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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

Discussion

Our reflection and feedback are remarkably similar and favorable. We both want to continue our
involvement in this initiative—as facilitators and as participants. Through participation in the Photography
Visionary Network, we saw firsthand that DKG members have tremendous breadth and depth of
knowledge. We saw how uniting around a common topic helped us build relationships and enhance our
own photography skills. Although participation certainly involves a time commitment, when the facilitators
know the topic, preparation is minimal. Also, having participants share their expertise distributes the labor
and draws on the knowledge of others. This feature of shared expertise made our Visionary Network even
greater. We argue that this aspect of the networks should be encouraged. The Visionary Networks provide
DKG members with meaningful leadership opportunities.

Conclusion
Visionary Networks is an idea whose time has come. As DKG looks to recruit, engage, and retain
members, Visionary Networks are a fabulous way to do that. We all want value-added activities. What can
add more value than an activity individual members select based on
their own needs and wants? Those needs and wants could be
professional or personal. Sessions could meet weekly or
less often. Professional topics can range from early-
career educators paired with experienced educators
to teaching Spanish in elementary schools to
groups of college students sharing as they get
ready to student-teach in music. Professional
topics could include anything we teach our
students. Personal growth topics could
be photography, training for a 5K or other
distances, lowering your A1C, learning a skill
like crocheting or knitting, practicing a second
language, reading/book groups, world travel,
or even cooking. Options are truly endless and
will be based on what members want and are
prepared to share with other members.
In DKG, we value relationships. By using a
cohort model, where participants get to know each
other over the duration of the interaction, Visionary
Networks can unite educators of the world in a genuine
fellowship. Technology makes it easy to do so. In DKG, we
believe in lifelong learning and stimulating the professional and
personal growth of members. Visionary Networks provide one way to stimulate that growth. Members
just need to reach out and take the opportunity. We did. And we both agree we are better for it.

Dr. Janis L. Antonek is a past president of Beta Delta Chapter of North Carolina State Organization and of the Foreign Language
Association of North Carolina. She is Director for Region VII in her state organization and a National Museum of Language board member.
She teaches Spanish at the University of North Carolina Middle College. jantonek@icloud.com

Becky Riebeling, a music teacher in Newport News, Virginia, is a member and a past president of Alpha Chapter in Virginia State
Organization (VSO). Currently serving as VSO’s webmaster, she has also been recording secretary and assistant treasurer. She is a member
of the Leadership Management Seminar Class of 2014. becky.riebeling@hotmail.com

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