DKG WSO President's Page
Dear Sisters,
Over the past several months, thoughts have been swirling in my head, shaped by countless conversations with many of you. One thought kept rising above the rest—what will our focus be for the biennium? As we begin planning our chapter meetings and state events for the upcoming year, this focus is critical to share with all of you. After thoughtful consideration, countless readings, deep reflection on past presidents’ impactful work, and discussions with many of you, I believe I’ve found a theme that honors our past while creating meaningful momentum for the future. |
|
Today, I am proud to introduce our biennium focus, inspired by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s 2023 HHS Advisory Report Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation and his 2025 follow-up, My Parting Prescription for America.
These reports document a deeply concerning rise in loneliness and social isolation over the past 20 years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of U.S. adults reported feeling lonely. The numbers have only grown. The health consequences are alarming:
● 29% increased risk of heart disease
• 32% risk of stroke
● Up to 50% greater risk of dementia
● Higher risk of depression, anxiety, weakened immune systems, and early death—on par with smoking 15 cigarettes a day
On the flip side, strong social connection is linked to a 50% higher survival rate. That’s powerful.
The causes of loneliness are complex—fewer in-person interactions, decreased community engagement, geographic mobility, digital overuse, and growing economic pressure. And while this issue is widespread, it’s especially impacting young adults who have seen a 70% drop-in time spent with friends.
But as DKG sisters, we know the power of connection. Many of you have shared in state surveys that our time together—meaningful, in-person interaction—is one of the top reasons you remain a member. That’s why, throughout this biennium, we are intentionally building time for connection and community into all of our gatherings. We piloted this at the Spring Convention in Skamania, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
The Prescription for Connection
Dr. Murthy's Six Pillars of Action give us a framework for action:
1. Strengthen Social Infrastructure
Support community programs, civic spaces, and resources that foster connection—especially for marginalized
groups.
2. Enact Pro-Connection Public Policies
Promote policies that allow for flexible work, paid family leave, and equitable access to social opportunities.
3. Mobilize the Health Sector
Equip healthcare providers to recognize and address loneliness as a public health concern.
4. Reform Digital Environments
Advocate for digital platforms that foster meaningful connection instead of replacing it.
5. Deepen Our Knowledge
Advance research, raise awareness, and promote understanding of loneliness and its impact.
6. Build a Culture of Connection
Elevate values like kindness, service, authenticity, and respect in all communities and institutions.
So, what does this mean for us—individually, as chapters, and as a State Organization?
We embrace the three key elements of Dr. Murthy’s prescription: Relationships. Service. Purpose. And we combine them with our most powerful value: Love. Together, these create the foundation for belonging, meaning, and fulfillment.
We can:
● Be mindful and intentional in nurturing relationships at all levels.
● Limit distractions and prioritize face-to-face engagement—chapter meetings, Fall Board, workshops,
retreats, conventions, committees, and service.
● Continue to serve others—because helping others helps us feel connected.
● Embrace gratitude, inclusion, and civic engagement.
● Be open about our experiences with loneliness and support one another with compassion.
While I was writing this letter to you, the World Health Organization released a report on June 30, 2025: From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting a Path to Healthier Societies. This confirms that this issue isn’t just national—it’s global.
As an international organization, we have the unique opportunity to address this challenge at every level—personally, in our chapters, in our communities, across the state, and beyond. We can truly make a difference.
This will not be an overnight fix—but together, we can row in the same direction and make real change.
We have many opportunities this year to build community. I’ve made a personal commitment to visit each chapter across our state this year. Please watch for a call or email from me—I want to connect with you and support your work!
Every chapter is encouraged to take on a project that aligns with this theme and meets your community’s unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is to spark meaningful connection and inspire the triad of relationships, service, and purpose.
A special committee will be formed to support this initiative. If this work speaks to you, I’d love for you to join us—just reach out! Throughout the year, we’ll be collecting and sharing stories of your chapter’s projects to celebrate, inspire, and build momentum.
