December 3, 2013

Dear Chi State Members,

Where did November go?  I last posted in October and already it is December!  My husband and I took a vacation in November, which was delightful.  We visited England and spent a few days on the Isle of Wight.  We have sailed past it several times, when we have left Southampton, but had not visited.  So we decided to see what this Isle looks like.  I asked the advice of a DKG friend who lives in Kent, England, and she advised well. It is a delightful spot, kind of like the England of 30-40 years ago.  Very slow paced life and truly beautiful countryside.  Lots of houses with thatched roofs!

The village of Godshill on the Isle of Wight

Terraced farming on Maderia

After our visit to England, we boarded Cunard's Queen Victoria and sailed to the Canary Islands as well as Maderia and Lisbon, Portugal.  The Canaries were quite interesting. Each island was very unique. But on each one I was so impressed with the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit.  On the island of Maderia, it is quite hilly.  The people have learned to farm in terraces. Some are so steep the workers are lowered by ropes to work in the plots.  On the island of Lanzarote, it is like being on a different planet, totally volcanic.  The people there realized how rich the soil is and how productive it can be for growing grapes.  But their vineyards look nothing like those that are so familiar to us in California.  There they have to contend with extreme heat and the winds blowing in from the Sahara (Africa is only 60 miles away). So they plant their vines in holes, one per plant, surrounded partway by rocks to protect the plants.  We stopped at a winery (known as a bodega there) and the wine was quite pleasant. All in all we had a lovely trip and learned a lot!

Vineyard on Lanzarote

And now the holiday season is upon us.  Our family had a small but enjoyable Thanksgiving.  Both of our daughters live in Washington, D.C.  So only our son was with us for dinner.  We talked about limiting what we prepared.  But when my husband suggested a dish to be eliminated, I responded with, "Oh, no, we need to have that." Then when I suggested we eliminate a certain dish, he responded with, "Oh, not, it won't be the same without that."  So guess what?  We didn't eliminate anything!  Though, I must say, we did prepare much less of everything than we normally do.  But the turkey sandwich on the day after was still the best part!

DKG activities have slowed a bit at this time of the year.  Chapters are having holiday parties, adopting families, singing at convalescent homes, supporting the youths of CASA, and a multitude of other giving activities. It is heartwarming to read of all the wonderful things going  on around Chi State. 

I've also noticed in newsletters that Chapter Nominating Committees are already at work, looking for the next group of leaders to take over Chapter responsibilities. I have heard that many Chapters are frustrated because members won't step up and take their turn as leaders.  Remember that you were invited to membership in DKG because of your potential as a leader. 

Being Chapter President is truly an enriching and growing experience.  It does NOT have to be overwhelming if you remember the magic word---DELEGATE. As women we tend to take on all the responsibility of doing things.  We think we can get it done better and faster if we do it ourselves.  

Remember there is more than one way from A to B.  One way is not always the best way, it is one alternative but not the only way. As teachers we know children learn best by doing.  So too with members of our Chapters.  They grow when they participate and are given tasks in the Chapter. 

The President's biggest task is to help others grow as a leaders. If she constantly does everything herself, the President is not empowering others. Rather she is sending the message that others need not do anything, she will do it.

The result of this type of "leadership"? Disenfranchised members, members who don't care, members who feel no need to be part of the Chapter, members who stop coming together, and ultimately the demise of the Chapter. 

Some things to keep in mind as a leader:

1. Don’t bury your instincts
2. Define what leadership looks like for you
3. Support other women
4. Give your followers the environment to grow
5. Watch your balance

(From the Skirt Strategies monthly leadership email, 12-2-13)

So, in this holiday season, and as 2013 draws to a close, take the time to reflect on your position in your Chapter.  If you have not served as an officer, ask yourself why not. If you have not served as president or co-president of your Chapter, ask yourself, "What am I waiting for?", if you are called by your nominations committee, be prepared to say yes.  Remember, we are all in this together and we will all help each other.  You are never alone. All you have to do is ask someone to do a task, no matter how small.  But by delegating that task, you are sending the message that the person is important and needed by the Chapter. Guaranteed, if members feel valued and needed by the Chapter, they will continue to come to meetings and your Chapter will be richer and stronger by their participation.

