Order of the Magnolia - Epsilon's Unique Group

Who are members which make up the "Order of the Magnolia", what are the qualifications, what is their purpose? These are just some of the questions heard when I mentioned this unique group in Louisville at the Southeast Regional Leadership Meeting. Is Epsilon unique in this group? No, Mississippi also has the Order of the Magnolia along with many other SER states. Do you as members of Epsilon know about this group of ladies in which I rely heavily on for advice?

The "Order of the Magnolia" consists of past Epsilon State Presidents. Membership into this group comes at the close of a president's biennium. While this group of ladies are present (Head table at state convention) throughout meetings of the state and beyond, they also serve as advisors to the current president in office. Since taking office July 1, several emails have been sent to the "Order of the Magnolia" asking such questions as:

1. Am I on the right track?
2. What would you do in this situation?
3. Are you aware of any reason why this would or would not benefit Epsilon?

Some emails are sent to the group as updates. The experience and knowledge of this group has is priceless, and continuing to utilize these ladies is an investment in our Society. There are currently 16 members: Joanna Pruitt, Edleen Marczak, Ethelyn Gebrowsky, Patricia Bray, Dorothy Akins, Christel Robbins, Virgie Dronet, Maxie Garrett, Betty Westerchil, Mary Ann Hatfield, Beth Dawson, Jerry Malone, Peggy King, Loretta Brehm, Jean Patterson, Cindy Ruel.

A special thank you to members of the Order of the Magnolia for committing to an organization which promotes personal and professional growth of women educators.

Epsilon State is 59 Chapters Strong!

As of June 14, 2011 Epsilon State boasts a proud number of 59 chapters which make up our state organization. Chapters are created by members in areas from all over our state. Chapter memberships range from 8-70 in some districts. Some chapters are formed in rural, metropolitan, urban areas or schools in the state. Activities in the chapters may be those that are planned for various events and locations during the year. While some chapters may utilize a stationary method  in meeting (For example: meeting in the same place). No two chapters are alike! But all have a common bond of the membership that makes them unique in their own way!

While membership decline is an issue at the highest level of our Society it is not a secret that the decline has affected our state. Have we seen a decline in the chapters of Epsilon? Yes! In 2000 DKG International reported a total of 79 chapters for Epsilon State. That's a decline in Epsilon of 20 chapters over a ten year period! Let's stop the decline.  How can you help to keep your chapter STRONG and HEALTHY?

• Attend meetings
• Be a VOICE
• Volunteer for jobs/tasks/events
• Be a LEADER - accept a position in leadership  or ask to be placed in a position of leadership
• Pay dues
• Recuit new members
• Recruit members who have dropped membership but now want to return

These are just a few of the suggestions that can assist members (the foundation of our Society) in creating stronger chapters. I am looking to all members as a KEY component for keeping your chapter in the forefront of activities at the local, district, state, and international levels. You are VITAL to the health of DKG! Donnis

Epsilon - Technology Explodes

It is no secret that utilization of technology is a major connection/communication tool in this biennium. The creation of different methods to connect with members will be a high priority during my term. It is the goal that all members hear from the Executive Committee through a venue of ways. Some of which are:

1. Donnis' Dialogue - Daily blogs which focus on DKG, Epsilon State discussing events/reminders/hints/pointers or just thoughts on the promotion of members and chapters within our Society.
2. Monday emails to the state: Beginning Monday, August 1 you will receive a weekly email from the President. Don't forget to read! You may find your name or chapter highlighted in the weekly communications that are broadcast statewide.
3. The Deltion: The delivery of The Deltion will come in two forms: postal or email. Members are being polled to select the preferred method. This is a major move for our state. The ability to read the latest and greatest news about you, your friends, officer's, chapter, etc. will now be accessible to us on our iPhones, iPads, Blackberry, etc.
4. State website is going to International: Maryanne Russell, Website Manager will begin the process to transfer the state website to International. This is a major move for our state in aligning e-communication and efforts with International. Will keep you updated with the progress and send a statewide broadcast at the launch.

