TNSO LEADERSHIP LINKS

Greetings, DKG Sisters!

I apologize in advance for this lengthy message, but there are so many activities and events going on in our state organization that I want to highlight!

First, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to those in our East Tennessee chapters who have experienced loss and damages from Hurricane Helene. I have contacted our Area I and II Chapter Presidents to offer assistance. We will be considering ways to help our members and/or schools in the affected areas as soon as we determine the impact and the best way to proceed with that.

September has been a busy month for our Tennessee State Organization, and I have been amazed at the excellent work of our committees. Our Leadership Development Committee, under the leadership of Belinda Juergens, facilitated another engaging Beginning Leadership Seminar at Henry Horton State Park. Twelve participants explored how to "Find Their Part in the Harmony" of DKG with presenter Beverly Smith. Some of the topics were Mental and Emotional Mindset, Personality Types, Trusting the Voice Within, and Meeting Myths.

The next weekend, the State Projects Committee, under the leadership of Mary Frances Wadley, conducted the first of three Early Career Educator Survival Kit Workshops at St. Columba Retreat in Bartlett, TN. Twelve early career educators (including one male educator) navigated Classroom Ecology, Behavior Development, and Student Engagement with presenter Kelli Myers. They also explored relaxation techniques and participated in a silent solo nature walk through the beautiful grounds of St. Columba under the guidance of Wynne Anderson. Local chapters helped out by providing food for the committee and presenters. Dr. Teri Maddox brought a live green plant for everyone. The participants' comments on the evaluation forms were 100% positive, with one saying it was the best PD she had ever attended. Another said she only came for the 6 PD hours, but was so glad she did because she learned so much! Several participants expressed an interest in learning more about DKG, and at least one definitely wants to become a member. Please continue to spread the word about the workshops - especially the one planned for November 16 at Fall Creek Falls where we have a larger venue.

This past weekend the Arts and Personal Growth Committee, under the leadership of Harriet King, organized the 2024 Creative Arts Retreat at Casey Jones Village in Jackson, TN. The weather kept some folks away, but over 40 members braved the elements to engage in music and dancing, sweater pumpkin making, a book swap, wreath making, calligraphy, and other crafts under the tutelage of some of our creative TNSO members. It was a fun and well organized weekend with good food, sweet fellowship, and the opportunity to learn new things.

Coming up in October, our TNSO Legislation Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Carolyn Tucker and Brenda Oldham, will facilitate a Zoom Legislative Forum (October 10) focused on 2024 voting issues (more information below) and our State Projects Committee will hold another Early Career Educator Workshop (October 26) at The Dwelling Place retreat in White Bluff, TN. I have enjoyed visiting chapters and participating in some joint chapter events. If I have not been to one of your chapter meetings, let's set something up! I am so excited about the work going on in our state organization and in our chapters. Continue to reach out to educators and encourage them to come and be a part of the DKG Harmony!

In Harmony,

Marsha Brewer

NEW CHAPTER OFFICERS

Welcome to our new Chapter Officers! I know that planning is taking place for excellent programs and projects for the biennium. If you have not already done so, please submit Form 110 (attached) and send it to tndkg.pres@gmail.com and to International at mem.dkg.org

TNSO LEGISLATIVE FORUM "SPOTLIGHT ON 2024 VOTING ISSUES"

The TNSO Legislation Committee will host an Information Forum via Zoom on October 10, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. Central Time, 7:30 P.M. Eastern Time. As Key Women Educators, we need to be aware of positions presented in the Democratic Platform and the Republican Platform as they relate to issues that impact education. Position statements presented in the platforms regarding Education, School Safety, Gun Control, Women's Issues, and the importance of voting will be presented. A modified version of the Force Field Analysis technique will serve as the format by which participants can objectively evaluate the platform positions on the various issues and make informed voting decisions. Maycie points can be earned by your members' participation in this event. Here is the link to join the Zoom "Spotlight on 2024 Voting Issues": https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85771969888?pwd=T72s0MqdSpsNbnrbb7fvLbUzUBPMFb.1

ATTENTION CHAPTER TREASURERS

The International Finance Committee would like to invite all state and chapter treasurers to Treasurer Talk to be held on October 12 at 9:00 am Central Time. If you are interested--please contact Dr. Dianne Anderson at andersond3851@gmail.com and she will send you the zoom link closer to the meeting. At this meeting we will be discussing the 990N as the main topic but there will be other topics of interest.

EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS' SURVIVAL KIT WORKSHOPS

EXCITING NEW STATE PROJECT - The TNSO State Projects Committee has received a Lucile Cornetet Seminar Award in the amount of $3064.00 And a Vision Foundation Award of $2500.00 to host three regional workshops for early career educators in the fall of 2024. Two more Workshops have been planned for October 26, 2024 at The Dwelling Place in White Bluff, and November 16, 2024 at Falls Creek Falls State Park. (See President's Message above for more details.)

HERE IS A NEW LINK TO THE PROMOTIONAL FLYER WITH UPDATED DEADLINE INFORMATION:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fl0bsLtlRwzpnFpdDOnrCz7rhdbywt20/view

It is also attached to this newsletter as a PDF. Please send this out to your principals and school board personnel, and share at Professional Development opportunities. Some of the sessions are filling up, so be sure and reach out to ALL Early Career Educators (5 or less years, member or non-member, male or female) and encourage them to apply. The deadline to apply has been extended for the October and November workshops.

CONNECTION SURVEY

The Chapter Strengthening Committee has released the link to the Connection Survey for 2024. Chapters may earn the Connection Award certificate for completing the survey. The deadline has been extended to Thursday, October 31, 2024. Please use the following link to earn your Maycie Points and the Connection Award certificate:

https://forms.gle/wMo7dgmKE9E2wU2y9

ATTENTION STATE OFFICERS, RELATED PERSONNEL, AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

It's almost time to assess your progress toward implementing our state strategic plan. Before the middle of October, you will receive a personalized email with instructions for reporting progress in carrying out pertinent portions of the plan, as well as instructions for suggesting updates to the plan. Be looking for this email very soon!

ATTENTION CHAPTER WEBMASTERS:

Webmasters, don’t forget to send in Compliance Form 72 by October 31 to have your chapter websites evaluated. You must have the compliance sticker to be included as an official website. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuf1Q0n9TIX3AIU3iw7EtSlEsM2fui8xH1eq797DSmFb8DJw/viewform

TNSO OFFICER AND ELECTED COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS (NOMINATIONS)

It is now time to submit your applications for TNSO officer positions Officer or as a member of one of the elected committees of Finance, Personnel, Nominations or the Vision Foundation Board.

Applications are found on the TN DKG website at https://www.tndkg.org/forms and are accepted through October 31, 2024. You can make a valuable contribution to the Tennessee State Organization in the 2025-27 biennium by applying yourself or encouraging someone else to apply for one of the positions.

If you have ever wondered what is like to serve in these positions, the Nominations Committee has created two videos where TNSO leaders talk about their experiences. One is for Officers, and the other for Elected Committees. Hear what people like Jensi Souders, Becky Sadowski, Linda McCrary, Beverly Smith, and others have to say about their experiences and the reasons why YOU should apply.

These videos are available on the TN DKG website near the bottom of the Home page as well as the Resources tab under Officers and Related Personnel Forms or you can click on these links--TNSO State Officers or TNSO Elected Committees.

If you have any questions about the videos or application forms, please contact Sandra Pineault at tndkg.nom@gmail.com.

CHAPTER YEARBOOK TEMPLATE

Chapter Yearbooks should be submitted to First Vice President Chasity Ragsdale (TNDKG.1stvice@gmail.com) by December 15, 2024 in order to earn points on the Maycie Award. The updated Yearbook Template can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ey6TMDN0AWuUwHlQ3T8impjlYo_bX1I68B1lA3YpHBw/copy?usp=sharing

The link will instruct you to make a copy, which you will be able to save and then insert your chapter information. Evaluation form is attached to this newsletter.

NEW DATES FOR THE 2025 TNSO CONVENTION

The 89th Tennessee State Convention is scheduled for May 29-31, 2025 in Sewanee, TN. These dates are different from what was previously announced, due to incorrect information given to us by

the University last January.

TNSO DIRECTORY

In order for our TNSO Executive Secretary, Jennifer Lusk, to publish a directory of members, we must give all members an opportunity to "opt out" of having their information included. The directory would be posted on the website under the password protected section. Please notify your members that if they choose to opt out, they must submit this Google form prior to February 1, 2025.

https://forms.gle/6hFa4JKLE8hkeeyWA

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Inside International Zoom happens on the first Tuesday of every month. The session for October 1, 2024 will be at 5:30 P.M. Central Time. You can access the Zoom by going to dkg.org

Cornetet Individual Professional Development Awards

Spread the word about the Cornetet Individual Professional Development Award. The Tennessee State Organization has many members (Amy Edmison, Audra Flippo, Stephanie Higgs, Dr. Elaine Vaughan, and more) who have applied for and received the award.

Cornetet Individual Professional Development Awards (CIPD) fund participation in conferences, seminars, lecture series, online courses and workshops plus other non-degree programs.

