DKG Executive Director Shares Events, Feelings

2012 marks an ending

2012-01-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Corlea, Cale, Barbara and Mother

The new year marked the January 12 death of my mother, Wanda Haren. She would have been 90 in August. An electronic memorial was held for her January 21, and she will be interred at Ft. Bliss Cemetery in El Paso, Texas, Jan 27.

Thank you for the cards, emails, phone calls, flowers and warm thoughts. Your caring has helped me very much! Thank you.

Wrapping it up!

2011-12-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

    From wrapping holiday gifts to wrapping favorite foods, this time of year offers special surprises. I've enjoyed the annual drawing of names for Secret Santa at Society Headquarters this year. As we gathered around the Blanton Room, opened gifts and revealed the Santas, we laughed and groaned at not-so-funny jokes.
     Texans finally got a cold spell (if you will count 56 C high and a 29 C low one week) and wrapped pipes, wrapped up pets and wrapped ourselves in warm coats. We began wrapping up the year by trying to finish Do-It lists and clear desks.
     We also shared wonderful food throughout December. Cookies, cakes, dip, chips, cheese...all were tasty. Friends sent cards, flowers, pears, fruit, chocolates, and popcorn in all flavors. My neighborhood had its annual cookie exchange Dec. 10. After orange juice/champagne, coffee and breakfast casserole, we chatted and circled the table taking an allotted amount of cookies each time around. Each of us went home with a wonderful variety of six dozen cookies. (Don't count calories!)
     On Dec. 3 I opened my home for the Seguin Conservation Society's Heritage Tour of Homes. It rained, but we had more than 300 people (nearly 400 by some counts) come through our homes. Linda, Nita and Phyllis made a special trip from Austin to come to the event!
     I received lovely notes from many state organization presidents by telephone, email, internet cards, and regular mail. Each greeting is treasured as are the friends who sent them. I wish you all a thoughtful close to 2011 and a cheerful greeting for 2012.

Friends, experiences create 2011 collage of variety

2011-11-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

One of many banquets this summer, this dinner table includes friends from Germany, England, Finland and the U.S. The necklace I'm wearing started at the Tennessee Convention, then appeared at the Texas Convention before traveling to all five regional conferences. It was a loan from my generous Tennessee friend, Nancy Davis. I'm still looking for the right thank you gift for Nancy. If you have ideas, give me a call or email.

The summer included training sessions with the 2011-2013 state organization presidents. They are a wonderful group of caring women. They presented me with challenges, meditations, information, and warmth. Workshops, speakers and conversations taught me about using new technology, meeting new demands in the classroom, and seeking personal strengths. I grew in many areas, and I hope your regional conference experiences allowed you the same growth opportunities.

The collage of 2011 included travel, site visits, meetings, quiet talks, passionate discussions, writing, proofing, and lots of thinking. Keeping up with friends via email and cards substituted for short personal visits and telephone conversations. It seems there just enough time in the day or days in the week. But please know that I think of you often, hear your words in my head, and try to represent you, the best of our membership in all I do and say. Thank you for a growing experience in 2011. I look forward to an interesting 2012 with your help.

Is the summer gone?

2011-10-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Song lyrics, the news and chat all say, "We've had fire, and we've had rain."
I hope you have been spared some of these extremes. Our Emergency Fund requests are trickling in, so we know some of you have suffered major damage. Please keep us posted.
Last night I attended my chapter's annual banquet. We initiated four new members into Theta Kappa. As we enjoyed each other's company, caught up on the latest news and planned future events, I was reminded of how much happiness and good we spread throughout our community. I hope your chapter also spreads this positive vibe.

Information You Requested

2011-07-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

From Virginia Breakfast (or as close as I can remember):

I’ll start with my elevator speech: We are an honor society of approximately 95,000 women educators…with 2,600 chapters in 17 countries. Each year we donate nearly $3 million to support education and educators.

Our members range from pre-Kindergarten teachers to university presidents. In (this state) we have # members. Locally we have # chapters/members.

Through a partnership with ECOSOC, the Public Relations arm of the United Nations, we have seven members of the Non-Government Organization. Our representatives have participated in the steering committee for Danny Kaye’s Fund Drives and the Conference for Teaching about the United Nations (CTAUN). Our international project is Schools for Africa…through the US Fund for UNICEF and with Nelson Mandela’s Project.

Working with the Fulbright Foundation and selected Canadian universities, we grant aid to women to come to Canada or the US to work on master’s programs. We have helped women in more than 100 countries earn their degrees. Many returning to villages to change their way of life…even own a goat!

Local, state organization and international scholarship programs for members, high school students and college students help educators and future educators continue their schooling. We help early career educators so they will remain in the profession.

We excel in leadership training at the state organization and international levels. We have an updated website—scheduled to be even more improved in 2012 when we move it to the cloud and save even more money.

We have received 501(c) 3 status for eight of our Society funds, so contributions will be tax deductible. We have updated/revamped our Constitution and International Standing Rules. We are revising our Handbook as a Go-To Guide. We have a family of literature with the design of our NEWS, Bulletin and Society brochures. These have come about with the help of a Marketing consultant.

We have an excellent staff at Society Headquarters to serve members quickly and efficiently. Our Administrative Board is hard working: they have continually updated the Strategic Action Plan, meet twice a year and have homework. The state organization presidents leadership development training during this pre-conference was packed with about as much work as the board meetings.

While we have suffered some membership loss, we are thriving. We have hard working chapters, international committees and dedicated members. You are preparing us for our future and from the looks of this group this morning, we are in for an excellent ride!

2011 State Organization Conventions Provide More Variety for Members

2011-06-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Since visiting NV, MD, GB and TN state organization conventions (TX in progress now), I am stunned by the number of similarities and often surprised at the differences. Some of our traditions build the similarities, but area and cultural differences allow for some interesting practices. Not everyone ends with a banquet on Saturday night. Workshops may vary from one choice to 40. Speakers, panels and planned discussions vary with the locale. All were interesting and enjoyable. Thank you for the chance to share and listen. If you took pictures at any of these events, please send them to me!

Read this in the NY Times

2011-05-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR

The High Cost of Low Teacher Salaries

By DAVE EGGERS and NÍNIVE CLEMENTS CALEGARI

Published: April 30, 2011, NY TIMES
WHEN we don’t get the results we want in our military endeavors, we don’t blame the soldiers. We don’t say, “It’s these lazy soldiers and their bloated benefits plans! That’s why we haven’t done better in Afghanistan!” No, if the results aren’t there, we blame the planners. We blame the generals, the secretary of defense, theJoint Chiefs of Staff. No one contemplates blaming the men and women fighting every day in the trenches for little pay and scant recognition.

And yet in education we do just that. When we don’t like the way our students score on international standardized tests, we blame the teachers. When we don’t like the way particular schools perform, we blame the teachers and restrict their resources.

