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
