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Features

Maryland
Problem of practice: State organization lacks new, younger members.
Root causes:
1) Older members are moving and dying.
2) Current members don’t have access to new, younger teachers or college graduates.
3) DKG has no visibility in the community as a women’s educational society.
Theory of action: If we increase visibility, we will recruit new members.
Action steps:
• Contact administrators and get permission to contact teachers.
• Work with college methods teachers to schedule presentations in university classes.
• Current Maryland State Organization members go out to schools to share info and recruit.
This plan aligns with the Avenue M recommendation: Establish partnerships with higher-ed education
departments (e.g., guest lectures, workshops, joint projects with students and young educators). This can
showcase the benefits of membership, help students develop personal relationships at DKG, and introduce
the Society to potential younger members (p. 26). The examples of how to connect with higher-ed education
departments may give leaders new ideas for university partnerships.

Following Up
A virtual follow-up with various state organizations 6 months after the SOLT sessions found that all agreed
a graphical representation of their plan for the biennium—including resources, activities, deliverables, and
goals—was helpful; however, some expressed difficulties in sharing the plan with all stakeholders within
the state. Where this is an issue within a state organization, the team should come together to review the
developed model, including the establishment of a communication plan. Communication with members
is a big role in project implementation. Communication through the execution phase can be achieved
through regular meetings or detailed progress summaries. Leaders should consider regular methods of
communication and how the plan might be shared across multiple platforms.
The Logic Model offers a valuable framework to explore and address issues at every level of the
Society. Project success includes monitoring of progress developed in the plan as well as identifying any
issues that arise during execution of the plan. Referring to the plan often and examining data and results
drives further action and informs leaders of what is working and what needs to be changed. The logic
model template can be found on dkg.org > Leadership Discovery Centre > resources.

*View the Full Avenue M Report with Administrative Board Plan for Distribution at
dkg.org > Publications/Documents > Avenue M Report.

Dr. Debbie LeBlanc serves DKG as International President 2022–2024. She has been a member of Beta Phi Chapter of Illinois State
Organization (ILSO) since 1999 and has served in a variety of roles at the chapter, state organization, and international levels. She was
the ILSO State President 2017–2019. Debbie is a graduate of the 2012 Leadership Management Seminar. debbiel@dkg.org

Beverly Hall-Maughan, DKG International Second Vice President 2022–2024, is a 21-year member who served as Tennessee State
Organization President (2019-2021) and is a member of Tennessee State Nominations Committee (2023–2027). She is Alpha Rho Chapter
webmaster and Facebook editor and served as a SOLT Logic Model critical friend. bnhosa@msn.com

Connie Rensink, DKG International First Vice President 2022–2024, is a member of Theta Chi Chapter in Texas State Organization. She
previously served as DKGIEF Director and International Member-at-Large. Rensink spent 12 years teaching K-2 and recently retired as
Director of Global Education for iEARN-USA. connie.rensink@yahoo.com

Collegial Exchange · 9
Collegial Exchange · 9