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Inspirational Piece

DKG International Convention:

Perspectives from a First-Timer

By Wendy Hacke

In July 2024, I attended the Delta Kappa Gamma International Convention in National Harbor, Maryland.
It was my first international convention. As a first-time participant, I felt it was such a great opportunity to
better understand the underpinnings of the Society and learn about how the international, state organization,
and chapter levels work together to create a strong Society. It was humbling to grasp the magnitude and
influence of being in an international society.
I volunteered as a microphone monitor at the convention’s general meetings where members debated
and voted on proposed amendments. I gave out red, green, yellow, blue, and white cards—designating the
intention of their remarks—to members wishing to speak. I found it exhilarating to be in the middle of the
action as I paid attention to the order in which speakers should be called upon to speak. The experience of
ensuring a smooth system for members to debate and vote on 94 proposed amendments was awe-inspiring.
Some amendments passed, some did not, but with each vote, the voices of DKG colleagues were heard
and respectfully considered. The session also included the election of officers for the coming biennium.
In addition to a proposed slate from the International Nominating Committee, nominations were taken
from the floor. I had the opportunity to speak in front of hundreds of women when I presented a fellow
member’s statement of interest for a position on the U.S. Forum committee. The last-minute request for
me to speak gave me the unique opportunity to be part of the systems and processes on which the Society
is built.
I attended workshop sessions that addressed the goals of that biennium: relevance, vitality, and
sustainability. As Oregon State Organization’s Membership Chair, I garnered a wealth of strategies
for recruiting and retaining
members. One specific strand
involved collegiate members
not only joining a local chapter
but also having a Delta Kappa
Gamma Society club on campus.
Because collegiate recruitment
is the focus of Oregon’s strategic
plan for the remainder of the
biennium, it was enlightening to
learn what other states are doing
along these lines.
I also attended sessions that
covered the benefits of being
a DKG member. Through the
efforts of incredible presenters,
I was able to take back many
innovative ideas to present to
both our state committee and my
chapter. As I write this article, it Twilight in National Harbor © Photograph by K. Beckerdite, Virginia;
has been almost 6 months since Fall 2024 Art Gallery

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