MAPP Series 14: LOTS with emphasis on "T"

“T” is for training which is available to members on each level of society membership.  Mentoring on the chapter level has always been promoted by the society.  In addition, the new MAPP Program – Achieving Chapter Excellence, has been designed to help educate members on responsibilities and participation in Delta Kappa Gamma.

On the state level, The Leadership Workshop for Chapter Officers is held every other June at the beginning of the officers’ biennium.  District meetings are held around the state in the fall and the Epsilon State Convention is held every March.  Both of these afford members an opportunity to attend informative business sessions, participate in workshops, and hear speakers on various topics.

Regional conferences are held during the summer in odd number years.  The Leadership Development Conference, presented by the International Leadership Development Committee, is held prior to each regional conference for incoming state organization presidents and executive secretaries.  The committee provides a three-day intensive training session for these leaders.  Pre-conference training is also provided in a shorter format for editors, web masters, program and membership chairs and treasurers.

MAPP Series 12: LOTS with emphasis on the "L"

“L” is for leadership.  Being a good leader is not something that casually occurs.  It takes great thought, insights, commitment, and energy.  As educators, we are most effective when empowered with these qualities.  That is why Delta Kappa Gamma provides LOTS of opportunities to foster the development and growth of its members.  With this in mind, the Bea Davis Leadership Seminar was developed to train potential leaders for service to Epsilon State and DKG.  The seminar is held on a weekend in early June of odd-numbered years.  Members who have shown evidence of leadership are eligible to apply by January 15^th of that year.  The application and recommendation forms are on the state website.

On the international level, the Golden Gift Leadership/Management Seminar is an intense two week educational opportunity held once every two years, in the even-numbered years at the University of Texas in Austin.  Applicants must have at least three years of Society membership and show leadership potential.  For successful applicants, the only cost is the registration fee.  Other expenses, including round-trip travel, are covered by the Society.  Applications are on the website.

MAPP Series 13: LOTS with emphasis on the "O"

“O” stands for opportunities.  There are LOTS of opportunities to serve and be actively engaged at all organizational levels.  Locally, there are chapter meetings.  State organizations hold yearly district meetings and/or conventions.  The international organization holds regional conferences in odd-numbered years and international conventions in even-numbered years.

Other available opportunities include professional development workshops, forums on legislative issues, networking, and peer mentoring.  There are opportunities to make presentations at meetings, attend workshops and conferences, and write for juried publications.  There is also collaboration with the United States Fund for UNICEF, and funding for educational and community projects relating to early literacy, violence prevention, and intergenerational issues.  Opportunities for personal community service and involvement in outreach projects are also available and encouraged.

MAPP Series 11: "POP" with emphasis on P

P

PLAN

1. Plan by creating a calendar of events for each year of your biennium be sure to include deadlines

2. Plan ahead for those deadlines. Get your officers and committee chairmen together to fill out the forms together.   

3. Plan to change your chapter rules the second year of your biennium. International Constitution and Standard Rules changes will necessitate changes in the State Bylaws. After state convention in March, the chapters will make appropriate alignments to their chapter rules with state and international documents.

4.  Plan ways to keep your meeting short. One complaint of members is that meetings are too long and sometimes repetitious. 

• No one can speak more than 10 minutes for discussions and reports  
• No one can speak a second time until everyone who wishes to speak a first time has spoken. The chair can facilitate
  new debate by asking, "Is there anyone who would like to speak who has not yet spoken?"  No one can speak more than twice on the same issue. 
• Ask for a motion to end discussion. (2/3 vote)
• Use a time keeper with cards to help speakers stay on schedule in a non-threatening way.
• List start and end times for each item on the agenda.
• Announce in advance the time the meeting will adjourn. Members often police themselves.

MAPP Series 10: "POP" with emphasis on O

Oops!

We all make mistakes in meetings. Here are some of the common questions about procedures.

1.  Do I need a motion to approve minutes? No. Just ask for corrections. If there are none announce “The minutes are approved as read/printed.” If there are corrections, announce that the minutes are approved as corrected.

2. How does one make a motion? Say “I move….” Not “I make a motion that…”  

3. Do I need a motion to accept the treasurer’s report? No motion is needed; it is simply received as given.

4. Do we always need a second to a motion? No. If a recommendation comes from a committee or other group such as executive board, the speaker for the committee makes the motion and it is understood that the remainder of the committee seconds it.

5. What if an amendment is made to a motion? You must vote on the amendment and either accept or reject it. Then the group votes on the original motion, with or without the amendment. 

6. What is a “friendly” amendment? Someone might suggest the group agree to changie a word or intention of a motion by agreeing to do so without a vote. This is not acceptable. All amendments require a vote. 