Professional Development - a growth-promoting learning process that empowers employed educators to further excellence in education

Who should apply? Employed educators (members and non-members of DKG) who meet the stated professional development definition may apply.

How to apply? Click on the link below to receive more information and scroll to the bottom of the page for the application.

https://www.dkg.org/DKGSI/DKGIEF/Funds/Cornetet_Award/Cornetet_Individual_Award.aspx

Apply no later than November 1 if the professional development activity will occur between January 1 and June 30 of the upcoming year.

If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Elaine Vaughan, 2024-2028 DKGIEF Director, mevaughan@ortn.edu

New International project to replace Schools for Africa – The proposal was made by the International Educational Excellence Committee and passed at the convention to support GIRLS: Girls Initiative to Revitalize Learning and Success. This project will be administered through UNICEF. An informational flyer is attached to this newsletter and the website can be accessed here:

https://www.unicefusa.org/about-unicef-usa/partnerships/humanitarian-organizations/delta-kappa-gamma-society-international

Congratulations to our Tennessee leaders who have been appointed to International Committees for the 2024-2026 biennium:

Dr. Dorrie Powell - Chair of the Leadership Discovery Centre

Dr. Linda Eller - Arts and Humanities Jury

Nancy Davis - International Speakers Fund

Lynn Caruthers - Non-Dues Revenue Committee

Members who were previously elected to International positions are:

Dr. Dianne Anderson - Finance Committee

Dr. Elaine Vaughan - DKGIEF Board

Nancy Davis - Southeast Regional Representative

Peggy Monroe - Southeast Representative for US Forum

Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan - International President

We are so proud of our Tennessee leaders!!!

See CALENDAR at the end of this newsletter for deadlines from International.

Please also check out the Chapter Presidents' Information and News from Committees below. This section just includes those items/events with quickly approaching deadlines.

The next P2P meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2024 at 2:30 P.M Central Time, 3:30 P.M. Eastern Time. All chapter presidents are encouraged to join.

From TNSO Treasurer Dr. Dianne Anderson:

Unpaid members will be dropped on October 1, 2024.

You may turn in dues as often as you want. If you have any problems with the dues portal or are new to the office of Treasurer and have questions—please do not hesitate to contact Dianne at andersond3851@gmail.com. We can set up a zoom meeting and go over how to work with the dues portal.

From Dr. Elaine Vaughan, Chapter Strengthening Chair 2023-2025:

Chapter Presidents/Treasurers, please join us in the continuation of the “Reinstatement Campaign.” In a nutshell – we are reviewing all dropped members from the chapter, completing a Form 18A for members who have died (instead of a Form 6 which is for current members who pass away), then sending a letter encouraging members to consider reinstatement. If you would like to volunteer your chapter, please contact Elaine Vaughan (mevaughan@ortn.edu ) for more information.

State Presidents' histories are now available on the TNDKG website under About Us - History.

MAYCIE AWARD

The new and improved Maycie Award for Chapter Excellence Form is here! The following link will take you to the new version contents:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WOo6EEgK7oMI6rSPZWG7KXXLYKugGUsLgLau-1oNraI/edit?usp=sharing

(See more information under News of Committees/Awards below.)

Orlean Ophelia Bauman Literary Grant

Several members and chapters have reached out to Alpha Rho requesting information and suggestions on how best to honor TNSO First Vice President Orlean Bauman due to her recent passing. Alpha Rho Chapter will be accepting donations to the Tennessee State Organization Vision Foundation to establish a Vision Foundation Literacy Grant in Orlean’s name.

Contributions or bequests from chapters or individuals to the Vision Foundation are deductible as charitable contributions for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. Donations to the Orlean Ophelia Bauman Literacy Grant (payable to the Xi State Vision Foundation) can be sent to:

Tennessee State Treasurer

Dr. Dianne Anderson

497 Como Street

McKenzie, TN 38201

For additional information, please contact Alpha Rho Chapter President Judy England at judydengland@gmail.com.

Videos of Chapter Projects (ongoing)

Update: We are still pursuing the video project, but are having issues with different formats, etc. We will try get more information to you soon on some standards for the videos. Thanks to those who have sent them in so far!

Chapter Presidents - I am asking that you make a video of your chapter service projects to be shown at next year's convention. Please begin your video with a greeting, your chapter name and location, and a few words about the project. Then just shoot some footage of your chapter and/or community members involved, and the finished product. My vision is for us to showcase your wonderful projects in a " Service In Harmony" presentation. If a video is not possible, please take lots of pictures!

