July 23, 2013

Dear Chi State Members,

I just returned from the Southwest Regional Conference in Branson, Missouri.  What a privilege it was to represent you at this event. It was well organized and offered great speakers and opportunities for personal and professional growth.  Chi State's own Heidi Chadwick, 2003-2005 Chi State President, had a wonderful team who presented a flawless Conference.  If you haven't attended a Regional Conference, make plans now to attend the 2015 one in Witchita, Kansas. 

Prior to the beginning of the conference, Executive Secretary, Sue Noyes (Iota Sigma, Area II) and myself attended two and a half days of training.  It was an incredible experience to meet the other presidents from the Region.  There were 22 presidents and nine (9) Executive Secretaries in the training. The International Leadership Development Committee and staff from Society headquarters presented interesting and enriching sessions.  The time spent was very worthwhile. Networking with the other presidents gave me a new cadre of friends who will provide  assistance to Chi State as we move forward.

Presidents of the Southwest Region

One of our training sessions focused on the surge of social media in our world and what it means to us as an organization.  Dr. Linda Eller, Communications Services Administrator, presented an interesting You Tube about social media.  I've included a link to the You Tube video she shared so you can watch it for yourself:

 

Some of the facts presented are amazing! Think about how you can use this information as you work to include members of different generations.  You might also think of how to use the data to attract potential members who communicate in a manner that differs from the traditional.

We are so blessed in our Region to have so many of the Latin American countries and Japan as part of us.  Meeting these outstanding women educators from other states and countries was so invigorating.  I was once again humbled to realize I am a part of the same Society as they.  What an honor! The ladies from Japan enriched us by demonstrating how to dress someone in a kimono.  Dr. Beverly Helms, International President, was selected to be the model.  What a process that is!

And we were entertained by members from Guatemala and Jalisco as they performed dances specific to their country and culture.

All of we presidents agreed that membership will be a major focus of our biennium. Our Society has so much to offer, we want to get the word out and help others to discover the richness of DKG.  Have you in your Chapters discussed how you can reach out to others and share our Mission and Vision?  Please join me in taking a look at our membership and finding ways to increase it so the joy that is membership in Delta Kappa Gamma can be passed onto others.

Until next time...

Judy Kearns
Chi State President, 2013-2015