MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS SESSION 81st ANNUAL LAMBDA STATE CONVENTION Decatur Conference Center and Hotel Decatur, Illinois SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 DATE AND PLACE The Lambda State General Membership Business Meeting was held at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, Decatur, Illinois, on Saturday, April 16, 2016. CALL TO ORDER Lambda State President Sylvia Olson (Alpha Nu) called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE GREETINGS FROM DECATUR CHALLENGE INTRODUCTIONS OF HEAD TABLE INTRODUCTION OF PAST STATE PRESIDENTS INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE GREETINGS FROM INTERNATIONAL LaVonne Chaney (Beta Pi) led the Pledge of Allegiance. Cara Gatchel (Alpha Zeta) and Beatrice Hall (Beta Sigma) were the Convention Coordinators, who along with hostess chapter members welcomed us. Cara reviewed the highlights of the pre-convention tour along with other points of interest in Decatur. Beatrice Hall (Beta Sigma) was recognized for her table decorations at the water tables. Sandra Ragsdale (Gamma Zeta) delivered the challenge. She spoke of how Mary Renfro inspired her and mentored her as a new member. She cited Alfred Whitehead on trees. Trees need a forest in order to grow, so too in DKG each of us inspires and encourages us to grow in our chapters, state, and International levels. Sylvia Olson (Alpha Nu), Lambda State President, introduced the head table that included: Dr. Kammie Richter (Xi), Lambda State Executive Assistant; Sharon Vinson (Zeta), Lambda State Treasurer; Susan Dion (Alpha Lambda), Lambda State Corresponding Secretary; Dr. Patricia Kubistal (Kappa), Lambda State Recording Secretary; Carolyn Godby (Alpha Lambda), Lambda State Parliamentarian; Patricia DeWitt (Zeta), Lambda State Editor; Linda Beitzel (Alpha Nu), Lambda State Rules Chair; Melinda Davis (Alpha Theta), Lambda State Dates and Sites Chair; Phyllis Hickey, International Representative, DKG Operation Services Administrator; Pam Painter (Chi), Lambda State Second Vice President/Membership Chair; and Dr. Debra LeBlanc (Beta Phi), Lambda State First Vice President/Educational Excellence Chair; Past Lambda State Presidents attending included: Ardith Inman (Beta Beta) 1983-85; Antoinette Minuzzo (Alpha Nu) 1989-91; Lucille Kozanecki (Alpha Chi) 1993-95; Loryann Eis (Beta Epsilon) 1995-97; Christine Berto (Nu) 1997-99; Pamela Rightsel (Beta) 1999-01; Carol Hughes (Alpha Beta) 2001-03; Melinda Davis (Alpha Theta) 2003-05; Barbara Bergdolt (Gamma) 2005-07; Patricia Gaines (Alpha Delta) 2009-11; and LaVonne Chaney (Beta Pi) 2013-15. Teena Zindel-McWilliams (Beta Sigma) introduced the International Representative, Phyllis Hickey (Alpha, Alpha State), DKG Operation Services Administrator. Phyllis Hickey pointed out all of the social media contacts through DKG. There have been over 600 hits on Facebook for the Lambda State Convention. She thanked us for our dedication, leadership, and all we do for DKG. She brought greetings from International. There are 75,000 members from over 2,000 chapters in 78 state organizations in 17 member countries. For 85 years DKG has been advancing key women educators. There are challenges in evolving cultural changes, but we were born to strive. The new website is secure and has a section for the public and for the members. DKG2014Society is the password. Once we are on the website, we should develop our own password. We are able to change our profile. She encouraged us to participate in the DKG community within this secure network. We can view the new
membership kit, order supplies, register for convention, and access committee information. PowerPoints for chapters are available under the treasurer tab. We were encouraged to submit articles for the publications. The Administrative Board has developed a streamlined strategic plan for 2029. The 100 th anniversary of DKG is 2029. The core of the DKG Strategic Plan for 2015-2025 centers on goals addressing current challenges/issues, initiatives, objectives, and actions. There will be two sessions on the new plan at the International Convention. The plan can be found on the DKG website. DKGnext! Advisory Group representing the Y Generation met at headquarters this year. This group ranged in age from 28 to 36, representing all four U.S. Regions. They indicated they had joined DKG because relatives were members, received a chapter scholarship, or were asked to join by a colleague. All had attended a webinar. Many said they were culturally welcomed and were looking forward to