August 12, 2014

Dear Chi State Members,

It has been awhile since I posted to this blog.  In that time I have traveled to New Jersey, Canada, Michigan, Kentucky, and Indiana.  My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in July.  We actually were in Michigan at the time because my brother and his wife were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  All three of our children were there with us, two of whom traveled from Washington, D.C., and one from California, for the occasion.  It was a happy and memorable family time.

My time in Indiana was spent enjoying the benefits of Delta Kappa Gamma.  First I attended the Seminar in Purposeful Living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  This event is sponsored by the International Educational Foundation.  It is a time when members can just relax and enjoy the area, learning more about the state where the convention will be held.

There were eight of us from California enjoying the beauty of rural Indiana. One of the days we were there we had a delicious lunch at an Amish restaurant. Another day we learned from a artist who is fascinated by the many barns in Indiana.  She is on a mission to paint two barns from every county in Indiana (there are 92 counties!). Then she wants to paint two barns from every state in the United States.  She has started a barn preservation group who are trying to make people aware of the role barns have played in our history.

Then it was on to Indianapolis for the 2014 International Convention. What an outstanding event!  The ladies of Indiana did a great job facilitating the convention.  The business meetings were organized and well run by Dr. Beverly Helms. Some of the debates were most interesting.  Parliamentary procedure kept things rolling along in an orderly manner.

Workshop sessions were varied and excellent.  Chi State members who attended came home with lots of ideas. DKG members from Norway, Laila Ayke and Ingrid Christiansen,were some of the guests at the Chi State Event held on Wednesday, July 30.

The highlight of any International Convention is the installation of the new officers.  Dr. Lyn Babb Schmid, from Pennsylvania, will lead the Society during the 2014-2016 biennium. She has chosen as her theme: "85 Years and Beyond: Advancing Key Women Educators for Life." She urges us to help women advance their skills and build their leadership. Thus they will be enabled to help themselves and their schools move forward.

Until next time,

Judy Kearns
Chi State President, 2013-2015

July 5, 2014

Dear Chi State Members,

It has been awhile since I posted and I apologize.  As many of you will most likely agree, I don't know where the time goes!

Right now I am getting ready to leave on a trip with my husband and then head to Indiana for the DKG 2014 International Convention. I always look forward to gatherings of our Society because it provides an opportunity to participate in a gathering of true professionals.  The idea of professionalism is what sets Delta Kappa Gamma apart from other organizations. We are not a "club"-----we are a society of professional educators.

This is the time of year when Chapters are planning programs for next year. I would urge you to take this chance to provide some professional growth opportunities for your members. By doing so you are also providing a chance to promote the Society to non-members. If you can get a speaker or a working teacher who is an expert in a field, invite non-members and let them see DKG in action. You might consider combining with another Chapter for such a program.

What's that you say?  Many of your members are retired and not actively in the classroom?  I would offer that a true professional never really retires. She still cares deeply about education and is interested in what is happening. 

The key is to have a balance in your Chapter--professional opportunities and project opportunities. Too much of either does not present your members the variety they seek in an organization. 

Another hallmark of being a professional is to recognize the support others provide you.  An outstanding example of this is Epsilon Pi Chapter in Area I.  Each year this Chapter holds an annual brunch to which they invite representatives from professions that enhance the lives of children.  This year they chose to invite the Custodians and Maintenance workers from schools around Humboldt County. What a wonderful recognition of those who we all know we cannot do without!!  Every classroom teacher recognizes how important the custodians and maintenance workers are.  These are the vital individuals who keep our classrooms safe and clean for all of us, students and teachers alike.

 

I applaud Epsilon Pi for this recognition of these critical school employees. Not only do they keep our classrooms running smoothly so we can do what we do best, teach, they also provide powerful role models for our students. They take the time to make children feel cared for and special.   

Recently your Chi State Leadership Team gathered for their summer planning session.  Leaders from throughout the state met to plan and also receive training in all things DKG.  The Leadership Development Committee provided modules which members of the Leadership Team will be bringing to your Chapter.  All you have to do is let your Area Director know you

 

would like them to come to your Chapter and they will be there!

