The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

To promote friendship around the world, specifically in the 16 member countries of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, the Global Exchange program allows members to visit a home in another member’s country. The sign-up page provides members a way to offer their homes to other members. Where in the world do you live? What accommodations do you have? Do you have limits or rules about pets, handicap access, ages? When is your space available? Answer these questions and add whatever information you believe is pertinent to participate in the Global Exchange. Or log on and find a place to visit!

Be a Global Exchange participant. Select For Members, Global Exchange, UserName: GEGuest, Password: GEDKG2008. Contact webmanager@deltakappagamma.org if you need additional information or have questions.

for Website Administrator for www.EducatorEdge.org. Application deadline is June 1, 2008.

Celebrate with the entire Society on March 8, 2008, as the ESTONIA State Organization the 16th member country is installed! Members from all over the world will gather near Tallinn, capital of Estonia, to participate in the ceremonies. View the invitation, and join us if you can. Plus, send a note of congratulations and support to Estonian State Organization President Anu Joon: anu.joon@aasmaepk.edu.ee

The latest Bulletin with the theme "Educating in Rural Settings" -available online only- is now posted. Each of the nine articles offers something of value to key women educators wherever they may live.

Four articles focus on technology now available for the purposes of education:
·         Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching and Learning On-Line
·         The Digital Divide
·         Evolution of Teaching and Learning through Technology
·         SPARKS: an On-line Journal Source to Select Literature

Three articles discuss the needs of teachers:
·         The Bare Necessities
·         What Women Need to Know about Job Searches and Interviews
·         Professional Development with a Focus

The other two articles describe mentoring in Tennessee ("Mentoring New Teachers in Lenoir City, Tennessee") and graduation rates in Alabama ("Improving Alabama's Graduation Rates"). You may peruse the entire Bulletin all at once, or you may choose the articles you wish to read and download. Enjoy!

Educator Edge is our professional development website helping educators around the world find the professional development activities they need to increase to their professional skills ? workshops, conferences, college and university courses, lecture series, online courses, seminars and other activities. Check it out at if you haven?t visited lately.

Educator's Edge is a moderated database of professional development activities that have been listed free by the providers of the activities. Any educator can search by Location, Keyword and Subject to find professional development they need. You can also find application forms for the Cornetet Individual Awards (money) to assist you in paying for your professional development.

Austin, Texas, the state?s capital, also claims to be The Live Music Capital of the World, was selected #2 Best Big City in "Best Places to Live" by Money magazine in 2006, was named the "Greenest City in America" by MSN ("Greenest" referring to a commitment to sustainable living), and was named America's #1 College Town by the Travel Channel. Austin, Texas, the home of International Headquarters, offers balmy winters and hot summers.

The International Personnel Committee is taking applications for a Communications Services Administrator, to be employed at International Headquarters in Austin, Texas. The Administrative Board plans to interview candidates in November and offer a start date in January 2009.

The Personnel Committee will review completed applications on September 2, 2008, and continue to receive applications until the position is filled. Information is available as follows:

· Write: International Personnel Committee, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767-1589

When Estonia was installed as the Society?s 16^th member country on March 8, several people captured the celebrations on digital cameras. We are happy to share their work with you! Click to view Photos

On March 8, 2008, International Women's Day, Estonia became 16^th member country of the Society. Dr. Barbara Day, 2006-2008 International President assisted by Marika Heimbach, Chair, International Expansion Committee and Marianne Skardéus, organizing member from Sweden --conducted the initiation of 24 members, the installation of the Estonia State Organization, and the founding of Alpha Chapter. The event was held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, described as "The Paris of the Baltics." Dr. Day said, "The Estonian women initiated into our Society were indeed beautiful in every way, professional, committed to excellence in education and to our Society." Many Society members from around the world attended the celebration.

At its recent meeting, the Educational Foundation Board of Trustees renewed 27 projects for a total of $57,302.78. The board also selected 50 new projects for a total of $80,826.41. In February the board selected 13 Cornetet Individual Professional Development Awards for a total of $19,608.59. Lists of these projects will be posted on the Educational Foundation website.

In addition to awarding funds for deserving projects, the Board of Trustees discussed the upcoming Seminar for Purposeful Living in Dubuque, IA, July 17-20. The Foundation plans and presents the seminar prior to international conventions.

Our members deserve the best! That's why we're pleased to offer you the Visa credit card from Bank of America. This No-Annual-Fee card combines financial flexibility and premium benefits with the opportunity to receive something extra for you.

Congratulations to all of you for your support of the Afghan Project. As of January 25, 2008, we have raised $165,268.21 in support of this project. In 2007, Afghanistan witnessed the highest numbers ever in its history of children being enrolled in school - a record 5.6 million (grades 1 - 12). Keep up your efforts with this wonderful outreach!

Progress report for the education sector, based on the 2007 Annual Report from UNICEF Afghanistan. Click here for more information.