Compare this with our approach to our military: when results on the ground are not what we hoped, we think of ways to better support soldiers. We try to give them better tools, better weapons, better protection, better training. And when recruiting is down, we offer incentives.

We have a rare chance now, with many teachers near retirement, to prove we’re serious about education. The first step is to make the teaching profession more attractive to college graduates. This will take some doing.

At the moment, the average teacher’s pay is on par with that of a toll taker or bartender. Teachers make 14 percent less than professionals in other occupations that require similar levels of education. In real terms, teachers’ salaries have declined for 30 years. The average starting salary is $39,000; the average ending salary — after 25 years in the profession — is $67,000. This prices teachers out of home ownership in 32 metropolitan areas, and makes raising a family on one salary near impossible.

So how do teachers cope? Sixty-two percent work outside the classroom to make ends meet. For Erik Benner, an award-winning history teacher in Keller, Tex., money has been a constant struggle. He has two children, and for 15 years has been unable to support them on his salary. Every weekday, he goes directly from Trinity Springs Middle School to drive a forklift at Floor and Décor. He works until 11 every night, then gets up and starts all over again. Does this look like “A Plan,” either on the state or federal level?

We’ve been working with public school teachers for 10 years; every spring, we see many of the best teachers leave the profession. They’re mowed down by the long hours, low pay, the lack of support and respect.

Imagine a novice teacher, thrown into an urban school, told to teach five classes a day, with up to 40 students each. At the year’s end, if test scores haven’t risen enough, he or she is called a bad teacher. For college graduates who have other options, this kind of pressure, for such low pay, doesn’t make much sense. So every year 20 percent of teachers in urban districts quit. Nationwide, 46 percent of teachers quit before their fifth year. The turnover costs the United States $7.34 billion yearly. The effect within schools — especially those in urban communities where turnover is highest — is devastating.

But we can reverse course. In the next 10 years, over half of the nation’s nearly 3.2 million public school teachers will become eligible for retirement. Who will replace them? How do we attract and keep the best minds in the profession?

People talk about accountability, measurements, tenure, test scores and pay for performance. These questions are worthy of debate, but are secondary to recruiting and training teachers and treating them fairly. There is no silver bullet that will fix every last school in America, but until we solve the problem of teacher turnover, we don’t have a chance.

Can we do better? Can we generate “A Plan”? Of course.

The consulting firm McKinsey recently examined how we might attract and retain a talented teaching force. The study compared the treatment of teachers here and in the three countries that perform best on standardized tests: Finland, Singapore and South Korea.

Turns out these countries have an entirely different approach to the profession. First, the governments in these countries recruit top graduates to the profession. (We don’t.) In Finland and Singapore they pay for training. (We don’t.) In terms of purchasing power, South Korea pays teachers on average 250 percent of what we do.

And most of all, they trust their teachers. They are rightly seen as the solution, not the problem, and when improvement is needed, the school receives support and development, not punishment. Accordingly, turnover in these countries is startlingly low: In South Korea, it’s 1 percent per year. In Finland, it’s 2 percent. In Singapore, 3 percent.

McKinsey polled 900 top-tier American college students and found that 68 percent would consider teaching if salaries started at $65,000 and rose to a minimum of $150,000. Could we do this? If we’re committed to “winning the future,” we should. If any administration is capable of tackling this, it’s the current one. President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan understand the centrality of teachers and have said that improving our education system begins and ends with great teachers. But world-class education costs money.

For those who say, “How do we pay for this?” — well, how are we paying for three concurrent wars? How did we pay for the interstate highway system? Or the bailout of the savings and loans in 1989 and that of the investment banks in 2008? How did we pay for the equally ambitious project of sending Americans to the moon? We had the vision and we had the will and we found a way.

Dave Eggers and Nínive Clements Calegari are founders of the 826 National tutoring centers and producers of the documentary “American Teacher.”

Big Win in Nevada = DKG Members

2011-04-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

A trip to Reno! Invested almost $6 in being a lucky winner...no luck. BUT the luck and enthusiasm was apparent at the Nevada State Organization Convention. Baskets from chapters earned money and brought special gifts to more than two dozen members who purchased winning tickets.
Excellent speakers presented "take home" ideas for immediate use in classrooms and at home. Discussion, business, voting, elections and celebration also filled the day April 2. It's so good to watch parliamentary procedure in action as members discuss business and make decisions.
The real winners in Reno were the DKG members (about 33% of Nevada members) who enjoyed the genuine spiritual fellowship April 1 and 2. Thank you all for making me feel at home.

March Celebrates Women’s History

2011-03-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

2011 Theme - Our History is Our Strength

Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great, Eleanor Roosevelt, Golda Meir, Mary Todd Lincoln, Jackie Kennedy, Margaret Thatcher, Barbara Jordan, Amelia Earhart … these women fascinate me because they accomplished so much without the tools we think are completely necessary today. They led countries when women were in harems and worse. They made life and death decisions for armies. They supported other leaders. They broke glass ceilings, pushed the envelope, and thought out of the box.

Today, I am better for the many women who have influenced my life and helped build my character. I have watched them stand firmly for their beliefs and travel roads closed to women previously. I thank the women who demanded that females be able to vote, to own property and to defend their country. I admire the women who are still working to achieve these rights in countries which refuse to recognize us.

March is Women’s History Month. We could list women authors who had to use men’s names to publish. We could remember Florence Nightingale and Marie Curie, along with other women creating waves in medicine. We could praise Billie Jean King, Babe Didrikson and Sonja Henie for breaking through in women’s sports. Scientists, Nobel prize winners, journalists, educators…women from all walks of life, all special interests, have cleared a path for us. And we are still pushing edges of envelopes, breaking glass ceilings and helping women who will follow us.
Try this women’s history month site. It egged me on.
http://www.nwhp.org/whm/index.php

Pay now or lose the future

2011-02-20T14:19:00.000-08:00

     The front page picture of the local newspaper showed an angry state congressman raising his finger to punctuate a point, as he seemed to spit his words at the audience member following a hearing. The hearing concerned funding education, and the audience member was biting her lip. She was identified as a teacher who might lose her ability to negotiate her salary.

     I was sitting in the Nashville, TN, airport reading and waiting for a plane. On the TV overhead, CNN was covering irate audiences in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. The reason they were upset? Education cuts in their state budgets.

     When I landed in Austin, TX, education was also in the headlines, and it wasn’t good. Add New Jersey and its governor to those recently featured for their education issues.

     A San Antonio Express-News columnist included the following information in his column this weekend:
          ● A 2006 study conducted by the State of New York said that a 14% decrease in education spending correlated to a 17% decrease in the graduation rate
          ● A 2003 University of California at Berkley study linked graduation rates to crime rates and incarceration costs. For every 1% drop in the graduation rate, they found a social cost of $1.4 billion.

