Before PTK Catalyst 2018, Lauren Doyle thought it was great enough meeting the many other Phi Theta Kappa members from Alabama at a regional conference. In her first year as a PTK member, Lauren had already had her life changed by the fellow members she’d worked with.
But the PTK annual convention April 19-21 in Kansas City, Missouri, changed all that.
“After going up on stage, seeing members … from 600 other chapters really put things into perspective,” Lauren, a member of the Beta Lambda Delta Chapter at Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby-Hoover Campus, said. “I’m part of something big, and I can’t get over how exciting that is.”
We billed PTK Catalyst as the PTK Party of the Century, and it delivered (relive it now). More than 4,100 students, advisors, alumni, college administrators, corporate partners, and friends attended; and for many chapters, annual convention can kick your momentum for the year ahead into overdrive.
Want to build on the experience and carry the impact of PTK Catalyst 2018 forward? Read on.
Know Your Next Steps
Every single person who attended PTK Catalyst had a unique experience. Sit down with your advisor and chapter officer team, and discuss your individual takeaways. Review the convention schedule to make a to-do list of actions you plan to take. Set a complete-by date, and hold yourself accountable.
If you attended an educational forum you believe would benefit your chapter or campus, reach out to the presenter and ask for a copy of the presentation. If you don’t know how to contact the presenter, reach out to a PTK staff member for help.
If you met a recruiter at the College Transfer Fairs and had a conversation about transferring to their institution, follow up. Send an email or schedule a call to discuss the transfer scholarship opportunities available to you.
Share the PTK Love
Not every member was able to attend PTK Catalyst. Present a conference summary with the other members of your chapter so they can benefit from your experience.
Stay connected with the speakers you heard and the members you met through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and other social media channels.
Your journey with PTK doesn’t end when you graduate. Find meaningful ways to stay connected by volunteering at the chapter, regional, or international level. Support scholarships and initiatives like the Golden Opportunity Scholarship. Volunteer with the PTK Foundation to participate in a donor phone drive or write donor thank-you notes. Mentor a member as they transition to college or into the workforce.
Say “Thank You”
If you received a scholarship or were recognized on stage in the Parade of Scholars, reach out to our Scholarship Department to see how you can connect with donors. Coca-Cola, the Oberndorf and Hites families, Pearson, GEICO, Hurst, and others would love to hear about the impact their gift has made on your life.
Thank your advisor for getting you safely to and from Kansas City and for their dedication to you and your chapter. Being an advisor is rewarding, but it isn’t always easy.
If you received financial support from your college president or from someone on your campus or in your community, send a thank-you note or email. Include what you learned, how it impacted you, and how you plan to use it.
Mark your calendars for PTK Catalyst 2019, April 4-6 in Orlando, Florida!
