The state of our district is encouraging and continues to improve. Our club base remains at 106, with 94 clubs in good standing—a growth of two clubs in good standing since last month! Of the 10 clubs not currently in good standing, three need just one additional member, four requires two more members, and three require three or more members. This  still marks an improvement from last month.

We are working closely with all clubs to help them grow. If you know of clubs in your area that could use some support, feel free to contact them and pay a visit. It is always fun to have Toastmasters visitors, but for clubs with low membership, it sure takes pressure off filling roles when we have extra people in a meeting.  

Medicine Hat – a Thriving City for a Toastmasters Club

Medicine Hat, AB is a bustling city of about 63,000 people (Statistics Canada). I was there a few years back when their Toastmasters Club hosted the District Conference and I met some incredible friends who I’m still close with today.

Circle T Toastmasters in Medicine Hat has been around since 1962 and is facing a huge membership challenge right now and is in danger of suspension. Because of their location, it is a challenge for District leaders to be in person to support their growth. As such, I am putting out a call for assistance. Are there any Toastmasters who live in or around Medicine Hat that can help us rebuild this club? If so, please reach out to Division D Director, Bobby Bai (divd@d42tm.org) or me (cgd@d42tm.org).

Thank you to everyone for any help and support with this club.

Share “The Secret”

Together we can all help Toastmasters and District 42 thrive. We’ve seen the incredible transformations that a Toastmasters experience brings, often just by looking in the proverbial mirror at our own development. I heard a former district leader refer to Toastmasters as the best-kept secret that can help so many. Let’s not keep it a secret.

 Share Toastmasters with those around you. We all know to invite them to your club as a guest, but there is more you can do. Like and share District 42, Toastmasters International, and your own club’s social media posts. Pin a poster in your office building where possible. You may choose to frame or pin your certificates of completion in your workspace, an “Ask Me About Toastmasters” pin on a purse, bag or jacket is a strong conversation starter. These are only a few of the many ideas to spread the word.

 Most importantly, practice what you have learned in Toastmasters and people will notice. Present yourself confidently, lead a special project at work, and speak clearly and articulately, and people will soon ask, “What’s the secret? I want in!”

Spring Renewals

It’s that time again! Springtime brings slushy roads, muddy boots, beautiful flowers and Toastmasters spring renewals. Please submit your membership to your club before March 31!  

Annual Memberships

Many clubs are transitioning from semi-annual to annual memberships, offering considerable benefits. Some clubs provide incentives for members who choose annual memberships, while others have made it the primary option. This is certainly something clubs may want consider and plan for fall renewals, as that’s an ideal time to start. Annual memberships simplify processes for clubs and members while ensuring a richer Toastmasters experience. For corporate clubs, annual memberships streamline payment processes. With just one payment instead of two, corporate finance departments will appreciate the simplicity.

Charter Quest Challenge

Do you have a lead for a new club? Is there an organization in your community that could use Toastmasters to complement their training and development programs? Submit a lead to the Club Extension Committee and you will be rewarded at two key milestones: first, when the club holds a demo meeting, and again when the club charters. When the club holds a demo meeting or subsequently charters, you will be rewarded with Toastmasters swag from the catalogue. Additional rewards are available if you choose to sponsor or mentor the new club. A quality lead ideally includes the name of the organization and a contact name and information.

Lynnette Zotzman, DTM
Club Growth Director, District 42, Region 3
Immediate Past Division B Director, District 42