State of Society 2022

International Information
The pandemic has changed “how we do things” within DKG, particularly training and conferences.  This past summer, DKG International provided two different options to attend the International Conference in San Antonio Texas as well as the Leadership Training and Retreat held in Atlanta, Georgia (in-person and virtual).  The conference in San Antonio held July 22 - 24 was either in-person and accessible virtually through the DKG International App, while the leadership training could be attended in person and through a webinar format.   Because of the online format and the ability to record sessions, members could attend the workshop and training during the allotted time or view at a later date.  Looking ahead, the DKG International Convention is scheduled for July 12 - 16th in New Orleans - Save the Date. 

State Information
June, July, and August were busy with the formation and establishment of Committee chairs and members for the 2021 -2023 biennium.  The Leadership Development Committee met in June and July to plan and organize the online Committee chair training which was conducted and well attended August 14th.  The committee chairs received a “hard copy” of the International Bylaws and an updated electronic Committee chair manual.    

With Highland United Methodist Church still closed to outside groups as of early August, it was decided that the September 18th Executive Board Meeting be held via Zoom.  The Executive Committee successfully organized the meeting business and the LDC committee effectively implemented the Leadership Development moment, which focused on - what are chapters doing to move forward the theme of Rise, Evolve, Flourish. The ideas captured in breakout rooms during the LD moment, were collated and emailed to chapter presidents.

In late summer and early fall, the initial plan and intent was to hold the November Society Workshop in person.  Unfortunately with the rise and new strain of COVID and an informal poll, it was decided, in mid October, that more people would attend if the workshop was held virtually.  Our plans changed from an in-person to an online format. The Educational Excellence Committee did a fantastic job reorganizing the agenda from in-person to online through the leadership of Sally Nazelrod.  Thank you for your flexibility and efforts!

Looking ahead, the Executive Committee is planning the March 5th Executive Board Meeting - tentatively at Highland United Methodist Church, with more details coming after the new year.  The Leadership Development Committee is also busy planning the Leadership Development Conference to be held on May 14th.  The conference will include a speaker from DKG International, a Brain Based Leadership talk and session, an Energy Bus presentation,  the President's training, and the presentation of scholarships. 

COVID-19 had thrown a loop into how we function personally and as an organization.  Chapters are looking into ways to use a combination of in-person, zoom gatherings, the use of outside locations with the nice fall weather, and the use of larger spaces in churches and schools. As I visited chapters this fall and into the winter season, I can see that our chapter meetings, programs, and gatherings are continuing to Evolve, Rise, and Flourish.  Thank you for your enthusiasm and creativity!
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Please continue to keep me (alcatraz46@yahoo.com) and Sally Nazelrod, First Vice President (Sally4280@aol.com) informed about your chapter activities.  Please send us and the newsletter editor Patty Simon, (pattysi@comcast.net) a copy of your chapter’s newsletter.

Thank you and Happy New Year!
Marilyn Keane, Upsilon
2021 - 2023 DKG Maryland State President