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are not a sorority, yet we present ourselves as one. By using the full name of International Society of
Women Educators (DKG), we immediately promote ourselves. The “DKG” included at the end allows
us to honor our heritage. Proposers further assert that “Women Educators” in the name will increase
worldwide visibility in searches on the Internet.
A name change would be a huge step for DKG. Society administrators and leaders in the past have
indicated that the cost to DKG International will be significantly more than the $6,000 suggested in 2018,
and of course chapters and state organizations will also incur costs. In 2024, the analysis of the proposal to
change the name to “International Society of Women Educators (DKG)” states that it would have a fiscal
impact of $65,000, with additional costs to the states and chapters. The DKG Administrative Board
has recommended not to adopt.
As of this writing, we do not know how the figure of $65,000 was calculated, but in working with this
assessment, the fiscal impact of Proposed Amendments #64 and #65 breaks down to less than $2 to each
member. Could the additional costs to the states and chapters be that much more than this? We argue that
this would be money well spent.
The question then becomes “Is it worth it?” As noted above, at their November 2022 meeting,
the 2022–2024 International Administrative Board “approved the hiring of Avenue M as a membership
consultant at a cost of up to $55,000 to be paid from the Available Fund” (see dkg.org > Publications/
Documents > Board Actions > Nov 2022 Major Actions). The Administrative Board was willing to put
forth up to $55,000 to study the problem of membership decline. In that light, the proposed cost of $65,000
(however it was determined) to rebrand through a name change seems worth it as it may provide an actual
solution. If we don’t make a change to our current mindset about rebranding, marketing to new prospective
members will remain challenging. As membership declines, revenue and support for our programs decline
as well. So then, the question regarding the costs for rebranding becomes “Can we afford not to?”
We believe now is the time to pull back the curtain and say who we are! British Columbia State
Organization proposes and supports this amendment so that DKG will still be a viable organization not
just 15 years from now but for at least another 100 years. A critical decision about possible rebranding—
and we believe, survival of the Society—will be in the hands of those who vote on the name change
amendments to the DKG Constitution and ISRs to be presented at the DKG International Convention in
July 2024 at National Harbor, Maryland. We urge you to vote YES to proposed amendments #64 and
#65!

International Society of Women Educators (DKG)
What do you think Annie Webb Blanton would think?

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views held by International
leadership, including International President Dr. Debbie LeBlanc or Executive Director Nita R. Scott,
CAE.

Helen Ballam worked as an intermediate teacher and music education specialist for 37 years for the Vancouver School Board in British
Columbia, Canada. Currently, she enjoys retirement and is an active DKG member. Helen currently serves as co-chair for Vancouver
Chapter (2022–2024) and is the president of British Columbia State Organization (2023–2025). hballam@telus.net

Dr. Donna-Faye Madhosingh is a member of Vancouver Chapter in British Columbia State Organization. She has served as Area
Representative Canada, a member of the International Communications Committee, and a member of the International Arts & Humanities
Jury. She currently serves as the Educational Chair for British Columbia. dmadhosingh@yahoo.com

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