more reaching out at the state and International levels. Three of seven said they had received no orientation. The need to understand DKG traditions was also expressed. They want to be active rather than donating money to projects and want change that is more technologically involved with the cutting edge of professional issues. Texas, Vermont, and Alabama used this information to format a plan for new members. The reasons why members drop out are 41.8% family and personal responsibilities, 11.4% chapters did not meet personal professional needs, 9% moved away, 7% dues too high, 6% dues too high for value received, and 4% health or distance issues for meetings and meeting times. All of this information is available electronically. REGISTRATION REPORT QUORUM CHECK MOTION RULES GOVERNING THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS SESSION INTRODUCTION OF PAGES REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 25, 2015 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS SESSION COMMITTEE TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 16, 2016 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS SESSION CORRESPONDENCE REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT Mary Ann Pollitt (Alpha Tau), Lambda State Convention Registrar, reported that 311 had registered for convention with 261 on site plus 20 guests. A quorum was present. Linda Beitzel (Alpha Nu), Lambda State Rules Chair, moved the adoption of the rules governing the Convention General Membership Business Meeting as printed in the convention booklet. Sylvia Olson (Alpha Nu), Lambda State President, introduced pages Peggy Brown (Beta Iota), Mary Ebert (Delta Gamma), Vicki Smith (Gamma Phi), Dr. Mary Emma Thompson (Alpha Upsilon), and Janice Tucker (Beta Epsilon). Dr. Joan Rog (Beta Alpha), Chair, reported that the committee of Debbie Habas (Beta Rho) and Britta Peterson (Zeta) reviewed and approved the minutes of the April 25, 2015 General Membership Business Meeting as printed. Loryann Eis (Beta Epsilon), Chair, Pamela Kennedy (Alpha Rho), and Pamela Cochran (Gamma Phi) were appointed to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2016 General Membership Business Session. Susan Dion (Alpha Lambda), Lambda State Corresponding Secretary, stated that she had received a thank you note from Nancy Polios for the gift from Lambda State for her service to the Society as Executive Assistant. Sandy McGaughy s family sent a thank you note for the flowers and cards that Sandy had received during her illness and that her family received during their bereavement. Sylvia Olson (Alpha Nu), Lambda State President, reported that she had three goals for Lambda State: Growing, Changing, and Standing Tall. The goal of Growing is tough.
We attract new members with opportunities such as Taming Technology and Leadership Management seminars that meet the criteria for professional development. The goal of Changing embraces tradition, but we should be wary of being so rigid that chapter and state programs no longer meet the needs of members. Lambda State has made small changes in convention scheduling and Training (rather than Orientation) for Chapter Leaders to focus on the tools chapter leaders will need to succeed. The goal of Standing Strong is how we find ways in which we can continue to advance women in education through professional development opportunities and involvement in community outreach programs. OTHER OFFICERS AND PERSONNEL RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT PARLIAMENTARIAN EDITOR HISTORIAN WEBMASTER MUSICAL BREAK No oral report was given. Sharon Vinson (Zeta), Lambda State Treasurer, reviewed the financial reports found in the convention book and encouraged members to take the time to read the reports thoroughly starting on page 43. She asked that chapters get reports in on time especially for initiates so that they get their materials. She also reported membership and chapter contribution statistics. No oral report was given. No oral report was given. Patricia DeWitt (Zeta), Lambda State Editor, stated that each article sent for publication in the Newscaster is a leaf budding on our Lambda State tree. The more buds added, the fuller and more interesting it becomes to those who take time to appreciate all that our Lambda State sisters have contributed to the Society. Please continue to send your articles and your updated emails and addresses. She reminded us to have permission from the person(s) when submitting photographs. Lou Ann Jacobs (Alpha Beta), Lambda State Historian, reported that the Lambda