History of the Organization

History of the Organization

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was founded on May 11, 1929, by 12 women educators in Austin, Texas. The idea for this society was a vision of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, a Professor of Education at the University of Texas. On that day in May, a grade school teacher, a dean of women, three high school teachers, three elementary school principals, and four college professors, including Dr. Blanton, came together for the culmination of several years of dreaming and planning. Ideas for the structure of the organization, its purposes and procedures had been discussed in prior conferences and through correspondence. Drafts of the Constitution and Ritual had been carefully scrutinized at frequent meetings the ladies had attended. The official song was a finished product prior to the May meeting. At that meeting, which lasted into the early hours of May 12, the women worked through details involving the financial aspects of the Society, the committees to be appointed and duties to be defined, the symbolism and the insignia, and the final draft of the Constitution. Dr. Blanton was authorized to secure drawings for a fraternity key to be submitted by mail to the other Founders for their choice. They adopted the colors, crimson and gold, and discussed additional initiation paraphernalia. They also authorized a committee to secure incorporation papers for the state and national Society. With the pattern these educators established, this Society was to be unique in the annals of organizations and destined to become the largest of its kind in the world.

These Founders knew of the criticism they would face from not only men-but also from women who were opposed to women's organizations. Within the teaching profession, discrimination was the rule rather than the exception. A woman teacher who married was dropped from the staff The few scholarships granted by colleges usually went to men. Women educators were denied promotions. They were rarely elected to office or boards of professional organizations.

A man had once told Dr. Blanton that women would not advance because they would not work together. So, in forming Delta Kappa Gamma she determined to prove him wrong. She wanted to show that women could unite to accomplish significant goals. The original purposes of the Society emphasized gender equity, school legislation, excellence in education, good teaching conditions, networking, and financial help for women

preparing to teach. The 12 founders of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International risked their security and the loss of employment by working in this new Society. But they gave generously of their time and energy as they crusaded on behalf of women teachers. They were the "doers" of our heritage. And they serve as a reminder that current activism must keep pace with that of the Founders on issues educators face today.