The Virtual Executive Board Meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2025 at 2:30 P.M. Central Time, 3:30 P.M. Eastern Time. The Executive Board consists of TNSO Officers, Chapter Presidents, and Past State Presidents. If you will be unable to attend the Executive Board Meeting, you will need to appoint a designee to attend in your place. Here is the link to register for the Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Zv2u_bqpRnyb-7wZO3XMNw You will receive another link later to log in to the meeting.
The next P2P Meeting is scheduled for June 8, 2025 at 2:30 P.M Central Time, 3:30 P.M.
Eastern Time. This meeting will include the 2025-2027 TNSO Officers.
From Chasity Ragsdale, TNSO First Vice President:
Mini Mall Applications are due May 1, 2025. Here is the link to the form:
https://forms.gle/ad5qNpsnzsQFdZo9A Committees, chapters, and individuals may apply to the first vice president to sell in the convention Marketplace, provided that 100% of the profit from committees and chapters and at least 10% of the profit from individual sales benefits the chapter or state organization.
From Dr. Dianne Anderson, TNSO Treasurer:
The first deadline for chapter dues is June 30, 2025. Dues can be submitted at any time. The Dues Portal is now open on the International website
Please be aware of members that may not be able to pay dues because of being in assisted living, etc. Chapters or concerned members need to be sure and keep dues current for members who have no other options.
From Dr. Elaine Vaughan, Chapter Strengthening Chair 2023-2025:
Chapters, please consider contacting the Chapter Strengthening Committee to assist with maintaining or revitalizing chapter membership. The Chapter Strengthening Committee, consisting of 10 area directors and the chair, are willing to mentor and offer support by visiting your chapter either face-to-face or virtually The results of the 2024 Connection Survey (completed by 94% of the chapters) is a resource used by Area Directors for supporting chapters in organizing activities and gatherings as well as visits. The results of the Connection Survey also indicated that chapters are concerned with membership and ways to retain members or how to attract dropped members. The Reinstatement Project is designed to help chapters review dropped members and possibly reestablish membership. Please contact Dr. Elaine Vaughan (elainevaughan77@gmail.com) or visit the TNSO website (Resources, Chapter Strengthening) for more information.
State Presidents' histories are now available on the TNDKG website under About Us - History.
(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)
Continue to send in videos of your chapter projects. We are planning to post these on the state website to demonstrate our "TNSO Chapters Serving In Harmony".
From Marsha Brewer, TNSO President
Please share these Leadership Links with your chapter members each month, and highlight upcoming events in your chapter newsletters and communications. 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:
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 proposed amendments to the TNSO Bylaws and Rules are posted on the state website and attached to this newsletter. (see "Attachments" below)
The proposed amendments will be voted on by the Executive Board on May 18, and by members attending the 89th TNSO Convention on May 30.
Chasity Ragsdale and the TNSO Educational Excellence Committee:
Please continue to submit your programs and projects to the EEC corner. When submitting to the EEC corner, please follow these guidelines when formatting your document: Any photos or videos that you have of your program or project should be linked in the summary box. Please do not send them as attachments in the email. When you have filled out the form, delete the second page. Save the document as a PDF, and be sure to name the document your chapter name and the title of the program or project. Then attach it to an email address to me tndkg.1stvice@gmail.com and be sure to include the category. It should go under in the EEC corner.
Dr. Dorrie Powell and the TNSO Finance Committee:
Last year, the TNSO Finance Committee presented a two-year budget for 2024-2025/2025-2026. This budget was approved by the Executive Board on May 19, 2024, and later amended and approved electronically following the 2024 state convention. This amended budget reflected increased scholarship award amounts approved by amendment during the Second General Session.
For both years of the approved budget, proposed expenditures totaled over $50,000.00 while expected income from dues and other sources totaled approximately $35,000. To balance the budget, the Finance Committee recommended the use of invested funds. While TNSO has budgeted at a deficit for several years, that deficit has continued to increase as costs have gone up and projects were added while membership decreased, and revenue failed to meet projections.