State Archives are being catalogued and will be easier for researchers to locate and use. Items will be preserved using the latest standards in the archival and retrieval of documents. She reminded chapter presidents to complete their chapter biennium histories and send them to the Historian for inclusion in the archives. Jean Tulin (Alpha Rho), Lambda State Webmaster, informed us that each convention attendee will receive an email containing a link to an evaluation form for this convention. She reported that a password is required to access the Newscaster. The password is the 6 th line, 4 th word. Sue Young (Beta Tau), Lambda State Music Chair, led the members in the song, Tree in the Wood. SOCIETY BUSINESS CHAPTER VISITATION COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICITY Susan Dion (Alpha Lambda), Lambda State Corresponding Secretary/Visitation Chair, reported that there is a change in the revised chapter visitor form. Chapter presidents will receive information regarding chapter visits at the Training For Chapter Leaders sessions. Dr. Margaret Trybus (Iota), Lambda State Communications and Publicity Chair, referred members to the committee s eight goals listed in the convention booklet. The committee
is initiating a state wide mentoring program which will be highlighted at an afternoon workshop. DATES AND SITES Melinda Davis (Alpha Theta), Lambda State Dates and Sites Chair, announced that the Lambda State 2017 Convention will be held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac in St. Louis on April 21-23. Since the committee also maintains and updates the Lambda State calendar, she reminded all committee chairs to send calendar information to her. FINANCE MOTION CONVENTION FEE FOR 2016-2017 Carol Beste (Alpha Eta), Lambda State Finance Chair, reported that the committee has received 57 out of 74 chapter budgets. She encouraged those chapters missing budgets to complete them and send them in. Carol Beste (Alpha Eta), Lambda State Finance Chair, moved that the state convention fee for each chapter for fiscal year 2016-2017 be $1.00 per member. Membership is based on the June 30, 2016, Annual Report of the Chapter Treasurer. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Beverley Johns (Alpha Phi), Lambda State Leadership Development Chair, announced that the Training for Chapter Leaders will be held on June 11, 2016, in Mount Vernon and in Ottawa on June 18, 2016. Chapters should register and send six members. The Leadership Management Training will be on June 21-22, 2016, at Bradley University. The Leadership Management Training qualifies for Professional Development credits. MEMBERSHIP Pamela Painter (Chi), Lambda State Second Vice-president/Membership Chair, reminded members of the numbers of chapters that received awards at the Friday night ceremony, as well as those individuals who will be honored at the Membership Luncheon. At the Celebration of Life Ceremony on Sunday deceased members will be honored. The Honor Criteria for 2016-17 will change. The requirement that at least 25% of chapter members attend the 2016 convention was unrealistic and will no longer be required. The chapter president or designee will be required to attend the April 2016 General Convention and the Executive Board Meeting. MOTION COLLECTION FOR THE EMERGENCY FUND Pamela Painter (Chi), Lambda State Second Vice President/Membership Chair, moved to take up a collection at the 2016 Membership Luncheon to send to the International Emergency Fund to help our Delta Kappa Gamma Sisters who may have been impacted by natural disasters. NOMINATIONS PERSONNEL LaVonne Chaney (Beta Pi), Lambda State Immediate Past President/Nominations Chair, reported that the Nominations Committee had three tasks. The first was to encourage Lambda State members to nominate individuals for International positions. Carol Hughes (Alpha Beta) has been nominated as Northeast Regional Director, and Sharon Vinson (Zeta) has been nominated to the DKG Finance Committee. The second task is to communicate with incoming chapter presidents giving them monthly tips to help them to be successful during their upcoming biennium. The third task will come this fall when the committee will be encouraging members to submit nominations for Lambda State elected officers, committee chairs, and committee members. Carol Miller (Gamma Alpha), Personnel Committee member, thanked the employees for
