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DKGNext

growth. In order to do so, we have started with ourselves, our chapters, and our state organizations and are
working our way up to the international Society as active participants.

Equipping to Promote: Bringing It to You—
Connie Marr, Alpha Theta Chapter, PA; Lisa Cox, Mu Chapter, IA

Being asked to help promote excellence as a new member was formidable, but we were all ready to say,
“Yes,” not knowing where the trip would lead us. What we did know is we were ready to do something,
and we were honored and thrilled to be chosen. Being selected not only meant looking within ourselves—
it also meant analyzing our state organizations, chapters, schools, and communities to see where there
is need. As need comes in many forms, whether tangible or intangible, and satisfying needs requires
connection, the next step in the process was to recognize that connection
involves relationships. These relationships move us past “just me” to grow
DKG—which goes back to Jennifer’s question, “What does that look like?”
Fortunately, some really smart women had already helped do this work,
allowing DKGNext to create a “mashup” of DKG’s vision statement:
“We are leading women educators impacting education worldwide with
Vitality, Sustainability, and Relevance.” Most importantly, we looked at the
potential harm of DKG being only for the few. Once an item becomes rare,
people may lose interest, believing it is unachievable or only for the elite.
Through our work recognizing, empowering, and honoring members and
their achievements, we continue to build our Society with integrity, grace,
and respect. These values are an expectation all female educators should
feel whether they are 21 or 101.
Like Faith, we want to experience professional and personal growth Lisa Cox of Mu Chapter, IA.
for others and ourselves alongside other DKG members. With the data
from Avenue M, we recognized the need for a metamorphosis of thought and action from within our
Society. This is not a revamping, not a “tweaking” or a correction to make a difference. It is a full-out
blooming of the rose. Women need to experience DKG as a “Society of Belonging.” We need to bring the
IMPACT (Innovation, Membership, Programming, Action, Communication, and Teamwork). To create
this transformation of culture, connection must be cultivated within every single member: taking root,
expanding into communities, and providing lifelong support for leading women educators.
As we grabbed our carry-ons and headed back to different time zones, our communication continued
through a chat. Had the discussion ended, or had it just started? As Erin spoke about the Graciousness
of Ideas, we knew we did not want to keep our thoughts to ourselves. We started working on a plan for
the international convention in 2024. DKG members, please mark your calendars. We invite everyone
planning on coming to National Harbor, Maryland, in 2024, to come work with us at our Next 2023
Workshop: DKGNext is Thinking…What’s Next?
We hope you, like DKGNext 2023, will begin the discussion in your chapter with our key questions
(see Figure) Moreover, it would rock our world to have you use them and be ready to share when you
connect with us at our international convention workshop in July. We would love to hear the IMPACT your
chapter is making in your community, state organization, and with its members. See you in Maryland!

DKGNext would not be possible without the Eunah Temple Holden Fund, generously supported by DKG
members to honor Eunah Temple Holden’s visionary leadership. Her words in Our Heritage Volumes I and
II continue to inspire new generations of women. For this exceptional generosity that enables programs
like DKGNext 2023, we sincerely thank Eunah Temple Holden and the entire DKG membership.

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