ADAPT: Forward Moving Ever!
(Actively Developing A Plan Together)
How many of you live in a populated area of your community? Have you become accustomed to seeing opossums, raccoons, foxes…?
My parents live in an area of Gulfport known as Bayou View or, as I like to call it, The Natural Habitat and Wildlife Refuge of Gulfport, Mississippi. If I remember correctly, at one point there was even a coyote spotted.
The term for this phenomenon is “Urban Wildlife” – animals that have adapted to living in areas inhabited by humans. The key takeaway from this observation is ADAPT. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of adapt is a modification according to changing circumstances. Synonyms include adjust, accommodate, conform, and reconcile—to bring one thing into correspondence with another or to become adjusted to new conditions.
Similar to the adaptation of wildlife to an urbanized society, DKG is a Society (capital S) that is undergoing some pretty substantial change. International Conferences? Yep, uh huh – substantial change. Is change easy? Maybe not. Is it vital to a continued existence? Definitely.
My parents live in an area of Gulfport known as Bayou View or, as I like to call it, The Natural Habitat and Wildlife Refuge of Gulfport, Mississippi. If I remember correctly, at one point there was even a coyote spotted.
The term for this phenomenon is “Urban Wildlife” – animals that have adapted to living in areas inhabited by humans. The key takeaway from this observation is ADAPT. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of adapt is a modification according to changing circumstances. Synonyms include adjust, accommodate, conform, and reconcile—to bring one thing into correspondence with another or to become adjusted to new conditions.
Similar to the adaptation of wildlife to an urbanized society, DKG is a Society (capital S) that is undergoing some pretty substantial change. International Conferences? Yep, uh huh – substantial change. Is change easy? Maybe not. Is it vital to a continued existence? Definitely.
In the last two years, we have faced our challenges and celebrated our can-do spirit. (Thank you, Linda!) The time has now come for us to ADAPT.
Our theme for 2019-2021…ADAPT: Forward Moving Ever!
Now before you feel as though I have given you a command, let me explain. ADAPT is an acronym. The letters stand for “Actively Developing A Plan Together.”
Together is the key - don’t miss it! You don’t have to ADAPT alone! Changes have started at International. They are now trickling down to members, e.g., the already-referenced International Conferences, the change in payment schedule for membership dues, and there are others.
Just like the momma raccoon teaches her babies how to climb, or which humans throw out the best food, as your President, I will be here to help Mississippi’s members as we navigate these changes together and figure out how to ADAPT in order to keep us “Forward Moving Ever!”
2019-2021 Biennium Goals
Each chapter shall . . .
I look forward to developing – and even implementing – that plan with you.
Dr. Joanna Alston
Our theme for 2019-2021…ADAPT: Forward Moving Ever!
Now before you feel as though I have given you a command, let me explain. ADAPT is an acronym. The letters stand for “Actively Developing A Plan Together.”
Together is the key - don’t miss it! You don’t have to ADAPT alone! Changes have started at International. They are now trickling down to members, e.g., the already-referenced International Conferences, the change in payment schedule for membership dues, and there are others.
Just like the momma raccoon teaches her babies how to climb, or which humans throw out the best food, as your President, I will be here to help Mississippi’s members as we navigate these changes together and figure out how to ADAPT in order to keep us “Forward Moving Ever!”
2019-2021 Biennium Goals
Each chapter shall . . .
- Aspire to attain and/or maintain Honor Chapter status, ensuring that it is accomplishing membership, communication, and public relations goals as well as participation in Society business, programs, and projects.
- Consider diversity when recruiting new members and work toward a membership that is reflective of its surrounding communities.
- Explore the Collegiate membership category and determine whether this is a feasible means of chapter growth.
- If possible, participate in a joint meeting with at least one other chapter.
- Encourage members to participate in activities beyond the chapter level with special emphasis on events offered by Mississippi State Organization.
I look forward to developing – and even implementing – that plan with you.
Dr. Joanna Alston
Hear From Our State Leaders
Joanna Alston, MSO President, shares her District Meetings message.
Click above to watch
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Click above to read
the Special Edition
of the Zeta Data.
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Janice Garret, MSO 1st Vice-President,
shares her Happy Birthday MSO message.
Click above to watch.
