Welcome Kappans, to our annual Spring meeting!

As usual, we have a lot of ground to cover. But first, I would like to extend a thank you and kudos to the officers. This has been a groundbreaking year and you have all handled yourselves in a professional and exemplary manner. I am in constant awe and humbled by your vast knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in a swift, efficient, and effective manner. I applaud you and wish you an even more successful 2nd year at the helm!

Literacy Project: It is time to nominate and select a new school as the recipient of our annual Literacy Project. Last year’s winner was the Manuel L. Real Elementary School. Although very deserving, the Manuel Real school cannot be re-nominated—the same school cannot win two years in a row. To nominate a school, simply fill out the nomination form by following the link in the sidebar. We'll vote to choose from among these nominations before this meeting closes. In the past, we have had 3 to 5 nominations. Our goal this year is to have 5 to 10 nominations. With a membership roster of 132 individuals, I think we can do it! In addition to helping a child read, you are automatically entered in the door prize drawing simply for nominating a school.

Service Project: The service project is a monetary award given to an organization that is dedicated to helping those in need. Last year’s recipient was To Love Children, which serves some of the most dire educational and health needs of children in the war-torn Gulu region of Africa, and is headed up by David Kenneth Waldman, our own Vice President of Membership. Previously we have supported Teachers Without Borders , an organization that provides teacher training and supports community schools in areas of the world where governmental support of education is virtually non-existent. This year, we are considering a grant to one of these two organizations:

• "Empower the Children", in Kolkata India
• "H2O for Life", a school-to-school project
  (Links will open in new windows.)

Please visit each of these sites, and decide which you favor supporting this year. Then make your choice known on your ballot at the close of this meeting. Your officers will determine the amount to be awarded based on the current budget and availability of funds.

Budget: Our budget needs to be reviewed, and possibly revised during this meeting, and then approved for another fiscal year which begins July 1. We have been operating under the same itemized category amounts since we last approved the budget for fiscal year 2005-06. Follow the link in the sidebar. Post your questions and/or comments regarding the budget on the Business Meeting discussion board.

The Journal of Educational Practice for Social Change (JEPSC): JEPSC is a two-year-old online peer-reviewed international journal sponsored by our chapter, with an integrated view of philosophical, historical, and sociological issues in education and the belief that good educational theory should be taken to practice to promote positive social change. Submissions are requested from members of Walden University’s College of Education and alumni of Walden University who have successfully completed their studies and who are current members of PDK – Walden Cyberspace Chapter. To visit the journal, follow the link in the sidebar.

Elections: Though it may seem too soon, it is time to form a nomination committee for elections next spring. Officers interested in being a member of the nomination committee, please email the President. Duties will include collecting self-nominations from the membership. All nominations must be in by the Fall 2008 meeting, to include bios and personal statements to be posted on the website. Elections are slated to be held during the Winter 2008 meeting, and announcements made at the Spring 2009 meeting. Position transitioning will take place between the Spring 2009 and Fall 2009 meetings. Candidates are encouraged to speak with current position holders for further duty clarification. Officers, please update your position folders to allow for smooth pass downs and transitions for incoming officers.

Elections may be held during this meeting if candidates for the open positions come forward. Current positions open:

• Newsletter Editor
• Website Director
• Programs Director

Please email your candidacy consideration to the President. Self-nominations will be forwarded to the Nomination Committee upon committee selection.

Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s audit is currently postponed until after the treasurer’s maternity leave.

Foundation Giving: At some point and time, I and/or the treasurer, should be receiving the request to support international scholarships in the amount of $5 per member. In the past we have given 100%. Officers, do we want to continue to given 100% or a lesser amount, i.e., 75%, 50%, etc?

Fundraiser Ideas: Our Melaleuca fundraiser was dropped by the company. If any members have any ideas for ways of raising funds, please email suggestions or better yet, post to the discussion board for feedback from others.

Walden Summer Residency: I have sent an email to Walden residencies requesting a presence at the Summer Residency in Minneapolis. The request included space for informational sessions, inclusion in the residency itinerary, inclusion in the graduation ceremonies, and space for a membership induction ceremony.

We need more help from members to represent and promote our chapter at residency informational sessions. Interested individuals please let me know by email.

One of the things I have noticed is that a large poster board indicating identification and location of events generates interest. I believe such an item would be beneficial for the Walden PDK Cyberspace Chapter at Walden residencies. I propose a poster design contest. The winner’s work will be used as the primary marker for introduction to the presence of WU PDK. The prize has not yet been decided. First, I would like to get a read on the acceptance of the idea…let’s discuss.

Graduates: Members graduating at the Summer Residency please send your name to me by email so that medallions can be ordered. They are large, beautiful, bronze PDK medallions on a red, white, and blue ribbon to be worn around your neck will be given as gifts when you graduate to honor you. Deadline for name submission is June 15, 2008. A representative from PDK will present them to you at graduation.

Simon-Poppenhagen Scholarship: For those of you who have not yet graduated, the forms to participate in the new scholarships to be awarded will be online so that you can print them, fill them out, and send them to the head of the Scholarship Committee. The Simon-Poppenhagen Scholarship has one scholarship of $1000.00 in the name of Dr. Marilyn Simon, our chapter advisor who has helped us so much along the way-she has been invaluable to us. The Poppenhagen Scholarship honors the former head of the Education Department at Walden, who also helped us in the beginning of the formation of our chapter. That scholarship is $500.00. If you have been helped by Dr. Simon or Dr. Poppenhagen, or just want to donate to the scholarship fund, please contact our Treasurer, Mary Morris, by email.

Remember, by just responding to my emails about the meeting...or better yet, participating in them, you are registered for a fabulous DOOR PRIZE!!!! (do both and increase your chances!) This time, it could be you, simply for taking part in the discussions online and signing in.

Thank you all!