In 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, it has been necessary to use invested funds to pay our bills during the last several months of each fiscal cycle. While we still have money in reserve for the Available Fund, we must find ways to balance the budget without depending too heavily on these reserves.
The Finance Committee will again propose an amended budget under which the state organization will operate for the coming fiscal year (2025-2026). Expected changes to the budget will reflect increased costs for some operating expenses, reduced income from dues, and cuts to other operating expenses to balance the budget without dipping too deeply into invested funds.
Because several proposed amendments to the TNSO Bylaws and Rules can have an impact on the budget for next year, the Finance Committee will wait until the conclusion of the state convention to present this amended budget for Executive Board approval.
Contact committee chair, Dr. Dorrie Powell, with questions or concerns. powell.dorrie@gmail.com or 731-234-5763.
Jan Brown and the Historical Preservation Committee:
Each chapter president should have received an email about submitting your chapter history. The Historical Preservation Committee will be presenting a workshop at the state convention that will offer guidance on what materials to keep, and what can be discarded. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Brown at tndkg.hispres@gmail.com or janubrown@aol.com
Dr. Carolyn Tucker and Brenda Oldham and the TNSO Legislation Committee:
Greetings from your TNSO Legislative committee:
In order to continue ongoing relationships with your legislators, please write, email or call to let them know something they accomplished this session that will be good for our state, our students and education or that you hope can be accomplished in the next legislative session next Jan. 2026.
The recording of the Zoom event "Navigating the Tennessee General Assembly Website" is available on the tndkg.or website or here:
Passcode: 6v$#W0.h
The Facebook Live recording of Missy Testerman, National Teacher of the Year, is on the Delta Kappa Gamma Xi State Tennessee Facebook page or can be accessed here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ZDADAroiQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Dr. Linda Eller and the TNSO Membership Committee:
Recruit, Retain, Reinstate
Encourage former members to return. Reinstate. Chapters that submit reinstatements will receive a member award for the TNSO convention.
Form 6 for Death of a Member
Please complete Form 6 (attached to this newsletter) upon death of a member and email to International: mem@dkg.org
Dr. Dianne Anderson: andersond3851@gmail.com
Dr. Linda Eller: lseller01@gmail.com
Form 6 needs to be received by May 1, 2025 in order for a member to be included in the Ceremony of Remembrance at the state convention.
The 75 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
Elaine Warwick and the TNSO Planning Committee
The Planning Committee is working hard to streamline the TNSO Strategic Plan using the International plan as a model, and will be offering a workshop at the state convention with information on strategic planning for chapters.
Linda Mann and Mildred Nelson and the TNSO Special Events Committee:
The countdown is on... and the Special Events Committee is looking forward to seeing all of the creative and amazing items for bid at our 2025 silent auction at Sewanee! We are counting on your contributions to help make the silent auction a success. It is our goal to have 100% chapter participation. Your chapter may participate by donating items or a minimal financial contribution of $25. Money raised at the silent auction is used to fund the Tennessee Beginning and Advanced Leadership Management Seminars, Leadership Conference for Committee Planning, and other professional development activities. Developing leaders is one of DKG's vital tasks, and we are counting on your support! The 2025 Silent Auction Guidelines can be found in the "attachments" section of this newsletter.
Inside International Zoom happens on the first Tuesday of every month. The next session will be on May 6 at 12:30 P.M. Central Time. You can access the Zoom by going to dkg.org
May 11—Launch of the Centennial Celebration Fund Campaign. Each member is asked to contribute a symbolic $19.29. A link will be placed on the website on May 11. The funds will be used for Centennial Scholarships, First Timers Awards to attend the 100th Celebration, and a grand gala event.
May 21 - U.S. Forum presents Engaging Your Legislations! Effective Strategies to Make Legislative Contacts Easy at 6:30 PM Central.
The interest meeting dates for the latest Visionary Networks are as follows:
May 6 - Mental Health Awareness
May 6 - Start Your Dream School
May 7 - Tech Savvy Sisters
May 7 - Authors in Bloom
May 7 - The Seven Principles of Mr. Rogers
May 8 - Vocational Self-Efficacy for Children & Adolescents (in Spanish - English speakers may attend to practice Spanish speaking skills)
May 8 - Navigating the Challenges of Writing a Dissertation
May 9 - French for Beginners
Times and registration links are on the international website rotator.