7. Do we vote to reinstate a member or to accept a transfer? No.

MAPP Series 9: "POP" with emphasis on P

"P" PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE ~ AGENDA: ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. CALL TO ORDER: Start on time and check for presence of quorum

2. OPENING CEREMONIES: May consist of Invocation, Flag Ceremony, etc.

3. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

4. ROLL CALL

5. READING AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: If minutes are not printed and distributed, are read by the Secretary, and are approved by general consent; Approval is stated either as read/printed or as corrected.

6. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: Correspondence and Treasurer's Report

7. REPORT OF EXECUTIVE BOARD

8. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES: Chair calls on only those with reports to make

9. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Called upon in order they were appointed, and only those prepared or required to make a report.

10. SPECIAL ORDERS: Items of business postponed from a previous meeting or earlier in the current meeting by a 2/3 vote are special orders and are taken up before other general business; Also matters required by the bylaws to be taken up at a specific meeting, such as election of officers are special orders

11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND GENERAL ORDERS

12. NEW BUSINESS: Chair calls for new business; the members' opportunity to bring before the organization items in which they are interested.

13. PROGRAM (OPTIONAL): Chair calls upon the Program Chairman who presents the program

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS

15. ADJOURNMENT: The Chair does not need to call for a motion to adjourn from the assembly; simply declares the meeting adjourned when there is no further business (Motion by consensus)

Executive Committee Series Part 8: Who is the Epsilon Treasurer?

I am a native of Walker, Louisiana; I was born in the home that my father built for my mother and our family on what is now Burgess Avenue.   I am married to Don Townsend; we have two sons – Thomas Andrew and Jonathan Charles.

Education

I attended the Walker Schools – Elementary and High; during these years all grades (1-12) were on the same campus that consisted of three buildings plus a lunchroom and a gymnasium.  The school and the churches were the focal point for the community and the community supported the school in all endeavors.   My major interest in school was basketball.  I played basketball from the seventh grade through high school and the girls’ team always went to State. (In my senior year, I was the shortest member –  5’ 7 1/2” -- on the team.)  I thought about majoring in physical education at college but when I took typing in high school I changed my mind. I graduated from high school with a scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana College. 

At Southeastern, I majored in Business Education.  While at Southeastern, I was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi (an honorary educational fraternity) and in my senior year I was selected as one of the Outstanding Student Teachers and honored at a tea sponsored by Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.  I remember seeing and having Mrs. Mary Bailes  (one of my physical education teachers at Southeastern, Miss Thelma Bankston, one of my business teachers at Southeastern, and Mrs. Myrtle Gatlin, a business teacher at Hammond High School (the school in which I did my student teaching) --sign the little booklet given to us.  At the time I thought to myself,  “I would like to become a Delta Kappa Gamma member someday.”  Little did I know this would come to pass because Delta Kappa Gamma was a secretive, honorary fraternity. 

Professional

Immediately after graduating from college, I entered the work force in the business world  so I could learn “first hand” what was expected of an office worker in the secretarial/booking field.  After my critic teacher of my student-teaching learned that I had not entered the teaching profession, she was very upset and called the Business Education Supervisor in the State Department of Education and related information to him.  At the time, there were two openings -- one in the post-secondary field and one in high school but both were away from home. After the supervisor explained the difference in the two programs, I asked him to call the Director of the Trade/Vocational-Technical School and let him know that I would like to apply for the opening.  The position would be Instructor and non-classified Civil Service.

Within a week, the Director came and interviewed me and brought an application  which had to be approved by the Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.  “And the rest is history.”  At the time of my employment, there were only thirteen trade/vocational schools in Louisiana.

I started my trade/vocational-technical teaching career in Ferriday at the Concordia Parish Trade School; after two years I took the opportunity to establish the Business Department and be the department head (unpaid) in the new Hammond Area Vocational School. 

I became certified in vocational/industrial education; earned a Master of Education degree while serving as a teaching assistant; taught one year in high school in Tangipohoa Parish; returned to post-secondary education and for one summer taught classes at Greensburg; then went to Jefferson Davis Vocational-Technical School for a period of ten years. In this ten-year period, I did post graduate work toward a doctoral degree in Vocational/Industrial Education at East Texas State University; chaired and wrote Self Study of Jefferson Davis Vocational-Technical School (SACS Accreditation) as well as chaired four committees for the self study; served as assistant director (unpaid).  In 1980 I had and took the opportunity to establish the Business/Secretarial Department in the new Port Side/Jumonville Vocational-Technical School in Port Allen. 

