Epsilon Fall Tour 2011: Northeast District Meeting

Epsilon State Officers enjoyed a wonderful time with members of the Northeast District this weekend as we traveled to Ruston. Approximately 70 registered for the meeting which consisted of informative and interesting committee reports and officer presentations.  Jenna Carpenter presented a session with hints and tips on balancing life and the many issues women face in our daily lives.
Diane Simms was recognized as the Rose-in-bloom. Beth Rinehart received the Rosebud award. Way to go ladies! Alpha Nu Chapter received the "Highest Attendance Award".
Special thanks to Stacy Potter NE District Director and Theta 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 S District Meeting November 5.

Three categories for membership termination

Three categories define membership termination: (1) Non-payment of dues and fees, (2) resignation, (3) death. Under no other circumstances should a member be terminated. This point was discussed by SER presidents this summer in Louisville concerning attempts by chapters throughout the society who have attempted to terminate membership of a member for reasons other than those listed above.

A Rose in Bloom: Maxie Garrett

Linda Knox has seen firsthand the extraordinary life of Maxie Garette and has authored a book highlighting the many adventures of Maxie. As a Delta Kappa Gamma member and former state president, Linda has captured many of the stories, pictures, and adventures of Maxie in her book a Rose in Bloom: Biography of Maxie Billingsly Garrett. Please join me as I read Maxie’s story and also help to support the Florence Amy Fund.  

A Rose in Bloom: Biography of Maxie Billingsly Garrett by Linda Knox

              

 If you would like to order a book contact Linda Knox at 2190 Highway 2 Alt. Haynesville, LA 71038. Other information is  lwknox@wildblue.net   and  318.624.1606. Regular cost: $24.95. 

Special price for Delta Kappa Gamma Sisters is $21.95 (includes tax) with $1.00 of that going to benefit Epsilon State’s Florence Amy Emergency Fund.

DKG Ribbon Color

Many members will ask "Why is your ribbon black? I thought that the ribbon was suppose to be red!" My response is that the ribbon can be any color. Traditionally, the majority of ribbons are red. Either to symbolize the red roses or the traditional red seen in the shield/graphics of the society. However, DKG does not require a specific color for the ribbon. Ribbons purchased from Epsilon State supporting the Florence Amy Fund are red. Black is another color that I wear and have seen worn by many members of Epsilon and other states along with white. So, in selecting your color of ribbon, know that you have a choice.

Epsilon Fall Tour 2011: Northwest District Meeting

Epsilon State Officers traveled to Mansfield for the Northwest  District this weekend at the First United Methodist Church. Approximately 70 registered for the meeting which consisted of informative and interesting committee reports and officer presentations. Officers agree that the committee presentations have elevated to a higher level with graphics/props/increased enthusiasm about their particular areas. Great job committee members! Presentations consisted of sessions on Google, Mansfield Female College, and the BackAlley Theater.

Deborah Mullinix was recognized as the Rose-in-bloom. Special thanks to Kennie Barkley, Northwest District Director and Mu 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 NE District Meeting October 29.

Hats and gloves "ON" at Epsilon State Convention

A special component of Epsilon State Convention 2012 is the inclusion of hats and gloves at the Birthday Luncheon on Saturday. Epsilon members attending SER in Louisville this summer shared in the enthusiasm and discovery of the many styles of hats worn. Our state has embraced this concept and I ask that members begin preparing for this special time at the convention. Use your imagination, large, small, short or tall we will definitely see them all! Flowers, netting, feathers and bows will all be welcomed.

Gloves are also a welcome addition. So, pull out those hats and gloves or if you are like me - start checking out websites or borrow from someone else. Somethings the most cherished items are those shared among friends or in this case - Sisters.  Look forward to seeing you (and your hats) at state convention.

MAPP Series 18: CAN with emphasis on "N"

Networking  - Networking is the sharing of information/resources/energies for the benefit of oneself and others

• Attend chapter meetings
• Share D&D Weekly emails with your school personnel
• Share "Red Rose Alerts" with your school personnel
• All educators are interested in legislation that affects education in Louisiana
• Present workshops at the chapter, district, state, regional and international levels - Share resources with fellow educators
• Coordinate a meeting with another chapter in the district. Share resources/talents/locations. Many chapters in rural areas may not have the selection of various sites (Restaurants/Libraries/etc.) in which to meet. EXTEND the hand of sisterhood to other chapters and INCREASE the joy of being a member in DKG.
• Have a meeting and assign members different items of discussion (Red Rose Alerts, D&D Weekly, Donnis' Dialogue, The Deltion, DKG International, etc.)

MAPP Series 17: CAN with emphasis on "A"

Action strategies/activities

1.     Programs and Projects with Purpose: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – Program of Work Reunion  (found on www.dkg.org)

2.     50 Uses for a Live Chapter Meeting

3.     Seventy-five Project Pearls

4.   Self-Appraisal Checklist

MAPP Series 16: CAN with emphasis on "C"

Program Committee

·         Develop chapter Program of Work that focuses upon Society Purposes, Mission

·         Plan Program of Work to include projects, activities, and programs related to personal growth, service to others, professional affairs, legislation, research, music.

·         Plan year’s program using adopted international theme found in program manual.

·         Adjust focus to meet local needs, interest.

·         Use various programming techniques to present ideas to stimulate thinking that may develop into action.

·         Encourage maximum member participation by having as many different members as possible take part in programs.

·         Plan for observance of Founders Day, chapter birthday.

·         Prepare, distribute chapter yearbook to members.

·         Provide for use of programming.

·         Provide for use of music as integral part of programming.

·         Use music to enhance appreciation of Society’s goals and to give dignity, beauty to programs.

 

Personal Growth and Services

 ·         Recognize members’ needs, recommend programs, projects to aid individual growth.

·         Develop leadership among members.

·         Encourage participation in study groups concerned with economic, social, political, educational issues.

·         Encourage members to reach beyond themselves, their communities to help create genuine spiritual fellowship among women educators of the world.

·         Provide opportunities for developing better human relationships within community.

·         Encourage members to reach beyond themselves in service to communities.

Professional Affairs 

·         Develop interest, participation in activities designed to improve professional status of women educators.

·         Further a program of selective recruitment of teachers and cooperate with other groups in recruitment and retention of qualified educators.

·         Encourage chapter interest in the improvement of the professional status of women.

Research

·         Encourage research of interest to those responsible for Program of Work as they design chapter programs, create chapter projects.

·         Suggest coordination with other chapters in cooperative research projects related to Society Purposes.

·         Invite persons doing relevant research to discuss findings are chapter meetings.

·         Assess needs within communities represented by members; suggest systematic studies of local problems.

·         Publicize pertinent research in area of program theme, current educational trends and issues.

Epsilon Fall Tour 2011: Southeast District Meeting

Epsilon State Officers enjoyed a wonderful time with members of the Southeast District this weekend as we traveled toWalker Baptist Church. Approximately 75 registered for the meeting which consisted of informative and interesting committee reports and officer presentations. Dr. Mary Manhein of the LSU FACES Lab led members through a presentation which focused thw many fascinating aspects of her job in identifying remains. Dr. Manhein is also an author with fiction and non-fiction works.

Representative Pope was honored to receive the Friends in Education Award of Delta Kappa Gamma. District Director Diane Vickers was recognized as the Rose-in-bloom. Way to go ladies! Beta Tau Chapter received the "Highest Attendance Award". Golden Rose Awards were presented to members age 55 continuing to teach. Rho Chapter received the highest amount of Golden Rose awards. Great job Rho!

Special thanks to Diane- Southeast District Director and Beta Gamma 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 NW District Meeting October 22.

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.