Celebrating the Gold in Toastmasters A thank you to hundreds of volunteers At the 2026 District 42 Conference, there was both celebration and a sense of sadness that 72 years of achievements, comradeship and joy were coming to an end. For me, it was bittersweet. Circle of Gold began in one club in 2003 and has grown into a district-wide phenomenon, helping participants become better speakers, evaluators, and leaders. On the last night of the 2026 Conference, I stood …
Three Little Letters, One Incredible Journey Three Little Letters That Once Felt Out of Reach When I first joined Toastmasters on October 1, 2011, I kept hearing about three little letters: DTM. It didn’t take long to learn that those three little letters held great meaning: Distinguished Toastmaster. At first, I didn’t believe that was something I could achieve. I had suffered a traumatic brain injury that blew up my life. I was off work on long-term disability and floundering.I …
May 2026 Message Dear District 42 Members, As we step into May, we enter one of the most critical and exciting months of our Toastmasters year. The District mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. With only two months remaining in this program year, our focus is on finishing strong and ensuring every club has the resources needed to succeed. Supporting Our Clubs to Reach the Finish Line Our primary goal is to support …
From Praise to Performance Evaluation Laboratory The Scientist Evaluation Laboratory proved to be an engaging and impactful experience, bringing together more than 40 enthusiastic participants eager to strengthen their evaluation skills. The energy in the room was filled with curiosity and collaboration, as attendees stepped into the role of “scientists,” carefully observing, analyzing, and articulating feedback with greater precision. Throughout the session, participants explored five key elements of effective evaluations through the lens of the Pathways criteria: Clarity, Audience Awareness, …
What happens when Toastmasters take their skills beyond the club? Youth Leadership Programs are opening doors—for participants and for members. Across District 42, Toastmasters are supporting youth and young adults in building communication and leadership skills, while growing their own in the process. It’s leadership in action, collaboration in motion, and impact that reaches far beyond a meeting agenda.
Toastmasters Across Borders: Finding Community While Travelling How visiting Toastmasters clubs abroad creates instant connection and community For years, I had been intrigued by stories of Toastmasters who visited clubs in other countries and instantly felt at home. One story in particular stayed with me. A dear friend, Distinguished Toastmaster Geetha N, often spoke about how finding a Toastmasters club whenever she moved for work gave her something invaluable: an instant community. A familiar room. Familiar rhythms. Familiar encouragement. Her …
Club Growth Summit Summary On February 14, District 42 hosted a dynamic Club Growth Summit centred on the mission of Toastmasters International: to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. The event reinforced a simple but powerful truth — growth begins and ends with members. The summit opened with a reminder that members are the engine of the organization. They run meetings, progress through Pathways, serve as club and district leaders, and step forward as sponsors, mentors, …
Brand Confidence Starts with Compliance PR Pulse Peer2Peer – 7 February On 7 February, District 42 VP PRs gathered for a practical and engaging Peer2Peer session on Toastmasters Brand Compliance, led by Vesna Ivkovic, DTM. The session delivered clarity, confidence, and actionable steps for every club communicator. Key Highlights Vesna guided participants through the official Toastmasters International Brand Portal, reinforcing essential principles: Clubs may not create or alter logos Official logos must follow proper placement and spacing rules Approved brand …
Say Yes Before You Feel Ready A few years ago, I said yes to becoming an Area Director.At the time, I only knew a handful of Toastmasters outside my own club. I remember wondering, Who am I to support multiple clubs? What do I really know? Here’s what happened. When Your World Expands Overnight My network exploded.Suddenly, I was surrounded by Toastmasters who didn’t just have years of experience. They had decades. Leaders who had built clubs from scratch. Mentors who …
February 2026 Update As we get into the deepest chill of winter, I am warmed by the wonderful community of our District 42. It was great to see many of you in person at District mid year training thsi month and to connect while learning about how to be a better leader and communicator. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued dedication and enthusiasm in making our district a thriving community of communicators and …
What Members are Saying Insights, Challenges & Opportunities As Pathways continues to evolve, members across the district have shared valuable feedback about their experiences—what’s working, what’s challenging, and where support is still needed. Recent discussions led by the Distinguished Toastmasters Mona Cooley and Bev Leblanc have highlighted a wide range of perspectives from new members, seasoned Toastmasters, and club leaders. Growing Pains and Progress Many long‑time members recalled the early days of Pathways, noting that the original platform made change …
Do, Tell, Amplify Building a Personal Brand That Works for You Do, Tell, Amplify: Personal Branding for LinkedIn Impact was more than a session on profiles and posts – it was a powerful reminder that everyone already has a personal brand. The real question is whether we are intentionally shaping it. Led by Khurram Salman, DTM, the session explored personal branding as a living promise – the story, experience, and value people associate with you, online and offline. Khurram opened …
