TNSO LEADERSHIP LINKS
May, 2024
Message from the President
Greetings, DKG Sisters.
I am optimistic about the future of our state organization after interacting with our incoming chapter leaders at the training sessions held in March and April. I appreciate the dedication of those who attended, and the leadership of our current state officers, related personnel and other presenters who facilitated these events.
I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting with chapters across the state and taking part in inductions, officer installations, and Founders' Day activities. It is encouraging to see all that is going on in our state. I have also discovered that Tennessee has lots of curvy roads!
The TNSO Executive Board meeting will be held virtually on May 19, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. Central Time. More details to follow in News at a Glance and Chapter Presidents' Information below. We must have a quorum in order to conduct our Society business, so we need all executive board members to participate.
I hope everyone is looking forward to our 88th TNSO Convention at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. The dates are May 30-June 1 and our International Representative will be Connie Rensink, International First Vice President. Highlights of the convention will include our keynote speaker, Sharon Segovia, who is a retired educator and humorist, the presentation of the Order of the Rose and Rosebud awards, and a new format Convention Program Book created by TNSO First Vice President Chasity Ragsdale. Outgoing and incoming Chapter Presidents will be presented at the Presidents' Banquet on Friday, May 31, and Saturday features the Ceremony of Remembrance and the Birthday Brunch with a tribute to our International Founders. The TNSO Arts and Personal Growth Committee will be selling T-shirts at the Mini-Mall. Scroll down for ordering information and pictures.
Be planning your chapter displays which will be set up in Convocation Hall on Thursday, May 30.
See attachment below for hostess chapters assigned to the 2024 convention.
More details and the convention registration form appear in the body of this newsletter. A long-time preacher at the church I attended while growing up used to say, "If you don't attend, you will only regret it once, and that will be the rest of your natural life". We want no regrets, so please make plans to join us on the mountaintop!
If you are planning to attend the International Convention in National Harbor, Maryland, mark your calendars for Tennessee Night on July 12. (details and sign-up information below)
Promotional flyers for the Early Educator Survival Kit Workshops are now available to email and post. Scroll down for the link and PDF. We need your help to get the word out to as many early career educators as possible!
Please be sure and read this newsletter for new and updated information on events and happenings from officers and committees. I hope to see many of you at these events, or for a visit to your chapter. Please let me know if I can help or support you in any way.
In Harmony,
Marsha Brewer
615-838-1793
News "At a Glance"
ATTENTION PLEASE!!!
ATTENTION PLEASE!!!
New Chapter Officers
Now is the time to be establishing your new slate of chapter officers for the 2024-2026 biennium. When your slate of officers is complete, you will need to fill out Form 110 (attached) and send it to tndkg.pres@gmail.com and to International at mem.dkg.org by May 15.
Even if you have not completed Form 110, please send the name of your incoming chapter president to Marsha Brewer gnash81@comcast.net and to Jenni Lusk jenni.luskdkg@gmail.com
We are also asking that you send a picture of your incoming president, as well as pictures of your chapter activities to be included in a PowerPoint presentation at the state convention.
MATTER OF IMPORTANCE!
The TNSO Executive Board meeting will be held on Sunday, May 19 at 2:30 P.M. Central Time/3:30 P.M. Eastern Time to vote on the proposed budget and the proposed amendments to the bylaws and rules. The Tennessee State Organization must establish a quorum in order to vote on the items listed. The Executive Board is comprised of chapter presidents, state officers, and past state presidents. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please appoint a designee. Please complete this form to sign up: https://forms.gle/eKBEbYY5AYDus6ic9 After signing up, you will receive the Zoom link closer to time of the meeting.