the job that they do for Lambda State. She encouraged members to apply for the open Treasurer position. Antoinette Minuzzo (Alpha Nu) has agreed to chair the Personnel Committee for the remainder of the biennium. RULES MOTION TO ADOPT LAMBDA STATE BYLAWS AMENDMENTS EN MASSE Linda Beitzel (Alpha Nu), Lambda State Rules Chair, made the following motion: Moved to adopt the Lambda State Bylaws Amendments en masse as printed in the 2016 Spring Newscaster except those that members wish to consider separately. Article IV Section 2 B. The state shall maintain a Reservation Fund for the purpose of income and expenses related to conventions, meetings, workshops, seminars, events, and fundraisers. 4/16 Article VIII Section 1 C. (2) Chapter presidents who are unable to attend the State Executive Board meeting may appoint an official designee who shall have full privileges of participation. 4/16 Article IX Section 1 A. Society Business Chapter Visitation Communications and Publicity Event Planning and Management Finance Leadership Development Membership Nominations Personnel Rules State Planning 4/16 Article IX Section 3 A. (3) The Event Planning and Management Committee shall be responsible for investigating meeting sites, recommending to the Executive Board dates and locations for conventions, workshops, and Executive Board meetings, negotiating contracts, and planning/managing events. The committee shall maintain a calendar of events including state, regional, and International meetings. The immediate past president and the executive assistant shall serve in an advisory capacity on the committee. 4/16 Linda Beitzel (Alpha Nu), Lambda State Rules Chair, made the following motion: MOTION TO ADOPT LAMBDA STATE STANDING RULES AMENDMENTS EN MASSE Moved to adopt the Lambda State Standing Rules Amendments en masse as printed in the 2016 Spring Newscaster except those that members wish to consider separately. Section 1.12, A. 3. If not reimbursed by International, the state editor, state executive assistant, state treasurer, and state webmaster who attend pre-regional conferences or pre-international convention workshops planned for them or those planned within the framework of the aforementioned meeting, including executive board meetings for the executive assistant, shall receive one-half (1/2) the cost of
transportation at the approved Lambda State mileage rate and one (1) night at one-half (1/2) the double room rate (if needed for pre-conference only). 4/16 Section 1.12, B. 1. State committee chairs and the Chair of the Foundation Board shall receive cost of transportation at the approved Lambda State mileage rate and one-half (1/2) the cost of a double room (unless prior arrangements have been made with the state president) when in attendance at a state convention, State Executive Board meeting, and other state meetings or events authorized by the state president. 4/16 Section 1.14, D. 3. The treasurer, with the approval of the president, may transfer any surplus funds in the Reservation Fund to the Available Fund or respective funds prior to the end of each biennium. 4/16 Section 1.24 B. The M. Josephine O Neil Arts Award shall be presented in the oddnumbered years at the Lambda State Convention to a student(s) in the arts. The Women in the Arts Committee shall determine the criteria and amount of the award(s) not to exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000). 4/16 Section 1.31, E. 4. The committee shall sponsor, develop, and conduct a self-funded Lambda State Leadership/Management Seminar to be held each biennium if there is sufficient interest. 4/16 Section 1.41 G. The minutes of Lambda State s Executive Board and convention business meetings shall be permanently placed in the Lambda State Archives. 4/16 Linda Beitzel (Alpha Nu), Lambda State Rules Chair, made the following motion: MOTION TO AMEND STANDING RULE SECTION 1.32 G. 2. Moved to amend Standing Rule Section 1.32 G. 2. by Inserting: after Lehman Sandra McGaughy to read: Scholarships shall be presented in memory and honor of deceased state presidents: Florence A. Cook, Cecile Coombs, Nadine Ewing, Kathryn Hansen, Margaret Hausen, Irene Hermann, Dr. Lucille Klauser-Batell, Marcella G. Krueger, Edna S. Lehman, Sandra McGaughy, Gertrude F. Mead, Helen R. Messenger, Wilma Nuttal, Katharine H. Obye, Josephine O Neil, Dr. Rose E. Parker, Vera L. Peacock, Barbara Peterson, Ruth Schneider, Mary F. Unser, Carolyn Wones, and Lambda State Founder Erma F. Imboden. 4/16 STATE PLANNING Sylvia Olson (Alpha Nu), Lambda State President/State Planning Chair, reported that the committee plans the Executive Board meetings, conventions, and guides Lambda State to provide programs that Lambda State members want and need. They are responsible for Taming Technology, Creative Arts, Leadership Management, and activities of Educational Excellence. She reminded members to complete the evaluation for all Lambda State events. SOCIETY MISSION AND PURPOSES
