Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
The goals of the Educational Excellence Committee are to develop programs, projects and activities which 1) empower  women through leadership opportunities, 2) promote educational excellence through programs and projects and 3) change global awareness through collaboration worldwide. 
Goal 1: Empower women through leadership opportunities.
EEC  
Goals	State organizations highlighted these programs in  Society EEC reports:	Society  
Purpose(s) Targeted	Chapters can pursue these program ideas:	
1 	Collaborate with other organizations to plan joint  meetings and conferences. 	1, 6 and 7 	DKG members can connect with likeminded  organizations in sponsoring and/or supporting  programs and activities which impact education.  Collaborate with other organizations in sponsoring  events, speakers, rallies, attending committees and  state sessions involving education issues.	
1 	Present at meetings, conferences and conventions 	3, 4, 6, and  7	Chapters and states (workshops at conventions or  conferences) can present programs or lead  discussion groups concerning either local or national  education issues. Assist with presentations at forums  and meetings. 	
1 	Join education organizations specific to your area of  content or employment	2 and 6 	Members should look at joining and supporting other  local or national educational/professional  
organizations.	
1 	Honor women who are not eligible for active  membership but who make a difference in your state  or community with honorary membership	2 	States, chapters, or regions could sponsor and invite  policy making women to become honorary members  of either their local chapter, state, or through  International.	
1 	Make a difference through service on governing  boards or in political office.	3 and 4 	DKG members can run for or be appointed to school  board positions where they can actively support  policies concerning early career educators. Great 	

Compiled from state organization biennial reports by the Educational Excellence Committee, March 2015 1 

Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
			Britain: support for early career educators is  implemented in all GB schools through these boards.  As a DKG member, run for political office or volunteer  on boards which may impact educational issues.	
1 	One chapter promoted a state literacy program for  children by inviting children (many of them members’  children) who had participated in the program to bring  and share about their favorite books.	1 	Schedule a “BookShare” where members enjoy  sharing favorite books. Members can bring and  donate the books for a silent auction or sale to raise  money for a DKG Fund, such as Emergency Fund,  World Fellowship or for a project like Schools for  Africa.	
1 	A chapter hosted a “25th Anniversary Reunion” where  members invited former members to join them in a  reunion celebration. The turnout was great,  friendships were renewed and some members were  reinstated.	1 	Have an anniversary reunion to celebrate 5, 10, 25 or  any number of years! Perhaps make it an annual  event. A reunion is always a perfect excuse to invite  old friends, introduce new ones and reinstate former  members.	
1 	One chapter used as the program Pride in the Big  Picture to orient new members during a regular  chapter meeting. Another chapter used it during a  luncheon for potential members who had already  been approved for membership as a way to both  orient them and invite them to membership. Both  chapters reported that not only were the new  members more aware of the Society and benefits of  membership but veteran members were also  reminded and informed about the value of  
membership. 	2, 3 and 6 	While orientation (Pride in the Big Picture) is critical to  the development of healthy membership for our  initiates, chapters can also use both Pride in the Big  Picture (Orientation) and Sustaining Pride in the Big  Picture (Re-Orientation) to inform and remind  members of the reasons why they joined. Remind  members regularly of the honor of DKG membership  and the benefits they receive through their  membership. Both presentations are available for  order through the Society Supply Store or for free  download in the Library at www.dkg.org.  
Survey your members and ask “What is important to  you about your membership?” Create a chapter  profile using the member and chapter profile forms  (www.dkg.org). The feedback can enhance your  program planning.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
1 	A chapter invited music students from the local high  school to share their talents by performing at a  meeting. Another chapter enjoys a day together each  year by visiting nearby cities for a play, concert or visit  to a museum or festival.	1 and 6 	Chapter members connect on a new level when they  enjoy relaxed time together. In addition, incorporating  the arts and humanities into programs adds another  dimension to personal and professional growth. Most  local schools enjoy sharing students’ talents and  achievements and are glad to participate in chapter  events. Look for exhibits and performances nearby  that your chapter can visit together!	
1 	Several chapters in one area join together once a  year and host a “New Members Luncheon” where the  newest members of those chapters are honored. 	1, 2 and 3 	In addition to pairing new members with veteran  members in a mentoring relationship, this luncheon is  another way to honor new members as a valued  addition to the chapter and involve them in chapter  activities. A special invitation always encourages  participation and the chapter might think about  honoring mentors as well, if mentors are assigned to  new members. 	
1 	Some chapters join with other chapters in the area for  a Founders’ Day luncheon or brunch every Spring.  Other chapters host such events individually.  Possible programs include remembering the DKG  Founders, remembering the founders of your state  organization or remembering the charter members of  your chapter. One chapter created a phony  “Facebook page” for Annie Webb Blanton with posts  from her and the other Founders – reminding the  chapter about the issues of that era. 	2 and 6 	Reference information on the Founders is available in  Our Heritage, Our Heritage II and Our Heritage III (DVD). These volumes are available for order  through the Society Supply Store at www.dkg.org where additional information about Society Founders  is also available for download. Several recommitment  ceremonies are also available in the new Ceremonies book (revised July 2012), also available for order  through the Society Supply Store.	
1 	Chapters are visiting with each other by electronic  means. Several chapters in one state organization  where distances create challenges use Skype to hold  joint chapter meetings. 	1 	Chapters can also use Skype to connect with  members who may be separated from the home  chapter because they spend months in a different  geographic setting or because they are confined to  their home or a rehabilitation center. Skype uses an 	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
			internet connection and a computer with a webcam  and microphone to facilitate a digital call (available for  free download: www.skype.com).	
1 	A chapter sponsored a district-wide event and invited  a women’s health specialist to discuss health issues  and solutions specific to women. 	3 	In addition to health issues, issues regarding women  in leadership and other professional issues particular  to women are also of interest. Invite an expert in your  area to visit with your chapter. Read a book together  
as a chapter and discuss it at a chapter meeting.  Using a computer and projector, listen to a webinar  during a chapter meeting. Attend a seminar together. 	
1 	A chapter had Theresa Campbell, an internationally  recognized expert on school safety and anti-gang prevention,  as a speaker.	7 	Is there a recognized expert on an educational issue in your  area? 	
1 	Grants from the Idaho Humanities Council allowed a member  to research and develop a one-woman mini-play about Mary  Todd Lincoln which was presented at a chapter meeting and a  regional meeting.	6 	Are any chapter members experts on a topic of interest? Take  advantage of professional or personal expertise in your own  chapter. Survey members to get this information.	
1 	After reading the book Runaway Quilt, a chapter tied quilts  that were given to families as they left a homeless shelter with  the hope that they would serve as “roadmaps to success.”  After a speaker from the Red Cross, a member’s class chose  the organization as their Christmas project.	6 and 7 	Has your chapter based a project on a program? Or perhaps  a member’s class can relate to a program in a special way.	
1 	A chapter held their meeting in the school computer lab in order to  teach every member how to surf the Society Website.  Another chapter presented a PowerPoint on the Purposes of  Delta Kappa Gamma and learned how to access the Web site  for scholarship opportunities - they have many activities which  review important information about DKG state and  international opportunities.	6 	Has your chapter had a hands-on technology session  together? If a school is not available, some public libraries  have appropriate facilities. Keeping up with DKG benefits and  opportunities through the internet pays big dividends.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
1 	A chapter member who had been involved in the Oregon  Writer’s Project presented a program where the poem “Where  I’m From” was read, explained and put into a grid. Members  were sent home with a deadline to complete the poem.  Finished poems were collected into a book (a local artist  designed a cover) and the “Where We’re From” book was  passed out for everyone at the August gathering.	1 	Using literature as a stem to find out more about each  member is a great idea! Not only does it add to our insights  into each other, it stimulates creativity.	
1 	A chapter explored the subject of adoption in two in-depth  studies - one involved the adoption of a Down’s Syndrome  child outside the United States and another with a family who  had adopted in three different ways: open, closed and foreign.  Important information for teachers was shared in these  reports.	7 	As we all realize, current social issues do impact the  classroom. Are there experts on current social topics in your  community who can share insights with your chapter?	
1 	Having a “green luncheon” with china and silver from 5  different members with a program including “Gardening for  Life” (exercise as you garden and prevention of falls), financial  planner and personal organizer was a highlight for one  chapter.	6 	This luncheon was packed with information, any one of the  speakers could have also been used separately or as they did  in a panel with a unifying theme.	
1 	A chapter had a program based on the work of therapy dogs  for “READ” Reading Education Assistance Dogs. Another  chapter had a program from an instructor in a Therapeutic  Riding Academy who explained how horses can help children  who are either physically or emotionally unable to enjoy  outside activity with other children. Still another chapter saw a  demonstration of “The Love On a Leash” program about  companion dogs. And another chapter has educated itself  about the dangers of airborne allergy to peanuts that affects  some children with severe peanut allergies and the work of  peanut-sniffing dogs. The chapter supports Sniff Out 	7 	Many cities have a speakers’ bureau where nonprofits list  speakers who can inform community groups about their work.  Programs involving animals are always a big hit. Chapters can  receive an education about many issues and occasionally find  a project to support.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	Peanuts-Allergy Alert Service Dogs - a nonprofit program that  provides dogs to assist these kids.			
1 	One chapter invited the head of the oncology department at a local hospital to talk about breast and ovarian cancer since  they have higher than normal rates of the diseases in their  community. Chapters also host presentations held in  conjunction with mini-health fairs with blood pressure, blood  sugar and susceptibility checks for osteoporosis.	7 	Women’s medical concerns are always excellent sources of  programming.	
1 	A chapter sponsored a piano competition. 	3 and 6 	What are your members’ interests outside DKG? Ask a  member involved in the arts to present her work or the work of  her students. Learn about what the students are learning.	
1 	A program called “Passion for Days Gone by” which  celebrated the founding of a chapter in 1940’s style was a  highlight for the chapter members. The evening included an  electronic retrospective of the chapter and a rededication  ceremony.	6 	In what era was your chapter founded? Do your younger  members understand the cultural, social and educational  issues of that era? Use charter members to tell the story of  your chapter by telling the story of the era - use props and  popular culture of the period.	
1 	A chapter heard from Dr. Claire Appling who spoke of the  history of Brockton and her experiences of being a woman  administrator. She will repeat the program for education  majors at an executive board meeting.	7 	Local history is very appealing to many members and  especially when it is combined with our own members’  experiences. We need to take advantage of long-time  members’ personal histories whenever possible.	
1 	A chapter invited a local police officer to talk about the meth  lab problem in the community. As an outreach, the chapter  filled book bags to donate to students left homeless by drug  busts. Another chapter had a presentation by state troopers  
on cyber-bullying. Another chapter had a program on  “Women’s Self Defense” sponsored by the local Sheriff’s office  and two local women dedicated to creating a safer world.	6 and 7 	Police, Highway patrol and fire departments typically have  community out-reach offices. Ask about programs which have  direct bearing on women’s safety or educational issues.	
1 	When a chapter focused on children’s nutrition - members  published a book on childhood nutrition where children plant, 	6 and 7 	Children’s nutritional issues, Michelle Obama’s childhood  obesity project and the work of Jamie Oliver all present 	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	harvest and eat their own foods. 		possibilities for fascinating and timely programs whether or  not they end as a nucleus for a chapter project.	
1 	“Honoring Women of Valor” was a joint meeting of 5 chapters.  Women from the Army, Air Force and Navy shared personal  experiences. Gold and Blue star mothers spoke. The book,  America’s White Table, was read and enacted. A NJ state  assemblyman presented a proclamation to a Gold Star  mother. Much press coverage ensued.	1, 2, 6 and  7 	Clearly several chapters meeting together can create an  outstanding experience.	
1 	A field trip to a local multi-level-care retirement facility plus a  presentation on financing, physical and emotional care,  housing, and recreation of seniors was a highlight program for  a chapter.	1, 3, 6 and  7 	With boomers hitting retirement age and many of our radio  generation already in managed care, this is a topic of great  interest and importance. If one person cannot make a  presentation on all the topics suggested, perhaps a panel of  experts can be arranged.	
1 	Dinner and a workshop making holiday cards with women from a local home transitioning from incarceration to  community living was a special meeting for a chapter before  the holidays.	7 	Learning about special programs for women in the community  is more impactful if there is personal involvement from the  chapter. 	
1 	A chapter’s Christmas Dinner Extravaganza - Members set  theme tables for prospective members. Young women from  local high schools helped set up and serve. Local artwork was  displayed by students and music provided by local students.  Members donated a love offering for grant-in-aid to be  awarded the next spring.	1, 3 and 5 	Since many chapters report programs in conjunction with  social settings, consider involving both prospective members  and students to your next social gathering as this chapter did.	
1 	Several chapters used long-time members for programs - one  chapter listened to a 94 year old and a 97 year old talk about  teaching in their early years in the 1930s, another involved a  95 year old who wrote a book and talked to the chapter about  the process. In another chapter, the chapter’s first president  delivered a presentation on “The Struggle for Women 	1, 2, 3 and  6 	We have a wealth of educational and social history in our  long-time members. Don’t wait to ask them to share their  journeys with the chapter.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	Educators in Leadership.” She traced her career path, choices  and challenges along the road for women’s rights - 1940s to  today.			
1 	For a program about the environment, a chapter went on an  overnight camping trip in the Everglades. They had an  astronomy lesson, walked trails and identified foliage and  wildlife. Cooking over a campfire and cleaning the area along  with the other camp-life experiences brought the members  together in a special way.	1, 6 and 7 	While this was a very exciting experience, field trips can be  less dramatic and still very memorable. Some chapters have  used an overnight “slumber party” as a way to get to know  each other better and also to plan for a year or a biennium.	
1 	A chapter member researched tips for making members look  their best on the outside to help them have better self esteem.  Program was called “The Essence of Growth to Be the Best  Me.”	1 and 3 	We all need assistance with self esteem issues: dressing  professionally with limited economic resources, dealing with  changes associated with midlife hormonal issues, nutritional,  supplement and exercise ideas are just a few issues  members will appreciate discussing.	
1 	A Night At the Movies was a chapter’s first fall meeting  program. Since this year was a significant milestone for DKG  and the state organization, the chapter traveled back in time to  when DKG was conceived in the heart of Annie Webb  Blanton, when the state was chartered and when the chapter  received its charter. As a result of A night at the Movies,  chapter members learned things about all three levels of the  organization and to see themselves as a “part of the bigger  picture.” At the end of the movie (which consisted of  PowerPoint slides and skits), Flat Annie left members with  final thoughts. Popcorn and drinks were served to enhance  the “movie” atmosphere. Members left with a new zeal about  their membership. For another chapter, “Getting to Know You”  was presented at the first meeting of the year. Each member  was asked to bring a collection of items which relate to her 	1 and 2 	We should not ever take for granted that members  understand the three levels of the organization to which they  belong. In addition, taking time to re-introduce ourselves in  creative ways is fun as well as inclusive.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	personally. Using the items she brought, each member shared  information about herself.			
1 	The Passion of our Founders - a program was presented that  highlighted the passions of each International Founder along  with how she served and her accomplishments. Then  members were asked to personally reflect on the same things.  Each member is completing information on the “passion of my  membership” which will be presented at a later meeting.	1, 2 and 6 	Unfortunately, some programs which seek to honor the  Founders end in a vacuum which is hard for members to  penetrate. Connecting the Founders to ourselves makes the  exercise profound and the Founders more real.	
1 	This energetic chapter planned and implemented five  workshops throughout the year where members and  nonmembers were able to choose to earn one Continuing  Education Unit (CEU) of credit from a local university. The  workshops were held during the chapter’s regular meetings.  Workshop topics included: Distance Learning in Siskiyou  County; Women in Muslim Culture; Green, Greener, Greenest  - Learn about Living in an Environmentally Friendly Way;  Teaching American History; and, English Learners in Our  Classrooms. Besides acquiring valuable knowledge, the  women enjoyed interaction with colleagues. Nonmembers  learned about Delta Kappa Gamma and opportunities in the  Society.		While not all chapters have the resources to implement an  ambitious program such as this one, all chapters should  remember to invite other educators when a program of  general interest is planned.	
1 	One chapter reported that a science teacher who had traveled  to Antarctica demonstrated how that information could be  connected to the classroom; he also showed them how  technology can be used to bring outside experiences to  students. In another chapter, “The Power of One” was  presented by a former newspaper editor. The program was  about Coleman Hawkins, a forgotten black jazz musician who  was famous nationally and internationally but not locally. 	6 and 7 	Take note of articles in the newspaper or other new outlets  about teachers or others in the community who have done  interesting things. Many will be happy to share experiences  
with members. Interesting bloggers can also be persuaded to  speak to chapters.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
1 	A chapter continues a project called Capital City Clean-up - it  is an attempt to keep local parks litter free. The chapter has  received accolades from the city government. Another chapter  planted a tree at the local Fairgrounds to honor a long-time  member.	6 and 7 	“Green” projects are very popular and projects that are “one  and done” give members a feeling of accomplishment.	
1 	One chapter packaged food for “Kids Against Hunger”;  another chapter packaged food for the “BackPack” program.  An auction fundraiser for a local “Food Lifeline” was held by  another chapter. Another chapter had a program about a local  program, “Gifts of Love” related to children and hunger. The  director, a former cafeteria worker, explained that many of the  children who receive school breakfast and lunch, do not have  enough to eat over the weekend. The chapter met at the  program’s facility and helped prepare the book bags packed  with food items that the children take home over the weekend.  Since that time, the chapter has been involved in providing  individually packaged food items for the “Gifts of Love Book  Bags.” A chapter packed lunches every week for children who  might need food over the weekend.	7 	Nutrition related projects are important as we all learn more  about the needs of the young, the elderly and the unemployed  in this area.	
1 	A chapter supports a jail literacy program for incarcerated  folks. Another chapter supports “Aunt Mary’s Storybook  Project” at the Women’s Correctional Center - which involves  taping books for children with mothers’ voices. Donation of  children’s books and audition tapes each year to support local  project F.R.E.D. (Fathers Read Every Day) is a project of one  chapter in support of incarcerated fathers. It is administered  by a local agency. Fathers are encouraged to tape  themselves reading the children’s book and then give it to 	7 	Literacy and tutoring programs in various settings need  volunteers. This project fosters literacy for both parents and  children and serves the greater good of the community.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	their children. 			
1 	A chapter takes a 5th grade class on Black History Tour of the  community.	7 	In some communities, parent volunteers are just not available  for field trips and other outings. Assisting schools in this area  can be invaluable.	
1 	This chapter participated in Library Day in their city. Chapter  members volunteer on a Saturday to staff a booth at the local  mall. They help children create and decorate newspaper hats,  receive bookmarks, a study trip brochure, and a pencil  advertising DKG.	7 	Participating in local events, festivals and city-wide  celebrations makes DKG a part of the community and raises  name recognition.	
1 	Several notable projects have reading at their core including:  • A parent and infant bonding project called, “Come  Cuddle and Read with Me.” Parents of newborns are  given an infant blanket and 2 books, one of which  gives parents tips on the importance of reading to  their children (books are in English and Spanish). The  program is extended to the Teen Parenting program  where the teens are given books for their children.  The chapter distributes 2,000+ books a year to  
children of all ages in the community in these various  venues. 
• Community Service Book Donation - chapter created  puppets for pre-school books they had purchased.  They bought bags and filled with books and puppets  and took to local schools where the bags were  
distributed to individual children. 
• Chapter made tie blankets out of fleece. Blankets  were wrapped around a children’s book. Tapes were  made available to inmates with children in a head  start program. The prisoners made a tape of 	6 	Literacy projects have long been popular with members.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	children’s book which was given to the child along  with blanket and book.  
• Chapter provides program for teen moms where they  provide books and training to read to their toddlers  and the need for early reading; over 100 teen moms  are in this program  
• B.A.R.K. - Beach Animals Reading with Kids is an  exceptional project. Eta Chapter in Long Beach  
collaborated with a local dog owner and began using  a therapy dog program to help children with reading  difficulties. The children read to the dogs and this  program has had success in improving the child’s  decoding and fluency skills. 
• One chapter devoted a day to making cloth baby  books which were given to a local hospital to give to  new mothers to promote reading and literacy. Each  book included a short note promoting the importance  of reading as early as possible to promote learning.			
1 	Pearl Projects - chapter members bring items monthly to  donate to local organizations including a welcome gift for new  teachers, books for newborns, monetary support for  mammograms, items for homeless shelters and shelters for  abused women.	6 and 7 	These mini-projects make members aware of community  needs and various organizations in the community aware of  DKG.	
1 	A chapter decorated an historic home in their community for  the holidays.	1 and 6 	Finding service projects in the community can lead to historic  preservation and appreciation.	
1 	Cinderella’s Closet is the project of one chapter - Girls from  local high schools have the opportunity to select prom dresses  and accessories - donations and operation of closet are done  by chapter members - one member makes many of the 	1 and 6 	May seem frivolous to some but for the girls who are helped,  DKG will be an organization they will never forget.	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	alterations.			
1 	Several chapters have exemplary projects having to do with  the ill or with grieving families:  
• Memory Bears Project - chapter makes bears for  families of deceased patients with the loved ones’  garments. 
• Hugs and Hopes Project - this project pairs chapter  members with critically ill children from around the  country. They send cards and items to bring cheer  and support to make the difficult situations more  
manageable. 
• Created emergency medical dolls for use by EMTs to  explain to child patients what health care givers need  to do to help them and also to give children comfort.  
• Jared Boxes - This is a statewide project being  implemented by many chapters. Jared boxes are  plastic shoe boxes filled with age appropriate and  gender appropriate toys, books, games, and writing  materials. The box lids are decorated by chapter  members. The boxes are delivered to area hospitals  for critically or chronically ill children. These activities  allow children to have activities to use while waiting  for treatment or to use if they are confined to a bed. In  2009, 1500 Jared boxes were made. The goal for  2010 is 2,000+. The project has attracted DKG  
members in other states as well.	6 	These projects impact recipients and feed the souls of  members involved.	
1 	Members in this chapter purchase new purses, take off the  price tag but leave other tags, fill each purse with “girly” things  such as lotions, cosmetics, costume jewelry, inspirational 	1 and 6 	What a delightfully personal way to involve members in a  helpful project. What can you do to involve each member in a  personal way to the chapter project?	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
	books, pretty underwear, wallet, flashlight, small Bible, alarm  clock, and every purse has a phone card. The purses are  given to a local women’s abuse shelter to be given to a  woman who has had to leave home without her purse. Each  purse is different. They are brought to the Christmas party  where the director of the shelter comes to pick up the purses  and hear each member’s story about what drew her to that  purse and why she chose the items she did.			
1 	Support of the “Justice in the Classroom” program sponsored  by the John Marshall Foundation.	6 and 7 	Some projects come from members in the classroom who  need support to keep an excellent program when a district can  no longer do so.	
1 	Bridging The Digital Gap - Teen docents knowledgeable in  technology assisted these chapter members with cell phone  and internet usage which included using the Society Web  sites.	6 	Bet most of us wish we could be involved in this project.	
1 	A chapter provides gloves and hats for primary children in all  schools in their two counties.	6 and 7 	Surveying members about what they see as needs in schools  and communities can uncover worthwhile projects like this  one.	