November PR Pulse Recap ‘’The Stop Scrolling Secret’’ Masterclass in Attention Science Our November PR Pulse session was a deep dive into the elusive “Stop Scrolling Secret,” and it delivered pure gold! A massive thank you to our expert facilitator, Paola Perina (District 109), a true communication professional who seamlessly blended psychology, business strategy, and real-world Public Relations to show us how to get noticed in the digital noise. Paola unlocked the secret behind the “Stop Scrolling” phenomenon, guiding participants …
A Big Month! What a BIG month for YLP in D42! We had a wonderful training for potential facilitators on November 1. That recording is on the D42 website (under Programs, Youth Leadership Program, Resources, Youth Leadership Training Videos). We had 5 leaders sharing knowledge! It’s the November 2025 video, and it’s great! We just wrapped up an in-person program at the Calgary Bridge Foundation, with Carolyn Kaldy and her team of 9 experienced Toastmasters! Hopefully, we’ll hear more from …
My Secret Writing Ally How Grammarly Helps Me as a Toastmaster As Toastmasters, we spend a lot of time working on how we speak—but just as much of our success depends on how we write. Whether it’s preparing a speech, drafting a blog post, or sharing a club update, our words set the tone long before we say them out loud. That’s why I rely on Grammarly—my silent writing partner that keeps me on track every time I write. Why …
District 42 Toastmasters October 2025 Update & Momentum Rising, Reaching, and Reconnecting in District 42 Hello District 42!Can you believe it’s already October? Four months into the Toastmasters year—how is your club doing? How are you feeling? Now that summer is behind us, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get back to business. District Leadership Update In September, the district trio has been busy setting District 42 up for success by creating the district success plan, district budget, marketing …
Building Buzz Before the Event Over the course of two months, the Fluor Communicators PR Team created excitement with social media video messaging leading up to the Open House. The results were clear: 65 individuals RSVP’d and 60 attended. This was one of our strongest turnouts yet! A Warm “Bondfire” Welcome Our “Bondfire: Igniting Connection and Community” Open House was about more than speeches. It was about connection. The event began with a warm welcome from Toastmaster Marcy Field, DTM, …
The PR Pulse Is Beating Strong in District 42! District 42 PRs Rise Together – July Highlights July 19 marked the kick-off of our very first PR Pulse: Peer2Peer Meetup of the year – and wow, did we set the tone! Over 20 VP PRs from across District 42 came together and turned an ordinary Zoom room into a powerhouse of creativity. This wasn’t just another call. It was a buzzing hub of ideas and energy filled with: Branding gems …
Voice, Vision & Visibility The PR Advantage for Leaders As leaders, everything we say and do sends out ripples – through our clubs, our communities, and even across the District. This is where Voice, Vision, and Visibility come in. Your Voice is what you stand for. Your Vision is where you’re leading. Your Visibility is how others experience it. When you align all three, you don’t just lead – you inspire, attract, and amplify. In leadership, your ability to inspire …
Set the Tone for September Welcome Back! Welcome back to another year of Toastmasters! I hope you all had an opportunity to have a little adventure over the summer and create lasting memories. Whether you are a seasoned Toastmaster or just starting out on your journey, your club, your division and District 42 are here to support you in reaching your goals. Why Goals Matter What are goals? The textbook definition is that a goal is something you set out …
Stay Alert Rising Email Threats Targeting Our District We’ve recently seen a concerning rise in spam and phishing emails targeting Toastmasters leaders and members across our district. These emails often impersonate District officers, request urgent actions, or contain malicious links or attachments. These attacks are part of a broader global trend — but together, we can reduce the risk by staying vigilant and taking a few important precautions. What Do These Emails Look Like? They may appear to come from …
Talking to a Room & a Webcam How to Survive (and Shine) in a Hybrid Toastmasters Meeting I belong to a hybrid club, and I have found that whether you’re delivering a powerful keynote or giving your first Icebreaker, there are some keys to impressing both the folks sitting in the room and those watching from their couches in fuzzy slippers. I want to share what’s worked for me, in hopes it helps you too. Say Hello to Everyone—Even the …
Finish Strong Energize Your Toastmasters Club Before the Summer Break At this time of year, it can be tempting to mentally check-out of Toastmasters. But June can be the perfect time to reflect on progress, celebrate wins, and set the stage for a vibrant new year. Here are some tips for clubs and individuals to finish the year on a high note. Hold a “Year in Review” meeting where members highlight their growth, complete final Pathways projects, or receive recognition. …
Crafting Connection How to Create a Show-Stopping Toastmasters Newsletter with Canva In the world of Toastmasters, communication is everything, and a well-designed newsletter is your club’s megaphone. It informs, inspires, and unites. It’s where stories are shared, successes celebrated, and future events teased with excitement. And the best part? You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make it shine. With Canva, you can turn simple updates into scroll-stopping content. Why a Newsletter? Because your club has a story …
When Losing Isn’t Losing What a Speech Contest Taught Me About Winning Last weekend, I competed in the Toastmasters District 42 International Speech Contest—and came in second. Now, let’s be honest. The goal was first. The dream? To advance to the next level and eventually stand on the World Championship of Public Speaking stage. That didn’t happen this time. But here’s the thing: losing doesn’t always mean losing. When I enter a speaking contest, I always carry an ulterior motive. …
