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Mar/Apr 2024 | Vol. 81 No. 2
The Avenue M Report and You:

Connections and Expectations

n the past six months, DKG members were introduced to “the Avenue M Report.” The
IReport, issued in the fall of 2023, is the outcome of an independent assessment by the
consulting firm Avenue M. This firm was hired by Delta Kappa Gamma to collect membership
data and recommend strategies to assist in the growth of DKG. Recently, many members
have read portions of the 103-page report or attended town hall meetings with International
President Dr. Debra LeBlanc to learn about the recommendations made by Avenue M and
the actions proposed by the International Administrative Board. However, most members have yet to recognize
and understand the impact of those recommendations for chapters and individual members.

How are local chapters expected to respond to the findings and proposed actions regarding member
engagement presented by Avenue M and the Administrative Board? What can and should members be doing to
“own” the findings and promote successful implementation of recommended strategies? What will be the impact
of implementing these proposed changes?
First, members and chapters are encouraged to read and discuss the Report’s summary of findings and
recommendations to understand the data and its implications for all levels of the Society. What priorities and
actions stand out? What impact might these suggested recommendations have on chapters? To implement

proposed actions, what roles will individual members need to play?
Second, a member-information survey, developed by the Administrative Board, was sent from the
international president to state presidents, who in turn sent it to chapters and individual members. The survey,
due on February 9, asked members to provide input on their preferred methods of engagement with DKG as
well as their preferred frequency and time of contact. Members were also asked to rank interest in a variety of
categories from educational issues to personal growth and to indicate their preferred level of engagement—from
participant to leadership roles. The results of the survey will be available in March and will include implications
for how DKG programs will be structured at all levels.
Third, based on a recommendation to enhance current and prospective members’ knowledge and utilization

of the benefits afforded by membership, an international ad hoc committee focused on membership benefits
has launched a multi-media campaign called “Bursting the Bubble,” available now on DKG.org. This campaign
allows international committees to communicate details about the seven categories of membership benefits
to current and future members. These benefit categories include recognition, publishing, leadership, advocacy,
financial assistance, travel and networking, and discounts. The DKG website will highlight a new category every
two weeks, and the relevant international committee will provide expanded information in a variety of formats.
Information includes things such as personal stories from members, tips on how to utilize each benefit, and

strategies for using this information as a recruitment tool. Sharing this expanded information with all levels of
the Society will enrich both recruitment and retention efforts by making the benefits of membership clear.
Members, chapters, and state organizations will be informed of further action plans developed by the
Executive Board and international committees to actualize the recommendations of the Avenue M Report.
At every level, opportunities for member input and, most importantly, member engagement will be available.
Members are the beating heart of Delta Kappa Gamma and the key to the Society’s success. Staying connected
is critical to ensuring full implementation of the important lessons acquired through the Avenue M Report.

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