Chapter Rules Click HERE for a printable copy.
Article I: Name
The name of this chapter shall be Alpha Iota Chapter, Psi State Organization, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society Interntaional.
Article II: Objectives
A. The objective of Alpha Iota Chapter shall be to promote the seven purposes of The Delta Kappa Gamma International:
1. To unite women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship
2. To honor women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in any field of education
3. To advance the professional interest and position of women in education
4. To initiate, endorse, and support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators
5. To endow scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to women educators from other countries
6. To stimulate the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in appropriate programs of action
7. To inform the members of current economic, social, political, and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society.
B. Promote the Mission Statement of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
C. Promote the vision statement of the Society: Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide.
Article III: Membership
Section A. Composition of Membership
1. The membership of Alpha Iota Chapter shall be composed of active, reserve and honorary members.
2. Alpha Iota Chapter has the authority to act in matters of membership, and membership records shall be kept at the chapter level by the Treasurer.
3. All membership is in accordance with the Constitution, Article III.
Section B. Matters of Chapter Membership
1. Active members shall be women who are employed in educational work at the time of their election or have been retired from educational positions. Prospective members should be willing to participate and to devote their time and talents to activities of the society.
2. Members are expected to attend meetings unless they have valid reasons stated to the Corresponding Secretary or President.
3. Reserve members shall be formerly active members who are unable to participate fully in the activities of the chapter because of physical disability and/or geographical location. Reserve status shall be granted by majority vote of the chapter. A reserve member, so requesting, may be restored to active membership. No chapter vote is needed.
4. Honorary members shall be women not eligible for active membership who have rendered notable service to education or to women. Active members may not be granted honorary membership. An honorary member is privileged to participate in all activities of the society except that of holding office.
5. An orientation for new members will be conducted prior to the initiation meeting. The chapter President in conjunction with the Membership Chair will plan this meeting.
Section C. Dues
Alpha Iota membership annual dues are as follows:
Chapter State International Scholarship Total
Active Members $49.00 $10.00 $40.00 $1.00 $100.00
Reserve Members $0 $4.00 $20.00 $0 $24.00
Section D. Transfer
An active or reserve member in good standing may be transferred from one unit of the society to another upon application to International Headquarters.
Section E. Termination of Membership
1. Membership in the society is terminated for one of three reasons:
a. Nonpayment of dues and fees.
b. Resignation.
c. Death.
2. A file of all members dropped by the society and of all persons who decline membership should be kept by Alpha Iota Chapter. A reason and termination date should be recorded in each case. A report of the members terminated shall be part of the Alpha Iota Chapter minutes of the meeting. Letters of resignation shall be kept by Alpha Iota Chapter in the chapter file.
Section F. Reinstatement
A former member shall be reinstated to membership by the chapter receiving the request. No chapter vote is needed; member pays current dues and fees.
Section G. Election of Members
Alpha Iota Chapter shall have full power to act in matters of chapter membership:
1. Alpha Iota Chapter shall screen prospective members.
2. Chapter members are encouraged to invite prospective members to a meeting so that the chapter may get to know them.
3. Candidates for active membership shall be voted upon at an Alpha Iota Chapter meeting by secret ballot. A candidate will be nominated for membership by a 2/3 approval vote of the attending membership.
4. Candidates for honorary membership in Alpha Iota chapter will require a 4/5 vote of approval of attending membership to invite the nominees to become members.
Article IV: Finance
Section A. Annual Dues and Fees
1. International dues shall be an amount determined in accordance with the International Standing Rules.
2. Psi State dues shall be an amount determined in accordance with Psi State organization bylaws.
3. Alpha Iota Chapter Annual dues and fees (as determined in Article III, section C: Dues) shall be paid between July 1 and October 31 of each year*. On November 1st, members shall be dropped for non-payment of dues and fees. *Dues may be paid in two installments, with $50.00 due by October 31 and the remainder due by the December chapter meeting.
4. Each new member is expected to purchase a Society pin through the Chapter Treasurer.
Section B. Financial Controls
1. All dues and fees shall be collected by the Alpha Iota Chapter Treasurer who will forward state and international dues to the state treasurer.
