FEASIBILITY STUDIES BRING CHANGES
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t the 2019 International Convention members approved three resolutions for feasibility studies. International Executive Board Chairman Sandy Wolfe appointed ad hoc committees to study each resolution. The committees researched and gathered information before presenting their recommendations to the International Executive Board (IEB). The Board approved the recommendations of the three committees. Resolution #1 – Chaired by Two-Year IEB Member Su Wade, the committee studied the feasibility of creating a special recognition for sisters with 10 years of service to Alpha Delta Kappa. The announcement of the creation of the Violet Sister recognition was made in the June 2020 KAPPAN. Upon achieving ten years of service, sisters will receive a 10-year Violet Sister certificate from Headquarters. A ten-year charm is available for purchase. Resolution #2 – Chaired by International PresidentElect Mollie Acosta, the committee studied the feasibility of attending and participating in chapter meetings virtually with suggestions regarding the creation of a Technology Committee for each chapter and every S/P/N board. The Virtual Attendance at a Chapter Meeting Guidelines were announced in the June 12 e-blast. Those guidelines are available on the International website under Chapter Meetings. Resolution #3 – Four Year IEB Member Ann Marie Brown presented the committee’s report at the November 2020 IEB Meeting. The Alpha Delta Kappa Constitution and International Bylaws Membership Eligibility state that to be eligible for membership a woman shall be under contract in teaching, administration, or some specialized field of education. The 2019 Resolution #3 requested a feasibility study to investigate language to include and accommodate educators who do not enter education fields traditionally. These women may not have an education degree or licensure for membership qualifications but possess a four-year college/university degree. The study determined that the language’s intent in the guiding documents did not preclude educators working in, or retired from, specialized fields. In the (November 2020) International Policies & Procedures Manual, 13. Membership, Specialized Field of Education Status, there is a listing of considerations for membership to include prospective members in some specialized field of education. The list of specialized education fields was expanded to include Community College/College/ University Faculty. This addition satisfied the sponsors of Resolution #3.
NEW MEMBER ONLINE REGISTRATION PROCESS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
As of January 1, 2021 Chapter Membership Chairmen have been able to help new and reinstated members register online immediately following initiation. In addition to the ability to pay dues online, the new and reinstated members have timely access to their profile and the International website. There is no paperwork and no delay. New members will be added to the chapter roster within an hour after completing the registration form. The International Membership Committee and S/P/N membership consultants have provided training in this process to chapter membership chairmen. If you have any questions, please contact your S/P/N membership consultant.
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Distinguished Program Awards Announced
Congratulations to the seven chapters who received the 2020 Distinguished Program Award for their outstanding programs. The recipients and their regions are Gulf: Georgia Sigma, Northeast: Delaware Eta, North Central: Indiana Beta Gamma, Northwest: Alaska Alpha, Southeast: Virginia Lambda, South Central: Texas Sigma, Southwest: Arizona, Psi. Descriptions and details of the programs will appear in the June issue of The KAPPAN. The award recognizes chapters with outstanding programs that promote involvement and attendance of members while attracting prospective members through creativity and uniqueness. The award is focused on the specific chapter programs offered either prior to or following the business meeting.
SEEKING MEMBERS
When considering prospective members for Alpha Delta Kappa, do not overlook prospects who may not be in the traditional classroom setting. These fields may include Guidance Counselor, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, Speech and Hearing Practitioner/ Educator, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Audiologist, School Nurse (Registered Nurse), Instructional Technology Teacher, Media Specialist/Librarian, Vocational/Occupational Teacher, Career/Technical Education Teacher, or Community College/College/University Faculty. In the study of 2019 Resolution Three, women in these fields qualify for membership. Chapters are urged to fill the year 2021 with an enriching chapter membership to include various prospective members working in, or retired from, traditional settings and non-traditional specialized fields.
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