Members Present: Dana Wilson, LaTressa Oder, Marie Land, Janice McClung, Teresa Horn, Rhonda Work, Nancy Turner, Edna Owen, Susan Vinson, Joy Moore, Cecilia Hack, Linda Rogers, Connie Lewis, Gale Workman, Anne Black, Missy Jungling, Susan Womble, Vicki Rhodes, Dawn James, Leonora Lawrence, Jacque Clemens, Jo Anne Arnett.

The meeting began with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma Blessing recorded on piano by Vicki Rhodes. We enjoyed a delicious meal provided by members whose last names begin with M-Z. After dinner the meeting was called to order. Missy Jungling presented Janice McClung with her president's pin.

Gale Workman and Jacque Clemens presented the program. They informed everyone that when you invite new members and they join, you will receive a lapel pin to hang on your pin ribbon. They took this time to remind everyone that order forms were sent to everyone in case you are interested in ordering pin ribbon, Delta Kappa Gamma tote bag or pen. We watched a short video on the founding of Delta Kappa Gamma. Annie Webb Blanton along with several other women started the organization in 1912. In 1953 the organization became international. Today the organization is active in 14 countries. Jacque Clemons shared memorable membership moments, including how being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, she was able to get a scholarship from the organization when working on her doctorate and how she was able to attend a leadership seminar. (She highly encourages others to attend the leadership seminar. Our local organization pays for one person to attend the seminar each year. Cecilia Hack has also attended the leadership conference in the past and highly recommends it. Connie Lewis and Rhonda Work also shared that they had received scholarships in the past.) Jacque and Gale highlighted the benefits of being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma that we might want to pass along when inviting other educators to join:

• Scholarships are available to teachers who are pursuing high degrees.
• Professional support and/or mentoring.
• Friendship

Connie and Jacque passed out applications to give to prospective members along with brochures to help explain the history and benefits of joining Delta Kappa Gamma. They reminded us that active dues are $85, activation fee is $5, and a pin is $13.75, so it will cost new members $103.75 to join the first year.

Two new members were nominated at the meeting. Jacque Clemens recommended Dr. Gwendolyn Dixon, a FAMU professor for membership. Delores Hudson recommended Debra K. Hannah, a teacher at Sabal Palm for membership. A written vote was taken and 100% of those attending the meeting approved the nominations. Members were encouraged to bring applications to the October 11th meeting. At this meeting we will vote on the new nominations. A short orientation for new members will be held prior to the November 9 initiation.

Reading/Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the May meeting were approved. Gayle Workman made the motion and Missy Jungling seconded it.

Treasurer's Report

Rhonda Work gave the treasurer's report. As of Sept. 9, 2008, Alpha Kappa Chapter has a cash balance of $346.08. Rhonda gave an explanation of the dues increase. It is considered flow-through dollars. We collect the extra $20 and send it to International. Anticipated Expenses were discussed. Meeting in homes helps to keep expenses down. (Westminster Oaks did charge $17 for allowing us to meet there for the Sept. 9th meeting.) Using e-mail will help us save money on paper and postage. Susan Vinson made the motion to accept the budget. Linda Rogers seconded it.

Announcements

New Officers were introduced. Janice McClung, president; Missy Jungling, president elect; Susan Vinson, vice-president (new office); Rhonda Work, treasurer; Cecilia Hack, corresponding secretary; Teresa Horn, recording secretary. Upcoming Meetings were discussed and a list of dates, locations, and times was passed out. Chapter Responsibilities were discussed. Our Alpha Kappa Chapter is responsible for the speaker at the November 9 initiation meeting. Kay Collins from Nims Middle School has been asked to speak. Members are asked to bring desserts to this initiation meeting.

• Susan Womble discussed her new book Newt's World Begins.
• Celebrating Pink, a breast cancer fundraiser will be held at Chez Pierre on Sunday, Sept. 14th.
• JoAnne Arnett passed out bookmarks for the Center for Biblical Studies, which will be starting new seminars.
• Louise McMullen, a former Delta Kappa Gamma president, was in attendance at today's meeting.
• Yolanda Bogan broke her ankle during Tropical Storm Fay.

President's Initiative

Our chapter president, Janice McClung, would like for our chapter to mentor new teachers, members, and other educators. We had an M&M moment (Mentoring Moment) during a drive-by activity. While sharing M&M's, we broke into three different groups. Each group was assigned a different committee and was given six minutes to brainstorm how that committee can mentor within and outside the chapter.

Wrap Up

Janice discussed that we do not have a program planned for the October 11th meeting. It was decided that we would have a "Get to Know Each Other" program. Each member will be given 60-90 seconds to share about themselves.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.