2. Chapter dues shall be analyzed periodically by the Chapter Executive Board who will, in turn, propose changes as needed.
3. Finance Committee
a. Members shall be the Finance Committee chair and two additional members. The president and treasurer shall act as ex-officio members.
b. The Finance Committee shall prepare the annual budget before the October chapter meeting.
c. The annual budget shall be presented at the October chapter meeting for members’ consideration. Adoption of the budget will follow a majority vote of approval at the October meeting.
d. The treasurer’s books shall be audited at the end of each fiscal year.
4. The chapter budget, in addition to items requested by the society, should include annually
a. an amount that will be awarded to a deserving woman who will be in her junior or senior year of a college or university. She should be preparing for a career in education. This award shall be called the Eleanor Gurley Recruitment Grant.
b. an amount that will be awarded to a deserving Alpha Iota Chapter member who is pursuing a Master’s degree or higher. This award shall be called the Lenora Rudeseal Scholarship.
c. Chapter President shall be reimbursed for expenses.
5. Fundraising
a. Alpha Iota Chapter members may vote to pay an additional amount to dues and fees for the support of a chapter or state organization project.
b. Alpha Iota Chapter members will determine the community, charity, or educational projects to support at the planning meeting held each year. Agreement to financially support chapter or state organization projects should be recorded in chapter minutes.
will be determined by the Executive Board.
Article V: Organization
Alpha Iota Chapter shall be organized:
1. Alpha Iota Chapter shall have chapter rules and shall conduct its business in a manner consistent with the Constitution, Psi State Bylaws and Psi State Standing Rules.
2. Alpha Iota Chapter may participate in a coordinating council as determined by Constitution, Article V, section G.
3. Alpha Iota Chapter is represented on Psi State Board.
4. Business of Alpha Iota Chapter is conducted in a manner with the Constitution and the Bylaws of Psi State Organization.
5. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International may also be known as the Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, DKG or by the Greek letters (ΔΚΓ).
6. The official jewelry may be worn on a ribbon or other manner as desired. Members are expected to wear Society jewelry in ways that demonstrate the respect and honor they have for their membership.
Article VI: Officers and Related Personnel
A. Section A. Officers
1. Chapter personnel must all be members of the Society. It is desired that the parliamentarian be an appointed member. When there is a need for a specially trained parliamentarian, the services of a non-member who has the desired skill may be utilized.
2. The chapter officers, each of whom must be a member of the Society, shall be a president, a first vice-president*, a second vice-president*, a recording secretary, and a corresponding secretary, each elected in even-numbered years by a majority vote of the attending chapter. The treasurer shall be selected by the Chapter Executive Board each biennium. *or one vice-president
3. Co-president is neither a recognized office in Psi State nor an accepted practice for covering the duties of the office of president at the chapter level.
4. Chapter related personnel include the parliamentarian, who is selected by the president.
5. The term of office shall be two years or until a successor is named for all offices except that of treasurer, who may serve more than two terms.
6. The duties of the president shall be those outlined in the Constitution.
7. The duties of other officers are also outlined in the Constitution.
Section B. Duties of Officers
1. President : The President at the chapter level shall:
a. submit annual and biennial reports specified by the Society
b. act as presiding officer at regular and called meetings and direct the activities of the chapter at her respective level.
c. act as chairman of the Alpha Iota Chapter Executive Board.
d. appoint a parliamentarian from the membership.
e. appoint standing and special committees.
f. approve payments for expense claims.
g. approve publications.
h. fill by appointment all vacancies in office.
i. represent the chapter at
i. State Executive Board meetings on the third Saturday in September and February.
ii. a District meeting in the spring of even-numbered years.
iii. the State Convention in the spring of odd-numbered years.
j. take action, with the advice and approval of her Executive Board, on matters which cannot be deferred until the next meeting.
k serve as an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee.
l. serve as voting members of the Psi State Board.
m. act on all other official duties as outlined in the Constitution.
n. complete chapter History and Yearbook for each biennium.