       According to the National Education Association (NEA), “The House is set to take up this week a “continuing resolution’ for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 that would slash education funding. Proposed cuts include:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) state grants would be slashed by $557 million, shifting to states and local districts the costs of educating 324,000 students with disabilities, therefore, increasing local tax burdens. In addition, the cuts could result in the loss of over 7,000 education jobs.
• Pell grants would be cut by $5.6 billion, making it more difficult for low- and middle-income families to pay for college. These cuts would eliminate or reduce aid for almost 1.5 million students.
• Head Start would be cut by over $1 billion, leading to elimination of enrollment slots for 127,000 poor children and the potential loss of over 14,000 jobs.
• Title I would be cut by $693 million, reducing or eliminating services for 957,000 high-risk children and potentially causing the loss of over 9,000 education jobs.”
     Sounds like cutting off your potential and raising your prison costs! Salaries and jobs are also an issue.

     Overpaid teachers? If we only give them $3 an hour and only for the hours worked, not any planning time. That would be $15 a day. Each parent should pay $15 a day. With 25 students, that’s $15 x 25= $375 a day. If we don’t pay for planning, grading time, vacations or holidays, that would be about 180 days a year. $375 x 180 = $67,500. What about teachers with special certifications or master’s degrees? At $6 an hour it would cost $135,000 a year!

     Let’s try the math with $7.25, the U.S. minimum hourly wage… $163,125.
Yet, according to the NEA,

Texas Salary Info
Beginning Teacher Salary: $32,868
Average Teacher Salary: $47,157
Tennessee Salary Info
Beginning Teacher Salary: $32,525
Average Teacher Salary: $45,549
Ohio Salary Info
Beginning Teacher Salary:
Average Teacher Salary: $62,557
     Educators know that this is about more than salaries. Adding to class size ties the hands of instructors at all levels. Try keeping up with 30 vs. 25 first graders for that 180 days. Climbing under tables, patting tears dry, finding dry pants for “Tommie” to wear or getting everyone to listen for 10 minutes. Try keeping the attention of 35 vs. 25 pre-teens with raging hormones and untold electronic distractions. Or try keeping the attention of 35 vs. 25 teenagers who are worried about when the baby is due, where to get their next “hit,” if dad will beat mom again tonight, if they will be able to keep their job or how to tell mom about the dent in her car door. Try lecturing to 250 vs. 150 freshmen with no assistants to grade papers and no office hours to answer questions.We won’t go into metal detectors, police security in schools and other society overflow into the classroom and onto the campus…

    Numbers and money add up for those working in education. Each year educators provide pens, pencils, paint, markers, paper, CDs, DVDs, paper clips, tape, books and numerous additional materials to help make their classrooms work. When tracked, the expenditures reach hundreds of dollars per teacher. Stipends for sponsorships, publication advisors, debate coaches, etc. result in pennies (or less) per hour for the extra time vs. the extra money.

     Educators at all levels give. From pre-K-12 teachers, counselors and administrators to university professors and presidents, educators give time, money, supplies and spirit to the youth of the country. Belief in self, love of art, appreciation of music, understanding of algebra and a relationship to Shakespeare…come from educators. We must invest in our future or we will implode, if we are not destroyed first.

Weather Wonderlands Baffle Us

2011-01-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

I wonder what the weather will do next?! Phyllis Hickey's sister sent this photo from Connecticut. She called it "my commute." Better her than me!

You've seen icy cars and snowplows piling 50-foot banks of snow on television. New York and other states along the Atlantic coast have been hit with unusual amounts of snow and rain. Sweden, Iceland and other European countries are also involved in weather anomalies.

Collapsing roofs and sliding vehicles may make for interesting viewing, but we do need keep all of these members in our thoughts and prayers as we face new challenges. This weather has baffled weather predictors around the planet.
I won't tell you about our Texas weather. Just know that we are forecast for a 50-degree drop in temperatures this week. That puts "flexible" on a new level.

Holidays help rebuild friendships

2010-12-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

My Theta Kappa Chapter members always offer smiles, hugs and support to anyone working on a project, goal or job. They provide genuine spiritual fellowship personally, electronically and sincerely. I've missed many meetings this past year, traveling for the Society, but they are always happy to see me show up at a meeting in Seguin. I'm always glad I came and promise myself to have fewer conflicts. I wish it were that easy!

Spending time at home in Seguin, seeing friends in the grocery store or at parties, and just touching base have helped me renew the bonds and remind me of how special friendships are to me. Reading holiday greetings and notes brings friends from afar closer. May your new year have fewer conflicts...on calendars, in classrooms, on roads and in dealing with people.

Administrative Board Meets

2010-11-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

The 2010-2012 Administrative Board just met in Austin. The regional directors are dotting i's and crossing t's as they prepare for regional conferences. The board did a heroic amount of work before and during the meeting. We also took away quite a bit of homework. More to come...

October brings harvesting

2010-10-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Harvest time represents gathering the fruit of your labor; reaping what you sewed; celebrating the gifts of the earth.
October...harvest moon...cooler temperatures. These all remind us that we have many reasons to say, "Thank you."
I am thankful for the friendships this organization has brought me and for the opportunities it has afforded me.
Join me in expressing a special thank you to someone special this month!

Time Flies and so do I

2010-09-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Spokane gathering of Leadership/Management Seminar Class of 2002.

     This was July and now September is about to end? School started, a new biennium is off and running, the 2010 Orientation and Planning Meeting was deemed successful, and 2010-2012 committees and boards are already meeting! Time does fly.
     Monday I will fly to Santa Ana, California, to attend a leadership seminar as the guest of Capella University. (Check the DKG Web site for information about a Capella Scholarship.) Connections and information for the future are on the schedule. Return is about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
     Thursday morning we will meet with the company which insures our Society Headquarters building to assess our current coverage and discuss costs for the next year. Thursday is also when the Editorial Board will come to Austin for its only meeting during the biennium. They will join the Communications and Publicity Committee for part of that meeting.
    May your meetings and deadlines be helpful and cheerful as we go into fall! We're still too hot to think it's fall in Austin, but many of our friends are enjoying some sweater weather.

2010 Convention Rates A+

2010-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

    From passing a revised Constitution and Standing Rules to jazz by the river...the 2010 International Convention offered something for everyone. Workshops provided information on wine to Sudoku and all items between...for learning new skills, for serving on committees, for hearing about projects, for entertainment and for professional and personal development! Panels about technology, going green and international education also brought new ideas into the mix.
    Amanda Gore! She was a hit! Such energy. Also learned from CEO of Coke, Chris Rants and Ann Marie Rhoades. How to lead vs. manage. How to contact legislators to get results! and how marketing and mind sets can affect what you think and do.
   We met; we learned; we were heard; we voted; we voted again and we cheered. If you were not one of the approximately 1,500 members in attendance, you missed an excellent experience.

