Staying connected while living overseas

Lydia Dye-Stonebridge | 13 May 2022

Earlier this year, I - together with the Paris Association Chair Jonathan Passaro - asked Phi Beta Kappa CEO and Secretary Frederick Lawrence if we could have a dial-in update. As with everything, the pandemic forced us to operate in new ways. It made it routine to meet online, made the value of online connection more clear. On 11 May, we, together with other members from France and the UK, met for the first of what I hope will become regular meet-and-greets tailored for members who reside outside of the US.

Like many members, I question what it means to live Phi Beta Kappa abroad. What can I do to remain connected to the Society? How can I help? What value does my membership hold in the year 2022, 20 years after I received my key?

Addressing the last question first, Fred outlined the essential work Phi Beta Kappa is doing in lobbying for freedom of academic thought and expression, reminding us of Phi Beta Kappa’s role in the creation of the National Endowment for the Humanities. He also updated us on efforts to encourage greater offer uptake, acknowledging that there is a correlation between under-representation with those who do not accept their invitation to join. The disruption caused by the pandemic presented an opportunity for revitalised relationships with awarding institutions, and Fred remains busy sustaining that energy and interest to work towards this aim.

With an aspiration to expand and diversify membership, Fred expressed a desire for us as members abroad to help these new members feel connected after they receive their Key. Once we receive our Key, Phi Beta Kappa acts as a central point of contact, but the onus is on us to remain connected. We do so, however, with something powerful and meaningful; as Fred explained, membership can not be given or bought, but has to be earned.

Over the eight years I’ve served the London Association, I’ve seen the fruits of that connection: friendship, professional support and transformative discussions. The ways to connect, be it Zoom, LinkedIn or in person are there. The invitation has been issued. In a view I share with Fred, I hope that opportunity will be seized by all who are presented with it.

Note: A full recording of the conversation is available to members. Contact members@pbkldn.org to request access.