Convention in Spokane was memorable as was the seminar in Tacoma, "Where Art and Nature Meet." Thanks to the Ed. Foundation Team with Barbie Sharrard in charge of the seminar planning, it was a great experience with a Glass Museum, Art Museum, and Washington History Museum. The exhibits were excellent.
At the 2010 Convention for Delta Kappa Gamma Key Women Educators, members passed the revised Constitution which gives chapters more autonomy in asking educators to join our Society. Now, teachers in their first year of employment and retirees, no matter how long they've been retired, are both eligible for membership. The decision rests with the chapter. This expands the opportunities for DKG members to 'give the gift of membership.'
The Southwest region breakfast featured two speakers: Dr. Marine Avagyan, CA, spoke about her first regional conference in Reno and her first international convention. WOW was the theme of her speech! WOW on 4 counts according to Marine. #1--We are truly a global Society. She said, "I realized I needed to identify my state when people asked me where I was from--not just my city. #2 WOW because of the inspiration she received from dedicated leaders in the Society and "in whose shadow I am honored to flourish." #3 WOW was for the amazing organization of events at both international meetings and the scope of these events--professional speakers and workshops, and learning about all the Society committees. #4 Wow was the Constitutional Revision. Dr. Avagyan further commented, "My conclusion as a first timer is that DKG’s global reach and impact (17 countries), its powerful leadership, and tremendous service to the community and the field of education are unquestionably WOW-worthy. Nowhere do I feel the great pride and appreciation for being a women educator as I do when I am among my Delta Kappa Gamma sisters.Delta Kappa Gammans are the Women of Wonder. So in the style of Amanda Gore, I would like to add a visual honoring all of you, the phenomenal women of wonder – WOW!
Kathy Davis, OK, shared on change and 'Collaborative Connections.' Her emphasis was that change and progress will benefit DKG and our members, but only if we follow through on our commitment to our mission and work to promote Excellence in Education by helping our teachers in the schools. Continuing, visible support for our local educators is to be a focus of the chapters in the communities they serve. We would like to be known as the organization who helps teachers!
What a treasure we have in our musicians of the southwest. Terre McPheeters, MO; Berneil Drake, AZ; and now, Flor Perez, CR. Our music was fantastic! Of course, we sang "Hand in Hand" and "As We Leave This Place." Thank you to Hawaii for my beautiful rose head piece. It was lovely.
What a wonderful convention! Thank you to the Washington members and Dr. Rants' programming, this was a most memorable occasion. Lastly, thanks to an amazing administrative and executive board who showed courage to move our Society forward.