Thank you for your service, your spirit, and your heart. Together, let’s rise to meet this moment—and create a more connected, compassionate world.
Yours in service,
Teri King
WSO President 2025-2027
Iota, Mason and Thurston counties, Co-President
These reports document a deeply concerning rise in loneliness and social isolation over the past 20 years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of U.S. adults reported feeling lonely. The numbers have only grown. The health consequences are alarming:
● 29% increased risk of heart disease
• 32% risk of stroke
● Up to 50% greater risk of dementia
● Higher risk of depression, anxiety, weakened immune systems, and early death—on par with smoking 15 cigarettes a day
On the flip side, strong social connection is linked to a 50% higher survival rate. That’s powerful.
The causes of loneliness are complex—fewer in-person interactions, decreased community engagement, geographic mobility, digital overuse, and growing economic pressure. And while this issue is widespread, it’s especially impacting young adults who have seen a 70% drop-in time spent with friends.
But as DKG sisters, we know the power of connection. Many of you have shared in state surveys that our time together—meaningful, in-person interaction—is one of the top reasons you remain a member. That’s why, throughout this biennium, we are intentionally building time for connection and community into all of our gatherings. We piloted this at the Spring Convention in Skamania, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
The Prescription for Connection
Dr. Murthy's Six Pillars of Action give us a framework for action:
1. Strengthen Social Infrastructure
Support community programs, civic spaces, and resources that foster connection—especially for marginalized
groups.
2. Enact Pro-Connection Public Policies
Promote policies that allow for flexible work, paid family leave, and equitable access to social opportunities.
3. Mobilize the Health Sector
Equip healthcare providers to recognize and address loneliness as a public health concern.
4. Reform Digital Environments
Advocate for digital platforms that foster meaningful connection instead of replacing it.
5. Deepen Our Knowledge
Advance research, raise awareness, and promote understanding of loneliness and its impact.
6. Build a Culture of Connection
Elevate values like kindness, service, authenticity, and respect in all communities and institutions.
So, what does this mean for us—individually, as chapters, and as a State Organization?
We embrace the three key elements of Dr. Murthy’s prescription: Relationships. Service. Purpose. And we combine them with our most powerful value: Love. Together, these create the foundation for belonging, meaning, and fulfillment.
We can:
● Be mindful and intentional in nurturing relationships at all levels.
● Limit distractions and prioritize face-to-face engagement—chapter meetings, Fall Board, workshops,
retreats, conventions, committees, and service.
● Continue to serve others—because helping others helps us feel connected.
● Embrace gratitude, inclusion, and civic engagement.
● Be open about our experiences with loneliness and support one another with compassion.
While I was writing this letter to you, the World Health Organization released a report on June 30, 2025: From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting a Path to Healthier Societies. This confirms that this issue isn’t just national—it’s global.
As an international organization, we have the unique opportunity to address this challenge at every level—personally, in our chapters, in our communities, across the state, and beyond. We can truly make a difference.
This will not be an overnight fix—but together, we can row in the same direction and make real change.
We have many opportunities this year to build community. I’ve made a personal commitment to visit each chapter across our state this year. Please watch for a call or email from me—I want to connect with you and support your work!
Every chapter is encouraged to take on a project that aligns with this theme and meets your community’s unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The goal is to spark meaningful connection and inspire the triad of relationships, service, and purpose.
A special committee will be formed to support this initiative. If this work speaks to you, I’d love for you to join us—just reach out! Throughout the year, we’ll be collecting and sharing stories of your chapter’s projects to celebrate, inspire, and build momentum.
Thank you for your service, your spirit, and your heart. Together, let’s rise to meet this moment—and create a more connected, compassionate world.
Yours in service,
Teri King
WSO President 2025-2027
Iota, Mason and Thurston counties, Co-President
Updated 8-25-25