How Wonderful A Youth Leadership StoryPart 2 of Our Story “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank A Chance Meeting That Sparked Change If you are lucky, you will meet someone who changes your life and brings new experiences that broaden your perspectives on the world. For me, one of those people is Dr. Sonja Robinson, who has worked as the country director at International Samaritan for …
The Key Lies In The Value We Provide We have recently experienced success through several key initiatives, all centred around the value we provide to our members. Ultimately, it comes down to what they gain from their involvement. When members recognize the benefits of their time spent with us, they are more likely to engage and participate, which is essential for fostering a healthy club. We are making significant progress towards regaining our Distinguished status and strengthening our club’s position. …
Celebrating Distinguished Clubs The Road to Excellence As we approach the final stretch of the Toastmasters year, it’s time to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our clubs striving for excellence. The Distinguished Club Program (DCP) is a benchmark for success, guiding clubs toward growth, quality meetings, and member engagement. If your club isn’t yet on the distinguished path, there’s still time to take action and finish the year strong! What Is the Distinguished Club Program? The DCP is a …
Resolving Conflict in Toastmasters A Path to Growth and Unity Toastmasters is a unique educational institution where individuals come together to grow, learn, and develop essential communication and leadership skills. However, like any community, conflicts can arise. When they do, it’s important to remember the core values of Toastmasters—integrity, respect, excellence, and service—and use them as guiding principles to resolve disagreements constructively. Here’s how we can address conflict while staying true to these values: Identify Common Goals: At the heart …
A Dream YLP Project A LinkedIn Connection Sparks an Idea It started with a LinkedIn request. Who was attending the NCDA conference in San Diego this year? Did anybody want to connect? Count me in! DR. Sonia Robinson and I connected virtually on Zoom and the rest as they say is history. When I asked Sonja about her work in Jamaica for International Samaritan, I wondered if her group might benefit from holding a Youth Leadership Program as part of …
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES THINKING?” Speech Contestants ever wonder In Toastmasters speech contests, judges compare contestants to their ideal speaker based on specific criteria to ensure a fair and consistent contest. What are the judges thinking? Check out these tips to help you align your speech with what judges are looking for: Understand the Judging Criteria: 50% is your message!! Craft Clear and Relevant Content: Create a clear road map for the audience to follow your “journey.” Tell Personal Stories: …
Reflections On Six Months as District Director As I reflect on the past six months serving as District Director for Toastmasters District 42, I’m humbled by the incredible experiences, growth, and lessons I’ve gained along the way. The Power of Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of emotional intelligence—understanding and managing emotions in myself and others. This has been especially critical when dealing with conflicts and making decisions objectively, without letting …
Paving the Way to Spring and Success The state of our district is encouraging and continues to improve. Our club base remains at 106, with 92 clubs in good standing—a growth of three clubs in good standing since last month! Of the 15 clubs not currently in good standing, five need just one additional member, one requires two more members, and one club, sadly, has chosen to dissolve. However, this still marks an improvement from last month. Share “The Secret” …
Spicing Up Your Meetings The Power of Themes Ever feel like your Toastmasters meetings are a bit…well, routine? Inject some much-needed spark and pizzazz by introducing themed meetings! A theme provides a unifying thread that can elevate your club’s atmosphere and make each gathering memorable. The beauty lies in the flexibility: Simple & Fun: “Pets,” “Food”, ” Hobbies”– these lighthearted themes offer easy entry points for members and guests. Deep & Meaningful: “Personal Growth,” “Self-Development,” “Overcoming Challenges” – these more …
Secrets to Success President’s Distinguished Clubs Share Their Strategies for Engaging Members and Celebrating Achievements Have you ever wondered if a Presidents Distinguished club does anything different to engage their members to achieve the consistent success that they seem to achieve? I wondered if they had some different approaches that might make a difference for other clubs that were struggling to build or keep their membership. My DTM project team and I thought that we should check it out. We …
Building the Future by Empowering Our Youth A Journey Through the Youth Leadership Program We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. Franklin D. Roosevelt Imagine a future with confident, engaged, and well-spoken youth. The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) provides a platform for youth to stretch the skills they have, learn new skills, and take those skills on the road. As a facilitator of the eight-week program, I felt inspired, hopeful, and …
The Right Time! When is it the right time to do something? You might be surprised! Sometimes we get invited to take on a role or go on a trip on short notice. Sometimes we gracefully decline saying that the timing just isn’t right. I have responded that way on a few occasions only to discover that the opportunity never came my way again. The one that stands out for me was when I was working at a junior high …