Goal 2: Promote Educational Excellence through programs and projects.
EEC  
Goals	State organizations highlighted these programs  in Society EEC reports:	Society  
Purpose(s) Targeted	Chapters can pursue these program ideas:	
2 	Welcome Bags, supplies and gifts 	2 and 6 	Chapters can have welcome bags/DKG information  brochures with contact information given to new  educators at the beginning of the year. For early career educators, members/chapters can create  “Survival Kits, Loot for Learning, or Pick-Me Up bags”  or put together classroom supplies boxes or bags 	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
			and/or gift cards to educator resource stores or “Dollar  Stores”.	
2 	Classroom assistance 	3 and 6 	Members can assist and volunteer in classrooms of  either current DKG members or prospective members.  Members can help new teachers set up their  classrooms at the beginning of the school year or at  the time of being hired after the school year has  begun, which is often into mid-fall.	
2 	Mentoring and support 	3 and 6 	Chapter members can mentor and support new  educators in their own schools or through other  connections with local schools. Use emails, phone  calls, face to face visits, and share advice and  knowledge.	
2 	Become a source for information and expertise 	3 and 6 	Assist in developing a website for communicating with  new teachers, using Facebook. School  
district/city/town/county/area specific. Chapters could  create and provide new teachers in a district with a  “teaching tips” booklet. As a veteran educator, attend  district pre-service workshops with new educators and  assist in advising them, as well as sharing supplies  and district curriculum standards/goals/text adoption  materials for their specific needs.	
2 	Be available and stay connected with early-career  educators	1, 2, 3, and  6	Provide welcome back functions in districts or schools  where new educators meet experienced educators in  their particular area. Chapters can host a meal or a  coffee event, providing time to meet and greet early  career educators and share information about DKG. Create a Facebook page for new teachers in a school  or district, providing a place where they can ask  questions, read information, chat and collaborate with  other educators. Contact first year educators and host 	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
			a coffee or after school snack event to discuss issues  related to being a first year educator.	
2 	Provide financial assistance and support 	2, 5, and 6 	Assist early-career educators with expenses to attend  state DKG events. Plan programs and activities that  help raise funds to provide stipends and grants for  early-career educators to set up their classrooms and  buy needed materials and supplies. Using donations,  chapters could buy APPS for iPads/tablets in the  classroom.	
2 	Promote DKG to non-members 	2 and 3 	Send letters and cards to early-career educators in  your district or area. Use DKG letter head or  stationery. Sponsor book libraries in classrooms or  provide additional books for school libraries. Connect  with a local teacher prep institution and arrange for  student/intern teachers to attend either a special DKG  event planned just for them or to a regular DKG  meeting. Set up DKG information tables and booths  at state or district education events such as: state  education association conventions and conferences  and education career fairs.	
2 	Mentor Pre Early-career educators 	3 and 6 	Meet with local college teacher prep students/classes  to share expertise/experiences in the classroom.  Provide assistance for practicum and intern teachers  within members’ work place/district or through their  university or college, working as an advisor or  supervisor. Connect as a teaching assistant at a local  college to work with student/intern teachers as they  complete their teaching certificate requirements.	
2 	Assist with professional development opportunities 	3 and 6 	Arrange for and sponsor a seminar for early-career  educators with topics unique to the first year  experiences. Contact through school district’s 	

