AKS Leadership Conference

Alpha Kappa State Holds
Successful Leadership Conference

Friday, June 27, 2014

Connecticut once again did an outstanding job hosting new Chapter officers and committee members at the June 27 AKS Leadership Conference held in Hamden at the Whitney Center. What a beautiful summer morning to welcome an enthusiastic and energetic group of women educators! It began with a nutritional breakfast of muffins, bagels, yogurt, juice, and coffee. With hearty appetites, all members had an opportunity to socialize and share end of the year events as well as plans for the new biennium.

Roz Etra opened the official conference with a rousing musical welcome--a great way to build more energy and interest. Following minor business before the group and a review of the day's agenda, we were treated to an introduction of our guest speaker, Dr. Joyce Saltman, who is known In Connecticut as "The Laugh Lady." A well-known educator, speaker, and professor at Southern Connecticut State University, Joyce proceeded to story-tell, teach, and lead the group in a gleeful session. She used humor to speak about diversity of students, educational challenges for educators, the importance of communication, and the use of humor in our everyday lives.

Following the sharing of her advice and wisdom, the entire group engaged in two smaller group activities, each allowing us to embrace her ideas. One was a table-top activity in which each person drew a 'greeting card' picture. These were passed around the table until they returned to the originator with each person adding a caption that described the picture. This activity was great for sharing and laughing. Our second activity was to stand in large circles which surrounded smaller circles. As people turned to face each other, Joyce asked specific questions, e.g. Where were you born?, which provided a wonderful opportunity for greeting new people and learning about each other.

After two hours of fun and laughter, we convened in breakout sessions based on individual roles and responsibilities. We reviewed chapter responsibilities for each attendee and shared ideas. As the sessions broke up, all members had received an orientation to help prepare them for the next two years. It was certainly a navigational aid that helped soothe any nerves as new duties were assumed.

The Leadership Conference provided a wonderful start to a new AKS year, and a bonding has begun among all chapters.

Reported by Patricia Piatek, Leadership Team Member

      Alpha Kappa State: The Connecticut State Organization of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. ©2014