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Mar/Apr 2024 | Vol. 81 No. 2

In Full Transparency...

By Dr. Debbie LeBlanc
2022-2024 International President

hat do saran wrap, I discuss the report. Several videos and two town
Wglass, water, and air hall meetings have provided information about the
all have in common? Each is process, the results, and the next steps. Information
transparent. And so is DKG—or has been posted on the official DKG Facebook page,
at least that is our goal. You the Presidents Page, videos on YouTube, articles, and
will hear me, as well as the blogs on the website. As a member, it is your individual
Directors, say over and over responsibility to engage with your preferred platform

“in full transparency” when describing a situation to keep up to date with information being provided
or discussing an issue. For example, we described to keep members in the know. Several have asked
in detail concerns about declining membership and for notification when information is changed on the
the very real possibility that DKG may cease to exist website. Frankly, that is not possible. When we are not
if we don’t change the way we do things. Avenue M looking at or reading what has already been posted,
completed an intensive analysis of our governing why would we read a notification? What suggestions
documents; surveyed and interviewed members, non- might you have to improve member engagement in

members, and dropped members; and provided us regard to the news of the Society?
with a 103-page report with an Executive Summary, Speaking of the Avenue M report, we are deep into
Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats Phase I with the completion of several key tasks. First,
(SWOT) Analysis, Recommendations, and Suggested international leaders sent a member survey to state
Implementation Plan. The Administrative Board organization presidents to share with their chapter
met, reviewed the findings, and created a plan to be members. The survey gauges member reactions to
implemented over the ensuing 12 months. Based on different engagement and benefits mechanisms. The
the recommendations, intentional and thoughtful goals results of the survey will help us begin a member-
were determined along with incremental objectives engagement program over the next year. Second, an

and estimated dates for completion. Each step of this international ad hoc committee launched a multimedia
work will need to have member input. So, herein lies campaign called “Bursting the Bubble” on dkg.org on
my concern. The report has been out now since mid- March 1 to introduce underutilized member benefits.
November, and, sadly, I hear members say they don’t Every two weeks, a member benefit bubble will be
know anything about this report or where to locate it. revealed and explained so that members can use this
We are talking, but are we listening? information when marketing DKG within and beyond
In some instances, yes! I have heard state the Society. Third, a small group of Board members are

organization and chapter leaders describe how discussing the potential of developing “Mastermind”
they have taken the Avenue M report findings and groups, including what we will call these groups, how
recommendations to create plans of action. Several we will gather member input into fields of interest, and,
have revised the logic model completed at the once formed, how these groups will be supported and
leadership training that reflects suggestions from the monitored for high quality. Finally, the Administrative
Avenue M report. On the other hand, members tell Board has created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and
me they have no idea what I am talking about when Accessibility (DEIA) Task Force. See PRES p. 3

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