Boxes and stacks creep into my office

2010-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

As we prepare for all the final details for Seminar in Purposeful Living and for 2010 Convention, the boxes and piles are filling my office. Can I find anything? Only if it isn't moved.

Printing, proofing, shipping, paying the balance on items held by deposits, answering questions, asking questions...Yes, it's "crunch time." AND we are still smiling! I hope to see each of you in Spokane, Washington.
We have room at the Davenport Hotel and want to see you there! This headquarters hotel for the convention offers old world amenities with modern service. AND door-to-door service to the Convention Center!

Visit to Waterloo, Iowa

2010-06-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

What a treat to be in the state of my birth--Iowa! Friendly participants, interesting speakers, informative workshops and good food! Thank you to Upsilon State for a making feel so comfortable during the convention.

Pikeville, Kentucky, hosts state convention

2010-05-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Visiting the Kentucky State Convention as their International Representative was a beautiful experience. Not only were the mountains and valleys beautiful, but the people were also beautiful and friendly.

Thank you to President Sandi Smith and all of the Kentucky members. Enjoyed the choir, the technology, the variety of information/speakers presented, the food and the fellowship. AND it was very special to receive the key to the city of Pikeville and be named an Honorary Pike County Judge!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2010-03-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Rainbows always bring smiles, turned heads and pointing fingers, as someone spots the colorful promise of a brighter day across the sky. May Spring 2010 offer you a bright future, a sunny day and enough rain to make more rainbows.
We can celebrate a renewal of our Society as it blooms into a future with technology blazing across the Web site like bluebonnets along the Texas hiways or cherry blossoms throughout Virginia and D.C.
A new look at http://www.dkg.org/ and a social network, just for members. We are in for some adventures, challenges and excitement. I know you will celebrate with us as we unveil new technology the first week in April.

Meet Challenges, Add International Flare

2010-02-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

Working at International Headquarters in Austin, Texas, offers different challenges regularly. No hum drum job with the same ol’ thing! From answering members’ varied questions to interpreting information from the membership database, the Membership Services Administrator will find fresh challenges regularly. Attending state conventions, offering training during regional conferences and supporting programs for international conventions present more opportunities and challenges. You could thrive on this!

In addition to managing the Society’s database, updating information, providing information and using the information, this administrator will also be responsible for the content and day-to-day management of the Society Network. Go To Meeting and its many services for international committees and state organizations also are included in this department. In the morning you could be talking to someone in New Hampshire and in the afternoon it’s a member in Germany. Members will help you grow in the many ways!

Membership and all of its related services are very important aspects of our organization—our purposes are testament to that. How we are able to provide services to our members hinges on many aspects, including our committee structure. As we look at restructuring our committees this summer, the Membership Services Administrator will work with several groups to provide the best service we can. International committees afford a truly international view of our Society. You would love this!

We are looking at using today’s electronic systems and social networks, one-on-one personal connections, chapter programs that appeal to members of all ages and educational levels, training opportunities for chapters and state organizations, and specific membership support requested by state organizations. You could help us advance the Society?

And living in Austin is fun. It’s the capital. It’s a university town. It’s a music festival and special event place. We like the climate, the sunshine, the hill country. You will too! http://www.austintexas.org/visitors/about_austin/

Working at headquarters allows you to become part of a team supporting our Society’s goals, our mission, our vision. It’s important work and you could do it!

Go to the home page http://www.deltakappagamma.net and download the application information. Submit your application by April 20. The time for you to step forward and step up is now!

How can it add up so fast?

2010-01-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

Each year another convention planner discovers the anatomy of a meal price. She selects a reasonably priced meal from the “approved” catering list. (The approved catering list means that the convention center or hotel will let that group serve food at your convention site.) The convention planner feels good that even though prices have risen since the last event and this location is noted for higher prices, she has found a great lunch. “The chicken ala hotel salad is only $25 and includes coffee, tea, rolls, butter and a light dessert,” she smiles. She reports to her committee and they, too, are pleased.

Then the convention registration form must be created. She is asked about tax and gratuity and other fees. She assumes, “Tips are like gratuity. People know that.” She adds the mandatory 22% gratuity/service fee, thinking that she usually tips 20% or less. She frowns when she realizes that the meal price will now be $30.50. She asks and is informed that the state and city taxes are figured on the entire price, including the gratuity/service fee. She multiplies the $30.50 times the 9.26% local taxes. Her total is now $33.32.
Her committee members murmur, “Looks different when you add it all in at once. At the restaurant we just think about the menu price, not after adding dessert, coffee, tax and tips.”
They are now faced with what to charge members for the meal. They are being very frugal and are worried that 32 cents times 2,000 people ($ 640) would mean no decorations for the event if they try to absorb the odd cents. She asks the chapter working on the decorations. They say that creating anything for 200 tables add up, even if they donate all the work and some of the supplies. They cannot "absorb" another $640. Her committee notes that registration costs are usually rounded with no cents for ease of tracking registrations and having a little extra for favors or decorations or assorted other function charges. She sighs.
Her $25 lunch is reasonable, but it will look much different when it appears on the registration form as $34. She asks the editor if she can list the salad, meal, dessert, gratuity/service fee and tax separately. When the laughter ceases and the editor explains that the registration form has several meals listed and must fit on one page, she understands. Now she hopes members do the same.

FYI: As I signed my credit card receipt for dinner recently, I realized my quick dinner had doubled...soup, appetizer, beverage and tax had taken my $11.95 entre to $22.14 and I still had to add a nice tip!

Our Holidays Differ

2009-12-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

From one country to another, from one religion to another, from one person to another ... This holiday season brings out the best in most of us as we try to share our most emotional beliefs. As a Christian, I celebrate the holiday with family traditions from our church heritage. What is interesting to me is that many of my Christian friends don't celebrate in the same way...no toasting, no singing... Just different traditions.

Other friends are not Christian by faith, but they put up with me and I try to honor their beliefs and practices when invited to join in their celebrations. What I do notice is the love and warmth we all seem to share, no matter what our religion or our cultural backgrounds may be.

Imposing my celebrations and beliefs on others is no more natural for me than others forcing their religion or cultural habits on my holiday. It's nice to be in a community of friends who coexist with variations and differences--race, culture, religion, politics... and we still can respect and love one another. May your season of choice be a happy one. May the Chinese Year of the Tiger be fiercely successful for you.

Whole Lot o' Business Goin' On!

2009-11-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

We just finished a week with the Constitution Revision Team. Starting at 7:30 or 8 a.m. and working until 11:30 p.m. (or longer in bedroom meetings), we pulled together the input from at least four years for committee structure, two years for Constitution and Standing Rules suggestions/recommendations, and a full history of previous recommendations. Teamwork helped cull duplication. Double checking and much work prior to the meeting helped reorganize items into a planned sequence or placement. The team worked on updating wording, researching history of practices, linking like itesm, and numerous other details.The work will continue as rough drafts are read, re-read and scrutinized by the team, registered parliamentarian Ardith Inman, and the Society's attorney. The Revision Planning Group will meet electronically Dec. 3. (Heidi Chadwick (CA) and I pose by State Orgnization tree at HQ--it has ornaments sent from most of the Society's state organizations.)