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			administration. Credit could be offered. A chapter  could sponsor a workshop on either a district or state  teach in-service day, providing professional  development opportunities. Contact and approval  would be made through either a school district’s  administration or the department of education at the  state level.	
2 	Volunteer to assist in classrooms or adopt a school 	3 and 6 	A chapter could adopt a classroom in a school in their  area and provide supplies, volunteer time, and  pertinent advice for the classroom teacher. Perfect  activity for retired chapter members. Assist teachers  with assessment tests either as a colleague or as a  volunteer. Members read books and teach  accompanying songs to children, modeling the voice,  action, and drama of storytelling. Book and  accompanying CD could then be a gift for the  classroom.	
2 	Make a difference through service on governing  boards or in political office	3 and 4 	DKG members can run for or be appointed to school  board positions where they can actively support  policies concerning early career educators. Great  Britain: support for early career educators is  implemented in all GB schools through these boards.	
2 	Make SEE a state organization project 	3, 5, and 6 	Chapters can help create and support a statewide  program developed to provide assistance for early  career educators. Ex: California’s T.H.A.T. Project.	
2 	Initiate members who are early-career educators and  mentor them as members	2 	Connect and contact new educators and invite them to  meetings and to attend programs sponsored by (local  and state) DKG. Invite them to become members.	
2 	Attend local and state/province/country legislative  sessions and committees 	4 and 7 	State DKG legislative representatives, state officers,  and/or chapter members could attend local state  legislative sessions or state education committee 	

