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DKG Practice/Program

What could others learn from having a virtual book discussion?

Marti Daily: I would hope that one good thing that has come from surviving
this pandemic is that there is a place for virtual gatherings in our world. Who
would have thought, 2 years ago, that it would even be possible to get ordinary
“ It reminded me that, as couple of other platforms, but being
people together using technology? Yes, I’d heard of Skype and Facetime and a

forced to use Zoom, or Google Meet,
members and leaders, we
or Facebook Messenger was the jump
start I needed to feel comfortable
need to listen and coach
”
the Philadelphia convention virtually
more and tell less. with the idea. Being able to “attend”
was an eye-opener. THANKS to the
international leaders for making it
possible!
Glenda Ferguson: For me, as I read a how-to book, I learn new practices and
try to apply the better methods. Sometimes that goes great for several attempts.
However, when I face a failed attempt, I question whether the new way is worth
all the extra effort. Discussing with others by reviewing my actions gets me back
on course. Our two group sessions were weeks apart, so we had opportunities
to follow through with one another. The virtual sessions meant no geographical
boundaries and no travel time.
Bonnie Moore: You grow as a learner and find deeper and richer meaning in
what you read. You also can increase your application of what you read because
you expand your own thinking and efforts to use what you read. When you discuss
a book, article, podcast, or other medium of content, you also spur others’ thinking
and help them grow in multiple directions. The format and content are not as
important as actually doing the study and being consistent in your schedule to share
and discuss. Learning from each other is key, so don’t miss the opportunity to learn
and grow as an individual, as a leader, and as a member of the DKG community.
Judith Neilan: Book discussion groups allow the participants to express their
reactions to the books beyond a like or dislike response. It is important, though, to
have a leader or facilitator who guides the group. In the discussion group for The
Coaching Habit, our opinions were valued, and I felt we could freely express our
thoughts even when our thoughts might not agree with someone else’s. It was a
learning opportunity because someone else might have interpreted a passage in the
book differently than I did. We also learned how others planned to use the material
we discussed for future purposes, offering perspectives we may not have considered.

Marti Daily is a retired elementary teacher and part-time instructional assistant for the local high school library.
She has been president, co-president, and treasurer for Omega Chapter in Indiana State Organization. At the state
organization level, she has been webmaster and is currently editor for The Hoosier Newsette. m-daily@comcast.net
Glenda Ferguson is a member and co-president of Omicron Chapter in Indiana State Organization. tgferguson@
frontier.com
Bonnie Moore is a member of Eta Delta Chapter in Texas State Organization, where she is first vice president. Moore is
also a DKG International Speaker. bonniedkgtso@gmail.com
Judith Neilan is a member and parliamentarian of Gamma Mu Chapter in Indiana State Organization and serves on the
Indiana State Organization communications committee. neilanj47@gmail.com

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