Keeping Members Interested and Involved… What to do?

by Gay Toomy, RMC NER, MA Epsilon

Let’s remember when… What made you decide to become a member of Alpha Delta Kappa? What drew you to the organization? What makes you stay a member? Your reasons probably involve a desire to belong and be part of something to make a difference. We have found a home in A∆K, an organization with the mission to “Empower women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.” Our desire to stay members hinges on our sense of belonging, strong connections with our sisters, and the belief that we can contribute to our mission. The arrival of a worldwide pandemic abruptly caused a shift in how we operate. Chapter leaders had to think fast on their feet to adapt. How do we maintain that sense of belonging and purpose under restrictions we have never faced before? Hey! We’re teachers. We do that every day in our classrooms when we shift and differentiate to reach all students under our care. We find ways to actively involve all students and work hard to provide fun, engaging experiences that will reach all. We monitor progress, then go back and provide intervention for those who are not there yet. We rely on our colleagues when we are stuck because we are part of a professional learning community and can accomplish more as a team than as individuals in isolation.

The great news is that Chapter Needs Assessments (CNAs) submitted this past June provided evidence that groups of Alpha Delta Kappa sisters far and wide have transferred their skills as educators of excellence, shifted their energy to think outside the box and offered all kinds of interventions to assure other members that they belong, they are important, and they are needed to continue our mission. Sisters have been checking on other chapter members with texts, emails, and phone calls, sending cards, adopting sisters to offer encouragement, lending a listening ear, or sending a surprise. Our sisterhood has heart and imagination and knows how to “Share the Love.”

Mary Johnson, RMC NCR, Ontario Psi, reports that Manitoba sisters formed “Sister Express” with a group of sisters delivering zoom packages put together by chapter leaders, so that all could take part in nine planned zoom programs. “SISTER EXPRESS” signs were proudly displayed in their car windows. The Ontario Executive Board sponsored an uplifting, motivational speaker accessible to all provincial members to help them through the long lockdown periods. Many chapters took the opportunity to “Build International Bridges of Connection” with chapters and members outside their own country by inviting them to attend meetings and events on Zoom. Gwen Beyer, Ohio Sigma, reported that after dark, her chapter secretly put over 700 shamrocks with inspirational messages on the front windows of the entrance to a local middle school to offer a boost of encouragement to students and staff. The surprise, she said, was a huge success, creating lots of buzz and bringing smiles.

After reviewing CNAs for her state, Mandy Tribe, VA VPM, Virginia Alpha Lambda, shared that some chapters provided an after-school buffet to support working teachers and included social time before the meeting. Another chapter held a social meeting and scheduled another time to conduct business. The suggestion was made to put information in emails and newsletters whenever possible to shorten the business meetings. Caroline Gilmore, FL VPM, Alpha Chapter, urges sisters in her state to plan a variety of programs and alternate meeting times. She suggests holding a zoom meeting where sisters cook or craft, setting up a meeting in a park with members bringing their own chairs and beverages, or taking a walk and then circling up at an outdoor location to hold a book discussion as the sisters in Massachusetts Epsilon chapter do.

Strengthening connections and making time for fun is essential for maintaining interest and increasing participation in our chapters. Kathy Beatty, RMC SER, VA Gamma Epsilon,

Virginia NU

advises chapters to have a greeter as sisters arrive. She thoughtfully reminds us that if we are at a meeting and no one speaks our name or asks our opinion, we might wonder if we should even be there.

The Membership Development Manual or MDM, on the International website refers to eight different retention strategies to consider: 1. Bonding – Sisters are our colleagues and friends, but not everyone knows each other well. Provide short, quick, ice breakers or roll call questions to involve everybody and to learn more about each other. The more familiar we are, the more connected we become. 2. Caring – We care about our members, our community and our organization. Acts of caring show our sisters that they are important to the chapter and our organization.

Make a point of connecting with members who are unable to attend meetings. 3. Efficiency – Time is a precious commodity for everyone. Make your chapter meetings effective by ensuring every sister has the necessary paperwork, understands the purpose(s) for the meeting and knows her responsibility.

Meetings can be set up with a time frame to provide a balance of social time, chapter business and programs such as 20/20/20. This balance is necessary to plan meetings that are productive, engaging and fun. 4. Engaging/Involving – Actively involved members are dedicated members. Every sister needs to know that she is an important part of the chapter. Give each member a responsibility that does not overwhelm. Then make sure she knows how to accomplish what is needed. 5. Leadership Development and Opportunities – “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This quote from John Maxwell describes all teachers. Encourage chapter members to participate in leadership training provided by S/P/N, regional, and International leaders. Be sure to mentor newer members so each will feel confident to offer her talents to the chapter. 6. Logistics – Planning and organizing are key to give the meeting direction. They allow members to understand expectations, be involved and feel a sense of accomplishment. Day, time and location of the meeting should be considered to best meet the needs of as many members as possible. 7. Programs – Survey members. Explore their talents, areas of expertise and outside connections for possible program ideas. Reach out to community groups as well as other chapters in different regions to share ideas and form connections. Have sisters know that all ideas are considered. 8. Recognition – This is an important part of member satisfaction. Giving recognition both in big ways and small shows we are proud of our members and care. Make sure each member hears her name sometime during the meeting. Share good news and celebrate with each other.

More information and specifics for retaining members can be found in the MDM on pages 67-77.

Fostering a true sense of belonging for all members is crucial for building and maintaining a healthy, productive chapter. Having a foundation of trust and acceptance allows for the formation of a team of sisters who can work collaboratively to achieve chapter goals and truly make a difference for themselves and their larger community. It’s all about “Sharing the Love.”

Current Candidates for Regional President-Elect

Three regions currently have candidates for the newly created position of Regional President-Elect (RPE) The sisters offering for the office and their regions are Gulf, Lottie Roy, FL Epsilon; Southwest, Mary Ann Englehart, CA XI and Southeast, Pat Banks KY, Chi, and Carol Peace, TN Alpha Theta.

Candidates from the other regions have until December 15 to submit applications. The applications are on the International website.

The RPEs will be installed at their regional conference in 2022 and will serve in that position until 2023 when they will become the first Regional Presidents. Voting will take place in March of 2022.

“This is an excellent opportunity for sisters to serve the members of their regions while strengthening regional representation at the International level. It is one more way to ‘Share the Love’, said International President Mollie Acosta.

“People have got to learn: if they don’t have cookies in the cookie jar, they can’t eat cookies.” ~Suze Orman (American Financial Advisor, author, podcast host)