So You Think You Can Judge! The Top 10 Reasons Toastmasters Speech Contests Are a Game-Changer Speech contests at Toastmasters offer a variety of benefits to contestants and officials, as well as the promotion of our organization. Consider whether any of these side effects of competition would interest you! Improved Presentation Delivery: Participants gain experience delivering speeches under pressure, which helps them refine their speaking skills and confidence. Enhanced Specific Skills for Connection: Contestants focus on effective speech delivery and …
Midyear Milestones and Momentum Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead As the Julian calendar approaches its year’s end, the Toastmasters calendar reaches its midpoint. With six months behind us and six months ahead, we can celebrate our accomplishments while looking forward with optimism and anticipation for what lies ahead. This month, our district has increased its number of clubs to 103, thanks to the successful reinstatement of two clubs. Of these, 87 are in good standing. The reinstated clubs have also …
Staying Engaged During the Pathways Outage Toastmasters International recently announced that its Pathways Learning Experience will be migrating to a new Learning Management System, resulting in Base Camp being temporarily unavailable from October 9th to 25th. While this may seem like an interruption, it presents a unique opportunity for members to stay engaged and continue their personal growth outside of the digital platform. Here are a few tips to keep progressing during the outage: Leverage Previous Evaluations to Improve and …
Distinguished Leaders of 2023/2024 We are beyond delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to several of our past Area Directors and Division Directors who have achieved distinguished status. This prestigious recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership during their time in office. However, we know that such accomplishments are never the result of one person’s efforts alone. It truly takes a village to reach this level of success. These leaders, through their tireless hard work, perseverance, …
How to Submit, Promote, and Publish an Event in District 42 Planning a successful Toastmasters event requires organization and attention to detail. Whether you’re organizing a workshop, a club contest, or a keynote presentation, following the right process to submit, promote, and publish your event can make all the difference. In District 42, we have a streamlined system that helps your event get the attention it deserves. Here’s how you can make sure your event is a hit from start …
Become a Better Speaker Are you a speaker? Chances are you are a speaker if you are a student, a parent, a lector, an usher, a catechist, a priest, a religious, a youth minister or someone who says hello to a person on the street. And I know how you can become an even better speaker. I have been giving presentations and speaking to groups of two to more than 500 people for more than 40 years, so I should …
A Message from Your 2024-2025 District Director Dear fellow Toastmasters, Are you ready for a new Toastmasters year?! Serving as your District Director for 2024-2025 is an honour. Toastmasters has been an incredible source of growth and learning for me, and I am excited to give back to the District 42 family. I look forward to working alongside you, learning from you, and growing with you on this amazing journey of personal and professional development. First, I want to acknowledge …
District 42 2023/24 Club Growth Team Honored with Prestigious Award at Hall of Fame Event At the Hall of Fame event during the International Convention, I had the immense honour of accepting the District Club Growth Award on behalf of the entire Club Growth Team for the 2023-2024 term. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication of a remarkable group of Toastmasters who worked tirelessly to support and grow District 42. This award is not …
Change is Coming Summer will soon be a fading memory. The colour of the leaves will change from green to the rich colours of fall. The season will change. There will also be a change to the colour of Toastmasters this fall. At the recent Toastmasters International Convention in Anaheim California, Toastmasters International Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex updated members on the exciting change to the Learning Management System which Toastmasters will be rolling out in the near future. The …
Closing the Toastmasters Year with a Bang: Join the Push for Good Standing As the Toastmasters year draws to a close, with June 30 just around the corner, we find ourselves on the cusp of achieving something remarkable. We only need three more clubs to get back into good standing, and with your help, we can do it! This is a call to action for all our clubs: let’s rally together, plan engaging open houses, and bring in potential members. …
Recognition and appreciation of our members’ contributions Recognition Recognition of people’s efforts and accomplishments is crucial and should never be overlooked or underestimated. Many individuals go to great lengths to support others, often making significant sacrifices in their personal, professional, and family lives to help others reach their goals. Their dedication involves spending countless hours caring, planning, and thinking, efforts that deeply impact our Toastmasters community. We must remember and appreciate these contributions. Recognizing such dedication is not only fair …
An Alliance Impacting Youth This year marked a significant collaboration between District 42 Toastmasters Youth Leadership Facilitators – Marcy Field, Irma Goosen, Geetha Nicodemus, Arobo Ako, and Christina Kruis – and Rotary International Exchange students, resulting in a profound impact on youth development. The facilitators lent their expertise to support Rotary students. Through a series of online sessions and a dedicated workshop during their family orientation weekend in April, the facilitators empowered these students to hone their communication and leadership …
