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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

For example, as a language teacher, I could teach
Spanish; however, the satisfaction of participants
would likely be highest if participants knew the
targeted proficiency level of the course. This should
be determined before people decide to opt in. I
think you could have “courses” offered at the state
or even chapter level. That might help with growing
local leaders. This being said, however, I was ready
to spread my wings and meet DKG members from
elsewhere, too.

Becky: I would be thrilled to facilitate another group,
but I also hope to stay connected with my original
pilot group as well. Having four of us at National
Harbor was fantastic! Our private Facebook group is
still going strong with excellent pictures shared by our
members. I would also like to join another group on
another topic as a participant and not as a facilitator. I
don’t think it really matters if I am a facilitator or not.
I learned so much from the pilot group, I know I will Architectural close-up by Becky Riebeling:
learn from any role in another group. photo originally shared during Visionary
I liked the model as it was created for our pilot Network sessions.
group. I think we could have had more members. I
think more time with the group and more time between sessions would be nice. But it really depends
on the needs of each group. We had a time crunch due to completing our sessions in time to give
feedback to the international leaders at DKG.

5. What would you tell DKG members about the experience to get them
to be involved?

Janis: I would tell members to sign up and participate. The more I participate in DKG, the more I
get out of the organization. Participation in the Visionary Networks is very low stakes. At least in our
group, it wasn’t an issue if one hadn’t done the “homework.” The networks are a great opportunity to
meet people from other chapters, states, and countries and to become more invested in DKG.

Becky: JUST DO IT! We join DKG for member value. The Visionary Networks provide member
value. I learned so much that I use day to day with my photography. And this concept of sharing
and networking is not limited to photography or to K-2 literacy. The opportunities are endless.
Topics could be anything. There will be something for everyone. The sky is truly the limit. Visionary
Networks also build relationships and connect members across state and country lines. After
becoming a DKG member, many of us say that relationships are a big reason we love DKG. A
network provides that connection where we may not have it otherwise. Not everyone attends our
conventions. The Visionary Networks connect anyone who wishes for that connection.

6. Were there any unanticipated benefits of your participation?
Janis: As it turns out, four of the six participants attended the 2024 International Convention in
National Harbor, Maryland. The 2024 convention was my first, and, in addition to the four attendees

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