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS Mary Zeronas (Gamma Alpha), Lambda State Achievement Award Chair, reported that no nominations were received for the Lambda State Achievement Award for 2016. Dr. Debra LeBlanc (Beta Phi), Lambda State First Vice President/Educational Excellence Chair, discussed the importance of chapter leaders to attend the Training for Chapter Leaders. These sessions will be held on June 11, 2016, in Mt. Vernon and June 18, 2016, in Ottawa. The Leadership Management Seminar will be held June 21-22, 2016, at Bradley University. Professional Development Hours will be offered for most of the workshops. She also reported the pre-convention tour Mansions and Museums was successful with 36 in attendance. Marjorie Barban (Alpha Eta), Lambda State International Projects Chair, reported that chapters should support International projects such as the Educational Foundation, International Speakers Fund, World Fellowships, Emergency Fund, and Schools for Africa. The committee is investigating and planning a 2017 travel experience. The committee will continue to recognize chapters that contribute to Schools for Africa and Marian Medical Mission. LEGISLATION Linda Lucke (Alpha Nu), Lambda State Legislation Chair, reported that there is a need to continue to have chapters update contacts for communication about legislative matters. Members are encouraged to attend the Legislative Seminar. LITERACY Cynthia Roder (Alpha Delta), Lambda State Literacy Chair, reported that 39 chapters have submitted their chapter projects in the areas of Reading, Math, Science and Writing. This is the first year that the committee will provide professional development credit for a book on a current topic of education. MUSIC Susan Young (Beta Tau), Lambda State Music Chair, reported that members could place an order for T-Shirts featuring Treble Makers. She also encouraged all members to make music an integral part of all Delta Kappa Gamma gatherings. SCHOLARSHIP Ursula Sihocky (Beta Kappa), Lambda State Scholarship Chair, reported that the committee met via GoToMeeting. No scholarship applications were received; however, four Special Study Stipend applicants were each awarded a $1,000 stipend. WOMEN IN THE ARTS Athena Columbus (Beta Upsilon), Lambda State Women in the Arts Chair, reported that the committee planned and presented workshops and special activities for the Creative Arts Retreat on the Columbus Day weekend in 2015 for 54 participants. The committee organized and implemented the Art Mart during this convention. Lambda State sisters from 30 chapters donated items for this year s Art Mart. LAMBDA STATE FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, INC. LAMBDA STATE FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, INC. Beverly Madsen (Omicron), Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies Chair, stated that the Foundation has received $1,900 in donations in the memory of Barbara Peterson and Sandy McGaughy as well as members of other chapters. This money be given to stipend applicants this May. She encouraged members to save the Box Tops
for Education. Rose pendants are available for sale for $10, and this money will also be used for stipends. AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR LAMBDA STATE 10 YEAR HISTORY NEW BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT Carolyn Broadhead (Alpha Tau), Ad Hoc Committee for Lambda State 10 Year History Chair, described the work of the 10 year history as exciting, challenging, and rewarding. She encouraged members to take their copy of Out of a Dream Volume IV and learn about all of the amazing work of our members. Kappa Chapter received a second copy for being the first to turn in a chapter history. A lottery was held to see which of the thirteen chapters who had their report in by November 1, 2015, would receive a second copy and a $25 donation made in their honor to the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies. The winner was Sigma Chapter. None Sylvia Olson (Alpha Nu), Lambda State President, reminded chapter presidents or their designees to sign the attendance sheets for the Executive Board Meeting, visit the Art Mart, enjoy the workshops, and to avail themselves of the hospitality room. The General Membership Business Session was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.