Page 26 - 2021-Mag-88-2

Personal Reflection/Anecdote

the Society. Yes! We are servant leaders. We accept challenges of ways to lead and
serve at all three levels of the Society.
As we move through the DKG house on the three levels, we find others
who are very similar to us—“leading women educators impacting education
worldwide.” We need to take the initiative to explore the next level—maybe even
with other members of our chapter—by attending a state organization convention,
conference, or retreat. There we will discover that we have much in common with
DKG members across our state; similar concerns and interests will unite us.
Now, it is time to discover the third level. Just as we encounter “genuine
spiritual fellowship” and a warm welcome at the first two levels, nothing less
awaits us at the international level. All DKG members desire personal and
professional growth opportunities. Our languages and customs may differ, but
as we learn about each other, we find our lives enriched. We may even choose to
adopt and adapt some cultural pieces for ourselves.
Why are we in this house? Because we are all leaders. At all levels, our
colleagues inform us of enriching activities and offer support as we consider the
risk in accepting a new challenge of leadership as volunteers on committees or as
applicants for elected positions. We are lifelong learners. Each position offers us
new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Just a few weeks ago, members volunteered their names or those of fellow
members for the elected positions at the international level. The elections will
occur at the 2022 international convention where the state presidents will vote for
the next administrative board members.
If you determined that you are not ready to take that step, please review the
list of committees that serve at the international level, evaluate your talents and
interests, and commit to offering your name to the president who is elected next
July as she invites members to fill those international committee appointments.
In just a few months, chapters will seek nominees for their slates of officers.
Evaluate your talents and interests and offer your name for a leadership position at
the chapter level. Again, there are numerous committee positions to be filled, too.
Become a servant leader.
In 2 years, state organizations will solicit applicants to stand for the elected
positions at that level. Volunteer to be a voice for the future in your state
organization.
In a recent edition of the DKG NEWS, this house was called our Leadership
House. Great name! Each member is a leader; each is a servant leader in DKG. As
a member of the DKG house and family, consider moving throughout the structure
to meet fellow educators and accept roles to enhance the activities of another level.
Personal and professional growth occur on all “floors” of DKG and beyond.

Dr. Phyllis E. VanBuren, professor emerita at St. Cloud State University and member of Eta Chapter in Minnesota
State Organization, served as chapter and state organization president, Northwest Regional Director, and on numerous
committees at all three levels of DKG. Most recently she served on the Educators Book Award Committee and was
elected to the International Nominations Committee. VanBuren also attended the DKG Leadership Management
Seminar and has shared photos and writings in the DKG Arts and Humanities Gallery. pevanburen@stcloudstate.edu

24 · Volume 88-2