Spring forward with Psi State...

It's a busy spring in Psi State. The spring executive board meeting in Macon had good attendance and much was accomplished. There were over 155 in attendance and the day was chalked full of workshops and Psi State business. It was the last meeting for seated chapter presidents as we are readying for a new biennium at the chapter level. My heartfelt thanks to "outgoing" chapter presidents for their hard work and dedication to The Delta Kappa Gamma Society!

Speaking of chapter presidents, District III held the first of district training workshops for new chapter officers and members. Dr. Maria Valeri-Gold, District III Director extraordinaire, planned a fabulous day in Peachtree City last weekend. There were almost 80 members in attendance for various workshops, fellowship, and a delicious lunch at the Wyndham Conference Center. I so enjoyed meeting and working with the new chapter presidents for the new biennium.  Time sure ran out quickly as the day went by so fast!

We are now gearing up to "Wheel into Wheeler" for the Districts IV, V, and VI Workshops on March 24th and Rome on April 28 for Districts I and II. I hope YOU are planning to attend one of these venues to learn more about our Society, share in genuine spiritual fellowship, and experience what it's all about outside of the chapter level. You are cordially invited.

Gearing Up for Executive Board! Join us Feb. 25th in Macon!

Gearing up for Executive Board in Macon is like composing a fine piece music. The officers, committee chairs, district directors, are all in charge of their own section in order to make beautiful melodic sounds. The name of the piece of work is called, "Forward Moving • Forward Thinking." Our chapter presidents and committee members are needed to add the tone and timbre to the work. Chapter members and guests are required to join to be the cadence and heart of the day's business.

Executive Board is not the work of one, but the work of many. Although it's a day of taking care of Psi State business, it's actually more than that. The day is filled with genuine spiritual fellowship and a chance to meet like-minded key women educators. It's a chance to see beyond the chapter level and experience the workings of Delta Kappa Gamma.

I hope to see YOU in Macon on February 25th!

The Spirit of Christmas is Alive and Well in the Heart of our Psi State Chapters

I have traveled over one-thousand miles visiting chapters in the last couple of months. What a pleasure to visit and experience the different styles and customs of each, and a common thread permeates all chapters. The act of giving, and giving BIG to enhance education and the lives of others in their communities is apparent and powerful from the coast to the mountains.

These acts become more significant during this Christmas season, but the truth is, our chapters sponsor meaningful projects all during the year. From literacy projects, shelter projects for abused women and abused children, grants-in-aid, to supporting early career educators, Psi State does meaningful work.

Being a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International means so much, especially when you are actively making a difference in the lives of others. Well done, Psi State, and blessings to you all.

IRS Impacts Chapters Across DKG

The last three weeks have been interesting indeed, and all members need to take note of some serious matters and consequences with the IRS. Since 2007 chapters have been required to file an "e-card" form 990. (This came about due to Homeland Security post 2001.) Over 200 chapters have been affected by not filing!

We have now learned the serious consequences if the form is not filed three years in a row! I received an email from International informing me that two of our chapters in Georgia have been dropped from the DKG umbrella (due to not filing their 990 for the required years.) That was shocking to the chapter presidents and chapter treasurers indeed. These are GREAT chapters, with great leadership, and yet this still happened. Lesson learned: this can happen to YOUR chapter!

Once dropped from the DKG umbrella, our two chapters have had to reorganize under another name, close their checking accounts, receive  new EIN numbers, and open another account in their NEW name. This can happen to ANY chapter! Judy Farrigan (our state treasurer) and I have worked to help them through this whole process.

Judy has emailed all chapter presidents and treasurers, using our district directors to follow through, stressing the importance of filing by the Nov. 15th deadline! We have heard from many chapters, but some chapters have NOT responded. This is serious business. If the 990s are not filed, we will see more chapters go through reorganization!

So, if you are reading this, email your chapter president and treasurer and ask if your chapter is up-to-date filing 990s AND they have recently filed for the Nov. 15th deadline. Make sure they are keeping copies of all e-cards filed. If you need help or have any questions, please email me AND Judy Farrigan. This is serious business ladies. We are  here to help and serve.

Fall Executive Board Meeting

Months of planning came to fruition yesterday in Macon. What a joy to look out to the one hundred fifty-six members filling the tables  and breathe a sigh of relief that the "new look" of Executive Board just might work! Although the day was a bit frenetic as we moved from place to place, there were many positive comments and smiling faces along the way.

I must admit my favorite part of the day was working with chapter presidents in the "Adding to Your Toolbox" session. I found that session to go by much too quickly and I would have loved to be with them all day! Ah, the possibilities!!!

It was amazing to see the new faces presenting at each of the six District Meetings and district directors running their show with passion and goals in mind. They unveiled their plans for spring district workshops to include training for chapter leadership for the next chapter biennium.

In the business meeting we set the date and location for DeltaHostel 2012 (Jekyll Island), Psi State Convention 2013 (Macon), unveiled plans for electronic scrapbooking, passed new funding for many projects, received an update on the SOS project, raised money for World Fellowship, learned about the project THAT, recognized Dr. Patti Newman as the Psi State Achievement Award winner, were updated on the Psi State Founders' Ad Hoc Committee, and awarded highest chapter participation to chapters by donating to Schools for Africa in their honor!

Of course there was our usual delicious lunch fare and great fellowship, but I am most proud of the sessions offered  throughout the day that included treasurer's workshop and sessions for general members. We tried very hard to make the day meaningful for EVERY person who attended. Many sisters were involved to make the new look work...it took a village to raise the new look of executive board!!

Your evaluations were read word for word! Thank you for such great positive feedback that reflected that we are on the right track. We also had some recommendations for improvement as there is ALWAYS room for improvement. We are already planning for the next board meeting in February to be even better!!!

Spread the word about the new look of executive board. Bring new members and know we are designing executive board with YOU in mind.

International Communications and Publicity Committee

I just returned yesterday from Headquarters in Austin. I'm always amazed when I step through the doors and wonder about the myriad of key women educators that have worked there to further our Society's work. It's humbling and inspiring at the same time.

As we broke bread for lunch in the Annie Webb Blanton Room, I took a minute to sit on the lovely "Georgia Couch" donated by Psi State years ago, yet no date was on the plaque. It is still beautiful with its crewel-like fabric and ribbon motif running across the seat pillows. I want to know more! Who selected it in Psi State? When? There has to be a Psi State story behind this! Does anyone know!? These stories do not need to be lost, but treasured and passed along.

Much work was accomplished by my committee. Working with ladies from far and wide really stretches me and allows me to grow. How often does one get to work directly with the International President, Dr. Jensi Sounders,  and the Information Services Administrator, Dr. Linda Eller? It is truly an honor and I hope other members of Psi State apply to serve at this level as applications should be posted at dkg.org sometime in Novemeber.

Ladies...think about applying!

Leadership Institute

Last Saturday, sixty-one Psi State sisters gathered in Macon for a day of incredible leadership training. Where else can you get top-notch training, scrumptious catered lunch, and incredible fellowship for $15? Nowhere but in DKG! I am telling you this day was priceless!!

Our presenter, Carolyn Pittman, filled the day with her concepts and activities to add to our toolboxes. Her lessons were based on the national best seller, The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. (If you have not read the book, put it on your "to do" list now!) The entire day was active, productive, and simply uplifting.

For those of you who don't know Carolyn, she is from Little Rock, Arkansas and has quite the resume in education and with Delta Kappa Gamma at the International level. She lights up a room with her charismatic charm and her teaching style. What an honor for us to have had her for out Leadership Institute.

The possibilities are endless in DKG. Now, on to the next possibility!