Friendships - A Reason to Belong!

     I would belong to the international organization of women educators (DKG) if it had only the one purpose, Uniting Women Educators in a Genuine Spiritual Fellowship. Because of my membership I am friends with some of the most talented, dynamic, resourceful, intelligent and beautiful leaders

Berneil Drake, Arizona
1921-2015

in the world. Well, at least in 17 countries of the world.

     Berneil Drake, Arizona, was my friend and one such leader. I was shocked to read in her obiturary in April of this year that she was born in 1921. She was extremely youthful in her appearance, demeanor,
attitude, thinking and leadership style. I had few clues we were from different generations!

     Berneil and I had a special bond as we were both state organization editors during her 30 year tenure in Arizona. We had several other things in common. She served as international second vice president as did I.  We both chaired the international communications committee at the international level, and in that role reviewed hundreds of chapter and state organization websites.

     I was elated when she won the international achievement award in 2007, and remember fondly that  in 2010 when I received the same award, she commented about our similar paths as editors and the fact that I had just been elected as the international second vice-president.

     Berneil was one classy lady and will be missed by all! She was, as I want to be, alive when she died.  Serving as her state organization's liaison to the DKG Educational Foundation at the time of her death, she left a generous bequest to the Foundation - a living testimony of her dedication to giving to educate the world.  Goodbye Berneil and thanks for the memories.  

     If you are reading this blog, chances are you are someone I might not know but for my membership in DKG. Please know I am grateful for your friendship. Let's stay in touch!

Chapters Have Autonomy?

 Recently I was involved in a discussion of changes that might assist DKG in remaining relevant and sustainable. Rules and/or traditions that might limit chapters and state organizations also surfaced. After reflection and a brief discussion with a mentor and DKG sage, I wondered if perhaps we make assumptions that might not be true. Do we think we can't do something based on past practice, myths, or misunderstanding, or do we actually have restrictions that impede our progress?

 DKG chapters have only eight mandates.

1. Members must be recommended, and elected at a chapter meeting based on identified qualifications, which includes initiation. Reserve status may only be granted for two reasons.
2. Members must pay dues and fees on time.
3. Chapters must have four regular meetings per year.
4. Chapters must have an executive board with defined duties.
5. Chapters must adhere to the Purposes and Mission Statement, and are responsible for Society work within whatever committee structure they choose.
6. Chapters must have Rules that are consistent with the Constitution and its state organization bylaws.
7. Chapters must elect and appoint certain officers who must be members and are elected in even-numbered years.
8. Chapters must submit annual and biennial reports.

With the exception of number 1, which deals with membership, and number 6 which addresses the organization's governing documents, chapters appear to have much autonomy.

If additional flexibility is desired, a member, chapter, or state organization has the opportunity, every four years, to recommend changes to ensure continued relevance and sustainability. Is four years too long to make changes in the Constitution? Should it be more general? Should membership be changed?

Chapters are the heart of the Society and the members its lifeblood! It is crucial for each member, chapter and state organization to participate actively in determining the future of our great organization. This might make a great discussion for a chapter meeting.

Hello again Blogging!

 This past weekend I was reminded of  a statement, "Communication is too important not to use every strategy available."
 
Since leaving DKG Society Headquarters in Austin, I have not been without things to do. In addition to a little rennovating, mowing lawns, cleaning fence rows and flower beds, and pressure washing my house and driveway, I have resumed my local civic and community responsibilities. I have also texted,  tweeted, used facebook, instagram, pinterest and even the What app. But, alas, my blogging went by the wayside.

Although I understood, during the two years I served as international president, that not one person sat with bated breath waiting for my next blog, I faced each attempt as a noble effort to reach 84,000 women educators in 17 member countries!  My saying goodbye to blogging, while going unnoticed by others, presented an incongruency for me.

Those of you who know me realize that I extol the value of using all types of social media to increase the visibilty of DKG, engage the XYZ generations, connect with seasoned mentors (baby boomers), and advocate for desirable educational policy. Because of that and my desire to walk my talk, I am returning to blogging!

So, hello again blogging. It is good to be back!