You Did It. We See It. There is something special about going above and beyond.Not because someone asked you to. Not because it was required. But because you chose to — to help, to lead, to make a difference. And I want you to know this: We see it. In District 42, one of the most meaningful ways we recognize that spirit is through the District Citation Award, one of the highest honours in our District. This award celebrates members …
A Conference to Remember District 42 Stepped Into Forever There are rooms you enter without knowing that you are experiencing them for the last time. That was the recently concluded D42 Conference. There was a weight in the air that words alone struggled to carry. There was excitement and celebration, but there was also something more layered and human. It was the quiet awareness that this was our last conference as District 42. The subtle, almost unspoken realization that some …
More Than a Destination A Toastmasters journey of service, learning, leadership, and lifelong connections Where the Journey Began A trip is not about a destination but about the journey. I began my journey in my childhood home. My mother and father gave a helping hand to others and volunteered in several organizations. This was the first stop along the way. The First Toastmasters Stop Cathy Morrell invited me to my first Toastmasters meeting. Cathy and I became charter members for …
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, …
District 42 Citation Award A Grateful Heart and a Very Surprising Moment I am still feeling honoured, grateful, and a little shocked after receiving the District 42 Citation Award at the District 42 Toastmasters Conference. The District Citation Award recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions that further the Toastmasters spirit and ideals. Recipients are selected through a nomination process by the Past District Directors Committee and have their name placed on the District Citation Banner. This award humbles me …
Celebrating 72 Years of District 42 From Vision to Legacy Next year, District 42 proudly celebrates 72 incredible years of leadership, learning, and legacy! Our annual conference theme, “Celebrating 72 Years of D42 – From Vision to Legacy,” honors the remarkable journey that began with a bold, single vision and has evolved into a thriving legacy of excellence and a community of communicators and leaders. Our 2026 District Conference will celebrate the visionaries who built the foundation of District 42 …
Attending our Conference By investing in yourself and attending our District 42 Toastmasters Conference, you embark on a commendable journey. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about opening yourself up to unexpected discoveries and opportunities. Throughout my experiences attending numerous conferences, I’ve consistently found valuable insights and practical takeaways that have enriched my personal and professional life. Educational sessions and keynote speakers Step into the captivating realm of our educational sessions, where insightful speakers will take you on a …
And The Winner Is?? It’s contest time! This is part of the Toastmasters year where we challenge ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone and do something we’re not used to doing. Whether we act as a contestant or help out as a judge or contest officials, we can learn and grow in ways we don’t expect. By the time you read this, club and area contests will be completed, and our focus now becomes Division and then District …
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 …
District 42 Conference In Regina May 3-5, 2024 Dig out your party hats and dancing shoes as we prepare to celebrate Toastmasters’ 100th anniversary at the District 42 conference in Regina on May 3-5, 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned Toastmaster or just starting on your journey, this conference promises to be an exciting celebration of achievements, learning and camaraderie. Theme “As we are talking about what we want to achieve with the conference, three overall themes kept coming up. We …
D42 at the Toastmasters International Convention Nassau, Bahamas | August 16-19, 2023 From August 16 to 19, 2023, our district’s leaders and members have gathered in the beautiful Nassau, Bahamas, as well as online to participate in the Toastmasters International Convention. This event stands as a beacon of communication excellence, bringing together speakers from across the globe for 11 captivating speaking sessions. Esteemed presenters delivered both educational and entertaining speeches, captivating an audience of nearly a thousand attendees. The annual …
Reflecting On The Conference Our conference this past weekend was a success. All the attendees had fun and learned a lot. Starting with our keynote speaker on Friday night – Past International Director (PID) Sharon Hill, on her “Just Say Yes.” It was fascinating, entertaining, and very familiar. I can relate to her journey, especially how I always welcome the challenge of moving forward. It reminds me of the quote from Mark Twain that I always apply, “The secret of getting …
Maximize Your Potential Takes Planning Today, we have savings, fitness, dental, retirement, and vacation plans – in fact, plans for almost everything we do. So what are you doing about your leadership development plan? Why not join us April 28 – 30, 2023 at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre for the District 42 Maximize Your Potential 2023 Hybrid Convention? Learn from leaders in our community, observe communication at its best, and indulge in the camaraderie …
D42 Hybrid Conference, April 28-30, 2023, Calgary AB The District 42 Hybrid Conference team is busy behind the scenes exploring ways to Unlock their Potential and planning our first hybrid event where we connect and celebrate Toastmasters and non-Toastmasters alike who have Maximized their Potential. The Conference team is committed to creating a memorable weekend for all attendees. The Venues: The Conference location: Many of the D42 Conference scheduled events will be held in person. Best Western Premier Calgary Hotel …
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 …
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 …
Alas, it is still a while before we are all vaccinated and establish herd immunity. But those who continue with life, rather than collapsing under its weight, will stand out from the herd and be better prepared for the post-pandemic revival. Perhaps the biggest lesson from 2020 is the value of human connection. No, we cannot visit yet. But we can still connect via technology – Zoom, a phone call, even a hand-written letter (a lost art which stands to …