Report on Walden University Cyberspace Delegates’
Trip to District VII Conference in Savannah, GA.
November 3,4,and 5, 2000
Submitted by:
The Purpose of the conference is to develop leadership among the ranks of PDK members and to make a difference.
Registration began Friday, November 3, 2000 at 9:00 AM and was followed by a visitation to The Leiston T. Shuman Middle School — The Performing and Visual Arts/Communications Technology Academy; a formerly run-down inner city middle school that has been transformed and now has a new vision under the leadership of Principal Dora Myles and Carl Waterbrook, Vice Principal. "It is the standard that guides all teaching and activities." Their message is clear — "In all things…Exemplary!" Parents have certain requirements placed on their participation in the school and its activities, which fosters the success of the students. It is a Georgia School of Excellence.
Randy Elmore late Friday afternoon; encouraging delegates to review the legislative agenda of PDK. He went on to list the 6 items of PDK’s vision: Be Dynamic and World-Wise;Act on Educational Issues; Employ Technology for Growth (this is our niche!);Be Valued for Leadership, Service, and Research; Be the Leading Advocate for Public Education in Democratic Societies; and Design a Seamless Lifelong Learning Web (any ideas?) He then gave the PDK Goals for 2006. They are: Leading Advocate of Quality Education; Staff Development; Increase Membership to 175,000 members; Increase the number of Chapter on College Campuses; PDK should take positions on educational issues
Immediately after dinner the delegates were entertained by and the string students from Shuman. Mr. Randy Elmore presided over the business session. We elected Mary Justice as our candidate for VP of PDK International and Christian Chereau as our District VII Rep to International Board of Directors. The evening was brought to an end by a humorous yet sensitive speech by past PDK International President George Thomas.
Marion and I then had a long meeting with Joe Pescatrice of 7K discussing what we need to do next. He had several recommendations.
Day 2: Membership Conference with George Kersey
Membership rules: Have baccalaureate degree, of good moral character, commits to PDK goal of research, service, leadership. NOTE: This does NOT say they must be an educator!!
We are to reach out to those people who are interested and work with education in some way but are not educators. Example: Reporters, nurses, vocational people, museum workers. George himself has initiated these types of people. If we are not reaching out to the other branches in our universities besides education, why not? We are losing out as chapters if we do not gather members from many areas. Many of these people work with education to some degree - even community theatre groups who have performed for young adults or children can be enlisted. Think outside of the box!
VP/Membership needs assistance to contact people. There are 2200 people on direct membership at Intl, & all could be members of a cyberspace group. Joe wants to send us that list. (Don't faint, Sandi; we don't expect you to contact all of them!) We are killing our people with work!! Go to others & ask them for help. If you do not use your members & make them feel a part of a group, you will lose them. Also go to them 1-1 & ask them to run for offices. Let members give programs; turnover jobs so many may serve; rotate
so new people are involved. All are busy. Respect their time.
Day 3: Awards & Voting
Award received by Walden Cyberspace Chapter, Outstanding New Chapter
Award received by Walden Cyberspace Chapter, 20/20 Club Membership
Award received by Andre Elliott, Shining Star for 3 years hard work with
chapter, nominated by M. Carpenter
Joe Pescatrice remains our Area Coordinator
Randy Elmore moves up to District Representative
Chris Chereau voted to take Randy's position
This page prepared from the original report by Gay Wiseman, VP of Programs, Walden University Cyberspace Chapter of PDK International.