Until next time.....

Judy Kearns

Chi State President, 2013-2015

October 26, 2013

Dear Chi State Members,

Today I was fortunate  to participate in the technology workshop presented by the Chi State Communications/Marketing Committee. What a wonderful job these women did!  The workshop was well organized, informative, and most enjoyable.  The sessions offered were expertly planned and provided so much information.  The venue, National University in Costa Mesa, was perfect as every participant was able to use her own computer in a modern, up-to-date classroom.   Congratulations to Chairman, Janice Michaelson, and her committee members: Bette Caldwell, Stacey Chicoine, Toni Cook, Gale George, Merrily Spaziano, and Edra Young.

Pat Harris, Alpha Upsilon, is delighted to learn about website creation!

Three members of the Communications/Marketing Committee: (L-R) Edra Young, Toni Cook, and Stacey Chicoine.

Participants enjoyed a delicious box lunch organized by Committee Member, Gale George.

This outstanding workshop reminded me of just how fortunate we are to belong to a Society that offers so many benefits. Here in Chi State we are offered opportunities through our Chapters, Areas, and at the State level to grow personally and professionally. As I read Chapter newsletters, I'm continually impressed with the quality of speakers and programs offered to members. 

At the Area level, outstanding speakers provide the chance for attendees to learn from them. For example, at the recent Area VI event, Dr. Jessie Ann Owens, the Dean of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies at UC Davis, presented a scholarly and informative, as well as quite entertaining, talk about the need for the Arts in our lives and the progress of humanities in education. 

At the State level, the Leadership Development Committee will once again be offering their "retreat." This unique opportunity to spend a little time with other members throughout the state will take place on January 25-26, 2014. The theme for this year's retreat is "Peace or Pieces?" and promises to be a special weekend of personal growth. Get the registration form now at the Chi State website.

During the Chi State Convention in May, 2014, there will be workshops and interest sessions provided that will give you opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.  The Early Career Educators Committee is planning a for-credit workshop that will focus on the Common Core Standards.   Whether you are still actively teaching in the classroom or not, this is an important topic in education about which all of us need to be informed.

In addition to these benefits, there are multiple opportunities for members to receive monetary assistance to further their education, travel through Road Scholar trips, or obtain grants for their classrooms or special projects.  

At the International level, scholarships are available for a master's ($6000) or doctorate ($10,000). The Golden Gift Fund offers the Leadership Management Seminar, a very special opportunity to learn more about yourself and grow as an individual and a professional. The Educational Foundation is offering 50,  $1000 awards to fund individual classroom, school, and community projects. Also offered by the Educational Foundation are the Lucile Cornetet Awards. Awards are given to individual educators to assist their participation in professional development opportunities through approved professional development providers such as colleges, universities, and professional organizations other than The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Chi State offers scholarships to members pursuing advanced degrees or continuing education. Members can apply for assistance to obtain a master's ($2000) or a doctorate ($4000). Awards for at least $300 are available for members pursuing a class in continuing education. The LIFE Foundation awards grants to Chapters to support their literacy and learning projects.

Chapters also offer grants and scholarships. Members work very hard to raise the funds needed to provide grants and scholarships. Everything from selling Entertainment Books to garage sales to "non-tea tea parties" are happening all over the state to get the money needed to help others further their education.

In fact, at the state level last year $16,275 was awarded in scholarships; $3000 was awarded from the Penne Ferrell Fund to young educators; the LIFE Foundation granted $15,500 to various Chapters; six applicants received Helene Going Greene Awards for a total of $1200. Isn't this impressive?  Even more impressive is the fact that last year members throughout the Society donated almost $2 million in scholarships and grants-in-aid.

Now my question to all of you is, are we letting others know what great things are available in our Society?  When you talk to a possible member, do you brag about these accomplishments? Do you offer to bring non-members to the workshops offered by Chi State Committees? Do you ask possible members to come to the Chi State Convention?  If the answer to these questions isn't yes, what can you do to make it a resounding YES?!