During my professional career, I was honored to (1) serve as (a) President of Office Occupations Association of the Trade and Industrial Section of the Louisiana Vocational Association and  (b) President Elect of Office Occupations Association of the Trade and Industrial Section of the Louisiana Vocational Association; (2) be a member of  (a) Office Occupations Association of the Trade and Industrial Section of LVA, (b) Trade and Industrial Section of the Louisiana Vocational Association, (c) Louisiana Vocational Association, (d) American Vocational Association.After retiring from Port Side, I taught in a private school for two years. Throughout my career, I loved working with adults in the post-secondary field of vocational-technical education. 

Delta Kappa Gamma

While teaching at the Hammond Area Vocational School, I was invited by Omicron Chapter (Tangipohoa Parish) of Delta Kappa Gamma to become a member.  After reading all the literature that Omicron gave to me, I accepted their invitation, and on November 8, 1968, I was initiated into Omicron Chapter.  In Omicron were Miss Thelma Bankston, Mrs. Myrtle Gatlin, Mrs. Doris Sweatt, and many other members I had seen during the tea at Southeastern.  (Mrs. Evelyn Wagnon was Epsilon State’s President.)

At one time or another, I served on and chaired Alpha Kappa’s committees during my ten-year residency in Jefferson Davis Parish.   (Alpha Kappa gave me a baby shower for my first son.)  When I moved back to Walker (my home town) in 1981, Evelyn Davis (Beta Gamma President) called me

to attend Beta Gamma’s chapter meetings.  Evelyn said she had received information from Alpha Kappa Chapter stating that I had moved into Livingston Parish.  I went to a meeting and saw many members I knew from high school or college or teaching.  I transferred to Beta Gamma during Evelyn Davis’ presidency and have served on and chaired every committee in Beta Gamma Chapter.  In Beta Gamma Chapter I have held the offices of  (a) Second Vice President, (b) President, and (c) currently Treasurer, which I have held since 1988.

(During my chapter presidency, Dot Akins and Christel Robbins were Epsilon State’s Presidents.) I am honored to have served Epsilon State on the following committees:  Professional Affairs --  two bienniums (one as chairman); Rules – one biennium; Achievement Award – one biennium; Finance – three bienniums (one as chairman).  In 2005 I attended the Bea Davis Leadership Seminar.   Also, I am honored to have been appointed Epsilon State’s Treasurer and have served in this capacity since 2005.  Since my initiation into Delta Kappa Gamma, I have attended District Meetings, State Workshops; State Conventions; Southeast Regional Conferences; International Conventions and have conducted Workshops and Training Sessions for Chapter Treasurers.

Church

I grew up in the Walker Methodist Church , which became Walker United Methodist Church.  I have served as Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School Director and teacher; Administrative Board member – currently (a) Financial Secretary, (b) Finance Committee member; and (c) Palmetto Cemetery Coordinator; and I have helped with TnT, (Tuesdays and Thursdays) an after school tutoring program

Community

My community activities have included:  (1) participating in (a) Trash Bash; (b) Christmas Gifts to the Public; (2) serving as (a) treasurer for both Cub Scout Pack 158 and Boy Scout Troop 158; (b) Wolf and Bear Den Leader for Pack 158, (c) Webelos Leader for Pack 158, (d) Cubmaster for Pack 158, (e) Committee member for Boy Scout Troop 158; (3) serving Istrouma Area Boy Scout Council as (a) OWLS Training Instructor (Outdoor Webelos Leaders’ Sessions); (b) Unit Commissioner; (4) being selected by Istrouma Area Council of Boy Scouts to attend training at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico; (5) receiving the Award of Merit from Tunica District of Istrouma Area Boy Scouts of America.

                                                                                                Linda Ruth Jackson

MAPP Series 8: 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 www.deltakappagamma.net.

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.

MAPP Series 7: LOTS with emphasis on T

“T” is for training which is available to members on each level of society membership.  Mentoring on the chapter level has always been promoted by the society.  In addition, the new MAPP Program – Achieving Chapter Excellence, has been designed to help educate members on responsibilities and participation in Delta Kappa Gamma.

On the state level, The Leadership Workshop for Chapter Officers is held every other June at the beginning of the officers’ biennium.  District meetings are held around the state in the fall and the Epsilon State Convention is held every March.  Both of these afford members an opportunity to attend informative business sessions, participate in workshops, and hear speakers on various topics.

Regional conferences are held during the summer in odd number years.  The Leadership Development Conference, presented by the International Leadership Development Committee, is held prior to each regional conference for incoming state organization presidents and executive secretaries.  The committee provides a three-day intensive training session for these leaders.  Pre-conference training is also provided in a shorter format for editors, web masters, program and membership chairs and treasurers.