From Marsha Brewer, TNSO President

Please share these Leadership Links with your chapter members each month. I am not planning to send out a separate email to members. Points can be earned on the new Maycie Award form for sending the Leadership Links out to your chapter members. I appreciate your help in keeping our members up to date on news and activities at the state and international level!

FORUM ON THE TNDKG WEBSITE! Our State Webmaster, Sherrie Collins, has created a forum on our website for members and non-members to ask education related questions and to receive help and support. We are currently developing the forum rules and parameters. If you have computer skills and would be willing to help moderate the forum, please email me and let me know. I think this can provide a valuable resource for our active educators and give everyone a voice.

Information from our TNSO Officers and Committees

Many thanks to those of you who are serving on state committees for the 2023-2025 biennium. . Participating on a state committee is a great way to connect and network with members across the state, and to be involved in DKG at the state level.

Many of our committees are excited to share information with you and want to keep you up to date on deadlines and events:

Beth Naylor and the TNSO Awards Committee:

The Awards Committee has made significant updates to the Maycie Chapter Excellence Awards submission form. The form is now a Google form. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/eu6gn9GfMw1zbHGc6

There is also a link to a pdf on the tndkg.org web site. This can be used as a planning document. Please submit the Google form by April 1.

Linda McCrary and the TNSO Bylaws and Rules Committee:

Thank you for submitting your chapter Rules for review by the TNSO Bylaws and Rules Committee. We appreciate you. If you were unable to submit your Rules in 2024 more information can be found at https://www.tndkg.org/. Click on Resources and scroll to Bylaws and Rules. (also attached to this newsletter)

The deadline to submit proposals to amend the Bylaws and Rules is December 1, 2024. The form is attached to this newsletter.

Judy England and the Communications and Marketing Committee:

I wish to congratulate all the chapters that have submitted newsletters this past year. You may continue to submit your chapter newsletters to the committee member to whom you previously submitted. If your chapter would like to submit newsletters but you aren't sure who to send them to, you find the list on tndkg.org. Go to Resources, select Communications and Marketing; there you will find the contact list for your chapter. I hope to get newsletter participation from every chapter!

Chasity Ragsdale and the TNSO Educational Excellence Committee:

Please continue sending in your excellent chapter programs and projects to be included on the EEC Corner Spotlight on the website. Also, please consider submitting one of your programs or projects for consideration for the Iris Award. This award is presented at the state convention to the best chapter program and best chapter project. You must first send your program/project in to the EEC Corner Spotlight before it is eligible for the award. The application is due April 1. Here is the link to the updated application: https://forms.gle/oXEhyv1boPZK7gCm8

Dr. Dorrie Powell and the TNSO Finance Committee:

Please submit any budget amendment proposals to the finance committee by April 1, 2025.

Jan Brown and the Historical Preservation Committee:

The Historical Preservation Committee would like your help in preserving each chapter's history.

Someone from the committee will be contacting you to send in an updated chapter history.

If you already have an updated chapter history, you can send it to Jan Brown at tndkg.hispres@gmail.com or janubrown@aol.com

The committee will also be discussing items each chapter should maintain and items that are ok to delete (let go of).

Belinda Juergens and the TNSO Leadership Development Committee:

The TNSO Advanced Leadership Seminar will be held in March and the presenter will be Becky Sadowski. More information will follow.

Dr. Carolyn Tucker and Brenda Oldham and the TNSO Legislation Committee:

Please contact Dr. Carolyn Tucker at ladybaldwintucker@gmail.com or Brenda Oldham at

travelers4043@bellsouth.net and let them know the contact information for your chapter Legislation Committee Chair. They would like to provide updates on legislative news and events.

(See information on upcoming Zoom forum in "At a Glance" section above.)

Dr. Linda Eller and the TNSO Membership Committee:

The75 page Membership Moments booklet can be found on the state website at www.tndkg.org or can be accessed here. https://www.tndkg.org/_files/ugd/4ad137_72ad2fda6a504ff99238137fd326ed82.pdf

Sandra Pineault and the Nominations Committee:

See information in "At a Glance" section above.

Elaine Warwick and the TNSO Planning Committee:

TNSO Chapter Strategic Plan Update for 2023

The TNSO Planning Committee asks state committees, state officers and related personnel, chapters, and members to review the current TSO Strategic Plan and propose changes that you think are needed. The current plan, as well as the form for submitting changes, appears at www.tndkg.org under Resources/Strategic Plan. Please send suggested changes to Planning Committee Chair Elaine Warwick (elainewarwick@att.net) by November 1, 2024. (form is attached below) Thank you for benefiting the state organization and your chapter by your efforts in planning!

