, 2014, prior to the international convention in Indianapolis, the Foundation will hold its Seminar in Purposeful Living in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Registration information is available on the Society website at www.dkg.org  as well as on the Educational Foundation website at www.dkgef.org

Girl Scout - DKG Patch

Blanche Delgado, San Antonio, Texas, shared the status of Zeta Beta's development of a DKG Girl Scout patch.  She and members of her chapter are now working with two Girl Scout troops.

Blanche shared, "The wheels are in motion with DKG International to present the 'first ever' DKG Girl Scout patch to these two troops.  Zeta Beta has reached another milestone in DKG.  We will impact the lives of many young ladies, as other chapters  join our venture with Girl Scouts throughout the world to empower women."

 If you, or your chapter, are interested in knowing more about the relationship between Girl Scouts and DKG, contact Nita Scott, Membership Services Administrator, at nitas@dkg.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Survey

DKG Members are asked to go to the link below to complete an online survey of  the services provided by Society Headquarters during this biennium.  Getting input will help us to better serve our members.

Go to
 https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CD8FGBP

Blogs Valuable?

   Blogs are valuable if they are read.

     I would love for more DKG members to read my blogs. I try to keep them updated and share information that's important. So, what can I do?

     One member suggested that I issue a challenge. So, here goes! The first, 25th, and 50th person who sends an email with an idea as to how to increase the readership of my blogs, or who shares  information that members would like to read in a blog, will receive a prize. Seriously!

     In the subject line of your email, put Are Blogs Valuable? In the body of the email share your idea for increasing readership or indicate information you think should be shared in a blog. Provide your name and state organization and I will let you know if you are the first, 10th, 25th or 40th person to submit. If so, a prize will be mailed to you.

    It's that simple. Ready - Set - Go! Send your email to bevhelms@embarqmail.com

Pride in DC

Anita Walls with Dr. Beverly Helms
at  NE  Regional Conference
in Portland, Maine

Anita Walls, state organization president of the District of Columbia, shared the following as reasons she is proud of her state organization.

The State Organization is working together to create a more harmonious unit.  We are re-building the organization and collectively growing as a team.  This year, our strategic action plan includes increasing membership, revised bylaws, technology integration and active participation in DKG International Conferences, CTAUN and US Forum. 

I am pleased that we have made great strides in these areas during 2013-2014. Chapter Presidents are very informed, energetic and sincere about strengthening the Society.

Benefits of Membership

There are many benefits of belonging to The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. One that stands out is the opportunity to apply for and receive an international scholarship for graduate study.

During its meeting, February 21-22, 2014, the International Scholarship Committee awarded  17 scholarships, four for members working on a Masters' Degree and 13 pursuing a Doctorate.

A total of $154,000 was awarded this year for a total of $430,000 for the biennium!

What's with New Brunswick?

Joan Somerville, state organization president of New Brunswick, shared the following with me as an update on the status of the New Brunswick State Organization.

Beta Chapter completed its Wuliwon Reading Project (DKG Educational Foundation funding) with a local elementary school.

Gamma Chapter hosted a Celebration Tea to observe its 30th birthday. Approximately fifty women educators attended and were treated to a delicious lunch. An informative  presentation about DKG and its influence internationally was shared.

Former Gamma members, and other educators who were invited to attend,  received an orientation and  reorientation to the benefits of belonging to DKG. Gamma’s display of thirty years of archives, scrapbooks and current projects gave guests an insight into the organization and allowed active members an excellent opportunity to reflect on just how much return they receive on their investment in DKG.

According to Gamma Chapter President, Nancy Jonah, plans are to initiate six new members.

Dr. Dorothy Johnson - Honored

Dr. Dorothy L. Johnson
International President
1968-1970

The District of Columbia

honored

Dr. Dorothy L. Johnson
for her 63 years of
Distinguished Membership and Service - 1950-2013

District of Columbia Public Schools 
1940-1983
Principal of Buchanan and Amidon Elementary Schools
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools
Regional Superintendent


                                         President of Nu State (District of Columbia) Organization
                                                      1957- 1959

                                                   International President 
                                                The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
                                                      1968-1970