Designing Women of the Southeast Region

Each biennium incoming state presidents of the Southeast Region attend a pre-conference training session which focuses on responsibilities for the office. During this time of training, state presidents develop a bond that extends throughout life as sisters of a unique group. Late night meetings, lengthy discussions about our state organization, family, professional area, etc. are just some of the moments shared during this time in addition to the intense training sessions. One of the "iconic" discussions is what will we call ourselves! This year's group agreed unanimously on the name of "Designing Women". The eleven women who make up this group are:

• Alabama - Bonnie Shanks
• Arkansas - Cathy Long
• Florida - Carrie Frye
• Georgia - Peggy McCall
• Kentucky - Jane Thompason
• Louisiana - Donnis Poe
• Mississippi - Karen Fayard
• North Carolina - Linda Little
• South Carolina - Martha Horton
• Tennessee - Kathleen Harned
• Virginia - Julia Van de Water

Epsilon Member is Lucile B. Cornetet recipient

Congratulations to Debra Fontenot, Beta Zeta Chapter, Southwest District as a recipient of a Lucile B. Cornetet award. Debra received $850 for attendance to the LACUE Conference. Way to go Debra! Keep up the great work.

The Lucile Cornetet Award for Professional Development is an individuals award  granted to educators to participate in professional seminars, workshops, lecture series, national ceritification, on-line courses, and other non-degree program opportunities that relate specifically to an applicant's professional aspirations and/or current educational assignment. (Form EF2, http://www.dkg.org, October 9, 2011).

DKG - What do you say when sharing information about the Society?

What are some key terms to use when talking about the Society? Some of the points to hit during your conversation are:

• What do you like about DKG? Fellowship/Networking/Business.
• Mission Statement: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
• Vision Statement: Leading women educators impacting education worldwide.
• Honor society of approximately 95,000 members in 17 countries
• Provides personal and professional gwoth opportunities for members
• Opportunities for: publications, community participation through chapter activities/events
• History: Founded in 1929 in Austin, Texas

These are just a few of the items you might mention. But most of all you should express and relay your "feelings" that motivate and inspire you as a member of DKG.

Epsilon Fall Tour 2011: Southwest District Meeting

Epsilon State Officers enjoyed a wonderful time with members of the Southwest District this weekend as we traveled to Oberlin Elementary School. Approximately 70  registered for the meeting which consisted of informative and interesting committee reports and officer presentations.  Workshop topics of photography, simple desserts, flower arranging and more were well attended by members. Members were honored to have been led in the National Anthem by Shelby Strother, FCCLA State President.

Frances Bylar was recognized as the Rose-in-bloom. Xi Chapter received the "Highest Attendance Award". Golden Rose Awards were presented to members age 55 continuing to teach. Xi and Sigma Chapters received the highest amount of Golden Rose awards. Great job Ladies!

Special thanks to June Inhern Southwest District Director and Beta Zeta Chapter for your dedication and enthusiasm as members of DKG. Epsilon State Officers are looking forward to continuing the journey of REACHing all members of our state as we prepare for the SE District Meeting October 15.

Chapter Yearbooks are historical documents

Chapter yearbooks are a basic component of your chapter's history. The contents included (Member names, addresses, committees, hostesses, meetings, locations, topics, etc.) give an overview of the activities conducted by the chapter for a specific period of time. The style, size and creativity of design is unique to each chapter. The sizes may range from 8 1/2" x 11" to 4" x 6". Covers vary from those tied with ribbons to ones in which are spiral bound.  Essential components of chapter yearbooks are:

• Chapter/state/International officers
• Committee chairmen with members
• District directors
• Dates of interest: Chapter/District/State/International meetings/locations
• Active and reserved: Chapter members with contact information
• Delta Kappa Gamma song
• Seven purposes of the Society

Chapter yearbooks (6) should be sent to Martha Turner, First Vice President no later than November 10 or bring to the district meeting. So, don't forget to update chapter yearbooks and submit to state.

MAPP Series 15: LOTS with emphasis on "S"

“S” represents scholarships of which there are definitely LOTS available for which members can apply.  Many chapters award scholarships or grants-in-aid to members or graduates earning a degree in education.  On the state level, there are eleven annual scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500.  Scholarship application guidelines vary, but can be found on the Epsilon State website.

On the international level, the Society offers 29 annual scholarships of $6,000 each.  The Society also awards two biennial international scholarships given in alternating years.  To qualify for a scholarship at the international level, the applicant must have been an active member for a minimum of three years, have a master’s degree, be enrolled in a graduate program, and provide evidence of excellence in scholarship and service to the community.  Application packets are available for download at http://www.dkg.org/.

A commitment to education is in fact what Delta Kappa Gamma is all about.  Society membership empowers us through knowledge and professional development to reach our full potential.  However, empowerment alone is not enough.  It is up to us to take advantage of the many opportunities and connections afforded by the Society in order to be actively engaged and participate to the fullest.

Epsilon Fall Tour 2011: Central District Meeting

The launch of district meetings took place Saturday, October 1 as Beta Kappa hosted the first of six meetings held throughout Epsilon for 2011 in Natchitoches in the Student Union of Northwestern State University. Members of Central District were informed as presentations from committee members and chairs enlightened the audience in many different ways. The use of hats, ladders, backpacks/stachels, giraffes, etc. were some of the props used to create excitement and interest in the many projects of Epsilon State and DKG.

HATS OFF to committee presentations! Ladies, thank you for REACHing above and beyond to highlight the projects/goals/guidelines/deadlines for our members. The lunch of Natchitoches meat pies along with theatrical presentations were definitely the "frosting on the cake" to a wonderful meeting. Recognition of members during the luncheon (Rosebud, Rose-in-bloom, Golden Rose) is a special time in which dedication and accomplishments in education are rewarded.

Special thanks to Susan Crooks - Central District Director, Virginia Cross - for hosting dinner for the state officers on Friday night, and Beta Kappa Chapter for your dedication and enthusiasm as members of DKG. Epsilon State Officers are looking forward to continuing the journey of REACHing all members of our state as we prepare for the SW District Meeting October 8.