Experience DKG at a Regional Conference this Summer!

Members of the DKG International Membership Committee are looking forward to providing training for the incoming State Membership Chairs at each of the Regional Conferences this summer. Mark your calendars and make sure your state is represented in this important training session during which strategies and ideas for strengthening membership in our Society will be shared. Northwest, June 28 – July 1, Spearfish, SD; Southwest, July 4 – 7, Honolulu, HI; Northeast, July 12 – 14, Windsor, Ontario; Southeast, July 19 – 22, Myrtle Beach, SC; and European, July 26 – 29, Tallinn, Estonia. Visit www.dkg.org and the Events tab for more information

Mentoring Goals Setting & Analysis – (Final entry of a 3 part Series)

Within mentoring relationships, mentees learn best by applying what they are learning. With the guidance of a mentor, DKG members are supported as they practice different roles and test their skills and readiness to find solutions to different problems. In this process it is helpful to set and prioritize goals, and outline activities that are needed to achieve those goals. SMART goals are specific and accomplishable. They are:

Specific

Measureable

Achievable

Realistic

Timely

As part of setting goals, mentees work with their mentor to assess strengths and weaknesses and prioritize action as needed. Some questions could be:

• What makes you think there is a problem?
• Where is it happening?
• How is it happening?
• When is it happening?
• Who is it happening with?
• Why is it happening?

And finally the strategy is created: ‘A problem is happening because. …… and what we can do is ………’

Through this analysis mentees improve confidence as they overcome challenges and obstacles. Mentors and mentees develop analytical skills, sharpen problem-solving skills, become better leaders, and contribute to the success of DKG.

Setting up a Mentoring Program – (Part 2 of a 3 part Series)

As you begin, here are some things to consider to help align the objectives of the mentee with the knowledge, experience and expertise of the mentor.

1.      Specify short term and long term objectives

2.      Clarify the preliminary developmental goals

3.      Discuss the reciprocal expectation

4.      Discuss pros and cons of a strategic plan

5.      Decide how, where and when to meet

6.      Discuss how each person likes to communicate

7.      Schedule feedback sessions

8.      Agree on the duration of the program

As in teaching, mentoring is most effective when learning is modeled or shared. It’s important that mentees feel safe and are not judged when asking questions. This encourages them to be open to receive new ideas and strategies as they learn what others are doing in the organization.

The benefits of mentoring extend beyond the mentee and the mentor. A one-on-one meeting in a confidential environment attracts, motivates and retains talent. This interaction creates opportunities to share DKG values and experience. 

Watch for our next blog: Mentoring Goal Setting & Analysis

In the comments below tell us about someone who has been a special mentor. 

Mentoring Roles (Part 1 of a 3 Part Series)

In today’s fast paced world DKG state organizations need to help their members learn – and be able to apply that learning – more quickly. There is a wealth of knowledge and talent in any chapter. The challenge is to ‘tap into’ that knowledge and make it available to other members that need it.

Who could be that ‘magician’? She is a wise and trusted counsellor who has experience and knowledge of DKG, and who is willing and able to share this information with others. She is a mentor. She is caring, balanced, and an effective communicator.

Mentoring is not about offering expert ready-made advice or serving as a role model. It is a voluntary relationship between an experienced member and a less experienced member. It is about asking the right question, staying curious, listening empathically, reframing and analyzing situations, giving feedback and helping the chapter/organization move forward to reach development goals.

Through mentoring members can achieve greater clarity about personal development and become more confident in their own potential and ability. Mentees gain security in their roles and duties as they get feedback in key areas such as communication, interpersonal relationships, and leadership skills.

Who is a good mentee? A mentor can counsel a person who is ready, willing and able to grow. In other words - a mentee should be a FAT person!       

F – faithful       

A – available         

T – teachable

Watch for our next blog: Setting Up a Mentoring Program

In the comments below tell us about a time mentoring helped you or a time you mentored someone else. 

A Season to Celebrate Diversity!

One of the greatest successes within Delta Kappa Gamma is the organization’s diversity. This is an organization that thrives on diversity within its members in a multitude of forms. We all come from different continents, different religions, and different nationalities. We have new, experienced, and retired educators all working together to for the success of education all around the globe. We thrive on sharing our ideas, collaborating with new friends, and supporting our old friends as they embark on new adventures.

As we move into a season of celebration, find the beauty of diversity within your DKG chapter. Focus on how this diversity can help impact education globally. Encourage diversity. Embrace diversity. Celebrate Diversity. Let us all be a part of what this amazing organization embodies. We are truly a global organization of leading women educators! 

