Purposes
Founding of the Society
May 11, 1929 a few friends of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton gathered at 2610 Whitis Avenue in Austin, Texas. The large two-story, red brick house with its Victorian cupolas was listed in the telephone directory as the University Faculty Women's Club. Great oaks shaded the veranda where Dr. Blanton greeted her Austin friends and those who had come by train to help her found The Delta Kappa Gamma Society.
The founding group of twelve women educators represented a cross-section of the teaching profession. There was a grade school teacher, a dean of women, three high school teachers, three elementary school principals, and four college professors—Dr. Blanton was a professor of rural education at the University of Texas. In addition to Dr. Blanton, five of the members were from Austin: Anna Hiss, Helen Koch, Lalla M. Odom, Cora M. Martin and Ruby Terrill (Lomax). Already looking ahead to the formation of other chapters across Texas, Dr. Blanton had invited to membership six women educators from cities outside of Austin: Mamie Bastian from Houston, Ruby Cole from San Antonio, Lela Lee Williams from Dallas, Mabel Grizzard from Waxahachie and Ray and Sue King from Fort Worth.
Purposes of the Society
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has seven basic Purposes that govern its program of work and study.
1. TO UNITE women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship - Delta Kappa Gamma members expand their friendships and increase their appreciation of women educators at home and abroad through travel, participation in international organizations, chapter meetings, conferences, workshops and conventions. Seminars, travel and study experiences, projects and programs are additional means of implementing this Purpose. World Fellowship grants provide opportuniies for extended communication and understanding. A gift of U.S. $500 from the Emergency Fund to a member who suffers extensive loss from floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and similar disasters is a manifestation of spiritual fellowship.
2. TO HONOR women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in a field of education - The Founders sought to initiate outstanding women educators who could achieve still more when stimulated by association with other professional educators. Membership in the Society continues to carry recognition of superior potential and accomplishment. Women educators are honored by being invited to affiliate with a select group of women who have been successful in professional and personal relationships. Honorary membership may be extended to women who have made significant contributions to education and/or the advancement of women educators but who are not eligible for active membership. Outstanding women educators in countries where the Society has not been organized my be awarded citations for distinguished service to education in their countries.
3. TO ADVANCE the professional interest and position of women in education - One of the chief motivations for the founding of the Society was the belief of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton that qualified women educators should be given equal opportunities in all areas of professional work. Members of the Society have been influential in bringing about promotion opportunities and single salary schedules. Through scholarship programs, the Society endeavors to encourage and assist members to advance their professional interests, competencies, and positions. Projects supported by the Golden Gift Fund, such as the Leadership/Management Seminar and special stipends, advance the work of the Society.
4. TO INITIATE, ENDORSE and SUPPORT desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators - Members of the Society consistently support efforts on a non-partisan basis to support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors that encourage improvements in education. At all levels the Society has cooperated with other professional organizations in support of legislation to advance education and/or the status of women in education. State organizations and chapters have led in organizing activities that relate to the rights of women educators in the civic and political life of their respective communities.
5. TO ENDOW scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to non-member women educators. - The first national scholarship of $1000 for graduate study was awarded in 1940. Currently 27 annual and two biennial international scholarships of U.S.$5000 are authorized. Voluntary contributions by members to the international World Fellowship Fund afford women from other countries U.S.$4000 graduate study awards to study at universities in the United States or Canada. Many scholarships are granted each year to members by state organizations. Some state organizations offer members opportunities to study outside their own countries.
6. TO STIMULATE the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in appropriate programs of action
The Society encourages and assists the personal and professional growth of members for effective participation as educators and civic leaders. Leadership development opportunities and workshops are conducted by the Society. Members are encouraged to plan, implement, and evaluate programs of study and action.
7. TO INFORM the members of current economic, social political, and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society - Programs, seminars, publications, and travel and study experiences are provided to assist members in expanding their knowledge and understanding, in studying and assessing current issues, and in enriching their personal lives. Rich interpersonal relationships and challenging personal experiences provide opportunities for effective participation in a world society.
1. TO UNITE women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship - Delta Kappa Gamma members expand their friendships and increase their appreciation of women educators at home and abroad through travel, participation in international organizations, chapter meetings, conferences, workshops and conventions. Seminars, travel and study experiences, projects and programs are additional means of implementing this Purpose. World Fellowship grants provide opportuniies for extended communication and understanding. A gift of U.S. $500 from the Emergency Fund to a member who suffers extensive loss from floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and similar disasters is a manifestation of spiritual fellowship.
2. TO HONOR women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in a field of education - The Founders sought to initiate outstanding women educators who could achieve still more when stimulated by association with other professional educators. Membership in the Society continues to carry recognition of superior potential and accomplishment. Women educators are honored by being invited to affiliate with a select group of women who have been successful in professional and personal relationships. Honorary membership may be extended to women who have made significant contributions to education and/or the advancement of women educators but who are not eligible for active membership. Outstanding women educators in countries where the Society has not been organized my be awarded citations for distinguished service to education in their countries.
3. TO ADVANCE the professional interest and position of women in education - One of the chief motivations for the founding of the Society was the belief of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton that qualified women educators should be given equal opportunities in all areas of professional work. Members of the Society have been influential in bringing about promotion opportunities and single salary schedules. Through scholarship programs, the Society endeavors to encourage and assist members to advance their professional interests, competencies, and positions. Projects supported by the Golden Gift Fund, such as the Leadership/Management Seminar and special stipends, advance the work of the Society.
4. TO INITIATE, ENDORSE and SUPPORT desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators - Members of the Society consistently support efforts on a non-partisan basis to support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors that encourage improvements in education. At all levels the Society has cooperated with other professional organizations in support of legislation to advance education and/or the status of women in education. State organizations and chapters have led in organizing activities that relate to the rights of women educators in the civic and political life of their respective communities.
5. TO ENDOW scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to non-member women educators. - The first national scholarship of $1000 for graduate study was awarded in 1940. Currently 27 annual and two biennial international scholarships of U.S.$5000 are authorized. Voluntary contributions by members to the international World Fellowship Fund afford women from other countries U.S.$4000 graduate study awards to study at universities in the United States or Canada. Many scholarships are granted each year to members by state organizations. Some state organizations offer members opportunities to study outside their own countries.
6. TO STIMULATE the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in appropriate programs of action
The Society encourages and assists the personal and professional growth of members for effective participation as educators and civic leaders. Leadership development opportunities and workshops are conducted by the Society. Members are encouraged to plan, implement, and evaluate programs of study and action.
7. TO INFORM the members of current economic, social political, and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society - Programs, seminars, publications, and travel and study experiences are provided to assist members in expanding their knowledge and understanding, in studying and assessing current issues, and in enriching their personal lives. Rich interpersonal relationships and challenging personal experiences provide opportunities for effective participation in a world society.
Mission of the Society
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Vision of Society
Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide
Last Update: September 24, 2014
Webmaster: Carol McMillan
Webmaster: Carol McMillan
Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide...............The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International