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Viewpoint

Community for sharing travel experiences, a book club, and a group with a focus on the arts are available
… as well as a Community to explore the global impact of DKG.

Sharing on the State Organization Level
Inviting a prospective member to a state organization’s convention would be a winning idea. Many
provide opportunities for professional development, often with clock hours. Workshop topics and leadership
training are more likely geared to local needs and interests. Typically, less travel and expense are involved
than at an international event. For a newbie, the number in attendance may be less intimidating than
experienced at an international event.
A prospective member could also be invited to co-present with a current member, making for an easy
transition into a leadership role. As a guest, she could share her artistic talents or musical skills. She
could travel to the convention with local members, giving guaranteed time to get to know each other!
Particularly encouraging would be meeting a large number of committed DKG members from across the
state organization whom she is likely to see again and again. All of these aspects will show a prospective
member that the business of the Society is serious.
State scholarships are a big attraction for new members. Many teachers are taking college coursework.
The recruiting member would do well to introduce the prospective member to state teams that award
scholarships and stipends or to former recipients who can speak of the ways a scholarship supported them.
Explaining “Who’s Who” at the state organization level, together with titles and functions of various
committees, would give the prospective member a sense of the breadth of the state organization and how
the state level relates to the international level. Statewide events and achievements as shared in newsletters
and online would also impress the inquirer.

And Then … At the Chapter Level
Once the prospective member gets a taste of what DKG is all about, she could then be directed to a
local chapter and encouraged to be involved there. Having seen what state, regional, and international
opportunities are available, she is likely to want to continue attending state functions, reading the Collegial
Exchange, and reaching out in some way to DKG members, activities, and projects in other countries.
“Starting at the top” in recruitment is good for both the Society and for the prospective member: It
presents DKG in its fullest and finest form, and it recognizes the level of professionalism, talents, skills,
and interests in the newcomer. “Starting at the top” offers an enticing entry into membership.
Resources

• Delta Kappa Gamma Society International website: dkg.org
• DKG Communities: dkg.org > MYDKG > Communities
• DKG Forums: dkg.org > About Us > Forums
• US Forum/National Legislative Seminar: https://dkgusforum.org/
• World Fellowship Program: dkg.org > DKGIEF > Funds
• DKG and UNICEF: https://www.unicefusa.org/about-unicef-usa/partnerships/humanitarian-
organizations/delta-kappa-gamma-society-international
• DKG and the United Nations/CTAUN: dkg.org > About Us > DKG/UN Relationship

Dr. Claire Smith is a member of Mu Chapter in Washington State Organization, where she serves as secretary on the State Executive
Committee. Originally from England, she is a recently retired world languages teacher. clairegsmith@outlook.com

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