Are You In Yet?

Although you don’t have to set up a member profile to gain access to the international website’s member only documents you are missing out on some great features! Visit the My Account area under the MyDKG tab for a  personalized member experience at www.dkg.org. 

By logging into your member account area you have easy access to:

• Receipts for regional conferences/international conventions you have/will be attending 
• Donations you have made to the Society
• Transaction records for orders you have made with the DKG Store
• Your member profile with capability to edit your personal contact information in the international database, "opt in" to the Member Directory (allowing other members to connect with you) and choose your communication preferences (such as choosing to receive emails or text messages from DKG) 
• The DKG Communities for an interactive experience

In the My Account area, state and chapter leaders have a dashboard set up specifically for them granting them access to their state or chapter members’ information. Currently presidents and treasurers have access with more officers gaining access soon.

The DKG Communities is a member only social network where members can discuss common issues whether they are related to DKG, educational issues or common interests. More information on the Communities and how to access them can be found in the September/October 2016 issue of Get Connected (Communications & Publicity Committee Page).

In the Communication Preferences, members have the option of being included in a Member Directory. Recently, the committee tried to email several members from other states and the emails were returned undeliverable. By using the Member Directory, we were able to access their current email addresses because they had agreed to be included in the directory.

Set up your Member Profile now by going to the MyDKG tab at www.dkg.org. Members who wish to connect with you can get to know you through the details you share in your DKG Profile. Remember to include your favorite photo! You will need to sign into the website with your membership number and the initial password which your chapter president can give you.

We look forward to connecting with you soon!

The International Membership Committee welcomes you to 2016-2018!

We are excited to share our objectives for the coming biennium. They reflect the goals of the International Strategic Plan and consideration of our vision as Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide.

Develop a Communication Strategy

We are actively pursuing both old and new avenues of communications to share the value of DKG and to support members. We will be highlighting DKG, sharing best practices, and offering help. Watch for announcements coming soon!

Cultivate a Plan for Content Development

2016-2018 International Membership Committee

We will collaborate with other committees to offer webinars and videos about the society and to further professional development.

Implement a Member Engagement Plan

We continue to promote the membership plan, and will be developing resources to mentor new and veteran members.

Create Meaningful Connections

We invite you to actively participate with us in DKG Communities. We hope to strengthen leadership networks to foster internal support. We embrace diversity to cultivate an inclusive organization. 

We look forward to hearing your ideas and feedback! 

Ready, Set, Initiate!

Have you made plans for your chapter to grow this year?  If you have not already considered using the new Membership Recruitment Plan, you might check it out!  Find an overview and sample documents under the Resources tab at www.dkg.org.

The plan preserves the integrity of the invitation to membership (honor) and the initiation ceremony (tradition), but allows for a more effective way to present the Society to prospective members.  By changing the order of the process, prospective members are oriented to the organization before being invited to join.  And the chapter has already approved the list of prospects, so initiation plans can be made easily and quickly.

And one really exciting part is that the plan also engages chapter members as mentors to the new members - a simple, effective and purposeful way to keep new members active in DKG for life. In fact, mentors can be a great way to engage transferred and reinstated members in chapter activities as well.

For assistance or more information, contact us at mem@dkg.org.

Let's Meet in Nashville!

Membership Chair for your state organization?  In-coming Membership Chair for your chapter?  Plan to join the International Membership Committee members in Nashville at the 2016 International Convention!  In addition to the committee breakout session, a special session is planned for 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 8.  Members of the committee, and some Headquarters staff, will be available to answer questions, address concerns and assist you with ideas.  Visit the Events page on the DKG website (Breakout Sessions) or see the
convention program for more details.  See you in Nashville!

REGISTERED YET?

Have you registered yet for convention?  Nashville, TN, will be the site of the 2016 International Convention, July 5 - 9.  In addition to great speakers, informative breakout sessions, fellowship, fun and networking, you can find out about all the new resources available to chapters and state organizations.

Check out the Cyber Center and the Hot Topics sessions for new technology and tips on exploring the DKG website.  Learn how to navigate the members-only area (My DKG) and the DKG communities.

For information about the new Membership Recruitment Plan, strategies for growing your membership and keeping current members engaged, join the International Membership Committee on Wednesday, July 6, at the 2:00 p.m. session.

And State Organization Membership Chairs:  join the committee in a Q & A session to follow up on last summer's training and  catch up on the past year.  That session will be held on Friday, July 9, at 10:45 a.m.

So, make your plans now and join us in Nashville!

