Membership: Finding Infinite Possibilities

What YOU Do Matters

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” ~Walt Disney

By Jeanie Hinck, CO Gamma, Southwest Region Membership Consultant

YOU are a powerful member of our organization. In fact, YOU are our future and our most important asset. YOU are the backbone, the heart and soul of Alpha Delta Kappa. What YOU put into our organization results in our growth and strength. Thank YOU for being such a vital member of A∆K.

YOU Make a Difference

“What can I do?” YOU may ask. Many have asked that question, and the answer is: YOU can do whatever YOU set your mind to. YOU, one person, can make a difference, but it takes action. Agnes Shipman Robertson made a difference. She was one person. She recruited friends to accomplish her dream of a sorority for women educators. We are tasked with maintaining and increasing membership in our organization, and, like Agnes, YOU can also make a difference. YOU simply need to have a dream, ask friends to help, and then be determined to make it happen. There are “infinite possibilities” once YOU turn your dream into actions! Mary Peoples, AZ Iota states, “Our chapter becomes stronger by doing little things with love.”

Sharing the Gift of Membership

Whoever invited YOU to join Alpha Delta Kappa gave YOU the opportunity to become a part of an amazing organization. She not only gave YOU the gift of membership, but also other wonderful gifts as well: the gifts of friendship, community, sisterhood, support, leadership opportunities, and much more. Now, YOU need to share this gift with friends, teachers, administrators, and support personnel. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize outstanding women in the field of education. An invitation for membership in A∆K is an honor for them and for your chapter. Sharing the gift of membership strengthens A∆K. Being creative in our virtual environment is essential in bringing in our new members. Sharon Copt, MN Alpha Alpha, found a way. “In January, I put together photos of past meetings and sent them out in several emails to all members because we have several new members who joined just before COVID happened and didn’t know everyone. The pictorial emails helped them get better acquainted. It also helped our two pending members “meet” Alpha Alpha sisters. The feedback from this project was very positive.”

Opportunities for YOU to Serve

The strength of your chapter begins with YOU! If YOU are a chapter officer or a committee chair, GO YOU! If you have been a chapter president, GO YOU! The next opportunity is waiting for YOU. It is time to volunteer to be an officer or a

committee member at the S/P/N or regional level. A∆K needs YOU! Your abilities, ideas, and your desire to serve will make a difference. Consider altruism, leadership, excellence in education, membership, diversity, scholarships or technology. No matter your passion, there is a place for YOU. It is time to share your talents. Jump in with enthusiasm, and express your individual views and creative ideas. Make it happen, and make it fun. Opportunities are waiting. Working with your amazing S/P/N and regional sisters is exciting and rewarding. Agnes saw her dreams come true and so can YOU. Diane Mazzei, NJ Phi, saw a need in her chapter, and she made a huge difference after seeing its struggles. “I reach out personally to those sisters that have shown a spark of leadership through their discussions and participation at meetings. Through that personal connection, I plant a seed in their mind about serving in a leadership capacity by providing information about the role I can see them playing in our chapter. I go further by explaining and/or providing examples of the duties in that role and provide resources for said position. My intent is to be sure they know the role is not overwhelming and that they would be fantastic in that position.”

Reaching Out Reach out to potential members. Many people in our profession are unaware of A∆K. Simply put, we must share the many benefits and “You can do it. I can do it. Let’s do it!” opportunities our organization has to ~Sherman Alexie, Native American novelist and filmmaker offer. Talk to people, contact colleagues, invite them to a meeting. Most of all, share your love of A∆K with fellow educators. Keep asking and reaching out. There will be a time that is right for them. Pat Trias, AZ Omicron, said, “In regard to recruitment and retention, it does start with me. Whenever we are fortunate to have a visitor to our chapter meetings, I make it my business to connect. I make sure I find someone to be her special person. Generally, I assign myself to make her comfortable. I introduce myself and make sure that I introduce her around. I invite her to our next meeting with an early dinner with a few of my chapter sisters. The key is to follow up with genuine interest and concern for her comfort. Never give up!”

It Starts with YOU

Retention and YOU

Retention of members requires creativity. Brainstorm new and refreshing ideas with your Alpha Delta Kappa sisters. The bottom line is reaching out to your chapter members. Some sisters might feel lonely and lost. Teachers in the classroom could be frustrated with the current situation and need your support. Care packages, cards, emails, and phone calls/texts are appreciated. Your limited sisters need YOU as well. Let them know you are thinking of them. All members of your chapter would appreciate being remembered. Some may feel out of touch; thus, a smile, a “welcome”, a phone call, or simply remembering a new sister’s name shows that YOU care. The little things YOU do make others feel wanted and needed. Make sure your sisters know YOU are there for them. What YOU do matters! Amanda Ross, Alaska Zeta, expresses it so well. “A phone call or text to each member lets them know you are thinking of them. Listening to their life’s events helps to let them know you care. Life happens and our A∆K sisters are here to support each other.”

Yes, together we are stronger. Yes, together our dreams can come true. Yes, together we have accomplished much. But remember it always starts with YOU!

Florida Gamma Omicron