May 1 Deadlines from TNSO:
Form 6 reporting death of a member must be submitted to Dr. Linda Eller, TNSO Membership Chair, in order for the member to be included in the Ceremony of Remembrance Program at the state convention. lseller01@gmail.com
TNSO Convention, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN - 5/30-6/1, 2024 (See details under News of Committees - Convention Steering. May 1st is the cutoff for the discounted registration) Registration form can be accessed here:
https://forms.gle/nJSozSTKLNxftVDEA
Outgoing and incoming Chapter Presidents will be presented at the Presidents' Banquet on Friday, May 31.
Be planning your chapter displays which will be set up in Convocation Hall on Thursday, May 30.
See attachment below for hostess chapters assigned to the 2024 convention.
Here is the Schedule at a Glance
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vwE9kQ2pFzscYGMztL5omUptCB5Ry6F_/view?usp=sharing
We are also looking for vendors for the convention. Vendors will be able to set up and sell on the opening night this year (Thursday, May 30) in the Art Gallery. Applications are due 5/1/24
https://forms.gle/hrdocfmtfPeZX57v6
DKG In Harmony T-Shirts Available!
The Arts Committee would like to announce that they are selling t-shirts (pre-ordered and at convention). The cost is $15. The money made from the sale of the shirts will help pay for lunch for the participants at the Creative Arts Retreat. The t-shirts are unisex, light gray, and will feature the “In Harmony” logo of the current biennium. Please Venmo Judy McDonald @Judith-McDonald-17. In the message section please put your name and shirt size. If you would like to pay by check, mail it to:
Judy McDonald
1196 Waynesboro Hwy
Waynesboro, TN 38485
Please put shirt size and name on memo line. Our cut- off date for pre-orders is May 10th. We thank you in advance for your support. (See pictures below this section)
PROMOTIONAL FLYER IS HERE!!
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. Workshops have been scheduled for September 21, 2024 at St. Columba Retreat in Memphis, October 26, 2024 at The Dwelling Place in White Bluff, and November 16, 2024 at Falls Creek Falls State Park. Here is the link to the promotional flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3AthnQLHCvE1ukOEJeh7SoP6zG10c9Y/view?usp=sharing
It is also attached to this newsletter as a PDF.
International Concerns:
Please sign up to attend Tennessee Night at the International Convention in National Harbor, MD. Our event will take place on Friday evening, July 12 from 6:30-8:30 P.M. at The Silver Diner. Cost is $48.00 per person. Sign-up here by June 5: https://forms.gle/iy9ktZLiXG1Touas5
Check the International Website www.dkg.com for information on the proposed amendments to the International Constitution. The proposed amendments are also published in the latest issue of the DKG News. (attached)
Teresa Cowan, Southeast Regional Director, would like for you to contact her at cowan2019eta@gmail.com if you are interested in the following:
Looking for DKG members who are interested in taking part in a DKG sponsored pilot program about photography strategies using a cell phone.
Looking for DKG K-2 educators who are interested in taking part in a DKG sponsored pilot program about K-2 literacy strategies.
Congratulations to International 2nd VP Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan for her article on Logic Models that will be published in the next Bulletin.
Congratulations to Jeanette Esch for the inclusion of her photographs in the DKG Gallery.
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.
Chapter Presidents' Information
After signing up, you will receive the Zoom link closer to time of the meeting.
The next P2P meeting will be scheduled for June 9, 2024 at 2:30 P.M Central Time, 3:30 P.M. Eastern Time. Make a note that this will occur on the 2nd Sunday afternoon of the month due to a previous commitment on the 3rd Sunday.
From Dr. Elaine Vaughan, Chapter Strengthening Chair 2023-2025:
Chapter Presidents/Treasurers, please join us in 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 as a pilot 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.
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)
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. 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.
Alpha Gamma's Daddy Daughter Dance
Gamma Mu at their Good Neighbor Award presentation
Beta Zeta inducts new members.
Founders' Day for Nashville Chapters
Elizabeth Word, incoming president of Beta Upsilon created lovely programs and favors!
DKG Song at Nashville Founders' Day
Beta Omega Induction
News of Committees
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.
