Many years ago I would listen during lunch to my colleague and principal talk about attending a "DKG" meeting after school. As they chatted I used to tease them by referring (lovingly) to their club as "The Old Ladies Club" (for which I would always be reprimanded). That nickname stuck until about 10 years ago when they both decided to nominate ME as a member. (They probably figured that would stop the teasing!)At the time of my induction, my friend, Peg, said that the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society would be a way that we would always stay connected even during retirement. She also said "there's something special and powerful about being in a room full of women educators." She was always promoting the efforts of women in society.
Fast forward...for eight years. As a member I attended meetings sporadically, but never put much effort into being a 'true' member. I didn't see what all the fuss was about. I don't think I fully appreciated my friend's sentiment until recently.Fast forward...two more years. During this time I have had the opportunity and honor to be more involved by becoming a Committee Member specifically working with Scholarships. At a couple of the Chapter meetings I have offered to present topics involving Technology. Being more involved has help me build some nice relationships.
Attending those Board and Chapter meetings has afforded me the circumstances to meet women educators from many different backgrounds. Some were teachers more than 50 years ago while some are currently teaching. Some are administrators while others are music teachers. Some have been members for 25 years while others have been members for two. All of them making a difference in the lives of those they taught or continue to teach. These women think of others when they create and distribute Literacy Bags to those less fortunate, make donations to the local Food Pantries and send gifts to the Shriners Hospital. Certainly a group of which to be proud.
Today, while racing after school to attend a Chapter Meeting at a nearby High School, I realized that the DKG has been connecting women long before Twitter started connecting educators. I realized that there are people willing to collaborate and share their knowledge who are right in our own backyard. I realized that there IS a special bond among these 'women educators'. "There IS something special and powerful about being in a room full of women educators."
Listen to the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educator's Song HERE. Surely, you can see we belong to an organization like no other.
What organizations do you belong to where you feel inspired?
Above graphic created with Pinwords
Hi Nancy. Our communities are so lucky to have educators that care so much that they stay connected even after retirement. I can see the value for the individual teacher and the profession as a whole in networking with colleagues current or retired. The students, the community, and the "old ladies", (I'm sorry), DKG all win! Great post. Thanks for the glimpse into your world.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cal. It really is a group of inspiring women. Being in a room with all that talent is humbling. They celebrate each others' accomplishments, acknowledge their birthdays and even have a service for those who have passed away. I'm glad I got involved. The next meeting we are welcoming 10 new initiates at a Tea. It may seem silly to some but I've learned to appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment.
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how our perspective on things can change? DKG sounds like an amazing group to be connected to. There are lucky to have you in their ranks.
Thank you Paula. It is true that perspectives change (especially as we get older). I'm sure there is a Chapter near you - you should check into it as you would be a valued member!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment!