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Educational Excellence

committees have members appointed by the international president. These appointed
committees fall under two broad headings: Society Business and Society Mission and
Purposes. The purposes of each committee are defined in the Constitution of DKG.
Conferences and conventions offered at the international level highlight the work of
these committees and can serve to attract potential members.
Time and time again, members have provided testimony as to the tremendous
benefits of committee work. Whether it be at the chapter, state organization, or
international level, these benefits increase one’s leadership skills. A member does
not need to assume a position as an officer to learn and grow as a leader. Essential
work of the Society takes place in the varied committees.
In no particular order but of equal value are the following benefits of committee
work:
• Gain knowledge and insight into the inner workings of the Society at the
chapter, state organization, and/or international levels.
• Meet and collaborate with remarkable women all working toward the same
purposes.
• Have the opportunity to complete a concrete task(s) in a specified amount of
time—and the resulting satisfaction for a job well done.
• Have the opportunity to contribute to the needs of your community, country,
and world.
• Travel to visit parts of our globe that you otherwise never would have heard of
or planned to visit.
• Enjoy opportunities for top-notch leadership training that not only benefits your
work in DKG but also in your educational roles and personal life.

Programs as Leadership Opportunities
Members in DKG possess an amazing array of skills. Successful chapters take
these skills into consideration when planning for programs that interest members.
Chapters that tap into their members’ talents and expertise increase the leadership
skills of those members. The skills of preparing, gathering materials and resources,
delivering the program, and evaluating its outcome all contribute to experiences
that enhance leadership.
Members also possess connections that allow them to contact individuals in
their communities to add to the slate of programs for the year. Again, the efforts
expended in this work add to one’s leadership resumé.
Ever thought about how membership, leadership, and programs are linked?
Each is dependent on the other for creating successful chapters. One member
describes her take on this connection as follows:
Programs and membership are the “chicken and the egg” conundrum—
which comes first? With a great program, members may [still] not come.
But even the best program needs members to attend … They have to be
planned hand-in-hand. And that planning of vital programs that will attract
and maintain membership is where leadership can be developed and nurtured.
Asking members to develop programs, invite speakers, arrange activities, and
expand interests are great ways to get folks involved. Support their efforts
with positive encouragement and concrete tasks. Then build and build....

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