And there is the benefit of insurance opportunities available by virtue of membership in DKG. Everything from Long Term Care, to Auto, Home, and Renters insurance, to Identity Theft, to Pet Health insurance is open to you as members.  Information is available at the DKG International website.  Check it out.

But perhaps one of the greatest benefits we enjoy as members is the camaraderie and support we experience from each other. When one of us is in need, dozens rally to our support. This sense of fellowship is clear when you attend a Chapter or Area event.  We warn hotels hosting the annual Chi State Convention to be aware of "huggers" arriving at their hotel!

Who can you share these benefits with and invite to membership in our wonderful Society?

Until next time.....

Judy Kearns

Chi State President, 2013-2015

September 24, 2013

Dear Chi State Members,

Yesterday my family and I bid adieu to summer by visiting one of the beaches in Southern California.  We did the traditional roasting of hot dogs and creating smores.  It was a beautiful So Cal afternoon, slight breeze, clear skies, temperature was just right. There were very few people around to enjoy the perfect afternoon. We were some of the lucky ones!

As I relaxed and absorbed my surroundings, I noticed several times that groups of birds would  fly over where we were sitting.  Sometimes there were about 10 birds, other times there were 20 or more. But always they flew in unison, soaring and gliding together. It was really quite interesting to watch them. As they glided, I would see one flap its wings, then another, then another. Then they would all glide together. By benefiting from the upwash of each other, they were able to glide and maintain their height even when not flapping their wings.  When they did flap, it was purposeful--to help each other stay in flight.

Watching these wonders of nature made me think of our Chapters. When all members are "flapping" together, the Chapter can soar and glide, keep its height and achieve great things. When some members don't flap, others lose their momentum and can fall out of line. Everyone needs to do a little to keep the line moving and gliding. One member alone cannot keep all the others in flight and gliding. It is important for the flock (Chapter) that all birds (members) flap with purpose and provide the upwash needed by others to be successful.

As newsletters arrive, I am so excited to read about Chapters who are keeping each other and their communities in flight:

• Zeta Sigma in Area XIII, filled backpacks for needy children and distributed them at local schools.  The children were so excited, the smiles on their faces said it all.
• Delta Epsilon in Area XIV also filled backpacks.  This Chapter filled and distributed 70 backpacks.  Members take the backpacks to their respective schools to give to children in need.
• Zeta Beta in Area III recently had a speaker from the Ronald McDonald House come to their meeting. The Chapter has donated Jared Boxes and food to RM House.  They plan to go and cook a meal for the families staying there in the future.
•  Tau in Area XVII is helping a new teacher in need obtain books for her classroom.
• Beta Delta in Area X reminds members of the reasons they are part of DKG: You are open to change; You want to be empowered; You draw inspiration from others; You have your own sense of style. Wouldn't those reminders make you want to flap your wings and help others glide to excellence?!?
• Epsilon Beta in Area I collects toiletries to give to a local rescue mission or to a women's shelter, appropriately called The Rose. Each meeting each member brings one can of food for a local food bank. This Chapter also fills bags for teachers at a local school.  The bags are filled with goodies for the teachers.  AND each bag is embroidered by member, Karen Kendall, who helps the Chapter spread the word about Delta Kappa Gamma to local teachers.
• Eta in Area XII has decided to adopt a school in Long Beach.  Bret Harte will be the focus of members volunteering and assistance.  What a great way to show non-members what DKG is about, not just tell them or hand them a brochure.
• Beta Phi member Shelly Stewart in Area XIV helped lift her members through an excellent article in their newsletter about the Common Core Standards. She provided great information as well as resources for those who wish to explore more about the CCS.

The members of DKG in Chi State are flying high and flapping their wings with purpose for sure! 

My husband and I are off to New Jersey to help his mother celebrate her 104th birthday.  Amazing, eh? She is a sharp little lady who lifts us all with her love and goodness.

Until next time,

Judy Kearns
Chi State President, 2013-2015