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DKG members. Because of that, I was able to attend the international conference
in San Antonio [2021] and speak to members about chartering a new chapter. That
incredible experience led to being invited to DKGNext, a think-tank experience
where we shared ideas regarding the future of DKG. That led to being asked to
write an article about the think-tank experience, which made me a published author
in the CA Connection [state organization newsletter] AND now the DKG Bulletin:
Collegial Exchange! These have all been wonderful opportunities providing
personal growth, confidence, and success. I applied for and received a scholarship
to pursue my administrative credential, AND here I am, in front of y’all,
conquering my fear of public speaking! It has definitely been a series of great wins
for me, and I am extremely grateful to have blindly followed those two colleagues
who recommended I give DKG a try.

Contributions in DKG: Tina Wolfe, Louisiana State Organization

To contribute is to have a share in something, to give in order to help achieve or
bring something about. We contribute our time, money, and wisdom to DKG every
time we meet together.
You may wonder, “How can I contribute to DKG?” Start by sharing the
gifts and talents you have as an educator. Remember there’s value in all of us.
Interview a seasoned member of your chapter to learn her oral history as an
educator. Encourage your chapter to donate to DKGIEF, which includes funds
such as Golden Gift, World Fellowship, and the Emergency Fund. Plan programs
and projects that inspire your chapter to help your local community. Apply for
scholarships, grants, and aids available through DKG. And finally, volunteer to
serve at a chapter, state organization, or international level.
Although I still consider myself fairly new to DKG, I have had the privilege of
leading ceremonies as second vice president in my chapter, where I learned much
about our Founders and how their contributions make us who we are today. I have
also served on numerous state organization committees and am currently serving
as first vice president. I am looking forward to what the future holds. This desire
to contribute recently led me to apply for and accept the position of editor for our
state newsletter, The Louisiana Delton. Be sure to smile when you see my camera!
We put in so much when we contribute to DKG, but remember—we get so
much more out of it. In closing, I encourage you to ask yourself, “How can I use
my talents to move DKG forward?”

Impact in DKG: Leslie Valentincic, Texas State Organization

The definition of "impact" is to have a strong effect on someone or something.
As educators, we make an impact daily. Sometimes our impact is small and, at
other times, life-changing for a student and his or her family.
In Delta Kappa Gamma, the impact we make can be felt in a variety of ways.
Yesterday, Tina mentioned the importance of contributing to Delta Kappa Gamma
at the state organization and international levels. She mentioned the Delta Kappa
Gamma International Educators Fund (DKGIEF), which assists members with
programs like the Emergency Fund and supports children and teachers globally
with Schools for Africa.

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