The Leadership Development Committee met recently and began planning great presentations for chapter and state organization presidents in Spokane, WA. The Expansion Committee will meet next month. International President Dr. Carolyn Rants, Expansion Committee Chair Mary Lee Makinen, Latin American Representative Mury Palerm-Ferri, and Panama Organizer Jeannette Zuniga are representing the Society for the installation of Panama as our 17th country. The ceremonies will be Friday, Nov. 27, in Panama City, Panama.

Dr. Rants, Linda Eller, Phyllis Hickey and I drove to Houston to attend the Texas Women's Conference and gather additional ideas for topics, speakers, formats, etc. for conventions and conferences. Suzi Orman was among the outstanding speakers we heard. We shared information from the various sessions we attended, and (of course) we bought books! [Then the valet lost my car key and spent an hour trying to find the car and/or key before telling us the real problem! The key arrived the day after I had new keys reprogramed for the car.]

Linda Eller is working with the marketing firm to update our web site design. You will be so excited when it is unveiled early in 2010. The Social Network software and bridges and links and programming are being completed also. (Yes, it has many pieces to complete!) We hope to begin "populating" and testing soon. Be sure to congratulate Linda on her first issue of the NEWS (Nov/Dec).

More than half of our state organizations are taking advantage of the GoToMeeting special pricing. Virginia Pearson is walking state officers and international committee members through the process as requested.

Dr. Rants, Phyllis Hickey and I visited Spokane, WA, to meet with the International Convention Steering Committee and tie down more details for the convention in July 2010. Great ideas and more to come. We plan to have registration, tour and hotel information posted on the web site for everyone in January. Check the home page for how to become a vendor at the convention.

We've sent materials to all chapter and state organization presidents for annual and biennial reports. The ISF Committee will meet electronically Dec. 1.

Answering email and phone calls is a little backed up for me right now, but I'm working my way through them. Still must have convention speaker contracts with numerous details for arrangements and assorted day-to-day business. We are advancing the Society!

Finally Found Photos to Post

2009-11-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Birgit! Europe Regional Director Birgit Svensson gives me a special crystal bear during Europe Regional Conference Banquet in Oslo, Norway.

2009-11-02T15:03:00.001-08:00

Nebraska President Pat Monson and I enjoy Northwest leadership development for incoming state organization presidents, which was full of sparkles in Portland, OR.

2009-11-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

And Dr. Beth Ann Richey asked me to make opening inspirational remarks in Burlington, VT, during the Northeast Regional Conference.

2009-11-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

During introduction at the Peabody in Little Rock, I make a point or three...

2009-11-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dr. Carolyn Rants, Dr. Beverly Helms and I sing along during Southwest Regional in Reno, NV.

2009-11-02T14:57:00.001-08:00

Linda Eller, Phyllis Hickey, Nancy Davis and I pose for banquet photo at Southeast Regional in Little Rock, AR.

Five Regional Conferences Packed with Friends, Facts, Fun

2009-09-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Society hosts an international meeting every summer. This summer it was a meeting in each of the five regions. With bags packed to meet the airline weight limits, I met Dr. Carolyn Rants and Phyllis Hickey at the Austin International Airport on July 6. Around 10 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, I returned to Austin. My second bag came the next day.
Seeing everyone is terrific! Experiencing the varying programs is informative! Participating in incoming officer training is challenging.
Traveling is … begin patted down; unpacking/undressing to go through security; reorganizing your purse/toiletries into plastic bags that have nothing to do with how you plan to use them when you arrive; lugging paperwork for meetings, speeches, notes and work through airports and planes…and then the joy of being met by someone who is genuinely glad to see you.
Photographer Jim Miller documented our Regional Conferences. The pictures I am sharing do not include the laundry in my room or other behind the scenes work. They reflect some of the fellowship and education of the meetings.

Regionals Are Just Around the Corner

2009-05-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dr. Gloria Crumm and I shared our oriental influence during a state convention two years ago. I would not even know Gloria if we had not become involved in the Texas State Organization.

You can take that step this summer by attending your Regional Conference. Meet outstanding women from surrounding states. Share information about what you're doing. Gather ideas to take back to your chapter, to your classroom and to your friends. Hear outstanding speakers. Experience the genuine spiritual fellowship.

It's an exciting event. Once you're hooked, you may want to attend more than one! Treat yourself to some "battery charging." You'll be glad you came.

Spring tulips are blooming in Austin

2009-03-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Tulips outside International Headquarters in Austin are trying to bloom. The weather can't decide if it's winter or spring, and we finally received some much needed rain.

As new life bursts forth in petals and leaves at this time of year, we truly enjoy the sun on our faces and the warmth that surrounds us.

May spring offer you exciting new beginnings or renewed spirit for continuing a challenge.

CTAUN- United Nations Impresses

2009-02-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

When Dr. Rita King (NY) took me and International President Carolyn Rants through security to receive our special UN passes, we were impressed that our organization had so much clout. We have five seats on the NGO (Non-Government Organization) committee which allows our representatives entry into the United Nations secure areas (like representatives from various countries). Rita then took us through some her favorite spots in "the city." We had to look in windows at Tiffany, Cartier and other names. St. Peters Cathedral awed us and The Plaza impressed us.

But the main events included meeting with directors of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and talking about our support of the Afghanistan Teaching Project and attending the CTAUN Conference. Ann Marie Carlson serves as CTAUN chair and also chaired the conference. Impressive speakers fill the day, complete with electronic connections to Africa and Canada. Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, received standing ovations. It was worth the trip and the registration fee!

Newsletters share member successes

2009-02-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Want to feel good about what members of our Society achieve? Read about these outstanding women featured in their state organization newsletters.

Southern Illinois University Foundation named Dr. Charlotte West (Alpha Kappa, IL) as one of its 2008 Inspiring Women. A nationally respected pioneer in women’s in intercollegiate athletics, Dr. West was the first woman member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. She served on the NACDA executive committee and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame. She was also the first Woman Administrator of the Year National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletic Administrators, and first recipient of the Honda Award for outstanding achievement in women’s intercollegiate athletics.

The Nebraska Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently recognized Karen Ricker (Zeta, NE) as Nebraska Outstanding Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The award honors Ricker for leadership, energy and innovative instruction.

Janice Moen (WA) celebrated the success of her original score We Sing for the Children, performed by the Convention Choir in Chicago and recorded on CD. Both a children’s choir and an adult trio perform the song on the CD, which also has comments from Clay Aikens, Afghanistan teachers and ???. Janice spearheaded production of the song in collaboration with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Rosemary Gerig (honorary member of Gamma Lambda, IN) recently published her first book, ABC of ACD. The children’s book provides a brief history of the classic cars manufactured in Auburn, IN, features Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs.

