Creating Thoughts for the Day

chapters that need a mentor and helps to set regional membership goals, assist the S/P/N in setting its goals, and provides information to the S/P/N Vice President for Membership to work with chapter membership chairmen.”

Suzi Bonifay, GA Vice President for Membership, summarizes the importance of completing the CNA, saying it “is like a formative assessment. It tells the chapter whether they are meeting goals and pinpoints the areas that need work and what direction to take. The charted results also tell the S/P/N and International leaders what type of interventions or professional development are needed to support the chapter.”

“The Annual Chapter Highlights” (H-114) is helpful to document how chapters are meeting requirements to maintain nonprofit status.

Mary Ey, Past International Vice President, Northeast Region, lists pertinent information included in the H-142 S/P/N President’s Report: “Data on the S/P/N conventions, Founders’ Day celebrations, Executive Board meetings, recommendations for S/P/N slate of officers, International Teacher of Education (ITE) scholars in the region, regional archives and issues and questions regarding membership, bylaws and leadership development.”

The report is completed, so now what? It is now up to the individual S/P/N and/or chapter to analyze the data and determine what steps to take next. Not using the data collected to make future decisions, the assessment is time wasted.

Why do we assess? It’s simple: Assessments keep members engaged and informed of the effectiveness of their efforts and are the basis for organization growth and development. Using it will benefit Alpha Delta Kappa and you.

By Paula O’Neill, TX Beta Chi, 2015-2017 International Chaplain

The agenda for a chapter, district, state, regional conference and International meetings usually includes a Thought for the Day. The chaplain will bring the message, and when there is no chaplain, members may take turns with the presentation. Why do we have these messages? They are meant to bring inspiration, points to ponder and perhaps to add a bit of humor. Educators know the importance of what we say and how we say it.

Consider your audience. In Alpha Delta Kappa, we know our members follow various paths of inspiration in their lives, and therefore, we should be sensitive to all present. What would every person appreciate?

Find inspiring words from a variety of sources. Use just a few sentences to inspire you to write more about them and relate them to the present situations in which we live, or simply, quote the message and its author.

Inspiring words may be found in many places such as in books, lectures, magazines, newspapers and on the Internet. As educators we appreciate the poetry of young people, such as Mattie Stepanek or Amanda Gorman and so many others.

Instead of speaking the Thought for the Day, listen to soothing instrumental “The Swan” from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint Saens, “Nimrod” from Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, “Moonlight Sonata”, from Piano Sonata No. 14, First Movement by Ludwig van Beethoven. Sometimes songs stir our souls such as “Respect” and “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver, “Let It Be” by The Beatles.

Through the magic of electronics, we can find brief videos on the Internet that bring a quick point to ponder.

Consider adding some humor to your presentation by using cartoons, posters, even words from anonymous students and other professional educators.

Each member present may contribute by saying one word that inspires, energizes or calms her stress. You might share what two words can do for our spirits: I’m sorry; you’re welcome; I do; thank you.

Laws provide boundaries when it comes to using someone else’s words and music. Your own composition is special. Consider the season of the year, an upcoming holiday or a special time in Alpha Delta Kappa, such as initiation or Alpha Delta Kappa Month. Check the International Website Library under “Chaplain’s Resources.” These original Thoughts for the Day were written by our members.

You are Alpha Delta Kappa. You know how to inspire, and you know the importance of inspiring others. Find your inner voice of love and sincerity, find inspirational words from famous people, consider the occasion, share a bit of humor, let your audience participate and take a confident smile into that meeting.

“You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.” - Zig Ziglar