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Nov/Dec 2022 | Vol. 79 No. 6

At the Crossroads: Consider Culture

By Dr. Debbie LeBlanc

2022-2024 International President

KG, we have a challenge! than those of a professional education organization
DAs a membership organi- — in other words, meetings suggesting DKG was not
zation, we are at a crossroads relevant or vital to their lives. I also read several
that could determine our sustain- comments that members dropped because, when
ability in the future. In my short they applied for a transfer to another chapter, the
time as international president, I receiving chapter declined the application because

have enjoyed moments learning they “did not know” the person. If another chapter in
about positive experiences that members have because our organization thought an individual was worthy,
of their membership in the Society and all that is offered why would we not welcome her into the chapter? I
to them. Other times, I have become painfully aware of also learned that over 30% of the dropped members
membership concerns and issues that I simply do not would return if asked.
understand or accept. My eyes were opened wide when
I learned on September 1 that nearly 4,000 members had Interactions at the

yet to pay their dues ... 4,000 of 55,000 members. Let
that number sink in. Now of course, we believed that chapter level are
many might have already paid and the treasurer was powerful and clearly
waiting to turn in a complete roster, but regardless, that can make or break
number was and is startling. I hope by the time you read our Society!
this article that belief is true and membership numbers
are at or above what we expected.
In reviewing the survey responses from dropped Chapters are the heart and soul of this organiza-
members, I was even more shocked — and truly sad- tion. Interactions at this level of DKG are powerful

dened — when I read the comments. Of course, there and clearly can make or break our Society. So, I
were the expected reasons: teaching is so crazy now; I ask you, what can we do? We can candidly examine
need more time with my family; I am stretching myself the culture of the chapter. Do you welcome each
too thin; I have an ill family member I must care for ... person who walks through the door to the meeting?
I understand those responses and hope that someday Do you pair a new member with a buddy for the first
that individual will return to her chapter. I also hope year of membership? Do you offer opportunities for
that chapter members will let her know they are thinking all members to engage in a project or participate

about her and hoping she will rejoin in the future. in a committee? Do you offer programs that are
But other comments were, frankly, disturbing. beneficial to both the personal and professional
Women shared that they had attended multiple chapter growth of members? If you answer “no,” “not really,”
meetings where no one welcomed them or even spoke or “can’t/won’t” to any one of those questions, then
to them, unkind and catty comments were made, polit- what steps will be taken to improve the situation? I
ical and religious discussions occurred that were not encourage members to visit dkg.org and go to the
appropriate, or programs were more fun and sorority-like Resources tab to find a link to See PRES p. 3

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