The University of Dubuque honored Pauline Tobiason Antons (Beta Nu, IA) as an outstanding alumnae. She received the 2008 Service to Community award for demonstrating a clear commitment to serving her community through notable volunteerism, an outstanding act of selflessness, and a demonstrated pattern of service to humanity.

Sally Cauble (Beta Eta honorary member—KS) represents District 5 on the State Board of Education and serves on the Youthville Board of Trustees. Youthville serves children in the state’s foster care system.

Kim Houtz (Alpha Delta—KS) was named the Kansas Outstanding Biology Teacher by the National Association of Biology Teachers. She was invited to an honors luncheon in October in Memphis, Tennessee. Kim was also selected to participate in a Kansas State University research project last summer in the fields of biology, chemistry, nutrition, geology, and kinesiology. The National Science Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute funded the research. KSU plans to create a website of the lesson plans generated by the participants.

Jennifer Stanfield (Beta—KS) has been named the Southwest District Outstanding Elementary Music Educator by the Kansas Music Educators’ Conference.

Glenda Torkelson (Alpha Kappa—KS has been named Ms. Kansas Senior America 2008. Glenda has been the Kansas State Chaplain for the Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteers in her community, is active in her church, and belongs to many civic and professional organizations.

Read your state organization's newletter to find more outstanding women!

Time with friends in Hawaii ...

2009-01-04T13:56:00.001-08:00

9 things to do in 2009

2009-01-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

1. Participate in chapter meetings. At a recent Kappa Lambda (TX) meeting, President Shirley Shay reminded members that seeing them was important. She said, “Come late, leave early, just drop in and see us. We know how busy everyone is, and we don’t waste time.” Good idea, Shirley.
2. Volunteer to help with a chapter project. Another set of hands is always appreciated and learning about something new is invigorating. You may even meet a new friend.
3. Submit your name for a state office or to serve on a state committee. Each state organization has a multitude of leadership opportunities. Why not make this the year you meet more members throughout the organization?
4. Attend your state organization convention. Want to be impressed, challenged, excited? Start by attending a state organization meeting. The Society women in your state organization are active in life, engaged in educational pursuits, knowledgeable in numerous areas, friendly mentors for you!
5. Attend your Regional Conference. Take advantage of the training, workshops, and speakers. Meet women from around the world at these venues:
* 9 State Organizations — Europe: Oslo, Norway, August 5-8
* 22 State Organizations — Northeast: Burlington, VT, July 22-25
* 26 State Organizations — Northwest: Portland, OR, July 29- Aug. 1
* 11 State Organizations — Southeast: Little Rock, AR, July 15-18
* 20 State Organizations — Southwest: Reno, NV, July 8-11
When visitors attend varying regions, you have even more diversity. You will enjoy the experience.
6. Take some time for yourself. Active women need time to recharge and refocus. Be kind to yourself, so you can be kind to others.
7. Absorb some culture. Visit a museum or take a tour (maybe in connection with your state convention or Regional Conference). It’s rewarding to learn something new or rekindle an interest.
8. Solve a mystery, find romance or enjoy a good laugh. The Arts are always on stage (screen) for your enjoyment! Or visit your favorite bookstore, download books, borrow a book…read.
9. Meet some future members. Invite someone new to your community to a meeting. Host a faculty snack party or similar function for prospective members. Have a reunion for women who have discontinued their membership.

Which of these can you accomplish right away? What would you add to make the list 10 or 12?

Did time fly? You bet it did!

2008-12-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

Kathy Flynn and I celebrate in Chicago.

Members of the 2006-2008 Administrative Board pose before the banquet.

My goal was a weekly posting. It's been six months.
My goal was to lose 10 pounds. That didn't happen either (I'll spare you the details).
My goal was a successful International Convention in Chicago. We worked as a team to make that happen! Thank you, headquarters staff and Illinois members (especially Carol Hughes).
On a personal note, my husband is out of rehabilitation following his stroke in May. In the last eight months he has gone from being in intensive care and unable to move the left side of his body to being very mobile and passing his driving test to get back on the road. Thank you to everyone who said a kind word for us, sent cards or held us in your hearts. We felt the love and are so appreciative.
NOW, I have just finished editor duties for another issue of the NEWS, continue to work with the website, conduct site visits for future events, prepare for committee meetings, followup on committee meetings, answer emails, work with Regional Directors for pre-conference plans, and much more. Jill Foltz and Phyllis Hickey complete this team of HQ Administrators. We combine forces on many projects, which truly improves the results.
FOR THE FUTURE...May your New Year offer you happiness and success. I see it in our Society's future.

End Summer with less worry, hurry

2008-08-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Did August arrive early? I don't know about you, but my summer has been filled with work, convention, seminar, errands, family demands, home improvement/repair projects, and a long list of other things to do. When the TV ads began the Back-to-School hype, I gasped, "It's August already?"

With demands created by all the follow-up to recent Society events (paying bills, noting thank yous, writing minutes for the various meetings, documenting feedback, announcing changes, etc.), I've taken an End-of-Summer Pledge to be a little less hurried, a little less worried, and a lot more happy.

Join me in a "mini-staycation" (a short vacation while staying at home). Plan an informal BBQ and let everyone bring a dish to keep it simple; create your own spa and indulge in candles, chocolate, a book, and bubbles at home; spend an afternoon shopping in your pajamas at your computer with a nice tall, cool drink by your side; call a friend you haven't seen in a long time and chat, chat, chat ; or let your mind run wild ... Whatever you do; please don't let August end without treating yourself to a little less hurry and worry.

Chicago Convention

2008-06-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Good grief! How time flies. As we work on providing an exciting Seminar in Purposeful Living in Dubuque, IA, prior to the International Convention in Chicago, time is fleeting fast. Planning for a September meeting of 2008-2010 committee chairs and Administrative Board members and Educational Foundation Board of Trustees is also in the mix.

Of course, contracts for various future events are in the works or being verified, refreshed, etc. We are available to answer questions, provide information, and help when you call.

An application is available under Downloads for a position as Communication Services Administrator. This member should plan to work in Austin, TX, and enjoy a challenging position in a supportive environment.

I hope to see you in Chicago!

In like a lion?

2008-03-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ask anyone suffering from "just one more snow storm" and she will tell you that March did come in like a lion. Our clocks have jumped forward in most states to save daylight. March 20 will mark the first day of Spring, and we are ready for some Spring weather! Not that I'm wishing my life away...just ready for more sun, less wind.
The calendar is filling with state organization conventions and meetings. Chapters are electing officers for 2008-2010, and the international convention is coming closer and closer.
Where has the time gone? I hope you have enjoyed your time, savored a book or two, visited a friend or three, and considered a thought or maybe four!