From TNSO Treasurer Dr. Dianne Anderson:
Treasurers:
Don’t forget that dues are due June 30, 2024. That is not the final deadline but rather the first one. Unpaid members will get an email on August 1, 2024 reminding them to pay their dues and then another on September 1, 2024. 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 me at andersond3851@gmail.com. We can set up a zoom meeting and go over how to work with the dues portal.
From TNSO First Vice President Chasity Ragsdale to Officers, Committee Chairs, and Area Directors: If you have not set up your Google account, or had issues when setting it up, please send an email to: tndkg.corrsec@gmail.com Here is a video to help you set up your account:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1II_CiAWVeUQrYXACH9Ve7jWKNhdYPShn/view
Also, Chasity has a new email address: tndkg.1stvice@gmail.com
Many of our committees are excited to share information with you and want to keep you up to date on deadlines and events:
Harriet King and the Arts and Personal Growth Committee:
1) The Arts Committee would like to announce they are selling t-shirts (pre-ordered and at convention). The cost is $15. The money made from the sale of the shirts will help pay for lunch for the participants at the retreat. The t-shirts are unisex, light gray, and will feature the "In Harmony" logo of the current biennium. Please Venmo Judy McDonald @Judith-McDonald-17. In the message section please put your name and and shirt size. If you would like to pay by check, please mail to:
Judy McDonald
1196 Waynesboro Hwy
Waynesboro, TN 38485
Please put shirt size and name on memo line. Our cut off date for pre-orders is May 10th. We thank you in advance for the support.
2) Chapter Presidents, It’s Time to Brag!
The Arts and Personal Growth Committee would like to remind all chapter
presidents that at the TN State Convention, you need to bring a display of the
chapter’s activities during your biennium. Each chapter will have half a table to
use for the display. If you are going to use a tablecloth, you must provide your
own. In order to know how many tables to request, please email hking13@outlook.com by May 15, 2024, if you plan to participate with a display or if you have any questions. Each chapter with a display will receive a Participation Certificate. We know that the chapters across this state do awesome projects and activities. Let’s share these ideas, so others may find new ways to help their community.
3 )We have confirmed the Venue in the Village at Casey Jones Village in Jackson for September 27-28, 2024, for our Creative Arts Retreat. We will send out more information about the price and availability of motels by April. Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to come for a weekend of fun, fellowship and creativity!
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. This is also the location of the 2024 proposed Bylaws and Rules amendments. The proposed changes are also attached in this newsletter. Please contact Linda McCrary (615.888.7026 or lindamccrary72@gmail.com) with questions regarding the proposed amendments. Please contact Dr. Debra Messenger-Smith (drdmsmith1@gmail.com) regarding reviews of chapter Rules.
TNSO 2nd VP Terry Sharp and the Convention Steering Committee:
It's registration time for the 2024 TNSO Convention! We're looking forward to seeing all of you on the Mountain this year! We want to let you know that we have some changes in store this year, based on feedback. One of those includes changing one of our dorms to Humphreys to make it easier to access the parts of campus where we will be. The other big change will be to some of the menus. We know the menus have remained unchanged for a number of years, and sometimes bringing in some new recipes can freshen things up a bit. Fortunately for us, our fees are staying the same this year, so that won't be one of our changes.
Also, we'll be bringing back the campus bus tour with our favorite tour guide, Dee Dee Rives. She is a walking encyclopedia of all things Sewanee, and for newcomers and recent newcomers, this is a "not to be missed" experience. The ever popular tour of All Saints Chapel and the carillon tower will also be among the options for break-out sessions.
Here's the link for online registration: https://forms.gle/nJSozSTKLNxftVDEA
We're very excited to be with you all at the 2024 Convention, and we'll see you on the mountain!
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.
Dr. Dorrie Powell and the TNSO Finance Committee:
From the Finance Committee:
Each biennium, the TNSO Finance Committee develops a two-year budget under which the state organization will operate for the second year of the current biennium and the first year of the next one. The proposed budget for 2024-2025/2025-2026 will be presented for approval during the TNSO Executive Board meeting May 19.
