Page 29 - 2024_Mag_91-2

Personal Reflection/Anecdote

from my chapter (Beta Delta) and 31 from North
Carolina (Eta State), I now had friends from
Canada, Tennessee, and Virginia. Also, I hadn’t
anticipated learning as much about photography
as I did. I was reminded, not unlike what occurs
in our own classrooms, the teacher is not always
the expert. Especially in DKG, as key women
educators, we are not blank slates. We all have
tremendous skill sets, with depth and breadth
of knowledge in many areas. We really need to
bill leaders as facilitators. This might help those
who are hesitant to make the commitment.

Becky: I feel more connected with the group
Janis Antonek’s students post-Ramadan 2024: photo than I expected in just four sessions. I think
originally shared during Visionary Network sessions. the private Facebook group really helped with
that—as did meeting some of the members
at convention. Writing this article? I hadn’t
expected THAT benefit. But more than anything—I cherish how much I learned from my fellow
participants! I thought I was pretty experienced, but there is always more to learn.

7. Did the photography pilot Visionary Network help with recruiting,
engaging, and retaining members? Explain.

Janis: This session did not help with recruiting; however, in the future, if these network opportunities
are regularized, they will be a great selling point for enticing key women educators to join. The
networks definitely add a level of engagement. From planning, implementing, and participating in the
sessions, in addition to other DKG responsibilities, this was the most engaged I have ever been with
DKG. With respect to retaining,
when members realize all the
possibilities for enrichment, I
think it will help with retaining
members. Also, the dual format
of more professionally oriented
and more personally oriented
provides something for both
working and retired educators.

Becky: Recruiting—not yet, but
I think it will. I’m waiting for
International to roll out to use it
to recruit members. Engaging
and retaining—it certainly has
ME excited and engaged. And
it excites others who have been (Left to right) Eileen Carter, Becky Riebeling, Lesley McDevitt,
asking me questions about how and Janis Antonek enjoy the 2024 International Convention.
they can be involved.

Collegial Exchange · 27