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Features

do just that, in part
by proposing 122
amendments to our
governing documents at
the 2018 International
Convention in Austin,
Texas! How fitting that
this major push to renew
the organization by
revisiting and simplifying
was set to occur in its city Be progressive. Keep up with the moving world while not discarding what in
of origin. Annie Webb the old has value. But, don’t cling to the old when its worth has passed.
Blanton’s words (Figure Don’t be a person so set in your views that nothing can change you.
2) seemed to affirm this -Annie Webb Blanton
bold direction—and have
become highlighted many Figure 2
times in recent years:
Although some Blanton’s Inspirational Words
were skeptical about members’ ability to process 122 amendments at a convention,
careful preparation (and electronic voting) carried the day: The task was completed,
major strides were made… and the stage was set for further meaningful change.
Ironically, one of the key amendments that passed in 2018 and that set the stage
for the Society’s agility was one permitting amendment of the Constitution every
2 years rather than every 4 years. Two years later, as the opportunity to realize the
benefits of this change approached, members submitted yet another 105 proposed
amendments (PAs)—only to have COVID-19 force a virtual 2020 event that could
not include this important business item. As the impact of the pandemic rocketed
through every facet of professional and personal lives, members reinvented their DKG
experiences “on the go”—developing new skills in technology and finding ways to
continue the personal and professional growth and genuine spiritual fellowship that are
the hallmarks of the Society. And so, as the opportunity to solidify changes through
amendment of the governing documents approached again in 2022, they revisited
those 105 ideas from 2020, revised or withdrew some as needed, and added new
ones to capture and ensure changes already underway. The result was 120 PAs to be
considered at the 2022 International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, and
here we suggest some of the key concerns and points embodied in those proposals.

The Devil is in the Details…
and the Details Belong in GAAP

A number of PAs discuss eliminating unnecessary details from the governing
documents in order to ensure that the Constitution and International Standing
Rules provide the foundation upon which our organization operates—not an overly
specific and cumbersome compilation of restrictive rules and how-to’s. Members
accordingly may ask: If items are being deleted from the Constitution, where will
they be housed?…and the answer is: They will be placed in the Society’s Guidelines

8 · Volume 88-4