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Mar/Apr 2022 | Vol. 79 No. 3

DKG INTERNATIONAL EDUCATORS FOUNDATION COLUMN

Foundation Funding at Work: International Speakers Fund

stablished in 1982, the International Speakers Fund (ISF), now administered by the
EDKG International Educators Foundation (DKGIEF), offers an avenue to broaden cul-
tural understanding by emphasizing the unique, international aspect of The Delta Kappa
Society International. ISF speakers reach across borders and share their passion on educational topics with
fellow members. The ISF Committee generates a list of speakers from applications received between July 1 and
September 15 each year. Speakers remain on the ISF list for 2 years. State organization presidents interested in
inviting an ISF speaker to a state organization event review the list, indicate their choice to the ISF Committee by
May 1, and apply to the committee for funding to cover the travel expenses for ISF speakers.

During the last several years, when physical travel has been limited, these speakers have become virtual pre-
senters for the Society. Hosting a virtual ISF speaker has increased attendance and resulted in greater member
engagement while reducing costs to the state organization. Currently, 11 ISF speakers are engaged to make
presentations in 2022. Of these, seven appearances will be virtual.
Networking with ISF speakers, whether face-to-face or virtually, helps to break down misconceptions be-
tween cultures and localities to unite women educators of the world. Several members who have experienced
the benefits of hosting ISF speakers share their experiences:

• Group learning and discovery are possible in an online setting, though the format presents a few new
challenges. In my own retirement career, I will do plenary digital sessions with large groups because
Zoom has opened the world to so many participants. I look forward to both attending and offering ses-
sions to DKG members from all over the world, even when travel resumes, as these digital platforms
make it so easy to share! (Ardis Root, Quebec State Organization)
• I appreciated choosing from the topics of the ISF Speakers who were all so well-prepared and willing to
do extra. The state organization’s benefits include being introduced to members from other countries,
new culture experiences, and seeing the viewpoint of others. (Susan Stinchfield-Plaisted, Maine State
Organization)

The ISF is supported by donations made to the DKGIEF to cover travel expenses for speakers who go to
present in person at state organization events. To donate, go to www.dkg.org > DKGIEF > Donate > International
Speakers Fund.

Applications for International Committees Open Now

Consider expanding your DKG involvement through service on an international committee!
Applications are available at www.dkg.org > Apply/Submit > Applications.

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