Serving as a Club Officer Serving as a club officer with a Toastmasters Club is an invaluable experience that not only enriches your own life but also positively impacts the lives of those around you. The seven nominated club officer positions are president, vice president education, vice president membership, vice president public relations, sergeant at arms, treasurer and secretary. The responsibilities for each role are specific, though they may overlap or require cooperation between two or more officers. There are …
Legacy and Longevity I recently attended the 10th-anniversary celebration of one of our clubs, the Healthy Living Toastmasters Club, where I had the pleasure of meeting numerous enthusiastic, fun, and dedicated members. During the event, participants were asked to share three words that encapsulated their feelings about the anniversary, and it was quite enjoyable to hear the diverse responses. Some of the words thrown around included “party,” “feast,” “food,” “booze,” “camaraderie,” and “having fun,” reflecting the vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. …
Pathways Are Evolving! Pathways, the Toastmasters education program, is designed to help members build public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. Members access educational materials digitally through Base Camp, the online system where Pathways lives. Base Camp, the online system where Pathways is accessed, is moving to a new learning management system (LMS) early next year. This will lay the foundation for many exciting improvements to the Pathways learning experience, including easier platform navigation, more frequent content updates, and a future …
I wish I had joined earlier What if you had joined Toastmasters years ago?What if you possessed Toastmaster skills earlier in your career?Ask most Toastmasters and their response is “I wish I had joined earlier?” What if you could give a young person the opportunity for success academically, socially and professionally earlier and faster? Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program provides a safe environment to learn, practise and improve communication and leadership skills including Speaking spontaneously Developing effective listening skills Organizing and presenting …
Nurturing Growth and Success In the Next Six Months As we embark on our journey of the next six months, it’s crucial to define our aspirations and set clear objectives for the betterment of our Toastmasters clubs. Here are some key focus areas that could potentially shape the path forward: 1. Grow Membership: Initiating targeted outreach programs to attract new members. Implementing retention strategies to ensure a sustainable increase in our club’s size. 2. Help Members Achieve Personal Goals: Conducting …
Road to Regina Paving the Way https://youtu.be/hq2bavwrTmY?si=sZP6UkAvabraOs91 I am the Education Chair for the District 42 Spring Conference which will be held in Regina, May 3 – 5, 2024 and I (along with the entire conference committee) have been hard at work planning for a fantastic event!In 2022 I attended my first-ever District conference which was in Ontario. When I flew out there my mindset was, “This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” and it proved to be life-changing! By …
20 Years In The Making It was one cool December 2004 evening when I had dinner with a university friend. It had been years since we saw each other, and it was an excellent opportunity to reminisce about our school days.One thing that night stuck in my mind; a new strange word I hadn’t heard before. Toastmasters.I started to become curious about what it was about. First, I thought it was a group of people baking and cooking something; like …
Are you struggling to make the most of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform? With over 500 million members across 200 countries, it can feel overwhelming to stand out and effectively leverage this powerful tool. A professionally crafted LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume – it’s a branding powerhouse that can open doors to opportunities and networks you never knew existed. But how do you create a profile that truly represents your professional brand and catches …
Embrace Excellence Awards and Incentives Await Your Club’s Triumph District 42 is rolling the red carpet to honor clubs that reach for the stars and achieve the prestigious Club Fitness Award and the inspiring 7 out of 7 Incentive. The Club Fitness Award is your golden ticket to recognition. Clubs that dazzle us by meeting three remarkable requirements before October 31, 2023, will be in for a treat. Update your TMI Roster, Conduct the “Moments of Truth” from the Successful …
SCAM ALERT! Scams are everywhere around us. With the advent of email and social media, scammers have become better and better at deceiving people. How can you avoid being a victim of email scams? 1. Don’t open emails from a person or company you don’t recognize. If you do open these emails, avoid clicking any links. 2. If you recognize the name of the sender and you open the email, check the following Are you addressed personally? If so, is …
Toastmasters is evolving! The DTM Master Mind Group is considering new ways that Speechcraft, can be explored. The next meeting, in September, will introduce a way Speechcraft might support the formation of a new club. The digital Speechcraft Program is a new way of delivering this program. Perhaps it being different can be an opportunity rather than a challenge. We will connect with some members who have run this program, and others from out of District 42 who have leveraged …
Call for District Leaders Call for Area Director We are still looking for Area Directors to lead some areas in Divisions C, E & F. As Area Director, you serve a vital role in Toastmasters. Of all District leaders, you are the closest to clubs and members and are a direct link between them and the Division and District. It’s a rewarding role with many responsibilities. During your term you will do the following: Visit every club in your area …
