Bytes and Pieces

Diversity and Inclusion Changes Result of Committee Work

Following the 2019 summer of social unrest in the United States and member concerns about A∆K’s response, the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (D and I) was established. In less than one year, the committee influenced changes in Alpha Delta Kappa. The first Alpha Delta Kappa vision statement and refined mission statement were adopted by International Chapter (IC) in March 2021. The organization’s purposes were revised in the Constitution by the International Executive Board (IEB). And in June, IC adopted an equity statement proposed by the D and I committee. Here are the new documents. Vision: A world that values diversity, all people and quality education. Mission: Empower women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

Purposes:

• To honor outstanding women educators. • To strengthen the education profession through commitment to diversity and inclusion practices that respect and value each person for their unique qualities. • To nurture relationships and networking opportunities. • To enrich personal and professional development. • To support altruistic projects, grants and scholarships with time and resources. • To embrace cultural differences and make an impact through world understanding. Equity Statement: As we continue to promote educational excellence, altruism, and world understanding, Alpha Delta Kappa strives to serve its members by: • seeking out and providing opportunities to appreciate how experiences mold perspectives, • bringing greater diversity to our membership to reflect the educational communities we support, • increasing diversity in A∆K leadership, • addressing biases in a safe, welcoming and inclusive manner.

Through deepening our appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusion, we will develop a strong sense of belonging and respect for each other’s unique qualities.

“Frank, open and sometimes uncomfortable discussions focused the committee on needed action,” reported Su Wade, D and I Committee co-chairman. “This fall, regional teams will continue to consider what next steps might be taken to strengthen A∆K in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.”

International President Mollie Acosta reported the D and I Committee was so impactful last biennium that the IEB voted to make it a standing committee of Alpha Delta Kappa. It will be called the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Resources for chapter programming are available on the Diversity and Inclusion tab of the International website.

Bytes & pieces

New Foundation Directors Announced

The new Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation Board of Directors are Judy Ganzert, 3 year term; Ann Quinlan, 2 year term; Kathy Bulligan, 1 year term; Barb Stanfield, 3 year term; Ellen Roderick, 2 year term; and Sandy Wolfe, Chairman, 1 year term.

True Purple (Better than True Blue) Sisters

When the ups are down and the ins are out Your A∆K sisters will make you shout. We’re the True Purple Sisters, that’s Better than True Blue A∆K sisters will do anything for you.

For those who live around us experiencing need, Giving from the heart is the way our sisters lead. They never stop contributing to change the global state Through scholarships and programs that alter people’s fate.

They team together, helping, whether working or at play, Like raising funds for Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day. They donate and they fundraise and give wholly from the heart For altruistic projects, they look forward to the start.

Side by side and hand in hand our sisters will come through For children, families, food banks, any worthy cause will do, We never stop assisting, in our world with so much need, Being there for others is our fundamental creed.

Side by side in laughter, sadness, caring and concern Supporting fellow sisters is a benefit, we learn. For each of us, in times of need, our True Purple Sisters stand To mentor or to counsel, or to lend a helping hand.

Our True Purple Sisters mean so much to each of us that’s clear, Our bonds, and kindred loyalty will guide us through the years. Among us there’s a network, friendships forged the Kappan way, So thumbs up to our sisterhood, and celebrate today!

Original rap by Sue Pelchat, Past International President, CT Mu, delivered at opening of Educational Symposium Day on July 9, 2021.