TNSO LEADERSHIP LINKS

November, 2024

Message from the President

Greetings, DKG Sisters!

"Education e'er we'll further;

Each is bound to each as brother;

With this faith in one another

We shall win for aye!"

This stanza from The Delta Kappa Gamma Song references the support that is such a cornerstone of our Society. I have seen this support evidenced in many ways over the last couple of months. Members have been reaching out to our sisters in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina with donations, prayers, and offers of help. Please continue to check out the Amazon Gift Registries which have been set up by members in Carter and Johnson Counties. As children begin to return to school, more needs are being identified, and the registries are being updated. Please find more information on donating in the "News at a Glance" section of this newsletter.

The TNSO Legislation Committee presented "Spotlight on 2024 Voting Issues" via Zoom on October 10. The committee researched the Democrat and Republican Party platforms as they relate to educational and women's issues. Three of our Society Purposes mention the support of legislation and education of our members on letting our voices be heard. This forum was recorded, and can be accessed on the state website, or by the link below in "News at a Glance".

The State Projects Committee held the second of three "Survival Kit" workshops to support Early Career Educators on October 26 in White Bluff, TN. Twelve educators participated, and experienced a day of learning, interacting, and self-care. The last workshop will be held November 16 in East Tennessee. Room is still available for applicants, so spread the word! (See details and registration link in "News at a Glance" below.)

Our TNSO Scholarship Committee and our Xi State Vision Foundation are there to support educators through scholarships, classroom project grants, and professional development opportunities. Support is offered at the International level as well. Please make your chapter members aware of all the ways that DKG offers support!

Congratulations to Wynne Anderson, Eileen Carter, and Jennifer Lusk for having entries accepted into the International Gallery. Look for their art to be included sometime this month. Congratulations to TNSO Recording Secretary and Beta Chapter President Dr. Regina Henry for being elected chair of the Mount Juliet Traffic Commission. We love to honor and celebrate our members who excel in so many areas. Thank you for using your gifts and talents to support DKG!

In Harmony,

Marsha Brewer

Early Career Educators' Workshop in Middle TN

Early Career Educators participate in a nature walk with Wynne Anderson

Early Career Educators enjoying Kelli Myers' presentation

News "At a Glance"

ATTENTION PLEASE!!!

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

HELP FOR EAST TENNESSEE

Pam Egeler, Alpha Alpha Chapter, who lives in Elizabethton, has created an Amazon Registry List for anyone who would like to purchase items and have them sent to Elizabethton/Carter County. Amazon is still delivering to these hard to reach areas, and there is a coordinated effort to airlift items to inaccessible places. Pam is updating the list to include school supplies and other items children and teachers will need as school resumes. The link to purchase and donate to this area is: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2IFMV9T03WDTD?ref=gr_search_page_result

Misste Phillippi, Gamma Mu Chapter, who lives in Mountain City, has also created an Amazon Registry List. One of the schools in the area is serving as a resource center to distribute donated items to those in the Johnson County area. The list is being updated to include school and classroom supplies. The link to that registry is:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1A5C5YYLYB7XH?ref_=wl_share

Other organizations that are operating in the area are Samaritan's Purse,

www.samaritanspurse.org

and Churches of Christ Disaster Relief,

www.disasterreliefeffort.org

We will update the information and lists as schools open and more needs are known.

NOVEMBER DKG TENNESSEE NEWS

The digital only issue is attached to this email. It has also been posted on the state website. Congratulations to TNSO Editor Michelle Steen and all of the individuals and chapters who contributed for another excellent issue!

TNSO LEGISLATIVE FORUM "SPOTLIGHT ON 2024 VOTING ISSUES"

The TNSO Legislation Committee hosted an Information Forum via Zoom on October 10, 2024. Maycie Award points can be earned by your members' participation in this event, or by watching the recorded forum at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/SBe6T0vylV4v__r5QzakpOBIeL6D2T-qFosrMGEbbdUZIkFHs_3COhR5ReQavdPQ.jknBusNVvh_uRtPG?startTime=1728603262000

Passcode: Zwg7^kV6

The next Legislative event will be An Evening with Missy Testerman, National Teacher of the Year on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the TEA Building in Nashville. There will be opportunities to go "on the hill" the next day. More information coming soon!

The Legislative Award form is being updated. Criteria for receiving the award is attached to this newsletter, so you can go ahead and begin planning chapter activities.

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. One more workshop has been planned for November 16, 2024 at Fall 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. 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 November workshop. Evaluation forms have been 100% positive for the workshops in West and Middle Tennessee. Congratulations to the State Projects Committee for their wonderful work!

ATTENTION STATE OFFICERS, RELATED PERSONNEL, AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

It's almost time to assess your progress toward implementing our state strategic plan. 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!

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.

TNSO ADVANCED LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

The Advanced Leadership Seminar is scheduled for February 28 - March 1, 2025 at Henry Horton State Park. (See more details in "News of Committees" below.) The link to register is:

https://forms.gle/AMEpyPFcs8kWchBC7 and the deadline is January 3, 2025.

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 November 5, 2024 will be at 12:30 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 8 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

Beverly Smith - Bylaws Revision Task Force

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.

Beta Chapter President, Dr. Regina Henry delivering new teacher bags

Beta Upsilon Chapter celebrates 43 years!

Beta Zeta donates hygiene products

Chapter Presidents' Information

The next P2P meeting is scheduled for November 17, 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 have been 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, 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.

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.

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:

The updated Communications Award Score Sheet is attached to this newsletter. 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 can find the list on tndkg.org. Go to Resources, select Communications and Marketing; there you will find the contact list for your chapter, along with award criteria. The deadline for submitting the form is March 15, 2025.

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 February 28 - March 1, 2025 at Henry Horton State Park. The presenter will be past International President Becky Sadowski. The seminar will be based on the book The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. Registration cost will be $30.00 for participants, and anyone who has attended a TNSO Beginning Leadership Seminar is eligible to apply. The registration link can be found in "News at a Glance" above.

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 recorded Zoom Forum and upcoming Legislation Events 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

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 December 1, 2024. (form is attached below) Thank you for benefiting the state organization and your chapter by your efforts in planning!

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:

Time flies! It is hard to believe it is already November and we are only six months away from our TNSO State Convention at Sewanee. November is a great month for your chapter to discuss items to donate to the Silent Auction. Monies collected from the Auction as well as from the sale of iris note cards and iris pins fund TNSO leadership development events. Let's make this Silent Auction one to remember.

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

Sisters, you only have 2 months to determine something special you need for your classroom and a professional development activity you may want to participate in next year. If your chapter wants to sponsor a seminar or a professional development activity, there are funds for that as well. The Vision Foundation makes these monies available through an application process. Please check out the application on the VF page of our Tennessee DKG website.

Attachments

DKG TN NEWS November 2024 2.pdf

Criteria for Legislation Award 2024-2025.docx

Edited dkgworkshopearlycareer.pdf (3).pdf

Updated 2024 yearbook evaluation form.xlsx

Chapter Communication Score Sheet 2024-25 (2).docx

TNSO Budget 2024 - 2026 revised 7.21.24.xlsx

Proposed Amendment to Tennessee State Organization Strategic Plan Form.docx

Copy of Due Dates for Chapter Rules 2023-2025 (1).pdf

Amendment Form 2024 (2).docx

2024 Updated TNSO Bylaws and Rules.pdf

DKG TNSO Scholarship Brochure updated 8-24.pptx

Area Directors

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.