New Beginning Kudos to all our leaders who have taken a new role or are continuing similar positions in our district. We cannot thank you enough for doing this. Some of us could still be wondering, “How can we live up to the expectation?”, or even “Where do we start?” or “How can we keep to this?”.I can share this excerpt below from one of my favourite movies “Forrest Gump” as this has helped me in many of the journeys …
Celebrating Accomplishments Dear Members, As we approach the end of another remarkable year, it is with great pleasure and a sense of pride that I reflect upon our collective accomplishments and the progress we have made. Together, we have navigated through challenges, embraced opportunities, and achieved remarkable milestones that have shaped our district’s success. Over the past year, our team has exhibited unwavering commitment, resilience, and a shared vision propelling us forward. Collectively, so much was accomplished and I take …
MORE THAN SEX AND MONEY “There are two things people want more than sex and money: recognition and praise.”Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”Mother Teresa HOW do we recognize and appreciate? Ribbons Money Promotion Certificates Cake Prizes Handwritten notes Words of gratitude Pat on the back Announcements Video Awards WHY do we recognize and appreciate? reflects the core values of the organization someone sees …
March – Month of Madness March is a month of renewal, growth, and change. As the winter months come to a close, the days become longer (YAHOO!) and the air becomes warmer (sometimes). Spring is on the horizon and with it comes the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts—tulips break ground and the smell of newly-mowed lawn is in the air. This month, take the time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. Make the SMART. Whether you have …
Status of Club Officer Training Highlights: 46.28% of officers trained See detailed status here. 7 out of 7 incentive We have 6 clubs that have achieved 7 officers trained during the 1st and the 2nd round of training. Congratulations to the exceptional, extraordinary, and excellent work from the following clubs: We are truly proud of you. You set an outstanding example for our district. Worth to mention other clubs that were close to achieving it where they have achieved 7 of 7 during …
SHINE THE LIGHT Stories of Inspiration and Success In District 42 we believe that every member has a story to tell. Stories which can bring hope to other members who might be stuck, and inspiration to clubs which may be languishing. District Director Bev LeBlanc wants to leave a legacy of hope and inspiration by collecting these stories and sharing them on our District website. Her goal is to collect and share 200 stories from our members and clubs. We …
The Heart Tree The ‘LOVE’ month is upon us. You’ll likely see hearts & flowers everywhere. You may receive Valentine’s notes from many sources. Let me be one of the first to give you one: I find it almost unbelievable that we are more than halfway through our Toastmasters year together. There are fewer than five months left until another team takes the reins. So many members have contributed countless hours & ideas to help make the Toastmasters experience better …
Time Management Tips That Work There are so many valuable and excellent articles in TI. Here is another one that I read recently on “Tips for Time Management“. It talked about several techniques, from: Creating a Time Audit, Having a Power Hour, Batching similar tasks together, Rating tasks based on importance or difficulty and organizing your day accordingly; Creating routines, Setting time limits to get things done, and Challenging to put a time limit on tasks. I particularly like 3 of …
Getting Creative With Public Relations Brave Branding Be familiar with the Toastmasters brand and the core pillars of the organization. In Toastmasters, all members are guided by integrity, respect, service, and excellence. Start thinking outside of the box and be bold with your messaging. Each club is different and unique, don’t be afraid to advertise these quirks! Stats Knowing more about your membership is a great way to research what means most to your members which will help you create a …
Promoting Your Club Event Do you know how to promote your club event? District 42 Event calendar is used mainly for District, Division and Area advertising. Special events such as Club Anniversaries or special guest speaker events might also find their way to our Event Calendar. So where does that leave our clubs? Social media is the answer. Does your club have a Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn page or any other Social Media Platform? This is where you can promote your …
Leadership Is About Behavior, Not Titles I read this article – Leadership Is About Behavior, Not Titles – last year and have been thinking about it and applying it since then. I wanted to know if I ever fall into the category of being a leader for the title. I never really understood the difference during my early years in leadership at work, but I think I fell more into that category during those years (not easy for me to admit). …
Holiday Greetings Dear fellow Toastmasters, As we approach the end of another year, it is a time to reflect on all that we have achieved and to look forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead. I am grateful for this opportunity to extend warm holiday greetings to all of you, and to express my deep appreciation for your dedication and commitment to our shared mission. Toastmasters is a wonderful organization that brings people together from all walks of life, …
Club Fitness Award Recipients At the time we are writing this article, we have identified some of the clubs in our district that have achieved the Club Fitness Award. With the help of our Area Directors, we confirmed that they have completed: Renewing and updating their Club Success Plan Verifying Club Roster Conducting a Moments of Truth Club Roster Administrative tasks aren’t sexy, and there really isn’t anything to show for the effort! But these are the invisible jobs that make a Club run smoothly. …