May chapter members rekindle your fire

2008-02-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.-Albert Schweitzer

Enjoy the programs, visit with someone you don't know as well as you might like, mentor a member who needs extra help this month, and find that you are better for it. My chapter members nurture each other with hugs, phone calls, notes, email and food. We all are the better for it. May your chapter rekindle your fire in 2008.

Like Janus-- Looking forward and back

2007-12-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

With some quiet time during this winter holiday, I have had time to read some professional publications, write some notes and reflect on 2007. Of course, that also brings a look to 2008 and the future.
May your resolve (with or without New Year's Resolutions) for accomplishments in 2008 bear fruit. May your smiles outweigh your frowns. May your days fill with wonder and your nights offer rejuvenating sleep.
In Roman mythology, Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, lends his name to January. Usually portrayed by a head with faces front and back, he reminds us to review our past and look to the future. He is also the god of gates, doors and doorways, thus the caretaker of doors and halls became known as a janitor.
So I will clean off my desk as I perform a year-end evaluation...then clear my mind as I address the future. May your 2008 be all you wish!

What Will Class of 2011 Remember?

2007-12-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Beloit College's Mindset List® For the Class of 2011

Most of the students entering college this fall, members of the Class of 2011, were born in 1989. For them Ricky Nelson, Richard Burton, Samantha Smith, Laura Ashley, Orson Welles, Karen Ann Quinlan, Benigno Aquino, and the U.S. Football League have always been dead.

1. They'll ask, "What was the Berlin Wall?"
2. Humvees, minus the artillery, have always been available to the public.
3. Rush Limbaugh and the “Dittoheads” have always been lambasting liberals.
4. They never “rolled down” a car window.
5. They may confuse the Keating Five with a rock group.
6. They have grown up with bottled water.
7. General Motors has always been working on an electric car.
8. Nelson Mandela has always been free and a force in South Africa.
9. Pete Rose has never played baseball.
10. Rap music has always been mainstream.
11. Religious leaders have always been telling politicians what to do, or else!
12. “Off the hook” has never had anything to do with a telephone.
13. Music has always been “unplugged.”
14. Russia has always had a multi-party political system.
15. Women have always been police chiefs in major cities.
16. They were born the year Harvard Law Review Editor Barack Obama announced he might run for office some day.
17. Wal-Mart has always been a larger retailer than Sears and has always employed more workers than GM.
18. Being “lame” has to do with being dumb or inarticulate, not disabled.
19. Katie Couric has always had screen cred.
20. When all else fails, the Prozac defense has always been a possibility.
21. They grew up in Wayne’s World.
22. U2 has always been more than a spy plane.
23. They were introduced to Jack Nicholson as “The Joker.”245. Stadiums, rock tours and sporting events have always had corporate names.
24. American rock groups have always appeared in Moscow.
25. Commercial product placements have been the norm in films and on TV.
26. Fox has always been a major network.
27. They drove their parents crazy with the Beavis and Butt-Head laugh.
28. Women’s studies majors have always been offered on campus.
29. Being a latchkey kid has never been a big deal.
30. Thanks to MySpace and Facebook, autobiography can happen in real time.
31. They learned about JFK from Oliver Stone and Malcolm X from Spike Lee.
32. Most phone calls have never been private.
33. High definition television has always been available.
34. Virtual reality has always been available when the real thing failed.
35. Time has always worked with Warner.
36. Tiananmen Square is a 2008 Olympics venue, not the scene of a massacre.
37. MTV has never featured music videos.
38. The space program has never really caught their attention except in disasters.
39. They get much more information from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert than from the
newspaper.
40. They’re always texting 1 n other.
41. They will encounter roughly equal numbers of female and male professors in the classroom.
42. They never saw Johnny Carson live on television.
43. The World Wide Web has been an online tool since they were born.
44. Chronic fatigue syndrome has always been debilitating and controversial.
45. Burma has always been Myanmar.
46. Dilbert has always been ridiculing cubicle culture.
47. Food packaging has always included nutritional labeling.

Why DKG

2007-12-01T11:28:00.001-08:00

When I first posted this BLOG in May 2007, I began with this explanation. Because we have now linked the BLOG to our Society website, I felt that the item was worth repeating.

Why DKG and not the Greek letters? This BLOG doesn't have a Greek letter option, so DKG it is. The only place in the Society's Constitution and Standing Rules which mentions this preference is Appendix III, Guidelines for Sale of Items. This means that I'm asking you to understand this use because Symbols or Greek were not options for this site. It is also much easier in email and text messaging... Time for allowing use of either?

Salaries can keep us in education

2007-11-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Alternative compensation? Incentive pay? Achievement pay? Experience pay?

Programs that are supposed to reward good teaching are discussed by politicians and school officials throughout our 15 countries. The October 2007 Kansas National Education Association Issues addresses Career Salaries K-12, higher education and support professionals. Log onto http://www.knea.org to read these informative articles.

Now share information from your part of the world with us!

2007-11-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Roseann Moore, NW Regional Director, joins the group!

2007-11-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

Ester Eustice (ND), me, Judy Ireton (AK), Elaine Smith (ID), Lorna Berlinguette (Alberta)--NW Golden Gift 2002 classmates celebrate a chance to see each other and visit.

2007-11-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

Regional Conferences Inspire

2007-11-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

We traveled, we met, we learned, we networked, we shared, we taught, and we were inspired.

Southeast= New Orleans, LA, June 25-30
Southwest= Oklahoma City, OK, July 11-14
Northwest= Vancouver, BC, July 16-21
Northeast= Traverse City, MI, July 23-28
Europe= Strawberry Hill, GB, July 30-Aug. 4

Speakers at each venue were varied, informative and engaging. I learned so many things from how the London mayor's council to improve the number of women in the city's service areas works to how water reacts to sound and surrounding conditions. I met native Americans, heard a jazz trumpeter who has played for Presidents and Popes, learned about a variety of educational issues and solutions, and experienced caring women donating to others.

If you didn't make it to a regional conference, you were missed! We hope to see you in Chicago for the 2008 International Convention, July 22-27, at Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

Fall means initiation for Theta Kappa Chapter

2007-10-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Time flies! And now it seems to have jet engines to help.

It may be in the 90s here but the decorations tell us to think Fall. To me Fall is our chapter banquet and initiation of new members. October 11 my chapter (Theta Kappa) initiated six women, who range from being a relatively new educator to newly retired. They are ready for us to aid, guide, teach and share. These women also have much to contribute, as we learn from each other.

I hope you have initiated new members and are eager to share with them and learn from them. Our diversity and our caring about education give us special connections. I look forward to our opportunities to mentor these new members so they can mentor others.

Another milestone at this banquet were the certificates for years of membership and perfect attendance awards. Perfect attendance gift certificates from local businesses went to nearly 10 members! In these days of after-school programs, car pools and meetings, we are very proud of their dedication.

