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Inspirational Piece

the convention, and I have been able to implement many of the ideas I gained from my attendance… and
am seeing changes related to things I learned and implemented. For example, one strategy I am applying
is marketing internally. At every meeting of the chapter for which I am president, a different committee is
asked to “Burst a Bubble” related to their area of responsibility so that members become more familiar with
the benefits of membership. In the state organization, where I am vice president and membership chair,
the leaders have created two ad hoc committees to look at bringing collegiate members into our chapters
and to address membership recruitment and retention. Prior to starting the ad hoc committees, we had
international leaders such as Patti Belknap (TX), Daphne Cagle (CA), and Barbara Clausen (WA) share
a summary of convention presentations and international efforts to help build understanding and support
for the purposes of their committees. I also shared what I had learned from attending the presentation
called “Our Story: Growing DKG One Chapter at a Time,” presented by Lee Daniel of Arkansas State
Organization, and “The Challenge of Maintaining Revitalization Growth and Energy,” presented by New
Mexico State Organization members Barbara Shirrod, Joe Clarkson, Dr. Cheryl Martinez, and Pat Graff.
These presentations provided a wealth of information on issues of declining membership and limited
participation as well as solutions for attracting new members while sustaining and encouraging retention
and active involvement of current members.
One other benefit of my attendance at the convention was participation in Newbee activities for those
attending their first international convention. It was nice to meet members from other state organizations
and start to build bonds through which we can reach across state and country lines to support each other.
The networking that began in the Newbee sessions provided those new to convention attendance the
opportunity to share our thoughts on various presentations and how our learning would help with our work
in various roles in the Society.
I enjoyed the 2024 International Convention in National Harbor, Maryland, and look forward to the
privilege of participating in this kind of event
for years to come. I have learned that attending
international events provides a platform for
women educators, including me, to connect with
peers from across the Society, learn about new
educational trends, develop leadership skills,
network with other members, and share best
practices that enhance state organizations as well
as chapters. Attendance also allows members
to gain insights into broader educational issues
while fostering a sense of community and
belonging within the DKG network. Essentially,
attendance offered me the kinds of opportunities
for professional and personal growth within the
field of education that I have never experienced in
Sunset in National Harbor © Photograph by Eileen any other educational conference or organization.
Carter, Tennessee; Fall 2024 Art Gallery For these reasons, I hope to see more members in
attendance at the 2025 International Conference
in New Orleans, July 31 through August 2.

Dr. Wendy Hacke, a retired special education teacher and administrator, is a member of Beta Chapter in Oregon State
Organization and attended the 2024 leadership management session of Ignite! She has served her current chapter as
corresponding secretary (2022–2024) and is now chapter co-president (2024–2026), as well as vice president (2023–2025) of
the state organization. wdhacke57dkg@gmail.com

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