Chapter Yearbooks are historical documents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.

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.