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Viewpoint

for my chapter, and what is best for my region, or are your
decisions based on what is best for our organization as a
whole?
We are approaching our 100-year anniversary. In the
year 2124, will the members be able to look back to our
vision and realize that we looked at the issues, searched our
hearts with integrity, focused on the vision, and ensured
the future of DKG through our actions?
“Be progressive. Keep up with the moving world while
not discarding what in the old has value. But don’t cling to
the old when its worth has passed. Don’t be a person so set
Connie Marr explores the many facets of
integrity--crucial to any leader! in your views that nothing can change you.”
We obviously know these are the words of Annie Webb
Blanton, but I would add that we must be the person with the integrity and foresight to see the need to
change and to embrace the change no matter how hard that process may be.
In the coming days, search your hearts, understand the issues, and vote with the integrity that will
propel DKG into the next 100 years.

Unity
Erin Retallack, Beta Chapter, Alberta, Canada, inspired members on Thursday, July 11, at General
Meeting IV, which featured the induction of International Honorary Members Justice Beverley McLachlin
of Toronto, Canada, and Tsipi Ben-Haim of New York, New York.
For me, being part of a whole is comforting. Standing alone and struggling alone can be isolating. As
educators, I think we can all relate to this…but we also know we have many communities to lean on.
Eight years ago, I was contacted by Beta Chapter in Calgary to be one of their Support for Early-career
Educator candidates. When I walked into their Christmas party and saw all the gifts for my classroom and
felt support from all the members, I felt encouraged. Three years ago, I joined that chapter and felt a bond
among the members that reflected our common goals.
I quickly realized that being part of Delta Kappa Gamma is being part of a much larger community.
DKG unites many educators from many countries. But I’ve noticed
our stories unite us. While attending the conference in Finland last
year, I heard about educational issues that were very similar to
ones we have in Canada. Sitting around the table in Austin with
DKGNext, we all connected over stories of our local chapters and
our experiences in the classroom.
Education is universal. We all have common issues and common
goals. The women who started Delta Kappa Gamma were fierce
advocates for education and female educators. They saw a need to
unite to bring about change in society. The changes they fought for
would not only benefit children and teachers but also create a more
equitable society.
To quote Desmond Tutu, “My humanity is bound up in yours, for
we can only be human together.” Uniting together can be healing,
but it’s also a call to action. We need each other to achieve our goals; Canadian member Erin Retallack
our community is empowering. Let’s be human together and move illustrates the community of DKG
forward into the challenges and celebrations of the future. with colleagues in 17 countries.

16 · Volume 91-2