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			hearings. Members could sign-up to speak for a  particular education issue.	
2 	Maintain direct communication with legislators 	4 and 7 	All members, on their own or through chapters and  states, could communicate with national, state, and  local legislators concerning issues involving  education, women, and children. This would include  the issues of gender equality, hunger, housing,  potable water, family violence, access to health care,  and a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. 	
2 	Maintain personal contact with legislators 	4 and 7 	States, chapters, and members can participate in  direct message campaigns to local, state, or national  officials or through contacting local media outlets.  Arrange personal meetings with policy making officials  and discuss education issues. Ex: Adopt a legislator:  Kentucky and New Mexico.	
2 	Recognize leaders promoting legislation benefiting  women, children and/or education	4 and 7 	Publically recognize those who have made a  difference as policy makers in dealing with education  issues. Ex: Michigan and several other local chapters  of states.	
2 	Increase awareness of education issues and  legislation	4 and 7 	Chapters and members can work together to become  aware of local, state, and national education issues  and alert others of like interest as to pending  education legislation or other pertinent issues  involving children. Develop a recording system to  follow the voting records of public officials and their  involvement with education issues.	
2 	Distribute materials concerning pending legislation to  inform members of the issue 	4 and 7 	Share information within your local communities  dealing with education issues highlighted by the  regional forum newsletters and through the  International website. Assist with creating, publishing,  and distributing information concerning educational 	

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			issues, particularly targeting policy makers. Ex:  Estonia	
2 	Invite local policy makers to speak at a meeting 	4 and 7 	Invite policy making individuals (female and male) to  speak at local chapter meetings, state  
conferences/conventions, or at International events.  Sponsor a community meeting where legislators can  be available to speak or answer questions. 	
2 	Join with other organizations that focus on education  issues to sponsor legislative days or events	4 and 7 	Work with local or state retired educator organizations,  education associations, or community groups to  connect with media, circulate pertinent information or  sponsor informative events concerning educational  issues.	
2 	One chapter hosted a “teacher shower” where  members brought gifts of classroom supplies and gift  cards to early-career educators who joined the party. 	3 and 6 	Donate gift baskets to early-career teachers at the  beginning of school. Host a first year teacher event  and provide a meal or bag of goodies for early-career  teachers. Offer grants to early-career teachers for  classroom use. 	
2 	Chapters invited a state or district coordinator to  explain evaluation expectations. Early-career  educators were invited and the meeting was open to  district personnel. 	3 and 6 	Sponsor a presenter who can offer tips for evaluation  survival, classroom management, and lesson planning  strategies. Provide opportunities to assist teachers in  practical ways. 	
2 	Chapters are “adopting” early-career educators and  helping with bulletin boards, lesson plans, classroom  design and management. Some members are  available by phone while others visit classrooms. 	3 and 6 	Ask what you can do to help in your community  school. Provide opportunities, whether by phone, at  chapter meetings or with classroom visits, for early career teachers to benefit from the experience of  chapter members. Plan a program that includes  developing bulletin boards and lesson plans. Pair a  member with an early-career teacher to provide  advice and support, even if it is just by phone.	
2 	Chapter members in one state organization wrote  stories from their own memories of the first year of 	1, 3 and 6 	Create a Memory Book or Journal to share the  experiences of veteran teachers with early-career 	