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Meet the 2019-2021 District Directors & Assistant Directors
Dr. Dorothy Prestwich, northern district director
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I was asked to join Delta Kappa Gamma for several years before I joined. I slide in sideways, through giving presentations and being a guest at meetings. When I finally joined Iota Chapter, I became part of a sisterhood of professional women who also became fast friends. Professionally, I’ve met wonderful women from across the state. I’ve attended informative presentations at conventions and meetings and generally grown in my profession. I have been privileged to serve as president of Iota Chapter and Assistant northern director. I have now transferred to ETA Chapter in Tupelo. Personally. I have a group of friends who support each other through life’s joys and trials. I look forward to new friendships in ETA.
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nellie owen, northern district assistant director
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Neelie Owen serves as a Chemistry teacher at Ripley High School. She is Alpha Psi Chapter’s First Vice President and a Mary Stuart Harmon trustee. Neelie inherited her love of education and Delta Kappa Gamma from her mother Betty Owen. She looks forward to serving all the wonderful ladies of Delta Kappa Gamma through the next biennium.
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cindy alsworth, central district director
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Delta Kappa Gamma on both the local and state level have impacted my life for sixteen years. Delta Kappa Gamma was introduced to me many years ago by two very important women in my life, Eunice and Gladys McSwain of Hattiesburg. They exemplified the purposes of Delta Kappa Gamma in that they personally supported my educational endeavors and provided support in my teaching career.
My chapter has encouraged me to assume leadership roles and I have been encouraged to attend district meetings, Zeta State Convention, Chapter Leaders Retreat and the Leadership Management Institute. Through Delta Kappa Gamma I have learned more about myself as a person and how to work with others. Delta Kappa Gamma more than any other organization provides each member with the support and encouragement needed to succeed. Through Delta Kappa Gamma I have made new friends and learned new skills. |
fonda dickinson, central district assistant director
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In 1993, I was invited to join Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. I remember lighting my little white candle in the meeting room at the Sun ‘n Sand in Jackson and placing it within the circle of the three red candles on the table. I received a new member key, a red rose, and I signed my name in a book. Other women stood beside me and signed their names in the book also. Dues were $42.00 for new members and meetings were held 5 times a year. Sadly, none of the ladies who signed the book with me that day are still members.
Today as I reflect about my twenty-five years in Delta Kappa Gamma, I always return to the thoughts of the kindness I have been shown by the membership. The members of Pi Chapter have continued to support me through the years. Delta Kappa Gamma is a family if you allow it to be. You must be willing to share a little of yourself in order to reap the true benefits of membership. |
stephanie jones, southern district director
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I was inducted into Alpha Lambda chapter in the fall of 2005. Many of my colleagues were already members of Alpha Lambda chapter and I was honored to be invited to join them. At first, I was shy and quiet, but my DKG sisters encouraged my involvement at every opportunity. As I became more involved, I grew both personally and professionally and found my voice. Now, Delta Kappa Gamma is an important part of my life and is near and dear to my heart. I have learned (and continue to learn) skills that benefit me every day. A key event that significantly influenced my Delta Kappa Gamma journey was Leadership Management Seminar, which I attended in 2009. It was that event that really sparked my interest in becoming more involved above the chapter level. I was amazed by the amount of work that went into a seminar that focused on my personal growth and development. The state leaders who participated were role models and greatly inspired me. I made friendships with my fellow attendees that have lasted to this day, and the friendships I have made since then with many sisters across the state are invaluable to me. I have had some difficult times with illness the last few years, but my DKG sisters have made those times easier with their continual support and offers of help when needed. They have often been the light in the darkness, and for that I will be forever grateful. I can't imagine how different my life would be had I not accepted that invitation to membership back in 2005 and I look forward to future opportunities to spread my wings and soar!
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jackie wintruba, southern district assistant director
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My name is Jacqueline Wintruba, and I work with the staff and students at Anniston Avenue Elementary as a Mentor Teacher / Instructional Coach in the Gulfport School District. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Master’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Administration and Supervision, and National Board Certification in the area of Middle Childhood Generalist. As a member of DKG since 2003, I have served in the offices of President (two biennium), vice president, and participated in various committees. It has been an honor to be chosen as Woman of Distinction and attend the Leadership Seminar, but more importantly to be a member of such a prestigious society. It would be an honor to serve as Assistant Southern District Director.
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2019 Zeta State Convention -
2019 Leadership Management Seminar -
2019 SER Conference in Asheville, North Carolina
