Eta State

Linda S. Little, North Carolina Eta State Organization (2011-2013)

“Embracing Our Vision- Designing Our Future: Lead, Serve, Impact"

Coming back to school from the Christmas holidays was always an exciting time for me. My office was straightened up; teachers’ bulletin boards were bright; the students (especially fifth graders) were all “grown up” and thought they were ready for middle school, and everyone seemed to be ready to have a fresh start.

For Eta State, January means that plans for the state convention must be finalized; reports have been distributed to various committee chairs; members are reflecting on their chapter activities for the past biennium, and chapter presidents continue moving their chapters forward. New members are being selected; chapter bylaws are being revised, and projects/activities are in full gear!

As you make preparations for completing this year, I encourage (and challenge you) to use the Chapter Achievement Form to assess the “state” of your chapter; be quick to recognize those areas that have been successful, and involve your membership in helping you fill in the blanks. By examining the form closely, members may gain insight into other areas they would like to explore. Being recognized for outstanding accomplishments can promote a feeling of excellence among your members and can be an incentive for moving even higher.

I also encourage you to look at the criteria for the Golden Key Award and nominate a member who has made significant contributions to DKG at all levels of the Society. Many times these are ladies who have been “unsung heroes” and this is a great opportunity for you to recognize them statewide.

Consider using an ad in the Eta State Convention Program Book to recognize/honor your newest members, your most veteran members, or members who have achieved something special. You can do this at very affordable rates: 1/8 page = $25; ¼ page = $45 ½ page = $80 and a full page is only $150.

The convention will feature: Awards and Honors Ceremonies (Friday Night Session is designated for chapters and individual members to “shine”), Workshops for Learning (Saturday morning will be filled with opportunities to grow personally and professionally), Business meetings (Friday afternoon for Chapter Presidents and Saturday morning for all participants), featured speakers (Friday night we have Coach Sylvia Hatchell), Saturday night we have the NC TOY, Tyronna Hooker, and Sunday morning we have our own International Guest, Dr. Beverly Helms. Food, fellowship, and entertainment will be a highlight throughout the convention and you will not want to miss any of it.

Coming back from the Christmas holidays is still an exciting time for me. It’s a different kind of excitement and I’m glad we get to enjoy this “fresh start” together. May each and every one of you have a blessed new year.