2. First Vice-President: The First Vice-President at the chapter level shall:
a. serve as presiding officer in the absence of the president and, in the event of the resignation or death of the president, shall succeed to the presidency and serve until the next regular election of officers.
b. to distribute, with the help of the Second Vice-President, the charity items to the appropriate community or civic organizations following the Alpha Iota Chapter meetings
c. perform such other duties as the president or the executive board shall assign to her.
3. Second Vice-President: The Second Vice-President at the chapter level shall:
a. serve as presiding officer in the absence of both the president and the first vice-president and, in the event of the resignation or death of either the president or the first vice-president, shall succeed to the office of first vice-president and serve until the next regular election of officers.
b. to distribute, with the help of the First Vice-President, the charity items to the appropriate community or civic organizations following the Alpha Iota Chapter meetings
c. shall perform such other duties as the president or the executive board shall assign to her.
d. serve as chair of the World Fellowship Committee.
4. Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary at the chapter level shall:
a. keep minutes of each meeting of the organization and furnish the president and webmaster with a copy of such minutes.
b. serve as secretary to the executive board at other meetings throughout the biennium.
5. Corresponding Secretary: The Corresponding Secretary at the chapter level shall:
a. read all correspondence at Alpha Iota Chapter meeting.
b. send correspondence on behalf of Alpha Iota Chapter to members and the community.
c. shall carry on such correspondence as may be delegated to her by the president.
6. Treasurer: The Treasurer at the chapter level shall:
a. receive and pay out all money belonging to the chapter.
b. keep an accurate account of receipts and expenditures.
c. keep a file of receipts, bills, and bank statements.
d. present a report at each regular meeting with copies to the president and webmaster.
e. file acquired tax reports.
f. surrender the financial records to the respective finance committee for an annual audit/financial review at the close of each fiscal year.
g. serve as an ex-officio member, “with vote” on the Executive Board.
h. serve ex-officio in the process of budget development and supervision of finances.
i. follow appropriate procedures to ensure the safety and proper handling of chapter money as established by the chapter Finance Committee.
7. Parliamentarian: The Parliamentarian at the chapter level shall:
a. act as advisor to the officers and the members of her organization in matters pertaining to interpretation of the Constitution and to parliamentary usage.
b. serve as an ex-officio member, “without vote,” on the Executive Board.
Section C. Terms of Office
1. Officers shall have a term of two years.
2. No officer, except the treasurer, may serve in the same office longer than two terms in succession.
3. All officers shall take office on July 1 following their election.
Section D. Nominations
1. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominations committee.
2. Nominations for officers of Alpha Iota Chapter for the biennium shall be made by the Alpha Iota Chapter Nominations Committee in February of even-numbered years. The chapter members shall vote on the officers by secret ballot.
3. The chapter nominations committee shall
a. nominate officers to be presented for election.
b. members from the current Nominations Committee shall nominate three members of the next nominations committee to be presented to the chapter in February of odd-numbered years.
4. Procedures are consistent with the Constitution.
5. The President’s pin, purchased by Alpha Iota Chapter, will be presented by the chapter to the incoming President at her installation.
Section E. Vacancies
1. When a vacancy occurs in the office of president, the first vice-president shall become president.
2. In the event of the resignation or death of either the president or the vice-president, the second vice-president shall succeed to the office of the first vice-president and serve until the next regular election of officers.
3. Succession of elected officers is consistent with the Constitution.
When a vacancy occurs in other elective or appointed positions, the president shall name a successor.
Article VII: Meetings
Chapter Meetings
1. The fiscal year of the chapter shall be July 1 through June 30 inclusive.
2. The chapter shall meet at least four (4) times per year during the months of October, December, February, and May (first Saturdays).
3. Regular meetings are meetings where business is conducted.
4. A quorum shall be a majority of the members who are in attendance at each meeting.
5. The initiation of new members shall be done each year. New member nominations and applications for membership should be turned in to the Membership Chair to be shared with the Chapter.
6. Active members will sign up for duties at each meeting including: inspiration, table decorations, brunch items, and door prizes.
