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