Also during the Summer Leadership Planning Session, the entire Leadership Team participated in a recommitment ceremony. This re-dedication to the Purposes, Mission, and Vision of Delta Kappa Gamma is a very powerful thing.  This is something I think all Chapters should do at the beginning of each new biennium.  Too often we forget why we joined and this is a lovely reminder of why we chose this professional organization.

Until next time,

Judy Kearns

Chi State President, 2013-2015

May 28, 2014

Dear Chi State Members,

I have gotten way behind in adding to this blog!  So much has happened since I last wrote an entry. I've been able to visit Chapters and Areas and partake in the fellowship of members throughout the State. What a joy it is to meet our members and learn from them!

Perhaps the biggest happening since my last entry was the outstanding Chi State Convention at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara. Every year I think the convention can't get better---but it does!  The local arrangements committee, chaired by Janice Allen of Alpha Kappa Chapter, did an incredible job.  Everything was seamless due to their fantastic organization.  What a team!

General Session I, on Friday evening, began with a panel of young DKG members sharing their views of balancing teaching, home, and membership.Their thoughts and insights were  inspirational. Be sure to go to the Chi State website and view the video of these outstanding women educators. The video would make a great Chapter program.

Young DKG Panel at the 2014 Chi State Convention.

The THAT check!!

General Session II, the annual business meeting, gave members a chance to participate in Chi State business. Members of the Executive Board (Chapter Presidents, elected officers, Past Chi State Presidents) voted on several issues affecting the business of Chi State.  All members present voted on changes in the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the State. At the end of the meeting, the convention heard from Dr. Marine Avagyan, Chairman of the Early Career Educators Committee.  The committee shared a "check" that shows the monetary equivalent of the THAT hours donated by our members throughout California.  DKG members have saved the State of California almost $2 1/2 million by the hours they have donated to help other teachers!

Members participate in the business of Chi State

 

Treasurer, Marylu Mesa, gives her report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During General Session III, we heard from the 2012 National Teacher of the Year, Rebecca Mieliwocki.  What an inspiration she was! Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious!  What a wonderful model she is for all teachers.

We also honored Chapters who are celebrating significant anniversaries as well acknowledging this year's scholarship recipients who are working on advanced degrees.

Alpha Delta members celebrate 75 years as a Chapter!

General Session IV was the traditional banquet. This is traditionally a time when convention attendees "put on their finest" and enjoy an evening of entertainment and honoring individuals.  This year the entertainment was provided by the Alum Rock Middle School jazz band. What an incredible group of talented young people they were! For the first time in many years, Chi State initiated an honorary member, Assembly Member Joan Buchanan of the 16th District.  Joan is a true friend to education--she thinks like a teacher and supports education whenever and however she can. Finally the evening saw the recognition of members who received Chi State Distinguished Service Awards. Marlene Daniels, Eta Chapter, Area XII, received the Outstanding Service to Chi State Award and Marie Medford, Tau Chapter, Area XVII, received the Outstanding Public Service Award.

Alum Rock Middle School jazz band

Initiation of Assembly Member, Joan Buchanan

Distinguished Service to Chi State recipient, Marlene Daniels, with Chi State President, Judy Kearns (r) and Assembly Member, Joan Buchanan (l)

Assembly Member Buchanan presents Distinguished Public Service recipient, Marie Medford, with a special recognition from the California Assembly.

The Convention concluded on Sunday, May 4, with the traditional and moving Celebration of Life ceremony. This is a time to remember those members who have passed away during the last year.  The Membership Committee did a lovely job facilitating the ceremony.

The white roses from each Area remember those sisters who died this past year.

Kathy Bauer was the speaker at General Session V, the breakfast on Sunday morning.  She encouraged us to destress our lives with humor and a positive outlook. The convention ended with the traditional singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma song.  It was a wonderful celebration of membership and camaraderie!

Speaker, Kathy Bauer, urges us to inject humor into our lives!

Chi State President, Judy Kearns (l), and Chi State First Vice President, Julie Drysdale (r)

Members enjoy breakfast while listening to the Chi State choir.

Janice Allen, 2014 Convention Chairman, receives a well deserved standing ovation for her hard work.

Linda Guelfo, 2015 Chi State Convention Chairman, invites all to the San Francisco Airport Hyatt for next year's convention with the theme---Communicate, Collaborate, Celebrate!!

