Eta Lambda Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma was chartered in 1968. Originally we had members from both Santa Maria and Lompoc and the surrounding areas. Lompoc separated from our chapter in the nineties and chartered their own chapter. We maintain a membership that is between 50 to 60 members strong. We have about 50/50 retired and working educators. While the majority of our members are from the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, we also have members from Orcutt, Lucia Mar, and Guadalupe school districts.
We alternate business meetings and special events meeting about seven or eight times a year. We offer interesting programs on a wide variety of topics of personal, as well as educational, interest. Two of our meetings are on a Saturday morning and are potluck luncheons which always include a wonderful variety of delicious salads.
A number of years ago we began having a boutique at our November meeting where members are invited to bring itmes to be sold or silent auction offerings. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. It is amazing how creative our teachers can be! Another popular event is the summertime theater event at PCPA-Solvang where we enjoy food and wine and see a beautiful play. The funds raised here go to benefit World Fellowship.
Eta Lambda sponsors several projects on a regular basis--supporting needs in our local community as well as needs in the educational community. We provide activity boxes for hospitalized children and give to our local food banks. We give scholarships to local students who are entering the field of education and we support beginning teachers as they start their teaching career.
We welcome women educators to visit Eta Lambda meetings.