The Spotlight is on: MEMBERS!

Do you know a member who has received an award or been honored for an accomplishment?  Has your chapter achieved a goal or developed a strategy for success?  Are members really excited or energized by a new project or activity?

Share it with Nita Scott (nitas@dkg.org) at Society Headquarters and it could be the next story for the new "Member Spotlight" on the DKG website.  Email information, pictures if appropriate, and permission to use the story (and pictures)  on the DKG website and/or in DKG
publications.

And if you have not visited the DKG website to see the latest Member Spotlight, go to www.dkg.org and click on the Member Spotlight icon on the home page.

Share the Secret with Someone

Does your chapter find it difficult to find new members?  Do you struggle to initiate even one or two new members each year?

Consider using the Membership Recruitment Plan.  If your chapter is or will be using the plan, now is the time to request members to complete a Prospect Card (sample is available at www.dkg.org). So, what tips can you give your members about finding the names of prospects?

Here are a few:

• Consider new teachers hired this year by the local district or community. 
• Volunteer to provide refreshments or the program at a district meeting or new teacher orientation.
• Set up an exhibit at a community meeting.
• Ask children and grandchildren for the names of their best teachers.
• Invite principals and administrators to provide the names of women teachers on staff they would like to honor with membership.
• Watch the newsletters and newspapers for the names of educators awarded for accomplishments, such as teacher of the year or national board certification awardee.

Take Steps to Re-Member

Because surveys show that members who drop membership often reconsider membership at a later time, take steps to ask them to reinstate and to assist members who move.  Here are a few ideas:

• Encourage members who are moving to call Society Headquarters to find a new chapter.
• Have a “homecoming” or “reunion” and invite anyone who was ever a member.
• Offer support to former members during difficult life circumstances.
• Continue to send chapter newsletters to former members (unless requested to stop).
• Invite former members to a Holiday Social or other informal meeting—bring them back to see what they are missing.
• No vote or extra fees are required for reinstatement or transfer— simply pay dues for the current year and complete the   reinstatement or transfer form.

In-Touch and Involved

Members who are committed are frequently the most engaged in chapter activities.  However, members to whom we reach out and with whom we stay connected have the best chance of becoming committed, engaged members.

So, how does your chapter maintain communication and connection between members?  Many chapters provide members with frequent updates through newsletters, whether in print or by electronic media.  Phone trees and emails can also be great ways to "spread the word" about events or changes in chapter schedules.

Consider, however, a few other options when designing your chapter's communications & publicity plan.  Some chapters have developed Facebook groups so members can keep in touch regarding both chapter and personal matters.  Twitter, Instagram and other social media can also be great ways to increase communication.

Encourage your chapter members to keep in touch with the Society on an International level, as well. DKG has a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dkgorg) where frequent posts share the latest happenings.  Find DKG on Twitter (@DKG_SI), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/delta-kappa-gamma-society-international), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/DKGSI/)and Instagram (@DKGSI), as well. Of course, the DKG website (www.dkg.org)is also a great source of information and you can find links there to Follow Us.

What's Growing in Your Chapter?

Chapter growth can be challenging - sometimes hard to define, difficult to measure and uncomfortable to talk about.  What is growth?  Have you ever thought about what it means to be a "growing" chapter?

Of course, growth can mean new members and reinstatements, but it also includes keeping the members you have. Growing chapters have developed a culture that encourages member participation, engages new members and develops leadership.  Have you asked your members what they like and want in chapter programs and meetings?  Are you providing those things?  Are your members active in chaper events, projects and leadership?  Are they serving the state organization on committees?  Are they attending state organizaiton and international events?  These can all be indicators of a growing chapter.

Simply put, does your chapter have a strategy in place to insure sustainability and promote growth? If you have not heard about the new Membrership Recruitment Plan,  check it out!  It is posted on the International Membership Committee page and is adaptable for your chapter.  And, best of all, it has shown real results!  Look for more information in the next blog.

Everyone's Talking

Have you logged in to the members only area of the DKG website yet? On the website, you can access your account through the Member Center at the bottom right side of the home page and on the DKG App it is button.  Look for "My DKG" and click there to access your account, build a profile, approve other members to connect with you and, then, join a community!

Complete instructions are available on the committee page.  However, remember you will need your member ID (it's your username) and the default password (check with your state organization or chapter president).

If you have difficulty finding the default password, call Society Headquarters.  We are not publishing it on the website or in the News in order to keep your account and members only area secure.  After all, it is a members only area! So enjoy networking with members around the world in a safe and friendly environment. See you there!