Please review the proposed budget attached to this issue of Leadership Links. For the sake of comparison, this proposed budget includes the budget amounts approved for 2022-2023/2023-2024.
Contact committee chair, Dr. Dorrie Powell, with questions. powell.dorrie@gmail.com or 731-234-5763.
Belinda Juergens and the TNSO Leadership Development Committee:
Mark your calendar for the second planned Beginning Leadership Seminar which is scheduled for September 13-14, 2024 at Henry Horton State Park.
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.
The TNSO Legislation Committee is encouraging members to contact Tennessee State Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee State Legislators regarding critical issues impacting education in Tennessee. DKG members and friends of education should make these contacts via visits to the hill, phone calls, email, texts and/or letters.
Dr. Linda Eller and the TNSO Membership Committee:
Question: Is your chapter required to vote on new members? See the answer in the attached document below from International, "Voting on a Member"
To be included in the Ceremony of Remembrance Program at the state convention, Form 6 needs to be submitted by May 1, 2024. Forms received after the deadline will be featured in the 2025 program.
The TNSO Membership Committee will be offering new awards this biennium for the chapter that reinstates the greatest percentage of dropped members. For the data on members from your chapter that have dropped that you would like to contact, email Linda Eller at tndkg.mem@gmail.com for a listing. Please send Linda Eller a list of reinstated members so that you will be eligible for recognition.
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:
As you think about the upcoming Tennessee State Organization Convention in Sewanee, please make plans to attend the breakout session presented by the Nominations Committee on Friday, May 31 from 3:10-4:00 in room 224 of Gailor Hall. Committee members will help you look at which state office or elected committee best meets your strengths as well as giving you pointers for completing your application. Please consider committing to a greater engagement to DKG by applying to be a state officer or to serve on an elected committee—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 could make a valuable contribution to the Tennessee State Organization in the 2025-27 biennium.
Elaine Warwick and the TNSO Planning Committee:
TNSO Chapter Strategic Plan Update for 2023
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 suggest that chapters continue to encourage members to apply for scholarships next year.
Linda Mann and Mildred Nelson and the TNSO Special Events Committee:
We are excited about our upcoming silent auction at the TNSO Convention. Our goal is to have 100% chapter participation at our upcoming convention. Chapters are encouraged to donate items for the silent auction or to make a monetary donation of $25 or more. If your chapter will be making a donation, don’t forget to complete the appropriate form located on the TNSO website.
Chapters who bring an item or make a donation can earn points toward the Maycie Chapter Excellence Award. The chapter that raises the most money at the auction receives the Apple Award at convention.
Money raised is used to fund the Tennessee Beginning and Advanced Leadership Management Seminars, Leadership Conference for Chapter Officers, Leadership Conference for Committee Planning, and other professional development activities.
Join us at the 2024 Silent Auction and help raise money to support our leadership development programs.
Mary Wadley and the TNSO State Projects Committee
PROMOTIONAL FLYER IS HERE!!
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. Workshops have been scheduled for September 21, 2024 at St. Columba Retreat in Memphis, October 26, 2024 at The Dwelling Place in White Bluff, and November 16, 2024 at Falls Creek Falls State Park. Here is the link to the promotional flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3AthnQLHCvE1ukOEJeh7SoP6zG10c9Y/view?usp=sharing
It is also attached to this newsletter as a PDF.
Please email this to administrators, Central Office, and any early career educators you know. Who is eligible? All who have been teaching 5 years or less. You do not have to be a DKG member. Male teachers are welcome also! This is a positive step forward in our mission of supporting educators and excellence in education.
Area Directors
From Amanda Pritchett, Area III Director:
Area III Socializes
Area III met at Candies Creek Cherokee Elementary in Cleveland, TN. Thank you Lambda Chapter and Chapter President Sheron Smith for hosting this event! We enjoyed socializing, making earrings, and being reminded of opportunities within our society. There are so many opportunities within DKG at the chapter, state, and international levels.