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	teaching. These were written in a book and given to  induction coaches in the district who work with first  year teachers. The response was overwhelming.  Many of the first year teachers responded that they  were glad to see that they were not the only ones  experiencing many of the woes we all face our first  year. 		educators. Create a book of “Tips for Survival” to  share with first year teachers. 	
2 	Chapters are inviting state personnel to visit with  chapters in joint meetings and discuss content area  curriculum guidelines and tips for teaching state  objectives. Other chapters are inviting district level  personnel to discuss strategies for the common core  standards scheduled for use in the U.S. 	1, 3, 6 and  7	Assist both early-career and veteran educators still  active in the classroom with strategies and ideas by  scheduling a panel of experts to present research in  areas of interest. Invite appropriate district and state  level personnel to visit or participate. 	
2 	A chapter invited the director of schools to join the  chapter at a meeting to discuss the changes  proposed for the coming school year and invited all  district personnel. 	7 	Invite school superintendents, head administrators,  the chairman of the school board, or other local  education leaders to a chapter meeting.	
2 	A chapter invited five panelists to join them at a  meeting: a teacher of the year, a high school  principal, a university president, a school counselor,  and a newspaper columnist from the local  newspaper.	4, 6 and 7 	Plan a “Forum on School Reform” in your community,  state or nation. Invite individuals with varied  perspectives on education to participate in a panel  discussion. Include in the discussion issues relevant  to your community. 	
2 	Chapters are hosting local and regional legislative  events: forums, panels, and even community town  hall meetings.	4 	Attend as a group a state organization legislative  symposium or a regional/national legislative forum. 	
2 	Chapters are joining with other chapters to host  meetings with legislators to facilitate discussion on  issues in education. Other chapters have invited  education association or union leaders to offer  updates and advice about effective communication  with legislators. 	4 	Invite legislators and other knowledgeable speakers to  update members regarding current issues in  education. Plan a time during the meeting for  members to write legislators regarding pertinent  issues. 	

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2 	A chapter studied the role of women in politics in the modern  era including social and cultural perceptions about women  politicians. Two other chapters joined together for a  Legislative Brunch on “How to Influence Educational Law”  with legislators and a local federal representative. Another  chapter invited a State senator who spoke on No Child Left  Behind. In another chapter, a state legislator spoke on the  retirement fund and retiree health care and then asked the  chapter to sponsor a public forum for community educators.	4 	If your members are interested in politics, joint meetings with  other organizations such as the League of Women Voters can  be most informative. 	
2 	Be Wise Math and Science Camp - Chapter had an overview of  camp and then completed one of the math lessons the female students experience. The camp then became a  project for the chapter.	6 and 7 	Are you knowledgeable about any special educational  experiences available in your community for girls. Research  this possibility for a fascinating field trip. 	
2 	A speaker on educational kinesiology who presented helpful  ideas on getting children to be more active was a great  opportunity to invite other educators and parents and  grandparents to a chapter meeting.	7 	Finding experts with the latest information on educational  practices is often just a phone call to a college or university  education department. A bonus for this type of meeting is to  share with the community.	
2 	One chapter awards 10 teachers from schools in their area  with Golden Apple Awards. At their ceremony, the chapter  members provide the recipients with a wonderful reception.  
Each honoree shares her greatest joy in teaching with the  chapter members and invited family, friends, co-workers, and  administrators. The county superintendent is the speaker.	1, 2 and 3 	It is very rewarding to find ways to honor educators - both  members and non-members for their professional excellence.	
2 	A chapter tackled the issue of “Teachers for Tomorrow” - how  to get the best and brightest to consider education as a	3, 4, 5 and  6	Discussing difficult issues and then putting information into  positive action is a basic tenet of our organization.	

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	profession.			
2 	A chapter provided a community resource program open to  members, to county teachers and to the public providing  insight and information on autism. Regional Service Center  was involved as well as a parent of a child with autism. The  parent spoke of concerns raising a child with AU. CPE credit  was given. Funds were donated to a local school for students  with autism. Members raised funds as well by “Walking for  Autism” and a digital story was created and placed on line to  invite donations for Autism research.	4, 6 and 7 	Many chapters have learned about a condition or disease that  affects children or women and turned that knowledge into  meaningful action. Contacting nonprofits which support  specific diseases can help with finding speakers, audio-visual  and print materials.	
2 	T.H.A.T. Program (Teachers Helping Another Teacher) This  is a California State Organization program being implemented  by a number of chapters. Teachers volunteer to help other  teachers in the classroom and other locations at school sites.  Volunteer hours are reported bi-annually. The state Research  Committee keeps data on the number of volunteer hours  reported by chapters. There is criteria established for what is  acceptable for assisting teachers.	3 and 6 	Many chapters provide support for working educators in  numerous ways from providing resources to new teachers to  ongoing classroom related activities. Initial contacts can be  made with teachers and administrators currently in the  chapters or with school district outreach and volunteer offices.	
2 	CEO (Celebrating Each Other) This celebration occurs at  schools in the area of the chapter. Members from the chapter  provide a special reception for teachers to let them know they  are appreciated and that “they make a difference” with  children. DKG brochures and the chapter president’s  business card are distributed. Teachers are encouraged to  contact the chapter members for help or information about  the Society.	2 and 3 	In previous times, educators were honored by the community.  This may not be the case in many places today and offers  DKG an opportunity to fill an important gap.	