A Success Plan for Life Looking at the calendar on my wall, instead of just seeing the days filled with things to do, if I step back a bit, I see we have already ended our first quarter of the year. Who snapped their fingers & made it so? 39 or 39ish. How many of you can guess what this number means? It is the number of days until CHRISTMAS (depending on when you read this article). Again, someone snapped …
Where do We Go From Here? As District Director, I have a vision: It seems I’m asking myself this question almost every week. The District (as in all of us) finishes one round of activities, only to start another. Let’s consider where we are at this moment. As of July 1, we had 101 active clubs. We now have 108 paid clubs. Yahoo! I have no doubt we will soar even more. This is a year of rebuilding as our …
Sponsoring a New Club What is a Club Sponsor? A club sponsor is assigned to each new club attempting to charter and plays a fundamental role in successfully creating a new Toastmasters club. The Club Extension Committee assigns club sponsors based on inquiries or applications from members progressing towards the Distinguished Toastmaster accreditation. A club sponsor is an experienced Toastmaster with leadership skills, a passion for Toastmasters, and a strong dedication to helping charter a new club. Each new club …
Adding value to your Toastmaster club After thirty months of the global pandemic, businesses, government bodies, and volunteer organizations all realize they must deliver more value to their customers and members than they have been able to recently muster. But can a battered Toastmaster club add value? The best way for a club to approach this situation is to do a thorough review of their current strengths as they complete their annual Club Success Plan. Do a SWOT or SOAR …
Message From D42 District Director We have been blessed with a fabulous summer. A little bit of rain, a little bit of thunder & lightning, a little bit of Toastmasters. District 42 has always had clubs which like to take a respite from their weekly meetings. Other clubs continue without a break. Whichever type your club is, these next few weeks will get all of us back on track to improving our meetings, attracting new members, but not forgetting those …
The Platinum Rule An article on the Platinum Rule caught my attention recently as it relates to how we serve our members. We are accustomed to the traditional Golden Rule where “we treat other people the way we like to be treated.” This article pointed out that such a golden rule may not be the best way. To serve others in a more efficient, effective, and everlasting way is by applying this – “Treat other people how they want to …
What is a Club Mentor? A Club Mentor is an appointed advisor for a newly formed club. Club Mentors have a great effect on the degree to which a new club succeeds. Who can be a Club Mentor? An experienced Toastmaster in good standing who has completed or is close to completing their first pathway and has been a club officer. What is the Time Commitment for Club Mentor? The assignment term is no less than 6 months to a …
For every imagined goal, a Toastmaster role will lead you to success. Follow the three Leadership Keys and step by step attain your goals. See the attached checklist to get started. Ready Resources Set Team Go! Next Step LEADERSHIP KEYS IN DEMAND Corporations, organizations and communities are hungry for leaders that will propel them into the future successfully. Consider this short list of required qualities and imagine what other skills you can develop through Toastmasters. Relate to others Active listening …
DTM Master Mind The DTM Master Mind Project is up and running! We have many District 42 ADs, DDs and hard-working Toastmasters as part of these groups. Obtaining a DTM award is not everyone’s goal, and is not the reason people usually join Toastmasters, but if it is your goal, or if you just like to take advantage of opportunities that come your way, this is a group we hope you will explore. We heard a presentation from the new …
How can I inspire you? Dear District 42 Members How can I inspire you? What do you need to take your Toastmaster membership to the next level? Let’s recap a bit & then look forward. This has been quite the year. We held the first Tall Tales Contest in many years. To say the least, it was fun. Our International Speech Contest winner, Joanne Smith, went to Regional Finals. We had star-studded training, organized by the divisions & the district. …
Beat the Clock Membership Building Drive We always aim to run meetings on time, finish speeches on time and reach membership goals on time. In essence, we always try to “Beat the Clock”, hence the name given to this period’s incentives. It is indeed an excellent motivator for finishing the year on time and with impressive numbers. The incentive requires adding five new, dual, or reinstated members with a join date between May 1 and June 30. Applications and payments must be …
Lessons Learned Leadership Training I know you go to online meetings all the time and it goes like clockwork! Hah! Nothing goes like clockwork! The difference is whether or not that is obvious! On June 15, the part that did not work was pretty obvious, right off the start! Fortunately, or not, that first big presentation was about leadership, and how we all drop the balls at some point; it is a question of picking them up and getting back …
Plan for the Upcoming Year “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” -Alan Lakein Reflecting on that quote, we realize that we always get ahead when we plan early. We will likely achieve our goals when we prepare beforehand. We will probably get further ahead when we get started earlier. Here is what our year will look like: We have another exciting year coming. We are keen to have …
OTY – Recognizing the Best of the Best District 42 is where Distinguished leaders are made and where we recognize the phenomenal leaders who make our district as successful as it is. We celebrated excellence in leadership at the spring conference with DARE awards for Area Directors and with the District of the Year awards for the leaders who contributed most across our district from 2020 to 2021. The Of the Year awards recognize the best of the best and …
You can say YES! We are two short months away from the end of the Toastmaster year for 2021-2022 and it is hard to believe how quickly this year has gone by. I am feeling particularly inspired after our annual conference, and feel energized and ready to support our clubs and leaders to make this year a great success! In addition to celebrating success at our conference, we elected a new District trio and Division Directors who will begin their …
Planting A Toastmasters Garden Dare we breathe & believe spring has finally sprung? My Mom used to say “Never plant the garden until after the long weekend in May.” Planting a garden takes planning, organization, & follow-through. The type of garden you plant (flowers/vegetables/rocks) is key; size is another important component as is location. Then, you need to decide what plants go beside others (potatoes, beans, beets, carrots, etc.) Ensuring sturdy plant growth means you must continually take out the …
SIDE BY SIDE VIEW Is side-by-side view something you use in your Zoom sessions? The view the viewer sees in Zoom is something the viewer can control. You can manage this by using the VIEW icon (upper right corner on my screen) to change from Gallery to Speaker view. The side-by-side view is another option and is very useful when the presenter is using slides. This view allows me to see the slide and the gallery beside it on the …
What does success look like? It’s hard to believe we have only three months left to the Toastmaster year! But what a significant three months ahead of us! We have an exciting annual conference to look forward to – Strike the Right Note, the Power of Pathways – from April 28 to 30. We will have a chance to connect online to see the best speakers in the District enthrall us with their evaluations and International speeches, select and elect …
Strike the Right Note: The Power of Pathways This year’s conference theme is all about striking the right note by using the power of Pathways. Strike the Right Note: Choosing the Right Partner When Bev LeBlanc asked me to chair the D42 virtual conference and told me to choose who I wanted to work with, it was a no-brainer. I immediately contacted Keith Lee to work with me as co-chair. Keith is a past District Director and educator, who works …
Membership Building and Retention We have shared several articles on membership building and retention. We think we can talk more about it. With all the tips that you have seen and read, there is one thing in common. It is the focus on WIIFM – What’s in it for them (or me in the guests’ viewpoint)? Let us take a few of those tips starting with these below: Welcome guests warmly Schedule educational speeches Welcome guests warmly We know we …
Streaming Live to the District YouTube Account For Division Contests Have you ever wondered how to live stream from Zoom to YouTube? Here are the instructions: Print these instructions, have them nearby (i.e. one less screen/tab to have open). Login to the District Zoom Account Join the meeting with the above credentials (you should automatically get Host if not, claim it) Remember the view you are in, is the view that will be live, choose “Speaker View” as soon as …
BENEFITS OF THE AREA DIRECTOR EXPERIENCE Build verbal and non-verbal communications skills. Being able to share information in a clear and efficient way. Learn to keep the lines of communication open with the clubs, either through club visits, Area Council meetings, phone and/or email communications. Area Directors connect with club executives who share all information with club members. Strengthen interpersonal and team-building skills. Ensuring a club remains healthy requires a team effort. Form good relationships with the club executives and …
DCP Go-Getter Award Winners The DCP Go-Getter Award was designed to highlight the importance of Membership growth and retention. Striving to attain the 10 prescribed DCP goals in a Toastmaster year, helps create a dynamic club environment and a quality member experience. Just as members are at the heart of a Club, a quality member experience is at the heart of that Club’s Mission statement. Everyone will want to belong to a club that delivers on that mission of a …
What inspires you? One thing that I love about Toastmasters is that it is so flexible that it meets a wide variety of needs with the same program. I like to think it stretches to meet you where you are. If you need help with your career or need to prepare for an interview, we have the Dynamic Leadership path or table topics. If you are feeling a little isolated or lonely and want to meet some new people, come …
Let’s roar together WOW! Did you see January and February fly by with lightning speed? Where did the time go? Let me give you a brief recap of the past couple of months: 3 Division training sessions with more than 300 officers and members attending At least 12 educational sessions Area & Division Council Meetings Open House Celebrations Planning for Contest Season We have four months left of this Toastmaster year. How are you going to go out—like a lamb …
Building Membership We have been campaigning for the “Talk Up Toastmasters” award recently. It covers the increase in membership during February and March primarily through spreading the word and bringing guests to your club meeting. We already have one club in our district that has gained five members in February – “Igniters Club.” Here are the tips from Igniters Club. We have two more clubs that are getting there, with three new members in February: “Twin Towers Toastmasters Club” and “Calgary Talking …