Page 20 - 2024_Mag_90-4

Viewpoint

Latin American member states. Or one could dip into language and culture by reading what the individual
European member states are doing. And then there are offerings such as the beginners’ introduction to Finnish
that was offered at the 2023 International Conference in Tampere. Japanese anyone? Whether one’s native
language is English or not, the multilingual aspect of the Society should be an attractive feature for any
prospective member interested in other languages and cultures.
Most, if not all, educators believe in the moral imperative of universal education. Many teachers
have studied comparative education and/or have taught abroad. Sharing with a prospective member
about DKG’s support of education in an international-development context is bound to impress: consider
the World Fellowship Program, the Schools for Africa project, and DKG’s continuing cooperation with
UNICEF.
DKG’s role as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the United Nations is particularly
impressive. The work of the Committee on Teaching about the United Nations (CTAUN) has much to
interest a thinking educator, both for her personal growth and possibly for classroom practice.
Professional development is expected of all educators. DKG offers a different take on professional
development for the teacher: attending an international conference or convention allows for contacts with
colleagues across continents, countries, and time zones and for comparisons of curricula, standards, and
methods with educators working in different contexts. As a bonus, tours are attached to many of DKG’s
gatherings.
The various international publications of the Society are also likely to impress a prospective member.
A DKG recruiter could donate an old copy of Collegial Exchange, with a key article clearly marked for the
prospect. This would be individual, informal professional development. But it would also lead naturally to
a discussion of opportunities within DKG to have an article or a poem or a work of art published—perfect
for resume building!
Exploring the DKG international website would be an easy way for a computer literate prospect to
get an overview of the Society. The recruiting member could suggest items that align with her interests: a
particular DKG podcast, a key “Inside International” meeting, a select article from a Society publication,
or a virtual stroll down the Art Gallery.

Sharing on a Regional or Special Interest Level

The Society is divided into five regions according to geographic location. Forums and Communities
dedicated to serving specific interests also exist. The recruiting member should consider whether one of
these components would be of interest or value to a new member.
Many teachers are politically minded and concerned about legislation affecting education, women, and
children. The DKG US Forum would be of interest here, providing opportunities to identify, discuss, and
act upon such issues. The Latin American Forum has as its purpose the discussion of topics of common
concern and is conducted in Spanish. The European Forum also concentrates on regional interests and
shares events between and among its member countries. The Canadian Forum includes in its purposes
the awareness of interprovincial issues and involvement in a
Canada-wide educational project. The prospective member
may wish to learn more about any of these region-focused
groups.
The DKG website, in the MyDKG segment, currently
lists 27 Communities that are open to members across state
organization lines. Many of these are likely to interest a
newcomer to the Society. Is the prospective member interested
With Liberty and Justice for All © Acrylic in professional collaboration? Best practices in social media?
Painting by Melissa Hackett, Ohio; Fall
2023 Art Gallery Ideas for recipes, gardening, and other home/life matters? A

18 · Volume 90-4