MAPP Series 6: LOTS with emphasis on O

“O” stands for opportunities.  There are LOTS of opportunities to serve and be actively engaged at all organizational levels.  Locally, there are chapter meetings.  State organizations hold yearly district meetings and/or conventions.  The international organization holds regional conferences in odd-numbered years and international conventions in even-numbered years.

Other available opportunities include professional development workshops, forums on legislative issues, networking, and peer mentoring.  There are opportunities to make presentations at meetings, attend workshops and conferences, and write for juried publications.  There is also collaboration with the United States Fund for UNICEF, and funding for educational and community projects relating to early literacy, violence prevention, and intergenerational issues.  Opportunities for personal community service and involvement in outreach projects are also available and encouraged.

MAPP Series 5: LOTS with emphasis on L

“L” is for leadership.  Being a good leader is not something that casually occurs.  It takes great thought, insights, commitment, and energy.  As educators, we are most effective when empowered with these qualities.  That is why Delta Kappa Gamma provides LOTS of opportunities to foster the development and growth of its members.  With this in mind, the Bea Davis Leadership Seminar was developed to train potential leaders for service to Epsilon State and Delta Kappa Gamma.  The seminar is held on a weekend in early June of odd-numbered years.  Members who have shown evidence of leadership and have a minimum of three years of membership are eligible to apply by January 15^th of that year.  The application and recommendation forms are on the state website.

On the international level, the Golden Gift Leadership/Management Seminar is an intense two week educational opportunity held once every two years, in the even-numbered years at the University of Texas in Austin.  Applicants must have at least three years of Society membership and show leadership potential.  For successful applicants, the only cost is the registration fee.  Other expenses, including round-trip travel, are covered by the Society.  Applications are on the international website.

#####

MAPP was created, presented and distributed statewide by the 2009-2011 District Directors for use by chapters. The information created and developed will offer insight for officers in developing programs that affect membership.

MAPP Series 4: Elements and 13 Point Checklist

MAPP Elements

Mentoring

Active engagement

Processes and procedures

Program of Work

13 Point Checklist

K – Keeping existing members

E – Engaging new members

Y- Yourself

L – Leadership

o   Bea Davis

o   Golden Gift

O – Opportunities for service

o   Community

T – Training

o   State, district, regional, international

S – Scholarship

o   Who can apply?

o   What is available?

o   Giving scholarships

o   Fundraising

P – Parliamentary procedures

O - Oops!

o   FAQ session for when you need to know!

P – Plan

o   Calendar of events

o   Deadlines for chapter report to state

C – Committee responsibilities

A – Action strategies/activities

N - Networking

MAPP Series 3: Y - Yourself

Y- Yourself

 
To mentor others, you can:

• Be an outstanding example and role model to other members.
• Be concerned with your own growth and encourage others to join you.
• Attend meetings, take an active role, and consider accepting a leadership position.
• Be accessible.
• Offer individual attention to current and new or potential members.
• Be an encourager.
• Educate others on the importance of providing support and encouragement to new teachers/members as well as understanding the challenges they face. 
• Be the recipient of new ideas gained from others, personal and professional reflection and renewal, and the satisfaction of helping new professionals.

MAPP Series 2 : Engage new members

To engage and connect with new teachers/members, chapters might consider:

• Using technology (connect via a website, Facebook, blogs, etc.)
• Offering grants to new teachers/members Sponsoring a “Rookie Club” for new teachers/members
  Hosting a “Welcome Tea” for new teachers/members
• Offering a stipend from the chapter to help a new member pay for attending the state convention
• Paying the first year dues for a new member or giving them a Delta Kappa Gamma item (pin, ribbon, Provide an “Idea Exchange” at one of the monthly meetings to share ideas for lessons, classroom management, etc.
• Taking new teachers/members on a tour of the district Offering professional development sessions just for new teachers/members 

MAPP Series 1: Keeping members involved

MAPP is a project developed by the district directors of 2009-2011. In a series of post you will learn about KEY features/hints/topics that will assist your chapter in leading/developing/engaging members:

Keep current members involved through activities such as: 

·      Contact individuals through a telephone tree to remind them of meetings and to inquire about their well-being

·      Car-pool with others to the monthly, district, and state meetings

·      Recognize personal and professional achievements, honors, and accomplishments at meetings or through a special “spotlight” in the newsletter

·      Follow up with members via a phone call, note, or visit

·     Encourage members to present a program based on one of their special talents or hobbies

·     Send cards on special occasions

·     Consider establishing a special achievement award for distinctive serve to the chapter

·     Link retired teachers in a mentoring program with new teachers/members

·     Meet, greet, and share activities or icebreakers at each monthly meeting to become more acquainted with members

·     Collect books from members to donate to the classroom library of a new teacher/member