 Plan now to be a part of the next Chi State Convention!  You won't be disappointed!!

Until next time,

Judy Kearns,
Chi State President, 2013-2015
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 2, 2014

Dear Chi State Members,

It has been a busy time in our Areas.  Several have held Area Conferences or Founder's Day celebrations. It is just so very interesting and inspiring to travel around the state and visit the various Area events. I wish I could get to each one but since several are scheduled on the same date, that becomes impossible.  But here are some highlights from the ones I have been able to visit.

Area XIII held their Area Conference in February.  Traditionally theirs is held the first Saturday in February and this year it was a lovely, bright day. The Chapters did an outstanding job creating a welcoming feeling at Kellogg West on the Cal Poly Pomona campus. The speaker, author Lian Dolan, was entertaining and interesting. Outstanding members from each Chapter were honored and received a certificate from myself and Second Vice President, Janis Barr.

Presenting certificates

Author, Lian Dolan

Then on February 8, Area XI hosted an outstanding event in Culver City. Those of us in attendance got to hear from another author, Lisa See.  I was fortunate enough to be seated with her. What a fascinating woman she is!

March 1 was the date for the Area VIII conference in Buellton.  In spite of the horrible weather, blowing wind and rain, the Chapters of Area VIII provided an entertaining and outstanding conference.  Their speaker was the creator of Camp Hapitok, a specialized camp for children with speech disorders, in the San Luis Opisbo School District.  

Many members of the Chi State Leadership Team were there in spite of the weather!

Area XV had a beautiful, sunny (but very windy!) day for their Founder's Day. The Chi State Store greeted everyone at the entrance and was colorful and beautifully organized. The Iota Xi Singers entertained us with a wonderful program that delighted us and at the same time reminded us about the remarkable women who founded Delta Kappa Gamma. Each Chapter in the Area did an outstanding job with their individual responsibilities. 

 

Then it was onto Area IV on March 15.  The entire Executive Committee was able to attend this unique conference as we were meeting that weekend close by where the conference was being held.  The San Jose Art Museum was the venue for this event. Students from the College of Adaptive Arts entertained us and were inspiring as well as talented.

Outstanding service to the Area Awardees

Students from the College for the Adaptive Arts

The final conference I was able to attend for this "season" was the Area IX Spring Festival in Granada Hills.  Erin  Runnion, of The Joyful Child Foundation, gave a sobering talk about crimes against children and child safety. Outstanding members from each of the Area IX Chapters were honored as well as 50 year members and 100 year old member, Helen von Seggern! Great way to swing into Spring!!

Outstanding Area IX Members

Helen von Seggern, a 100 year old member still going strong!

Going to an Area event is such a wonderful way to learn about DKG outside of your Chapter.  You will be awed by the women you meet.  I know I am always humbled when I meet these outstanding women and realize I am privileged to belong to the same organization they do!  How blessed we are.

Until next time...

Judy Kearns
California State Organization President, 2013-2015

 

 

February 19, 2014

Dear Chi State Members,

It's been awhile since I posted to this blog. Much has been happening in Chi State during this time!  At the end of January, the Chi State Leadership Development Committee facilitated the annual Leadership Retreat. The whole event focused on putting "peace" in our lives or letting it go to "pieces." Those in attendance heard from two outstanding speakers: Juliette Marsh Williams and Ellen Contente. Both spoke to us about the need to keep balance in our lives. The Committee provided a great variety of activities including Zumba!

The Leadership Development Committee with speakers, Julie Marsh Williams and Ellen Contente.

Attendees work together to assemble the pieces!

Lunch was served under a sunny sky!

Then at the beginning of February, I was delighted to attend the Area XIII conference and then the Area XI conference. Both were well attended and provided those in attendance an opportunity to hear outstanding authors (Lisa See and Lian Dolan) as speakers.  If you haven't attended an Area event, plan to do so. Going to one of these helps you to get a sense of the larger world outside of your Chapter.

