All Are Welcome Here

Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Feeling Welcome is an outcome. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is now an International standing committee of Alpha Delta Kappa. The DEI Committee will meet at least every six weeks to discuss topics related to deepening our appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusion, so that we will develop a strong sense of belonging and respect for each other’s unique qualities.

How do you feel when you attend a social function? Are you comfortable walking into an event where you might know no one? We all want to feel comfortable and welcome, don’t we, particularly in unfamiliar places or situations. We are social creatures and tend to enjoy the company of others. How, then, might we ensure that our chapters are welcoming to all members?

There are many ways in which we might ensure our chapters are open to all. At a recent DEI Committee meeting, we gathered ideas on ways to be more welcoming at Alpha Delta Kappa chapter meetings and other gatherings. For example, accessibility is a consideration.

When you are searching for a meeting place, look for ramps and elevators to allow greater access to rooms. DEI Committee Co-Chairman Su Wade, MA Epsilon, shared that her chapter changed the venue for some of their meetings. They had often met for special events at a member’s beautiful lakeside home which had a sloped walk to the house and limited parking. “When we first started meeting there, getting to and from the house was no problem. But, when we had one sister who could not join us because accessibility had become difficult, we sought a different venue, so that our special event in June was a comfortable event for all of us.”

If your meeting includes snacks and beverages, ask sisters about their dietary needs or restrictions. Consider labeling dishes or setting peanuts or dairy products to the side, so they can be added separately. If your chapter is gathering at a restaurant, ensure that they will accommodate sisters’ dietary restrictions or allergies. Include something in your food selection that will meet a wide variety of needs. When in doubt, ask. Now, you have a venue, and the food is ready. What might you do during the meeting? Here are some ideas.

Perhaps, assign a member to be the meeting greeter to welcome members, help them get seated or answer questions. Whether a member is new, one who has not attended a meeting for some time or is a prospective member, having someone serve as a greeter ensures that all will feel welcome.

Consider introducing ice breakers or get-to-know-you activities that will allow sisters to meet and chat with someone who is new to them. Pippy Rogers, GA Beta Iota suggests tossing each sister’s name in a hat. Every sister draws a name, and that person is her “buddy” for the next month or two. Encourage sisters to make a couple of phone calls or write a text message to remind her buddy of the next chapter meeting or tell her about something interesting you read on A∆K CONNECT. This means you will receive a call from one sister, and you will contact a different sister.

International President Mollie Acosta suggests “spotlighting” a current or prospective member by asking them to tell a little bit about themselves or sharing a classroom story at a meeting. International Executive Board Member Kathleen Buligan knows it is important for active teachers to be deliberate in looking at the staff at their schools. “Ask another outstanding teacher to be a ‘guest speaker’ at your chapter meeting,” she suggests.

Another way to increase our knowledge of each other might be by playing “Fruit Basket Upset,” an idea from Sheila Spellacy, CT Pi. Members write a little known fact about themselves on a slip of paper, which is placed in a basket. During the chapter meeting, draw a slip of paper and ask, “Who is this?” and read the sister’s fact. Members guess the answer and then allow a few moments for the sister to elaborate on her fun fact.

In the end, what do we want for all of our members? We want ALL members to truly feel that they belong, that they feel comfortable and welcome at every event they attend. Anything we do to create avenues for connection will create a stronger Alpha Delta Kappa.

Article by Pat Valle, WA Alpha Delta, NW Region DEI Chairman and Su Wade, MA Epsilon, DEI Committee Co-Chairman.

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