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2 	A chapter centered all projects around the school setting  throughout the year- from new books for a kindergarten,  welcome packets for new students, support to fifth graders  doing history projects, designing scenery for a Christmas  play, treats for teachers, speech and drama support to high  school students, mentoring students after school, etc.	6 and 7 	Projects such as this not only help a district, but ensure that  DKG is known throughout the community.	
2 	Impact 100 - chapter program explained that a group of 10  women had started a project where each woman gave  $100.00 and then the group decided how to award the  resulting $1000.00. Women from the chapter joined the group  which is now up to 100 strong; they give 100.00 each year  and decide together how to distribute the money. One  chapter supported a local middle school in its efforts to raise  money and awareness about the need for nets to wipe out  malaria. An action fund raiser supports a city’s “Alliance for  Education” in another chapter. Still another chapter supported  a group called “Friends of the Library” which was able to open  a library for the residents of a local town.	6 and 7 	Joining an ongoing community or school project can be  meaningful to the chapter and very helpful to the project while  increasing DKG name recognition.	
2 	A chapter initiated and supported Camp Alpha Omega, a  science camp for girls - it will continue a second year.	3, 6 and 7 	Support of science and math projects for girls is critical.	
2 	A chapter gives a grant to a university student who will be  doing student teaching/internship the following semester. In  May the immediate past recipient is invited and they have a  dinner where they have a new teacher shower for her. They  also invite the most recent recipient. Another chapter  continues to mentor a 2008 grantee; she has attended two  chapter meetings and the chapter is compiling a notebook of  teaching tips to give her as she begins her teaching career. 	5 	Many chapters choose to give grants - how can we go a step  beyond to involve DKG in the lives of these future teachers?	

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	This chapter recognizes teacher cadets from local high  schools, gives a certificate to an outstanding senior from each  school who is planning to major in education and gives a  grant to one who is chosen through an essay contest. The  chapter also gives a local college senior education major a  grant to help set up her classroom.			
2 	Chapter members welcomed all new teachers in a district  with plants.	1 and 6 	These new teachers will certainly know what DKG stands for.	

Goal 3: Change Global Awareness through collaboration worldwide.
EEC  
Goals	State organizations highlighted these programs in  Society EEC reports:	Society  
Purpose(s) Targeted	Chapters can pursue these program ideas:	
3 	Speakers familiar with either an African country or  educational situations on the continent	3, 6 and 7 	Look for Peace Corps, missionaries, members,  students, etc. in your area who could be speakers for  an event or chapter meeting.	
3 	Chapter/state programs on SFA using DKG  generated resources	6 and 7 	Access SFA Safari PPT and other resources provided  on the international website – visit the EEC page.	
3 	“Flat Stanley” dolls 	6 and 7 	Chapters could connect with “Flat Stanley” projects  from Guinea Bissau. Info available from Alabama State Organization.	
3 	Monthly focus on SFA 	6 and 7 	Chapters can focus on designating part of local dues  to SFA.	
3 	Focus on Millennium Goals (United Nations) 	3,4,6,and 7 	Explain the UN Millennium Goals to improve  worldwide standards of living. Particularly think about  looking into ideas and resources involving ways to  access potable drinking water.	
3 	Chapter involvement at local events and conferences  highlighting African (or other) countries and issues	4, 6 and 7 	Chapters could be involved in local events that  highlight educational issues in African countries and  share information concerning the International DKG 	

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Collection of Program Project and Activity Ideas for EEC 
			commitment to supporting education in Africa. Look  towards connecting with staff and students at local  universities and colleges, community and urban  assistance leagues, as resources and speakers. This  could also be adapted to other countries as related to  the local community.	
3 	Collaboration with other local organizations, media  and businesses to plan, implement and promote  programs and activities	3, 4, 6, and  7	Engage in assistance from family members/friends,  other non-profit groups and/ business connections for  advertising and program presentations for  state/chapter/area council meetings, conferences and  conventions.	
3 	Displays and sales at DKG events 	6 and 7 	Chapters may collaborate with local or regional  resources to display and/or sell jewelry, arts and  crafts (baskets, artwork, drums, jewelry) from other  countries. BE SURE CONTACTS ARE  
SPECIFICALLY APPROVED THROUGH LEGAL  ORGANIZATIONS. 	
3 	Presentations by students in local schools/universities 	6 and 7 	Chapters may ask students who are studying African  or other culture, politics, religion, economics, natural  resources, etc. from local area schools to present a  program (high school, middle school specific).	
3 	Table Themes 	3, 6 and 7 	Chapter may choose to have events with table  themes (Ex: Paradise of Tables) and vote on themes  with dollar amounts forwarded to SFA	
3 	Shopping in stores specializing in African products 	3, 6 and 7 	Looking at crafts, art, and other products, chapters  can plan “field trips” and gather information from  businesses that specialize in African imports in their  area, including art museums and local galleries.	
3 	Combined SFA and Arts Programs 	3, 6 and 7 	Chapters could connect with local African American  agencies/leagues, urban groups, community centers,  county and state resources to connect with those who 	

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			may assist with sharing African art, dress, dance, and  culture. 	
3 	Fundraising Teas 	3, 6 and 7 	Chapters could host a tea with all the proceeds going  to SFA.	
3 	Host a meal dealing with worldwide hunger 	4, 6 and 7 	A hosting chapter could serve a meal where  members’ portions are based on assigned third world  country’s average meals. After a discussion of  portions and issues, all are later able to eat more.	
3 	Book reviews and discussions 	6 and 7 	A chapter chooses a book related to African issues  and conducts a book study. This can also be adapted  for another country. 	
3 	A chapter featured African dishes prepared by the  local school’s culinary arts class to enhance a  presentation by speakers with knowledge of the  region and issues. 	6 and 7 	Create ways to allow members to experience the  culture of Africa while promoting the Schools for  Africa project: use food, artwork, music, costumes,  films or books. 	
3 	A chapter invited speakers who had lived/worked in  Africa to share their experiences, many within the  educational system of specific countries in support of  the Schools for Africa nations. 	6 and 7 	Collaborate with other non-profits supporting work in  Africa, such as Rotary International. Chapters located  close to a regional UNICEF office could invite a  UNICEF representative. (www.unicefusa.com about  us)	
3 	Chapters use Schools for Africa videos and EEC  prepared PowerPoint presentations to promote the  Schools for Africa project.	6, and 7 	Visit the EEC committee page on the DKG website for  more resources, including a link to the Schools for  Africa website at www.schoolsforafrica.com . Under  Newsroom >multimedia, you can find promotional  videos.	
3 	One chapter hosts an annual jewelry exchange where  members donate “gently-used” jewelry to sell at the  meeting. The money raised is then donated to the  DKG World Fellowship Fund.	5, 6 and 7 	“Gently-used” may apply to several items which could  be sold or auctioned, such as jewelry, books,  accessories, or even garments. Include a program  highlighting the Fund to which the money will be  donated. 	

