Purposes
Twelve women met in 1929 on the campus
of the University of Texas in Austin with noble aspirations to build an
organization to promote women in education and bring recognition and
respect to their profession. The result of their planning was the founding
of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. These Founders created a list of five Purposes which were intended to guide the organization. This number
later grew to seven. These Purposes are as relevant today as they were in
1929.
To Unite women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship
To Honor women who have given or who evidence a potential for distinctive service in any field of education
To Advance the professional interest and position of women in education
To Initiate, Endorse and Support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators
To Endow scholarships to aid outstanding women educators in pursuing graduate study and to grant fellowships to non-member women educators.
To Stimulate the personal and professional growth of members and to encourage their participation in appropriate programs of action.
To Inform the members of current economic, social, political, and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society
The Society Emblems
The key is the official symbol of membership. The key shall be a vertical ellipse. Across its center the DKG shall signify key women educators. Above the letters a wreath of laurel leaves shall signify honor. Below the letters a cup shall signify knowledge.
The official seal of the Society shall be a circle. ON the circle DKG shall signify key women educators.
Above the letters a wreath of laurel leaves shall signify honor. Below the letters a cup shall signify knowledge. The name of the Society shall be on the perimeter of the seal.
The coat of arms consists of a red shield with a band of gold. Three Tudor roses on the band symbolizes the Society's ideals of friendship, loyalty, and helpfulness.
The flaming lamp and the open book on the shield signify scholarship and knowledge.
The laurel sprays are the traditional symbols of achievement.
The official coat of arms is displayed on the Society flag.
Membership
Membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
shall be by invitation. Members initiated into the Society become
members of chapters, state organizations, and the International Society.
Recommendations for invitation to membership are submitted by members on the official Recommendation for Membership form. An individual is not a member until she has been initiated. A broad cross section of educational interests should be represented in the membership of each chapter.
Diversification of expertise, from preschool through university in both public and private schools, expands the perceptions of members. An active member shall be a woman who is employed as a professional educator or has been retired from an educational position.