I've been receiving the biennial reports from Chapter Presidents. It has been most interesting reading all that is happening across Chi State. In answer to the question,  "Does your Chapter support a project for early-career educators?" Some of the answers included:

• New teacher "goodie" bags
• Helped a first year teacher set up her classroom
• Honor second year BTSA teachers
• Selected a new teacher for mentoring. The classroom had no books or supplies. The Chapter donated four boxes of books, purchased classroom supplies, tracked down missing curricula, cooked a meal for her family, and presented her at a Chapter meeting.
•  A "membership" meeting as an orientation to our Chapter.  Attendees received a $50 check for classroom supplies for attending the meeting.  One person joined the Chapter that night!

In response to how they are strengthening their Chapter, presidents answered:

• Valuing each member
• Providing interesting meetings
• Using "Sister" members; pair up a new member with a seasoned member
• Personally call members who did not attend a meeting
• Retired members provide a potluck dinner for working members
• Validating accomplishments
• Making each committee responsible for one meeting

The final question on the report asked what made the president the most proud of the Chapter and its members.  Overwhelmingly the presidents reported they are proud of the caring and support their members provide for each other. Oh, so very true!

Until next time...

Judy Kearns
Chi State President, 2013-2015

January 6, 2014

Dear Chi State Members,

It sounds trite, I know, but can you believe 2014 is already upon us? As I write this, the date is January 6. Some religions recognize this date as the Epiphany and celebrate it as Little Christmas or just Christmas. Interesting that the word for the day has taken root in the English language to mean a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way. I'm sure all of us have had an epiphany at one time or another in our lives.

I was doing some cleaning out of some papers and came across notes from past leadership opportunities.  Perhaps if I share those notes, you might have an epiphany about leadership and how it applies to you.

John Brock, Chairman and CEO of Coca Cola spoke at the 2010 International Convention in Spokane, Washington.  Some of the things I gleaned from him include:

• "Leadership in a global society means to work hard but smart.  Always have a vision; change it as you go but never lose the underlying values."
• "There are differences between leaders and managers; leaders are the one who make the difference
• Managers do things right; Leaders do the right thing
• Managers are interested in efficiency; Leaders are interested in effectiveness
• Managers like status quo; Leaders like to shape the future
• Managers like structures; Leaders like philosophy, core values
• Managers ask how and when; Leaders ask what, why
• Managers communicate as needed; Leaders communicate frequently."
• "Leaders must articulate their vision consistently."
• "Leaders listen actively; ask questions."
• "Leaders encourage, reward positive behavior."

How do you see yourself in relation to Mr. Brock's perception of leadership?

Another speaker at that same convention was Amanda Gore.  This little powerhouse kept the attendees on the edge of their seats throughout her presentation.  Some of her thoughts include:

• "Everything always depends on the way things are done; not so much what you do but the spirit in which you do it."
• "The three things needed for leadership: Know yourself; Manage yourself; Manage relationships."
• "A leader's job is to create an environment which allows others to be the best they can be."
• "Our perceptions control our beliefs. Your perceptions control  your joy levels."
• "Leadership is about feelings."
• "Instead of asking did you have a good day? Ask "What's the best thing that happened to you today?"
• "The number one thing people want is acknowledgement and recognition."
• "Don't be an energy sucker; be an energy giver."
• "A "foofer" blows out other people's pilot lights. Don't be a foofer, be a spirit igniter."

 As a leader do you do things in a positive, encouraging manner?  Do you allow others to feel the satisfaction of a job well done? Or are you a "foofer" and don't encourage others to lead?

Do any of the things from Mr. Brock or Ms. Gore give you an epiphany about your leadership?

There is no better environment for you to practice leadership than in your Chapter.  The Chapter provides a supportive and caring cocoon for each of us.  It is where we can make an agenda for a meeting that doesn't work but everyone will applaud you for trying not "knock" you for not succeeding. It is where we can sit and talk to our members not stand and look at a sea of faces that might intimidate if you don't like public speaking. It is where you can generate a discussion and let other members shine not take on the whole responsibility yourself. 

Be a leader for your Chapter. There are plenty of people to help you, guide you, support you, and pick you up! Ignite the positive spirit within you and share it with others. Don't be a "foofer" if asked to take a position in your Chapter.  Rather take a deep breath and answer with a resounding YES!!

Until next time.....

Judy Kearns
Chi State President, 2013-2015

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