President’s Message
Good maintenance is pretty important in keeping things running well. I found that out, again, last Spring. I was sewing right along on my beloved 40+ year-old sewing machine, when it just quit.
The motor seemed ok but didn’t seem to have the power to make the parts move. ‘Oh, No!’ I could just barely make things go by physically turning the wheel by hand with considerable effort
“What’s wrong? What should I do?” Pondering the situation, I opened up the inside of the machine wherever I could and cleaned it thoroughly. As I was working, I thought about the last time I had oiled the parts… I couldn’t remember the last time. OH, OH.
Machine oil in had, I applied oil everywhere I saw a part that should be moving. I turned the wheel and applied more oil… and more oil. SLOWLY, the parts began to loosen up. More cleaning, more oil, more turning…
With great relief I saw the motor begin to be able to move the parts. My treasured sewing machine – the first big purchase I made from my first teaching salary – came alive again.
Our Colorado Delta Kappa Gamma chapters are very like my sewing machine. Some are well maintained and are working well. Others are neglected and barely functioning. Most are somewhere in between. One or two may suddenly grind to a halt, just like my machine, if they don’t receive some first aid right now.
What are the indications –
Healthy chapters: -- Vital Signs:
• _Dues are paid on time.
• _20% membership growth over 5 years is evidenced (approximately 4% per year).
• _Reports are submitted on time.
• _Officers/related personnel attend state organization training meetings.
• _Members, other than president, attend state organization meetings/convention.
• _Communication with state organization leaders is open and interactive.
• _Officer lists are timely submitted to state organization personnel with position filled/contact information provided.
• _Plan for strengthening chapter is in place (Biennial Goals, Strategic Plan, Leadership Succession Plan, etc.).
• _Leadership positions are easily filled.
• _Members participate and engage in chapter activities.
For additional ideas and strategies to assist your chapter with specific areas of concern, call membership services at 512.478.5748 or visit dkg.org - resources (Member login required).
Chapters in trouble:
*Some Membership Problems—Mind Set
• Chapter members like things the way they’ve “always been” and are reluctant to make change;
• Chapter leadership is faltering, as few are willing to accept leadership responsibilities;
• No new members have been initiated in one or more years;
• New members drop out within three years;
• A majority of the chapter is retired and members say they don’t know where to find new members;
• Chapter members have not attended a Society event outside the chapter. (Jensi
Souders, Jan/Feb DKG News 2011)
If that describes your chapter, Don’t give up.
• Invite someone who is teaching to come give a program for your chapter.
• Attend a school board meeting to see who has an outstanding program. Invite them to present at your chapter. How can you support their program?
• Invite a female school board member to speak to your group. Ask her to join.
• Make a donation to a school music or other program and ask for them to come do a program. Ask the director to join.
• Invite a member to share a room with you at a state function and look for ideas from other chapters.
• Have your “elevator speech” ready and don’t be afraid to use it when someone asks about your group.
Work Together; Ask for help: Visit the DKG website for Ideas.
Find your chapter treasures – the reasons your chapter exists.
“Tune up” your chapter machine;
Yes, it is worth the effort to honor and preserve.
Good maintenance is pretty important in keeping things running well. I found that out, again, last Spring. I was sewing right along on my beloved 40+ year-old sewing machine, when it just quit.
The motor seemed ok but didn’t seem to have the power to make the parts move. ‘Oh, No!’ I could just barely make things go by physically turning the wheel by hand with considerable effort
“What’s wrong? What should I do?” Pondering the situation, I opened up the inside of the machine wherever I could and cleaned it thoroughly. As I was working, I thought about the last time I had oiled the parts… I couldn’t remember the last time. OH, OH.
Machine oil in had, I applied oil everywhere I saw a part that should be moving. I turned the wheel and applied more oil… and more oil. SLOWLY, the parts began to loosen up. More cleaning, more oil, more turning…
With great relief I saw the motor begin to be able to move the parts. My treasured sewing machine – the first big purchase I made from my first teaching salary – came alive again.
Our Colorado Delta Kappa Gamma chapters are very like my sewing machine. Some are well maintained and are working well. Others are neglected and barely functioning. Most are somewhere in between. One or two may suddenly grind to a halt, just like my machine, if they don’t receive some first aid right now.
What are the indications –
Healthy chapters: -- Vital Signs:
• _Dues are paid on time.
• _20% membership growth over 5 years is evidenced (approximately 4% per year).
• _Reports are submitted on time.
• _Officers/related personnel attend state organization training meetings.
• _Members, other than president, attend state organization meetings/convention.
• _Communication with state organization leaders is open and interactive.
• _Officer lists are timely submitted to state organization personnel with position filled/contact information provided.
• _Plan for strengthening chapter is in place (Biennial Goals, Strategic Plan, Leadership Succession Plan, etc.).
• _Leadership positions are easily filled.
• _Members participate and engage in chapter activities.
For additional ideas and strategies to assist your chapter with specific areas of concern, call membership services at 512.478.5748 or visit dkg.org - resources (Member login required).
Chapters in trouble:
*Some Membership Problems—Mind Set
• Chapter members like things the way they’ve “always been” and are reluctant to make change;
• Chapter leadership is faltering, as few are willing to accept leadership responsibilities;
• No new members have been initiated in one or more years;
• New members drop out within three years;
• A majority of the chapter is retired and members say they don’t know where to find new members;
• Chapter members have not attended a Society event outside the chapter. (Jensi
Souders, Jan/Feb DKG News 2011)
If that describes your chapter, Don’t give up.
• Invite someone who is teaching to come give a program for your chapter.
• Attend a school board meeting to see who has an outstanding program. Invite them to present at your chapter. How can you support their program?
• Invite a female school board member to speak to your group. Ask her to join.
• Make a donation to a school music or other program and ask for them to come do a program. Ask the director to join.
• Invite a member to share a room with you at a state function and look for ideas from other chapters.
• Have your “elevator speech” ready and don’t be afraid to use it when someone asks about your group.
Work Together; Ask for help: Visit the DKG website for Ideas.
Find your chapter treasures – the reasons your chapter exists.
“Tune up” your chapter machine;
Yes, it is worth the effort to honor and preserve.