The Planning Committee conducted a survey of all state chapters concerning the updating of their chapter strategic plan. The information gleaned from this survey is very enlightening and needs to be shared with all the stakeholders involved. Attached below is a summary of the chapter strategic plan survey results.

Please look at these results, share and discuss them with your chapter members. You will find that chapters have similar concerns such as membership retention and recruitment. Collaborate with other chapters in your area and find ways to help each other or share ideas. Contact your area director, TN Chapter Strengthening Committee, or other state officers if you need assistance in any way.

If you would like a copy of all survey results in an Excel spreadsheet, I would be happy to share it with you. Contact me at elainewarwick@att.net.

Cindy Lynn and the TNSO Scholarship Committee:

The Scholarship committee would like to be sure members are aware that all former $1250 scholarships are now $1500. Also those applying for Masters or other graduate study now only need to have been a member for one calendar year. Please encourage members to apply! The updated Scholarship Brochure can be found on the state website, and is attached to this newsletter.

The updated Scholarship application can be found on the website at:

https://www.tndkg.org/chapter-forms-reports The deadline to apply is February 1, 2025.

Linda Mann and Mildred Nelson and the TNSO Special Events Committee:

Happy Fall Y'all! This is just a friendly reminder from the special events committee to begin thinking of items to collect for your chapter's TNSO silent auction contribution(s). Chapter monetary donations can also be accepted. Remember that monies collected from the auction as well as from the sales of iris note cards and iris pins fund TNSO leadership development events. NOW is a great time to plan for a wonderful "harvest" at Sewanee in June! Hope to see you there!

Mary Wadley and the TNSO State Projects Committee

EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS PROMOTIONAL FLYER IS HERE!!

EXCITING NEW STATE PROJECT - See information in "At a Glance" section above.

The State Projects Committee will not sponsor an Essay Contest this year. Chapters are welcome to conduct essay contests locally, but there will be no awards given at the state level for 2025 due to the focus on Early Career Educators.

Dr. Cathy Meredith and the Xi State Vision Foundation

Applications for Vision Foundation grants will be received from October 1 - December 31, 2024.

Be sure and contact your Area Director and invite her to a chapter meeting. Your Area Directors are there to support your chapter, and to aid in organizing activities and gatherings within your area. The list of Area Directors is attached, as well as the Area Realignment map.

October 1, 2024 - Bulletin: Journal Submission (International)

October 10, 2024 - Legislative Zoom forum "Spotlight on 2024 Voting Issues"

October 26, 2024 - Early Career Educators Survival Kit Workshop (Middle)

October 31, 2024 - Connection Survey due

October 31, 2024 - Deadline for applying for state officer and elected committee positions

October 31, 2024 - Deadline to submit website compliance form

November 1, 2024 - DKGIEF Cornetet Application due

November 1, 2024 - Proposed changes to Strategic Plan submitted to Planning Committee

November 15, 2024 - Chapter Treasurers must file IRS form 990

November 15, 2024 - Bulletin: Collegial Exchange Submission

November 16, 2024 - Early Career Educators Survival Kit Workshop (East)

December 1, 2024 - Deadline to submit proposed amendments to Bylaws and Rules

December 15, 2024 - Chapter Yearbook Submitted to TNSO First VP

December 15, 2024 - Deadline for International Collegial Exchange Submission

December 31, 2024 - Deadline for Vision Foundation Applications

December 31, 2024 - Liz Whorley Bradley Application due

February 1, 2025 - TNSO Scholarship Application due

February 1, 2025 - International Scholarship Application due

March 1, 2024 - DKGIEF Project Application Due

March TBD, 2025 - TNSO Advanced Leadership Seminar

March 15, 2025 - Order of the Rose and Rosebud nominations due to Awards Committee

March 15, 2025 - Chapter Communications and Chapter Marketing Award submissions due

April 1, 2024 - Deadline for proposed amendments to the TNSO Budget

April 1, 2025 - Maycie Chapter Excellence Award Application due to Awards Committee

April 1, 2025 - Chapter Rules for review (if review year) to Bylaws and Rules Committee

April 1, 2025 - Deadline to submit EEC Iris Award Form

May 1, 2025 - TNSO Convention Registration due

May 1, 2025 - Deadline to apply for DKGIEF Cornetet Award

May 15, 2025 - Deadline for submission to International Journal

May 18, 2025 - TNSO Executive Board Meeting (virtual)

May 29-31, 2025 - TNSO Convention in Sewanee, TN

July 29-August 2, 2025 - International Conference in New Orleans, LA