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3 	Several chapters in one state organization use “brag  baskets” to collect one dollar from each member who takes advantage of a bragging time during the  meetings to share personal news or brag about the  accomplishments of themselves or someone else.  The money is donated at the end of the year to a  DKG Fund or to UNICEF for the Schools for Africa  project.	1, 5, 6 and  7	This activity can fulfill several purposes: 1) the  “bragging” allows a time for members to learn about  other members and connect on a personal level and  2) the money raised will benefit the Schools for Africa  project, will aid a DKG fund such as the Emergency  Fund, the Golden Gift Fund or the World Fellowship  Fund, or could be used to support activities that  Support Early-career Educators (the SEE project).	
3 	A chapter is hosting sewing circles to make dresses  for girls in Africa. (See Washington State  
Organization website for more information:  www.dkg.org > Society Websites > USA >  Washington) Contact: Nancy’s Notions®; 333 Beichl  Ave., PO Box 683; Beaver Dam WI 53916-0683	6 and 7 	Although such a project might involve connecting with  other non-profit organizations to facilitate sending the  dresses or supplies if the project is expanded, such  efforts support the overall goals of the Schools for  Africa project which does help girls attend school in  Africa.	
3 	Another chapter creates hand-painted soup bowls  and hosts a soup meal for both members and non members. For a donation, the donor enjoys the meal  and keeps the bowl. Money can be donated at any  chosen level – from the local food bank to a world  fund. (Choose one of the nine DKG Funds:  contribution form available at www.dkg.org > forms) 	1, 6 and 7 	Enjoy fellowship and raise money for a cause,  whether local or global, by including something hand crafted as a giveaway with a meal. Bowls, mugs,  glasses, and plates can all be painted to create a  beautiful favor. (Hint: if your chapter members do not  feel confident about their artistic abilities, involve the  local art students in the community school or art club.)	
3 	A chapter increased global awareness by setting up a  display called “Where in the World is…Delta Kappa  Gamma?” In addition to depicting the 18 countries of  DKG membership by their flags, members decorated  each table at the meeting with items that represented  each of the countries. 	6 and 7 	This activity can be used as an idea for table  decorations at a chapter meeting or a state  organization meal event. In addition, it could be the  foundation of a display or exhibit for a multi-chapter  event or fair at a state organization convention.  Members will increase not only awareness of the  expanse of DKG membership but also knowledge  about the countries where Society members live.	
3 	A chapter combined meeting World Fellowship students with  a presentation by a member from another chapter about her 	7 	Investigate combining information about a Society project,  Fund or initiative with current economic, social, political or 	

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	travel in China. A lively discussion ensued regarding  educational, social and political comparisons among various  countries.		educational issues. Find out if there are World Fellowship  recipients in your area by checking the International Website.	
3 	Speaker Judy Rohde, who is a US Math and Science Award  Winner spoke to the chapter of her work with UNICEF - training math teachers in Macedonia.	6 	Ask award-winning educators in your area to speak or join a  panel discussion.	
3 	A chapter invited a native Alaskan as speaker - she brought  artifacts and spoke on cultural issues including information  about original Alaskans. Another chapter had a speaker from  the Burmese Advocacy Center (Ft. Wayne has the largest  Burmese population outside Burma). Still another chapter  invited a Holocaust survivor to speak to the group. Another  chapter invited local high school culinary arts students to  make Indian and African food to accompany the presentation  of a speaker who had taught in Peace Corps in Nigeria who  spoke on that experience plus current conditions witnessed  on a recent trip.	6 and 7 	Inviting a representative of any cultural group to speak and  share art, literature or history can be entertaining as well as  informative, especially if the speaker can bring artifacts,  artwork, musical instruments, etc. Take advantage of any  large cultural population in your area.	
3 	A chapter invited a physician who had worked in Afghanistan  to talk about the physical and emotional problems of Afghanis.	7 	DKG members are very interested in Afghanistan, not only for  the obvious political reasons, but also because the plight of  women educators and students there touched many members  through the joint DKG/UNICEF project.	
3 	Many chapters support nonprofit organizations in their home  countries and abroad: 
• A chapter gives a baby shower for an Appalachian  Pregnancy Center.  
• Another chapter prepared a PowerPoint on a Girls’  School in Guatemala with interviews on the use of the  money the chapter had raised for the school.  
• Still another chapter supports “Helping Hands for 	6 and 7 	It is always important and satisfying to share the work of the  organization with members. We like to know where and how  our money has been spent.	

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	Nepal”.  
• A chapter collected money for a school in Columbia  which was delivered in person by a member who  reported back on the impact.  
• A chapter sent classroom library books, school  supplies and pillow case dresses to children in Africa. • Another chapter supports the Orbit Village Project in  Kenya. This project offers a Christian based  
education to over 500 students from a baby class to  high school. The school also provides scholarship  funding for graduates who want to attend college.  The chapter provides a grant for at least one student  a year. Plans are also underway for several members  to go to Kenya to do in-service training for teachers in  the school.			
3 	The “New Americans” Project targets newly emigrated  families - chapter members help set up their apartments.	6 and 7 	For this chapter, “appropriate program of actions” involves  getting in the trenches for people who are starting over. Not all  chapters will want to take on this type of responsibility but if  you haven’t surveyed members recently, ask about hands-on  projects. You may be surprised by the response.	
3 	A chapter pays the school tuition of a child in Tanzania. 	5 	Projects which aid students in completing their education are  popular.	
3 	Newcomers School Project assisted children from other  countries coming to the US for the first time before entering a  regular school. Chapter was apprised about the purpose of  school, logistics, etc. Members contributed books, clothing  and tutorial help. The project was highlighted at the state  convention where centerpieces at a function were donated to  the school.	6 and 7 	Many times a project materializes from a program that “grabs”  members.	

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3 	Chapter members supervise and provide learning activities for  children of women in a school called Unlimited Potential which  teaches women English, helps prepare them for citizenship  exam and provides job readiness activities.	6 	DKG members think about the children of people involved in  community outreach. 	

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