Texas State Organization Inspires Members to Think Globally
Educational Excellence looks different in every state organization. In Texas, several committees fall under the umbrella of the Educational Excellence Committee (EEC). One of these is a committee called Global Awareness. Global Awareness includes World Fellowship, Schools For Africa, CTAUN, with a focus on current global issues such as human trafficking, refugees, human rights, and educators teaching in other countries.
Looking for ways to fulfill Purpose 7, “To inform members of current economic, social, political, and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society,” the 2017 Texas State Organization Convention in Houston presented a Global Symposium. A keynote speaker spoke about DKG’s involvement with the United Nations and gave an overview of the Global Goals. During a “Local to Global” panel, the Global Awareness Chairman facilitated discussion about education, poverty, trafficking, and refugees and provided an overview of how these issues are being addressed in the Houston area. Each of these speakers then presented a 45-minute break out session giving participants more information on a particular subject. As the audience reconvened, members participated in a hands-on service project. Within 30 minutes more than 70 fleece blankets were made and later delivered to a local agency. To conclude the symposium, an International Speakers Fund guest from Germany, spoke about “Friendship Across Borders.”
Members commented after the symposium that they felt much more informed about current global issues and were ready to go back to their own communities and make a difference. Isn’t that what being a member of DKG is all about?
For more details regarding the project, contact Nita at nitas@dkg.org.