Page 16 - 2022_Magazine_89-2

Viewpoint

Dr. Kammie Some chapters include practices such as penalties for not wearing the pin at
Richter, inducted
as a member of Xi chapter meetings. As a chapter ambassador for my state organization, I have visited
Chapter in Illinois State and seen chapter rules that include such things as small fines for not wearing pins
Organization (ILSO) in to meetings. What if chapters made the DKG logo and paraphernalia a choice
2010, has served as and not a requirement—as they are permitted to do by our governing documents?
chapter treasurer and Although many members do like jewelry and even collect varied DKG pins to
president. She became show events they have attended, all members should not be subject to purchasing
ILSO Executive
Assistant in July 2015 or being pressured to buy jewelry from our organization. A sense of belonging and
and ILSO Editor in friendship is what keeps members coming back—not commitment to a pin.
July 2020. A regular
attendee at every ILSO Possibility #6: Select DKG Society International State Educators of
state convention as the Year.
well as five regional In an effort not only to increase membership but to highlight what present
and international
events, Richter has member educators do, state organization leaders could begin an educator of the
presented numerous year program that could then be highlighted at the international level. Each state
times at all DKG levels. organization would select a working member (minimum 2-year member at the
She will serve on time of application) to be its DKG Society State Educator of the Year. Ideally,
the Bulletin Editorial DKG Society International would oversee the creation of universal criteria by a
Board, 2022-2026. committee so all state organizations would have the same application.
kam93richter@gmail.
com Recipients would be selected at the state organization level by January 31 of
each year. Recipients’ names could be announced each year at state organization
conventions and then included in the program for the international conference
or convention that year or published in the Collegial Exchange. Recognizing
excellent working teachers from each state would be a win-win for educators at all
levels, highlighting what they do in their educational endeavors and increasing our
Society’s acknowledgment of members. Recipients would receive a press release to
share with their area media.
Consider also the possible benefit if a state organization recipient could also
receive a paid registration fee to an international convention or conference as well
as a half-price registration for a colleague from her place of employment. This
would not only highlight the actions of members and give them recognition, but it
would also entice others from their field of work to join them.
Having an educator of the year award across the globe could also provide
opportunities for working educators to share their knowledge with others.
Recipients could be encouraged to submit an abstract of one of their ideas to aid in
the promotion of DKG. From those who do so, perhaps 10 of the DKG Educators
of the Year could conduct a workshop to be recorded and available online for those
who need it (as mentioned in Possibility #2).

Possibility #7: Partner with Other Organizations Worldwide for
Purposeful Educational Connections in an Effort to Cross-Market.

What if our organization met or collaborated with other organizations
worldwide that have similar missions and visions promoting women educators?
To survive another 100 years, we could consider purposefully stretching ourselves
to recognize similar educational organizations and partner with them. We must
not remain a stand-alone organization when we could partner with others in
meaningful ways for strength in numbers and to strengthen educational outcomes.

14 · Volume 89-2