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Viewpoint

The Heart, the Passion, and the

EFFORT of Community Building

By Assunta Anzalone Deliman

We often hear that “It’s the Season for Giving” during the months of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is so
easy to “round up” the price of an item purchased in a store and to donate change to a charity. It is easy
to drop off clothing and get a receipt for tax purposes. Each of these donations is an easy, positive way to
help others. However, the reality of community support outreaches the holiday season of giving. It is the
internal pursuit to help others whenever help is needed. I am proud that Delta Kappa Gamma chapters
like mine have leaders who brainstorm about the task, pull strength from their members, and complete the
challenges of service to the community.
One Chapter’s Example

The women educators of Alpha Nu Chapter in Pennsylvania State Organization support many
community initiatives each month of the year. For example, a Book and Blankie project promotes literacy
among new moms. The chapter gives selected hospitals gift bags filled with a handmade blanket and a
book, and each new mom receives this colorful gift to create enthusiasm for reading to her young child. As
another example, Alpha Nu’s grants-in-aid initiative supports women majoring in education. Scholarships
are awarded to two graduates of a 2-year college who are continuing their education. The winners selected
have shown a stellar work ethic and a sincere desire to become strong educators. Their application essays
clearly define their love of teaching and financial challenges.
Our chapter also encourages young readers
to become lifetime learners with the Write,
Read, Write project. We choose a grade level
each year in a selected school. Students in each
class write letters to our members, sharing their
interests and favorite genres for reading. After
that, each member buys a book based on a
student’s interest. A DKG sticker is placed on
the back of the cover. The book is wrapped, and
a personal note inside shares the giver’s love of
reading. As a culminating activity, members go
to the school and personally meet the students.
We witness the joy on the young faces as they
receive the book picked out just for them. Each
student writes a thank-you note to the gift giver.

Leading the Way to Giving
Team leadership and mentorship have brought powerful results for Alpha Nu’s former co-presidents,
Kathy Simmons and Karen Fisher. Kathy inspires the type of leadership required to identify areas of
need and to plan the best way to execute goals. Her continual energy and enthusiasm engage members to
unify, brainstorm, and execute plans for initiatives. Her promotion of professional and personal growth
is evident as our meetings begin with dozens of caring members carrying boxes and bags of materials

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