Another Example of Delta Kappa Gamma Leaders at Work [02/11/08]

Education is a powerful tool for change; we cannot deny that the lives of our children are increasingly shaped by events in other parts of the world. Teaching about this interdependence should be a focus of curriculum at all levels. The Committee for Teaching About the United Nations (CTAUN) recognizes this interdependence.

Teaching and Learning in an Interdependent World, the theme of the CTAUN Conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York City Feb. 1, presented several aspects of
interdependence. This was the 10^th in a series of annual conferences for educators organized by CTAUN in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UN/DPI) .

Anne-Marie Carlson, Dr. Rita King, Dr. Jacqueline Abbott, Phyllis Hickey, Margaret Nielsen, Dr. Margaret Anzul, Narin Stassis and Grace Murphy are Delta Kappa Gamma members who were directly involved with the conference with Anne-Marie serving as chair of the event. Nearly 500 educators from across the United States as well as 25 foreign countries attended the conference. Delta Kappa Gamma members represented more than 80 of the participants attending this education opportunity. Dr. Barbara Day, international president, and Corlea Plowman, executive coordinator, were among those attending. Click here to see photos from the event.

IRS Requires Treasurers To File Electronically In 2008 [02/14/08]

The United States Internal Revenue Service is requiring a new annual electronic filing for small tax exempt organizations (normally gross receipts of $25,000 or less). Any chapter or state organization that meets this requirement and is not currently filing Form 990 or 990EZ must now submit an annual electronic notice (Form 990-N) with the IRS. Even if no taxes are due, the IRS will require a Form 990-N beginning in 2008. The initial filing deadline for the Society's states and chapters is Nov. 15, 2008.

The IRS has sent letters to many chapter treasurers with instructions for beginning this online process. The Society contacted its Certified Public Accountant to verify information for treasurers. An e-Postcard must be submitted electronically to begin the IRS's electronic filing system.

The IRS also encourages treasurers to sign up for EO Update, Exempt Organizations free email newsletter. Subscribers will automatically receive the latest information about e-Postcard.

Congratulations to our Delta Kappa Gamma members for awarding $1,654,065.86 in Scholarships and Grants-in-Aid for the 2006-2007 year. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, Chapter, State and International levels presented 6,287 awards to learners seeking educational assistance.

The International Constitution Committee has completed its review of 59 state organization bylaws this year. These state organizations submitted their bylaws to the committee members who reviewed them in depth to be sure the bylaws are in agreement with our current Constitution and International Standing Rules. The committee sent a letter to each state organization president with details of the review. The Constitution Committee congratulates and recognizes the following state organizations for keeping their bylaws up-to-date.

Announcing! The Golden Gift Renaissance Program [12/12/07]
July 9 - 12, 2008

Re-energize your spirit! Make new friends! Re-connect with Golden Gift friends!

Here is your chance to enroll in the Renaissance Program at The University of Texas at Austin, July 9 ? 12, 2008. This unique program offers Golden Gift Leadership/Management ?alumnae? the opportunity to rejuvenate personal and professional energies and to enhance leadership skills through intellectual renewal. The classes were carefully selected in response to the survey you received earlier, with the top four survey responses comprising the heart of the program. The deadline is April 30, 2008.

Holiday Shopping Benefits Society [12/06/07]

We are proud to announce a bigger, better online-shopping opportunity. OneCause is our new online-shopping mall. We can earn money for Delta Kappa Gamma every day ? just by shopping! OneCause pays organizations a percentage of their groups? purchases. Their items are still at everyday low prices, with extra discount coupons available for some of the stores. All you need to do is register with One Cause and start shopping online at www.onecause.com with hundreds of your favorite leading merchants. You can easily access OneCause through mall on the Society website. Then just click to register. Choose Delta Kappa Gamma or #148181 to register. All proceeds will benefit the available fund as non-dues revenue. Enjoy your shopping experience and spread the good news to your family and friends who can also support Delta Kappa Gamma and its mission.

Most appropriately, the library in International Headquarters honors Edna McGuire Boyd. Past international president, charter member of Alpha Epsilon State, Indiana, past state organization president. A brass plaque on the library door bears her name. Inside a newly framed story and photograph tell more about the woman for whom the library is named.

Appreciation goes to Jean Gray, international parliamentarian, for starting the project; Corlea Plowman, executive coordinator, for development; Indiana State Organization members for funding; Ann Marie Kesler?2005-2007 IN State Organization President and Ina Van Duyn?2007-2009 IN State Organization President, for research and photo; Jill Foltz, program/membership services administrator, for writing the story; and Phyllis Hickey, business services administrator, for project completion.

Dr. Barbara Day, international president, and Jean Gray, international parliamentarian, flank the picture and information about Edna McGuire Boyd.

The International Nominations Committee has completed its task, and we are pleased to announce the slate of officers and elected personnel that will be presented at the 2008 International Convention in Chicago. Election will be held Friday, July 26. Click here MS Word or PDF for the list of nominees. We extend our appreciation to each committee member for her work.