Professional and personal growth opportunities are available both in person and online. Our state organization offers beginning and advanced leadership training. International offers Golden Gift Leadership. If you search our state and international websites there are many opportunities to participate in training and fun activities that will foster growth. Many of these trainings may be viewed at any time by going to the state and international websites and clicking the link.
Scholarships are available at both the state and international levels. If you are pursuing an advanced degree, take time to apply for a state and international scholarship. Thousands of dollars are given each year. Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Making lifelong friendships, serving our communities as well as communities across the globe, and serving in leadership positions at the chapter, state, and international levels makes DKG a unique opportunity. Tennessee is the Volunteer State, and we are well represented at all levels.
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.
Contact your Area Director and ask about the possibility of some of your area chapters combining for a joint Orientation for new members. Any of our TNSO Officers and Related Personnel and our Chapter Strengthening Chair would love to be invited to help facilitate the orientation. They possess a wealth of knowledge about our society and they rarely have the opportunity to visit with chapters. Officers and Related Personnel include the following:
East Tennessee: 2nd VP Terry Sharp and Webmaster Sherrie Collins. Chapter Strengthening Committee Chair Dr. Elaine Vaughan.
Middle Tennessee: President Marsha Brewer, 1st VP Chasity Ragsdale, Recording Secretary Dr. Regina Henry, Corresponding Secretary Belinda Juergens, Executive Secretary Jenni Lusk, and Parliamentarian Dr. Kathie Harned
West Tennessee: Treasurer Dr. Dianne Anderson and Editor Michelle Steen.
Great job, ladies!
Area III members get together to make earrings.
Key Women Educators of the Nashville Area
Distinguished Service to the Community - Dr Paula Pendergrass, Alpha Nu. Distinguished Service to Education - Dr. Jocelyn Adams, Beta; Mildred Nelson, Alpha Nu; and Dr. Lisa Woodard, Beta Upsilon
Calendar
May 1, 2024 - Deadline to submit Form 6 for Ceremony of Remembrance Program
May 1, 2024 - Deadline to submit vendor application for state convention
May 1, 2024 - DKGIEF Cornetet CIPD Applications due
May 1, 2024 - Deadline for "Early Bird" Registration for the TNSO Convention
May 7, 2024 - Area II Pi Chapter Founders' Day
May 15, 2024 - Chapter Officers Report (form 110) due
May 15, 2024 - Bulletin: Journal Submissions (International)
May 19, 2024 - TNSO Executive Board Meeting (Virtual)
May 30 - June 1, 2024 - TNSO Convention in Sewanee, TN
June 5, 2024 - Deadline to register for Tennessee Night
July 9 - 13, 2024 - DKG International Convention in National Harbor, MD (Gaylord National, D.C. Area)
July 12, 2024 - Tennessee Night at the International Convention
September 13-14, 2024 - Beginning Leadership Seminar
September 21, 2024 - Early Career Educators Survival Kit Workshop (West)
September 27-28, 2024 - TNSO Creative Arts Retreat
October 26, 2024 - Early Career Educators Survival Kit Workshop (Middle)
November 16, 2024 - Early Career Educators Survival Kit Workshop (East)
June 5-7, 2025 - TNSO Convention
2023-2025 Tennessee State Officer Team
Chasity Ragsdale, First Vice President
Terry Sharp, Second Vice President
Dr. Regina Henry, Recording Secretary
Belinda Juergens, Corresponding Secretary
Dr. Dianne Anderson, Treasurer
Dr. Kathie Harned, Parliamentarian
Jennifer Lusk, Executive Secretary
Michelle Steen, Editor
Sherrie Collins, Webmaster
(Officers at Sewanee with International Executive Director Nita Scott. Not pictured - Dr. Kathie Harned, Belinda Juergens)