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”
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 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. And 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!”
Winter Open House Season
The Winter Open House Season is well on its way and continues to the end of February! If your club is hosting an Open House, notify the district who will help promote your event on social media and provide promotional materials to support your success. Details can be found HERE.
The Toastmasters page has valuable information on how to have a successful Open House. I appreciate the information provided in an article from the March 2023 magazine. Ideally, prepare for an exceptional meeting with all roles filled ahead of time, and offer the three staples of a meeting: Table Topics, a prepared Pathways project, and Evaluations. And finally, what most consider the most valuable step: follow up with the guests after the meeting and invite them back.
If you require support for hosting a quality Open House, please reach out to your Area Director for help on your path to success.
Spring Renewals
Spring renewals are a key focus now and the Early Birdie Renewal Scurry is on again!! If your club can reach your required number of members for distinguished status by February 28, you will receive a promotion package for your club. The required number is either your base membership number as of July 1 plus three more members, or 20 members.
For all clubs, the deadline for renewals is March 31 at midnight, not April 1. April 1 submissions are considered “late” and may result in some clubs being suspended. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about this.
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 to 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.
District 42 welcomes UCalgary Toastmasters
Congratulations to District 42’s newest chartered club, UCalgary Toastmasters in Area E6. The following people led the charge with great determination and a vision for the University of Calgary to have a Toastmasters Club. Thanks to everyone involved, including:
- Club Extension committee members: Brad, Verge, and Brian
- Club sponsors and mentors: Ksenija, Lina, and Trevor
- The Inaugural Club Executive: President Tulsi, VP Education Ciana, VP Membership Dhruvil, VP Public Relations Muhamad, Treasurer Shahryar, Secretary Armaan, and all 22 charter members
Here’s to many members of UCalgary Toastmasters becoming empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Lynnette Zotzman, DTM
Club Growth Director, District 42, Region 3
Immediate Past Division B Director, District 42
President, B.L.T. Advanced Toastmasters Club
Toastmasters International