2015 International Achievement Award

Carolyn Pittman, Arkansas

     The international achievement award is presented annually to an outstanding and distinguished member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The selection is made by the voting members of the international executive board, composed of the state organization presidents, members of the administrative board and past international presidents.

     The 2015 achievement award was presented on July 16, at the luncheon during the Southeast Regional Conference in Savannah, Georgia. It was presented to Carolyn Pittman of Arkansas. Pittman's credentials demonstrate a life of dedicated service to DKG. Currently the chair of the International Educator Award Committee, she has served the Society at the international level as Southeast Regional Director, Member at Large, First Vice President and chair of several international committees. At the state organization level, Pittman has served as state organization president, editor, executive secretary, and continues to serve in various roles.

     Pittman is well known as an outstanding editor, and has presented numerous Newsletter Camps to assist others interested in enhancing their skills in journalism and editing. She is a mentor, encourager and role model for all.

     Personally, I believe Carolyn is one of the most authentic and talented members I know in DKG! Congratulations, Carolyn. You are most deserving.

Participation Transforms Members!

Below is the blog I posted on July 17, 2014. Dr. Gwen Simmons, North Carolina, now serving as the international parliamentarian, responded to a question I asked during my tenure as international president  regarding  the one thing that would maintain the viability of DKG. Although 300 individuals viewed the blog, I think it bears repeating.

Simmons wrote, "The answer to your request is more complex than one thing but given all the movement in a positive direction in the last three or four biennia, I think a key one is a focus on the expectation of participation by active members in the activities of the Society: Constitution, Article III Membership. Section B.1: … “An active member shall participate in the activities of the Society.”

During the revision of the Constitution in 2009-10, proposals to strike that expectation from the Constitution were considered— I was adamant in my opposition because I believe that is the key aspect of DKG structure, i.e., participation transforms the member, and provides opportunities to transform the organization.  

Active participation requires a member to think for herself (in situations filled with a diversity of perspectives) and she ultimately realizes that she is leader of sorts and has something to offer the organization (which provided her the opportunity to participate in something she was NOT prepared to do until she finished the 'task'.)"

When we actively participate in DKG, we are transformed, indeed! How can we encourage those who are not actively participating in DKG to join us in that transformation?  Share your ideas as a comment or send me an email.