The 2006-2008 Guidelines for Chapter Membership Committee Chairmen is no longer available in print from the Society Order Department. You can download the PDFs for each section of the Guidelines by clicking here.

Juried Art Exhibit Planned at Chicago Convention [10/12/07]

Communicate your emotions and ideas through creative expression at the Passion for the Visual Arts Exhibit at the 2008 International Convention in Chicago July 22-26. Members are invited to submit an application to be part of this exhibit by March 15, 2008. Download the Application and information form in MSWord Interactive or PDF versions.

Event organizer Patricia Ostewig (Illinois) has established a jury process to ensure quality and professionalism of the exhibited work. The visual arts exhibit is slated for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the convention.

Pat says, "The visual arts are made with the intention of stimulating the human senses and the human mind by transmitting emotions and ideas. This is your opportunity for exploring and appreciating."

The International Personnel Committee invited the Headquarters Staff to an appreciation luncheon on September 2, 2007. Served in the Annie Webb Blanton Room, the catered Mexican Buffet included fajitas and all the trimmings. The Personnel Committee provided decorations, creative personalized favors and a special dessert. Dr. Barbara Day, international president, expressed the Society's appreciation to staff members for their dedication, extraordinary service, generous contributions of time and energy, and winning attitude. The luncheon provided a time for fellowship and relaxation for all in attendance. Click here to see photos from the event.

Four days of knowledgeable speakers, insightful workshops, legislative contacts and dynamic work sessions and a great opportunity awaits you!

The National Legislative Seminar, presented by the US Forum, gives each member an opportunity to join a team of highly motivated individuals interested in government workings and how YOU can help affect policy.

Join the 2008 advocates for children by initiating and implementing action to improve the lives of women and children through education April 20-23 at the Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia.

For hotel reservations, telephone 703.418.1234 or (toll free) 800.233.1234. Make reservations by March 31. Be sure to ask for the US Forum, Delta Kappa Gamma special rate. See Registration Form for the seminar.

We are saddened to announce the death of 1984-1986 International President Jessie Sim, one of Delta Kappa Gamma's longtime members. Her funeral was held in San Antonio, Texas, this week and was attended by dozens of family, friends, Delta Kappa Gamma members and International Headquarters staff. Click here to read the moving tribute given by International President Dr. Barbara Day. Memorials may be made to the Society fund of your choice by sending your contribution to International Headquarters. Please indicate which Society fund you are supporting.

Janice Moen, international music representative, has created a music compact disk and booklet containing both new and traditional Society music. The CD is especially useful because it contains two renditions of each song and one with instrumental music only, the other with instrumental and vocals. The booklet contains the words of all the songs and music for many of them. The cost is $10 plus $2 shipping for each set ordered. You can order "Music for Meetings and Ceremonies 2007" by calling International Headquarters Order Department, toll-free 888-762-4685, ext. 125 or by completing the order form and returning to International Headquarters.

During the last several years, the southeast has been devastated with hurricanes, storms, tornadoes, flooding and high winds. The International Emergency Fund helps to financially support any Delta Kappa Gamma member who has suffered loss from any of these natural disasters. Members from Alabama, Arkansas,

Georgia

, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia gathered recipes for specific events, holidays and celebrations that are unique to the eleven states that have come together in this cookbook. Profits from this book will go to the International Emergency Fund and FloridaState Emergency Fund. Florida has spearheaded the efforts for this project.

Here are a few gift ideas for the cookbook: speakers for Delta Kappa Gamma meetings, neighbor gifts, gifts for new chapter members, gifts for new teachers in your school or county, holiday gifts for family, principal or boss gifts, thank you gifts, weddings, birthdays, gift for family members or friend, or use for drawings at meetings....Keep in mind that this is ?a cookbook that serves others." Order Form

Number 12, Grimmauld Place, London, is the address of a fictitious house in the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling. This house was formerly the home of the Black family, an ancient, pure-blood line of wizards. It first appears in the fifth book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Only magical persons can see it and only if told the location by the Secret Keeper himself. Well, we at International Headquarters don't want to keep this secret. We want everyone to know and congratulate the first 12 state treasurers who completed and submitted their Form 16 reports. They are: Donna B. Chaney from Connecticut, Bettina Kulsdom from Great Britain, Sharon Vinson from Illinois, Linda Ruth Jackson from Louisiana, Rena A. Kearney from Maine, Alice Peterson from Minnesota, Sarah Smith from Mississippi, Virginia Ray from Missouri, Karen Walz from North Dakota, Madaline Lapp from Oregon, Susan Pennycuff from Virginia, Rosemary Jacobson from Wisconsin. It is no secret that we need this report from every state treasurer, and it takes no special magic to complete. Be a magical treasurer and make a pile disappear by completing this form and sending it to International Headquarters.