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photos, in our chapter newsletter. We can do the same thing with continuing members. A newsletter can be
short, just a page or two, and a personal page introducing members is delightful to create and fun to read!
Second, we need to serve as an ongoing mentor to anyone we recommend for membership. We need to
check in with the new member about attending the next meeting, offer her a ride to the meetings or meet
her at the meeting room door, introduce her to others, answer her questions, and encourage her to attend
the fellowship times that happen beyond chapter meetings, such as lunches at local restaurants and field
trips in the community. In truth, though, we must not leave engaging a new member in fellowship solely up
to the member who recommended her. Instead, we all must serve as mentors who purposefully welcome
new members, go out of our way to talk with them, and make them feel they belong in our chapter.
Third, we need to include time for a receiving line after every induction ceremony. Every continuing
member will go through the line and welcome each new member—with a smile, name, and congratulations.
The new members being greeted will not remember all the names and faces, but they will remember how
welcomed they felt, and they will look forward to the next opportunity for more fellowship!

Summary
Recruiting members is vital to all chapters. However, it is important that we not only recruit members
but also retain those members—and fellowship is key!
DKG has experienced many changes
since its founding in 1929, yet some things
have remained the same. Our Founders
were right about Purpose #1: Fellowship
is central to DKG. “To unite women
educators of the world in a genuine
spiritual fellowship” means to provide
opportunities to connect and enjoy time
with each other.

Marylin Nease, a 40-year member of Delta Omicron Chapter in Texas State Organization (TSO), has served in most chapter offices (all but treasurer)
and committees. A regular attendee and frequent presenter at state organization and international conventions and conferences, she has served as
area coordinator and on many TSO committees. Her service was recognized by the TSO Achievement Award in 2022. With a bachelor’s degree in English
from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Methodist University, Nease has been published
numerous times (essays, poems, drama) in the online DKG Art Gallery and is retired after 41 years of teaching Grades 7-12, English, Literary Arts
Magazine, and Creative Writing in Dallas ISD and Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. marylinnease4@gmail.com

Collegial Exchange · 17