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DKGNext

about a chapter in one part of the country where women meet primarily on Zoom. Another chapter has
mostly members who are current classroom teachers. A third has approximately equal numbers of teachers
and administrators. As an administrator, I was excited about this depth of membership and the possibilities
for attracting new members. In addition to this information, I learned there were chapters that meet socially
or only for business meetings. As my chapter, Gamma Rho—which meets in person—includes mostly
retired classroom educators and has a healthy mix of social programs and business meetings, I was in awe
of the autonomy, dexterity, creativity, and diversity of planning of DKG women gathering to celebrate
education and each other.
While we pulled together in Austin about the future of DKG, I could not help but think about the future
of Gamma Rho. I want so many great things for our chapter. For example, I want our membership to
grow; I want to be connected to our members; and I want to find meaningful ways to support one another.
Last, I want to unite our retired and our active educators. How can all these excellent educators join forces
in our small town to make a positive impact on each other and our community? When I returned home,
this question made it critical for me to reach out to my chapter president with my new knowledge and
excitement to make an impact on my local chapter.
The Graciousness of Ideas: Collaborating—Erin Retallack, Beta Chapter, AB, Canada

Participating in DKGNext opened my small Beta Chapter world to a global experience. I was looking
forward to meeting and working with my global colleagues. During our time at DKGNext, a focus and
eagerness to network evolved. Our discussion began by answering the question, “Why DKG?” This led to
sharing our stories and helping to discover notable similarities, differences, and challenges. These stories
led us to a common goal: to see DKG grow and remain relevant. The women of DKGNext were gracious
with their stories, ideas, and opinions. Being open to sharing with each other and receiving ideas allowed
us to grow and consider the possible future for DKG.
As I reflect on the weekend, I assert that collaboration is vital to success. Looking to the future of DKG,
we must be gracious with our ideas and share them with our fellow members. By doing so, we strengthen
our organization, and we open new doors to grow DKG together. In discussions at DKGNext 2023, we
found we had a common hitch at chapter levels. Together we identified a growing divide (corroborated
by Avenue M data) among distinctive groups within chapters. However, by joining conversations with
graciousness versus resistance, we all learn from each other and about each other. Thus, we will be able to
find common ground and look to a sustainable future.
As an international organization, DKG is on incredibly fertile soil for a collaborative environment.
As I left DKGNext 2023, I could not help but wonder how we could continue to connect with women or
chapters we have never met. We learned from the Avenue M survey that we must come together to tackle
the membership-and-vitality dilemma of the organization. We need every member to help solve it and
to be gracious with her ideas. Heading into the future, may seem daunting. There are uncharted DKG
territories for this organization and many untapped female educators who can make an impact worldwide
who are waiting to be asked. Now it is up to us to extend an environment of openness, mutual respect, and
commitment to DKG to enable constructive exchange of perspectives and future growth.
Rising Strong: Digging Deep—Abby Deming,
Kappa Beta Chapter, CA
On the flight to Austin, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. All I knew was DKG
International President Debbie LeBlanc had sent me an email saying I was invited to join a group of
women for a Think Tank experience in Austin. Did I know what I was doing? Absolutely not. Was I going
to say yes? One hundred percent. On my first solo quest as a DKG member, still having no idea why I
was selected and venturing into completely unknown territory, I was filled with doubt but holding onto the

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