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DKG Practice/Program

their day from emails and social media experience numerous health benefits. Chapters could also
have contests such as Illinois State Organization’s very successful 2020 Walking Challenge and
Sip and Sugar Challenge. While programs can build awareness, contests provide action.

Promoting Wellness through Connections with Individual Members

Hughes et al. (2021) reported research supporting the idea that one of the most powerful stress reducers
is positive social connectedness. DKG members throughout the world share incredible positive social
connections—a benefit of being a member of our Society. When we create a strong sense of belonging by
socially connecting with each member and recognizing and including everyone, we learn and utilize each
member’s strengths and make connections to build on those strengths.
In addition to meetings, social events can include the main goals of having fun and strengthening
connections. Humor and laughter are great stress relievers! Start meetings with a “getting acquainted”
activity, and plan programs that address members’ needs and interests. Provide hybrid meetings where all
members can participate.
At chapter meetings, we can spotlight professionally active teachers by inviting them to share their
classroom experiences and recognizing these educators for their accomplishments. Our retired members
can reflect on their professional lives and provide another aspect of being educators. Consider recognizing
members with chapter-level Woman of Achievement, Longevity, and/or Lifetime Service Awards.
Organize appreciation fundraisers to provide current educators with needed supplies or gift cards and
provide retired members with care packages that include a gift card or a pack of greeting cards.

Promoting Wellness through Art, Movement, and Play

One of the panel members reflected on becoming quickly aware that scheduling arts education on
Monday mornings was critical to her students’ wellness even as it also reduced anxiety. What if we started
each DKG meeting with a short creative arts activity to put people at ease? It could be something such
as making a collage about themselves out of magazine images. Combining art and play when opening a
chapter meeting is fun for everyone.
We might also host yoga sessions for our members so they can teach the practice to their students and
use it personally. Yoga is a wonderful relaxation, concentration, and balance activity. Yoga can be done
from a chair and is calming and non-threatening. Movement/yoga is another option for starting a chapter
meeting.
The panelists reminded educators in attendance of the value of play, which comes naturally to children.
Let’s ask ourselves, “Did I take time to play today?”

Moving Forward
The panel provided awareness and action steps that can promote wellness in our chapters, wellness
through connections, and wellness through art, movement, and play. The question remains: How will we
do our part in building awareness and taking action to promote the well-being of all our members?
Debbie Pajula stated, “DKG mental wellness support—in tandem with members actively advocating
for U.S. and state educational legislation and for local school policies and board decisions— is how we
can help to improve our educational system!” In the fall of 2023, the Global Transformation Project is
preparing to propose a resolution to the United Nations requesting Science-Based Mind Body Education
for Public Education worldwide (non-mandatory) in Member and Observer States. The full resolution is
available, including pages of science-based research references, at https://globaltransformationproject.
org/. We urge members to consider supporting this initiative at the local level by incorporating some of
the ideas in this project.
Can we each take one mental wellness action step today?

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