45TH BIENNIAL COUNCIL A LANDMARK COUNCIL

The summary report of the 45th Biennial Council is enclosed. It was a landmark council in that it faced and dealt with the challenge of PDK's declining membership and the need to reshape Phi Delta Kappa so that it can realize its potential as an outstanding leadership organization in education. The council considered and approved membership amendments designed to make PDK's approach to membership move inclusive, broad-based, and open. The entire theme of the council was, in effect, one that stressed the need for Phi Delta Kappa to reach out to groups not now served and to become truly representative of our profession. George Thomas closed the council sounding the theme, "Phi Delta Kappa Can and Will." The 1000 plus Kappans in Detroit can and will make that dream come true.

REFERENDUM BALLOT ON AMENDMENTS

Eight of the amendments suggested by the 45th Biennial Council are to the constitution part of the Constitution and Bylaws and must now go on referendum to the chapters. The ballots actually went into the mail on Tuesday, October 31. The official ballot goes to the chapter president with an information copy to the delegate and alternates. The deadline by which marked ballots must reach headquarters to be included in the tally is Monday, January 29, 1996. The chapter is to handle the balloting in whatever way its own bylaws provide for making such decisions. If it is a vote of the chapter, a simply majority is all that is required for approval. The best sources of information on any of the amendments is the chapter's representative(s) to the council. Reporting to the chapter and serving as a resource person on council activities is the final part of that officer's responsibility.

EXCITING FUTURE FOR CHAPTERS

The changes proposed by the 45th Biennial Council suggest an exciting future for chapters, especially those chapters located on or near a university campus. One of the amendments will give each chapter the opportunity to substitute project activity for two of the six required annual meetings. It is assumed that this will help the chapter to plan and carry out projects that will have impact in the chapter's service area. For chapters with a university connection, the amendments offer a student membership that will give the chapter an opportunity to organize clubs including undergraduates. While not a regular membership, the student membership will permit chapters to make PDK's services available to students as they prepare for careers in teaching. The amendments will also permit chapters to begin to recognize those who are on the road to promising professional careers by selecting from among those who complete student teaching the ones who can benefit from and contribute to Phi Delta Kappa. Given the opportunity already provided chapters to organize future educator clubs at the middle and high school levels, the effect of the amendments is to create a seamless contact for Phi Delta Kappa that will start somewhere in the secondary school experience and extend through the educator's professional career.

WHY NOT CONDUCT YOUR OWN PDK/GALLUP POLL?

Phi Delta Kappa is taking steps to give chapters and others at the regional, state, and local levels the opportunity to be a part of Phi Delta Kappa's annual PDK/Gallup Poll. The Center for Professional Development and Services (CPD&S) is making available materials including a videotape, facilitator's guide, and supplemental materials to be used in conducting a local poll. It would be an excellent opportunity for a chapter to consider in conjunction with the local school district or university. In the same vein, the Center for Evaluation, Development, and Research (CEDR) will soon be asking for expressions of interest from chapters interested in conducting a local poll in conjunction with the 1996 PDK/Gallup Poll. Information regarding CPD&S's materials can be obtained from Phil Harris or Shari Bradley. Information regarding CEDR's plans can be obtained from Larry Barber or Willard Duckett.

DUES TO INCREASE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1996

The 45th Biennial Council accepted the recommendation of the Board of Directors that fraternity dues be increased from $32 to $35 effective July 1, 1996. The council also granted authority to draw on the Reserve Fund in 1995-96 in an amount up to $150,000 and in 1996-97 in an amount up to $300,000 as necessary to balance income and expenditures. These actions became necessary as a direct result of the recent loss in members. Phi Delta Kappa has had its membership decline 8,000 members in the last two years. This amounts to a dues income drop of approximately $240,000, almost exactly the amount of the deficit in the proposed budget for 1996-97. This is one reason why the membership amendments are important. It is also why chapters and members need to become more effective in identifying those in our profession who can and should be members of Phi Delta Kappa. There is no reason why Phi Delta Kappa should lose members provided those of us who believe in the organization do our job.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS ANYONE?

The items in the new PDK clothing line were big sellers at the 45th Biennial Council. Sweatshirts in burgundy with embossed PDK, burgundy with PDK block applique, and ash with maroon & grey crest; polo shirts in forest green and burgundy; a navy blue v-neck sweater, and a white poplin sport golf cap are included in the line at the present time. A big Christmas gift sale is expected. Order by calling 1-800-766-1156 or writing Phi Delta Kappa, P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402-0789

PDK BULLETlN BOARD ON LINE

Everything you want to know about Phi Delta Kappa including the biennial council, the PDK clothing line, and the most recent publications available can be found on the PDK Bulletin Board. When I asked our information systems people how the BBS could be reached, I was told to say that you can do so by phone at 812-323-0291 or by Telnet across the Internet. The address is bbs.pdkintl.org. There is no period after org. Give-it a try. You might be surprised at the extent of the information available.

A WARM AND SINCERE THANKS

This will be my last Executive Director 's Memo. On December 1 I will retire and Ron Joekel will take over as executive director. It is a pleasure to know that Ron will follow me. He has demonstrated his commitment to PDK and his leadership ability. It is also comforting to know that the council has armed Ron and the incoming board with the tools they will need to secure a bright and promising future for Phi Delta Kappa. I told the 45th Biennial Council that I had had, for the past 24 years, the best job a person in our profession could have. I have enjoyed it immensely. The 45th Biennial Council recognized Mary and I in many ways, all of which were special to us, but none more special than the fact that members and chapters have already increased the value of the scholarship Mary and I created to over $55,000. I had not looked forward to the council, but I found myself enjoying it thoroughly. The cards, notes, and calls received at headquarters have added to the good feeling. Thanks for making this such a special moment.