Page 59 - 2024_Mag_90-4

DKGNext

knowledge that someone nominated me for this experience. Someone saw
something in me. So, I might as well buckle up and get ready for whatever
the weekend had to offer! As with any DKG event I attend, I left DKGNext
feeling invigorated, supported, and empowered. In fact, on the flight home
from Austin, I sat rereading WhatsApp messages and exchanging airplane
selfies with six women who, in two short days, had become like family.
From the moment I met my DKGNext colleagues, I knew I was going
to be changed for the better. Asked to describe this weekend, I sum it up by
saying that, after digging deep and being receptive to advice and guidance, I
left with more tools in my toolbox. I walked away feeling strong, supported,
loved, and protected, not only by my DKGNext colleagues but also by the
shared teaching knowledge and sound advice based on years of experience. DKGNext participants
Women whom I had known literally for 20 minutes had my back and were Jennifer Johnson (left) and
ready to hop on a plane with me to support me during tough meetings. Abby Deming (right).
This fierce community and unwavering support perfectly exemplify DKG, which fosters an authentic
community dedicated to helping all women in education rise together.
DKG is a blessing. It promotes a supportive community where women educators can band together,
share insights, and inspire one another, even while being complete strangers. To be a part of DKG is to be
united in genuine spiritual fellowship as leading women educators. DKG is an invaluable force in shaping
the future of education and fostering a sense of unity among its members. It is truly a delight to be a part of
a group of women wholly committed to supporting each other, with no strings attached. Imagine if every
teacher could experience what I experienced during the weekend of DKGNext. We all need a group of
women with whom to gather while we bare our souls and discuss our journey with no fear of being judged.
DKG is one of the biggest gifts I give myself in my life, and I can’t wait to share this joy with everyone.
Who will you invite?

Asking the Right Question: “What Does That Look Like?”—
Jennifer Johnson, Beta Chapter, D.C.
The Google definition of “question” is “a sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information.”
Well, that’s exactly what the seven women assembled in Austin, Texas, over the course of 2 days wanted
to give and receive: information.
DKGNext opened a world of questions for the leaders of DKG International as they sought to find
answers—or simply insight—to their concerns around sustainability, reclamation, and retention of
members. As quickly as International President LeBlanc asked the first question, questions formed in
my head—and would later burst from my lips. Why are we here? How was I selected? Do you want the
truth or just a version of the truth? How can I help you, and how are you going to help me navigate this
organization established to support me, the teacher?
The “seven wonders of Next” quickly learned that “the truth shall be told” during this session. The
way President LeBlanc and Nita displayed their support, empathy, and overall interest in what we had to
share was imperative to the success for us to address the needs of DKG. Throughout the day, we wondered:
How are you marketing DKG? How do you engage members, retired and new? Where are we in DKG, and
where are we going? Question after question was asked to seek information. The big one for me: Where
does equity live in DKG at the chapter, state organization, and international level?
So many questions, yet such little time allowing members to scratch the surface of planning to move
the mission of DKG effectively. Can it be done? Yes! It has already begun! While focusing on promoting
excellence in education through the process of recruitment and mentoring, the seven members of DKGNext
2023 have also been developing a strategy and a plan of action for promoting personal and professional

56 · Volume 90-4 Collegial Exchange · 57