7. Other meetings may be scheduled to carry out the program of the chapter.
8. Excursions may be scheduled to carry out the program of the chapter.
Article VIII: Executive Board
Section A. Members
1. The Chapter Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and immediate past president.
2. The treasurer and parliamentarian shall be ex-officio members. The parliamentarian is “without vote,” and the treasurer is “with vote.”
3. A quorum is a majority of Executive Board voting members.
4. Alpha Iota Chapter Executive Board meets at least twice annually, but may meet more often. The Alpha Iota Chapter Executive Board may meet through electronic communication.
Section B. Duties
1. Duties are consistent with the Constitution.
2. The Chapter Executive Board shall:
a. Select the treasurer for the biennium.
b. Act in matters requiring immediate action and decision.
c. Recommend policies and procedures for consideration by the members.
Meetings of the chapter Executive Board shall be held at least twice per year. The Board may meet at other times upon the call of the chapter president. A meeting should be called prior to the first meeting of the biennium.
Article IX: Committees
Section A. Standing Committees
Standing Committees shall be:
1. Society Business
Finance/Auditing
Membership
Nominations
2. Educational Excellence Committee
Educational Excellence
Personal Growth and Services
Professional Affairs
3 Educational Services
Communications
Scholarship and Awards
4 Committees for Service
Hostess Committee
Remembrance/Recognitions
World Fellowship
Others as needed in any area.
Section B. General Procedures
1. All committees shall be appointed by the president except the Nominations Committee.
2. Members from the current Nominations Committee shall nominate three members of the next nominations committee to be presented to the chapter in February of odd-numbered years.
3. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominations Committee.
4. Matters requiring immediate action may be voted upon by e-mail or telephone by the specific committee.
5. Each Committee Chairperson is responsible for:
a. notifying the members of all committee activities.
b. encouraging open participation among members.
6. Detailed duties are specified in the Constitution and in these Chapter Rules (see Appendix).
7. Alpha Iota Chapter will fulfill their constitutional responsibilities by establishing committees as needed. Alpha Iota Chapter has organized its committees in order to accomplish its constitutional responsibilities. Establishment of committees to do the work is one such choice.
8. Parliamentary Authority
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised (current edition) shall govern the proceedings of the chapter in all cases not provided for in the Constitution, the International Standing Rules, the State Bylaws, and the State Standing Rules.
9. Vote on Chapter Rules
The Chapter Rules may be amended by majority vote of the members attending a chapter meeting provided proposals for amending shall have been given prior to that meeting.
Section C. Special Committees
Ad hoc committees shall be appointed by the president as authorized by the chapter executive board
Article X: Activities
Section A. Publications
1. Alpha Iota Chapter will publish the Alpha Iota News at least two times a year. The chapter shall submit a copy of each of its newsletters to the Psi State Communications Committee Chair.
2. Alpha Iota Chapter shall compile a Yearbook for each biennium.
3. Current chapter standing rules shall be included in each chapter yearbook.
4. Chapter yearbooks and chapter standing rules shall be distributed to chapter members.
5. The chapter president or her official representative shall carry two copies of the chapter yearbook to the Psi State Executive Board meeting held in the fall of each even-numbered calendar year to present to the state program committee chairman and to the appropriate district director.
6. The President approves all publications.
Section B. Chapter Standing Rules
1. The Chapter Standing Rules shall be compatible with the Constitution, International Standing Rules, Psi State Bylaws, and Psi State Standing Rules. Copies of the Chapter Standing Rules shall be distributed to chapter members.
2. Alpha Iota chapter shall submit a copy of its Chapter Standing Rules to the Psi State Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee Chairman at the fall meeting of the Psi State Executive Board in odd-numbered calendar years.
Section C. Awards
1. Special funds and/or awards may be created by the Alpha Iota Chapter Executive Board and approved by the chapter membership.
2. The Society offers up to twenty-nine annual International Scholarships for graduate study. Members applying for International Scholarships may pursue any field of graduate study.
3. International Scholarships may be granted for pursuing a first masters. The applicant is required to :
a. have completed a bachelor’s degree,
b. or, be accepted and enrolled in a graduated program of nationally accredited institution of higher education, preferably pursuing a doctoral degree.