Registration is open for the International Conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA July 31-August 2, 2025. Plan to join us for Tennessee Night on Thursday, July 31. (See details in "News at a Glance" above.)
Here is some information for those who plan to attend the Conference:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag
BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag! We all have plenty of DKG tote bags, so put them to good use! BYOB is a fantastic way to stay eco-friendly and a perfect opportunity to recycle those DKG totes while showing some love for the environment. Consider bringing an extra tote to share with a first timer. Together, we can create a sustainable and welcoming conference for everyone – one DKG bag at a time!
Dress for Success: Bring purses and scarves
As part of DKG’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and fostering their success, we are excited to partner with Dress for Success New Orleans. This incredible nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping women build the skills, confidence, and resources they need to excel in both their careers and personal lives. You are encouraged to bring gently used purses and scarves to registration at the conference. These donations will go directly to Dress for Success New Orleans, providing women in need with access to professional attire, career development tools, and essential job-search resources. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference, helping women feel confident and prepared as they pursue their dreams. Join us in supporting this cause—together, we can help women thrive!
Show Your Pride in DKG: “Wear” You Belong
Members are encouraged to show up with confidence and pride in all that DKG represents by participating in DKG: “Wear” You Belong. Join the Thursday night General Session wearing your DKG apparel or colors. Imagine a visual representation of our DKG sisterhood by expressing our unity, not just by attending, but also fostering a spirit of belonging among members that defines DKG. Make a statement of pride and solidarity by wearing your DKG attire or colors to the Thursday night General Session - "Wear" You Belong.
Meet the 2025 Educator Book Award Author: Norina E. Bentzel
Bring your copy of the book Glorius Sadness: Faith~Love~Hope Trumps School Attack by Norina E. Bentzel to the conference and have it personally autographed. Connect with the author and honor her extraordinary journey and contribution to the world of education. This inspiring book shares a powerful true story of courage, resilience, and the unshakable strength found in faith, love, and hope.
Support Sisters in Crisis: Donate to the DKG Emergency Fund
When disaster strikes, the DKG International Educators Foundation (DKGIEF) Emergency Fund is there—providing immediate financial assistance to members impacted by unexpected crises such as floods, fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Show your support by bringing a monetary donation to the luncheon on Friday. Your generosity will make a real and lasting difference in the lives of fellow DKG members facing hardship by offering hope, relief, and a reminder that they are not alone. By standing together in the spirit of sisterhood and service, showing that when one of us faces difficulty, we all rise to support her.
A series of videos titled Governing Insights which address frequently asked questions about revision of the international governing documents is available on the International website.
If you have any chapter virtual events that you want to share with all DKG members, submit this information at least 10 days prior to the event for posting on the Leadership Discovery Centre. (form is on the international website)
US FORUM INFORMATION
The 2026 National Legislative Seminar will be held on March 8-11, 2026.
The US Forum Member Issues Survey results can be found under "Attachments" below.
An open letter from the US Forum Chair on the Department of Education can be found under "Attachments" below.
See CALENDAR at the end of this newsletter for deadlines from International.
May 1, 2025 - TNSO Convention Registration due
May 1, 2025 - Convention Mini-Mall requests due
May 1, 2025 - Form 6 due for Ceremony of Remembrance
May 1, 2025 - Deadline to apply for DKGIEF Cornetet Award
May 11 - Launch of the Centennial Celebration Fund Campaign. ($19.29 per member)
May 15, 2025 - Deadline for submission to International Journal
May 18, 2025 - TNSO Executive Board Meeting (virtual)
May 21 - U.S. Forum presents Engaging Your Legislations!
May 29-31, 2025 - TNSO Convention in Sewanee, TN
July 29-31, 2025 - State Organization Leadership Training in New Orleans, LA
July 31-August 2, 2025 - International Conference in New Orleans, LA
July 31, 2025 - Tennessee Night at the International Conference in New Orleans, LA
