Purpose
Dr. Annie Blanton envisioned an organization to promote women teachers, bringing them honor and respect. Under her leadership, she enlisted twelve women representing a cross-section of the teaching profession, from grade school to college professors, to begin the process of forming ideas for the structure of the organization, its purposes and procedures. Finally, after several years of conferencing, corresponding and resolving differences of opinion, the plans were completed. On May 11, 1929, on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, Texas, the organization, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, became a reality. The Founders created the following list of five purposes, which later increased to seven. The Purposes have stood the test of time, as they are as relevant today as they were when they were conceived.
- 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 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 that they may participate.