DKG Event News

As President Sadowski reminded us we are all members of the U.S. Forum and should be active participants in the work that the Forum does in policy-making. We study the issues and take positions to improve the well-being of those around the world. Yesterday at the Forum, we were enlightened on the state of human trafficking within the United States.  Our speaker from United Against Human Trafficking shared with us that there are 24.9 million estimated victims within the United States and in Texas there are 313,000 estimated victims. Building awareness of this serious problem is the first step in working together to find solutions.

As we all travel home safe and sound from an invigorating conference in San Antonio, let's remember our journey that President Sadowski shared with us at her keynote.  Our membership in Delta Kappa Gamma is an invigorating opportunity to work together to seize all the moments that unite us in purpose. We must be flexible, engage in formal thinking, and be nimble.  What does being nimble mean?  It is our ability and willingness to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of our members.  What are you doing to be nimble?  Reflect on that as you travel today and embrace all that Delta Kappa Gamma gives us.

The DKG Lyrical Rap: A Legacy of Sisterhood made its debut this morning at the General Session. How enjoyable this is.  The lyrics and music were written by Dr. Kammie Richter, Barbara Ragheb, Jaclyn Turner, and Karinsa Moline with assistance from Melinda Davis and Debbie Vorce.  The music was written by Karinsa Moline with assistance from Kammie Richter, Barb Ragheb, and Jaclyn Turner. Voices and video participants include individuals from Illinois, Washington, Maryland, Arizona, Mexico, Japan, Canada, and Iceland. What a wonderful peppy way to share our legacy.

Debbie LeBlanc had the good news that yesterday $5,707 was collected for the Emergency Fund.  Thanks to everyone for their generosity to such a worthy cause helping our sisters who have suffered an emergency in their lives.

The Power of Yes was the message that Dianea Carroll Phillips, President of Quebec Delta Kappa Gamma, gave to all of us this Saturday morning. We grow when we reach beyond ourselves.  It takes patience, grit, perseverance.  The F word that often gets in our way of saying yes to new opportunities is fear.  We must view roadblocks as teachers.  Accepting opportunities leads to even more chances to expand our horizons.  She urged us to keep dreaming but to also  start doing.  Choose your path forward.

What a great conference day it was.  We networked, heard inspiring speakers, visited the marketplace, and enjoyed great food.  And if that isn't enough we have more exciting activities on Saturday. Breakfast opens at 7 a.m. with the general session doors opening at 8 a.m.  Our keynote speaker is Dianea Carroll Phillips from Quebec and you will thoroughly enjoy the rich experiences that Dianea will share with all of us. You will also get to experience the DKG Lyrical Rap, written by Dr. Kammie Richter, Barbara Ragheb, and Jaclyn Turner, all from Illinois.

In a wonderful virtually taped presentation, Becky Sadowski announced the recipient of the Delta Kappa Gamma Achievement Award, Connie Hoag.  Connie was shocked because she thought she was being contacted for work on a subcommittee.  It was great seeing her reaction to being recipient of this prestigious award.  Such a highly deserving Delta Kappa Gamma sister. 

Connected, Respected, Protected--these were the words spoken by Wendy Gates Corbett, the Eunah Temple Holden Speaker Luncheon speaker. She gave us much food for thought.  We build connections through sharing stories, asking for input, listening to what others say, and including individuals in discussions. How can we build connections within our organization?  What do we do well?  Where can we improve?

The Educators Book Award was given today to Dr. Karen Gross for her excellent contribution to the field of education, her book , Trauma doesn't stop at the school house door. When interviewed, she discussed the concepts of Name, Tame, and Frame.  She also discussed our role in giving our students who have experienced trauma hope.

Lots of great breakout sessions during the 10:15 a.m-11:00 a.m. time frame.  There is truly something for everyone.  Many in person and some speakers were zoomed in.  Isn't it amazing what technology has allowed us to do at this conference? Several of the sessions were standing room only.  We appreciate all of the contributions that our break-out speakers have made. 

Terri Liens from Arkansas provided a moment at the mic and gave this food for thought.  Delta Kappa Gamma members should say "Yes" when asked to take on a role within the organization. It is a compliment because that person is asking you to build on your strength.

Eva-Maria Kangro, our keynote speaker, charged us with asking ourselves these questions: "When did you last give a compliment to someone?" "Who is the person you would like to thank for something?" "When did you last truly ask the question, how are you doing? and truly listened to the answer the person gave? Today is the day to act. 

Eva-Maria Kangro, Ph.D. Psychologist and Change Management Partner, Miltton New Nordics gave us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of human connectivity. She asked us to be mindful of the present-moment. How does that moment feel.  Life is filled with moments to collect. Collect and savor those moments. 

Courage was the theme of the opening session comments made by Becky Sadowski, President of Delta Kappa Gamma International.  It took courage and fortitude for the Administrative Board to make the decision to move forward with this conference, it took courage to work together to determine how to meet the needs of our members who could attend and those who wanted to attend from afar.  It took courage on the part of Dr. Debbie LeBlanc and Candi Martin to plan a complex conference.  It took courage for the administrative staff to balance the needs of members. As a result parts of the conference are in-person, parts are live-streamed, and parts will be on the web for registrants.  It took courage for all of our participants to attend in person, now it takes courage to respect the needs of each of our participants.  We are grateful to all of you for your courage to support the decisions that made this tremendous event happen.

  What a wonderful evening being able to reconnect with our DKG sisters.  The desserts, drinks, and friends event was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, enjoy some great food, network with those we have met on zoom, and just to share optimism and hope for the future we all have.  Patti Belknap, Texas immediate past president, greeted us and we were entertained by the Legacy of Educational Excellence High School Mariachi Band.  What talent these young people have and how lucky we were to experience their music.

This is an interesting and very important fact. Did you know that over the last year the DKG International Educators Foundation awarded over $250,000? Phenomenal work done by the Foundation. They are indeed: Giving to Educate the World.   Amidst a full room of members and guests, the DKG International Educators Foundation were welcomed this morning by chair, Merry Lewis, as she shared what Delta Kappa Gamma means to her and the many projects of the Foundation. Donations to the Foundation have a ripple effect around the world and there are multiple giving opportunities from the Cornetet Award to the Emergency Fund to the Educators Award Fund, to the Eunah Temple Holden Leadership Fund, to the Golden Gift Fund, to the International Speakers Fund, to the Scholarship Fund, and to the World Fellowship Fund.    If you weren't able to support the Foundation at this great event this morning in San Antonio, send a check to DKG International Educators Foundation...

  Annie Webb Blanton had a vision for our Society, and it will come alive at the San Antonio, Texas International Conference July 21-24, 2021! President Becky Sadowski invites us to celebrate the DKG: Opportunities • Contributions • Impact our members have realized because of their membership in the organization. The San Antonio Marriott River Center Hotel, situated on the vibrant River Walk in downtown San Antonio, TX, offers stunning views of either downtown San Antonio or the picturesque River Walk. The conference features engaging and real-world speakers, informative and timely workshops and short presentations, exhibits and vendors. San Antonio is a destination for many and here is a sample of sites for you to visit while you are there. Indulge in shopping at the El Mercado/Market Square, relive the history of the Alamo, enjoy the beauty of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, visit the oldest religious community in the state of Texas at the San Fernando De B...