These are just a few of the ways in which we can access information electronically or receive up-to-date and continual communications as members of Epsilon. Stay tuned for more in the coming months. Epsilon is changing and you are a part of the change. Embrace the changes! Engage the concepts! Enjoy your membership in a great Society! Donnis

Epsilon's Abundant Supply of Presenters

During the June 18 transition's meeting in Pineville, district directors were charged with the task of utilizing district members as presenters during the breakout sessions. While some planning committees may opt to forego the breakout sessions, many will offer sessions for members attending that are informational, interesting, educational, etc. Epsilon State is overflowing with presenters who have talent in many areas. While traveling around the state for varied reasons  I have had the opportunity to talk with members and have been amazed at the talent and interests of members that would be an asset if shared through chapter, district, state, regional or international presentations. What to present! Well, some ideas on presentations could be:

1. Technology: How to develop a blog, what is the correct email protocol about answering, (Answer within 24 hours) how do I develop a spreadsheet?
2. Etiquette: Table, hosting a party, correspondence. There is a whole list of items that could be used for a presentation from this arena.
3. Education: What is going on in your school that is working well? Do you have ideas to share that will assist an Early Career Educator in working with parents, students, mandates?
4. Delta Kappa Gamma: Have you attended any of the programs offered by DKG? Golden Gift, submitted an article for the Bulletin? Attended the UN Conference in New York?
5. Art/Graphics/Designs/Music: Are you an individual who is blessed with the ability to create/sing? Share your work with others through the breakout sessions.

These are just a few ideas that you might use in which to build a presentation. Do not think that you do not have something vital to offer members. Because I know that you do! As we go around the state during the "Fall Tour" I will be looking for many of you during the breakout sessions as presenters. You can do it!!! Don't hesitate to step forward and share your talent/experiences/knowledge with members of DKG - Epsilon.

Let's make a date to attend the district meetings!

District meetings are quickly approaching! The start-up of school launches activities at all levels of education (Ballgames, open houses, parent meetings) and especially what I refer to as the "Fall Tour" of Epsilon state. District directors and host chapters are working very hard to make that one special day in your district one in which you will meet old friends, make new ones, find out the latest news in our Society, get some CEUs, have a chance to present, and so much more. Why would you not attend? That's a question only you can answer.

What does attending a district meeting require? Well, taking a Saturday morning and committing to a society that is dedicated to furthering personal and professional endeavors for women educators! What a great opportunity on your part to attend the district meetings. As your president, I am asking all to commit now to attend the district meeting in your area or visit another district meeting. You do not want to miss this time with the "sisterhood" of Epsilon. I will be looking for YOU!

DKG and Epsilon Projects

Developing projects for implementation has been one of the easiest task undertaken as an incoming president.  The enthusiasm and generosity of DKG members enables the development and execution of projects an even greater reward. The following is a brief description of the projects I feel very "passionate" about at the state, national and international levels. My hope is that each of the projects outlined below will offer a selection of opportunities for chapters to embrace and support at any level. So, find your project and get going!

Epsilon State Project: Developing state leaders is one of the REACHing goals of this biennium. Theme created, pins ordered and currently on sale with the funds supporting leadership training in Epsilon State for Bea Davis. Forms for ordering pins can be found at the Epsilon state website. This project is a success because of YOU - the members of Epsilon. Thank you!

Epsilon National Project: The Great American Bake Sale focuses on ending childhood hunger. What an excellent project for educators who see children on a daily basis who can benefit from this program.  Many  members can participate in bake sales at the holidays, festivals, etc. The resources supplied at http://gabs.strength.org/ will give members flyers, ideas, and vital information to host a bake sale that could make a huge difference in the life of a child. Register as a chapter or as a school. You do not have to be a baker to be a contributor. Assist by helping to organize the event, publicize and encourage members to be involved.

Epsilon International Project:  "Schools for Africa"  is the official project of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. This project offers the opportunity for members to donate monies for the building and rehabilitation of schools, creating schools that offer a safe and protective environment for children, provide children with pencils and exercise books and many more opportunities for improving the quality of education for children in Africa. Find out more about "Schools for Africa" at http://www.dkg.org/.

DKG International Headquarters - Who's There!

As a member of Golden Gift Leadership Seminar a visit to the Society's headquarters is an item on the agenda during the two weeks in Austin. What an "eye opening" experience. This is a tour that I would like to recommend to any member visiting in Austin. The staff is very receptive to sharing indepth information about the organization that began in 1929. The memorabilia is displayed throughout the facility which show cases pins, photos, personal collections of the founders and persons throughout the Society's history.

The Executive Director, Corlea Plowman is responsible for the functions of the headquarters, as well as, serving as the Corporate Secretary. In addition to personnel (Linda Eller, Phyllis Hickey, Nina Scott) that you will see at SER or International Conventions. Behind the scenes are those members that "hold down the fort" while the others traveling handle the business of the society. So, take some time to visit the Society's headquarters or learn more at http://www.dkg.org/.