Don't Stress your Vocal Chords

2007-09-16T14:59:00.001-07:00

Maybe this picture will post better than the last effort.

We can always learn technology and programs and ...

Hope you are stretching your limits and pushing the envelope, so to speak. As educators we are constantly challenging ourselves as well as our students.

A recent article about saving our voices caught my eye. Evidently we stress our vocal chords as much as a professional singer! BUT we don't take as good care of our voices as singers do. Talking over noisy classes to get students' attention... Talking to large groups without microphones... Raising our voices to make a point (all day long) ... And the list goes on.

So think about your voice and take care of it as you work this year. Your health is necessary for you to nurture others; be as nurturing to yourself. Your voice is that of a professional! Add it to your list important tools to have checked regularly.

Hard Hat for whatever may come ...

2007-09-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

The scene is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the 2007 Southwest Regional Conference. Friends decided to have a little party and "roast" me. This hard hat (yes, they make hard hats other than yellow domes!) was among the unique gifts.

Fun and pizza with friends during an excellent regional conference. Who could ask for anything more?

New hairdo means new photo

2007-09-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

My mug shot has been updated to show a new hairdo and, yes, glasses! What do you think? Try again? Keep it?

New BSA is here!

2007-09-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Phyllis Hickey began moving into her Busness Services Administrator's office Wednesday, Aug. 15. She has jumped right in as she helped put areas back in order following roof repair and rain damages to our headquarters building.

I am so glad to have her happy personality join our team! We are already enjoying her fresh look at procedures and her suggestions.

Speakers Impress at Regional Conferences

2007-08-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Speakers at all five regional conferences challenged, entertained and impressed participants at each of the Society's conferences. From political to education to health issues -- the topics left members and guests talking, thinking, laughing and discussing. We were fortunate to have such a rich variety of topics and speakers.

We learned about Olympic sites in 2010 and 2012. We learned how women can become an important part of government and government services in all countries. We learned about improving health and improving education. We enjoyed workshop topics in a myriad of areas!

It was an invoragating experience at all five regions. I hope you were among the many members who joined us for pre-conference leadership or seminar sessions. The feedback has been very positive! If you attended a regional, I know you had good experience, because of the glowing comments we have received. The evaluations have been A+.

Regional conferences are a chance to learn and network, without business sessions. (Society business takes place at international conventions in even numbered years.) I was fortunate to meet many members for the first time during the regionals. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing friends. Your friendship is one of the best parts of our Society. Thank you.

Yes, It's Beautiful British Columbia!

2007-07-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

Vancouver and the British Columbia are indeed beautiful-- lush and green with huge splashes of wonderful color in varied blooming plants. The pre-conference training and tours have started here on the campus of the University of British Columbia.

Smiles, hugs, and laughter tell us it is a Delta Kappa Gamma meeting. The conversations and topics confirm that we are, indeed, Key Women Educators. Tonight we met with state organization presidents and executive secretaries for the first night of leadership training. Wednesday we will add State Organization Program of Work and Membership chairs, plus editors and treasurers.

Our first general session will be Wednesday night. Wish you were here!

SW, SE Regionals Hold Members Close

2007-07-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

Members attending the Southwest Regional Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, enjoyed excellent speakers, interesting workshops, and close friendships. In an atmosphere of caring and nurturing, Southwest Regional members bonded, learned, laughed, and learned.

Our first two regional conferences of the summer have been a tremendous success. Jensi and Lorraine (regional directors) are very proud of these events, especially the steering committees and all the women working to "make it work."

Southeast Regional members saw the real New Orleans-- celebrating and strong. The women of Louisiana have "true grit" and can rise to any occasion. I saw rebirth of damaged buildings and lives. The 11 state organizations of SE created a cookbook to raise funds for the Emergency Fund and are selling it at each regional conference. Log onto the Florida website to order your cookbook if you don't have one yet. We are blessed.

Surveys and Angels

2007-06-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Just enjoyed a wonderful Texas State Convention and was installed as a member of the State Nominations Committee.
International Representative and President, Dr. Barbara Day, shared her vision and initiatives for the future with those attending in Amarillo. Speaking about our president’s award from UNICEF, our philanthropic efforts, and leadership training efforts, she drew load applause when she shared recent survey results.
Armed with summaries from Tennessee and Texas, she noted both states had the same top seven items of interest in educational importance. It was no surprise that teachers wanted equitable pay and respect from their communities. Results from all the survey compilations will be shared by the Research Committee later this summer.
Dr. Day also shared the legend of the Sewanee, TN, angels. See www.sewanee.edu.

Getting Started

2007-06-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Your notes of congratulation have been encouraging and heartwarming. Thank you! (Photo at left is me in New Orleans.)
We have a busy summer ahead with five regional conferences, full of seminars and workshops to share information. Not all sessions with deal with Society business. Strands of emphasis range from World Issues to Personal Growth. General sessions do not include business meetings and entertainment selections look great. Regional Directors have also found some of the best speakers to inspire, educate, and entertain you. Leadership sessions for incoming state organization presidents, executive secretaries, Program of Work chairmen, membership chairmen, editors and treasurers have been "in the works" for some time. The preparations are expertly done. Delivery promises to be terrific. Wonderful experiences, sights and friendships await you at our regional conferences. Register now! http://www.deltakappagamma.net

Why DKG?

2007-05-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Why DKG and not the Greek letters? This BLOG doesn't have a Greek letter option, so DKG it is. The only place in the Society's Constitution and Standing Rules which mentions this preference is Appendix III, Guidelines for Sale of Items. This means that I'm asking you to understand this use because Symbols or Greek were not options for this site. It is also much easier in email and text messaging... Time for allowing use of either?

Corlea

2007-05-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Come to New Orleans!

2007-05-28T15:09:00.001-07:00

It would be wonderful to see many of you at our Regional Conferences! Southeast is only weeks away in fantastic New Orleans! Rebuilt, renewed and ready! New Orleans Riverside Hilton and our Louisiana members are preparing informative workshops, outstanding speakers, and Mardi Gras-like festivities for us. Because the June 27-30 date is such an early SE Regional this year and registration information was delayed for many members, the Administrative Board voted to waive the late registration fee for this event. Join us for this wonderful event in downtown New Orleans, where famous restaurants and the French Quarter welcome visitors with a special Cajun flare. AND- The Chamber of Commerce, Event Planner Associations, and recent conferences/conventions report the city is “just like we remember.” I look forward to meeting you in New Orleans the last week in June !
See what's happening at http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/

Introductions

2007-05-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

When the Administrative Board offered me the position as Executive Coordinator, I was very humbled and honored. They are an outstanding group of leaders. To be selected by them is indeed high praise!

My pledge to you: To serve you diligently-- with enthusiasm, with the knowledge of the Society’s collective wisdom, and with my heart.