Change the Name?

The following idea was received following the deadline for my article in the July/August 2014 issue of DKG NEWS. The author, Jane Williams, a past state organization president from Virginia, gave me permission to use it on my blog.

"I believe changing the name of the Society will do more to carry us into the 22^nd Century than any of the “Band aids” that I have heard so far for improving/retaining membership and leadership.   We know that the majority of our members are now middle aged and older, and the dialogue is plentiful about attracting younger members--but not to much avail.  I have felt for several years that our Greek name still says “sorority” to those who hear it, read it, and see it.  Even seasoned members, regardless of “training,” can be heard referring to DKG as a “sorority.”  (Using the letters “DKG” doesn’t seem to have had much impact either). 

To retain/attain the impression of a professional leadership organization, I believe Delta Kappa Gamma needs to rename itself as the “International Society of Women Educators” (ISWE), “Society of Women Educators, International” (SWEI), “International Association of Women Educators”(IAWE), or some wording that will immediately give a hint as to “what we’re about.”  I believe we need this updated “first impression” to bring new life to our chapters.

I do not see that any great expense or rush to make changes in the Society name as currently printed would have to be incurred.  For a period of time, we could qualify letterhead communications with a line “Formerly The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International” and allow our pre-printed forms to 'play out.'  The DKG rose logo could stay, if desired.  The artifacts, documents, and mementos of our rich history will always be with us to serve as a reminder of our founders and our continued mission and purposes. 

I believe Annie Webb Blanton would be pleased to know that we would take this action.  In her own words:  Be progressive.  Keep up with the moving world while not discarding what in the old has value.  Don’t cling to the old when its worth has passed."