Lessons and Inspiration from the Toastmasters International Convention 2024

A Journey of Growth Beyond the Rainstorm

When I was down in Philadelphia, it was the first time I travelled that far without my family. It started off with a hard rain storm that delayed the flight by 3 hrs.  I got in at midnight and only got a few hours of sleep, only to wake up and not get to rest for the next week.  It really was a hustle and bustle of training, networking, and workshops.  For most of it, I was able to do everything with the Trio.  Thank you to Debbie and Stacey for making D42 show up as a team in the training, the annual business meeting, and festivities. 

The Power of Inspiration and Connection

What stuck with me was how invigorated I was.  I didn’t have time to think about the rainstorm or the lack of sleep.  The sun was able to shine, and I was able to get my rest on the way back.

What I got was invaluable, and what I want to pass to the rest of D42.  It was inspiring seeing how Toastmasters around the world were taking what they know and growing their districts to larger sizes.

It really put things in perspective that big things are achievable.  It also gave me the excitement and energy to want to meet more people, more clubs, and build new clubs here in D42 because it is possible.

Voices of Wisdom from Fellow Toastmasters

Throughout the workshops and even in casual hallway conversations, I heard words that deeply resonated with me:

• Be brave, Be empowered, Be great, Together.
• Results are not defined by circumstances but by what is possible
• Step up to do the extraordinary.
• Hold accountable to the district and its members.
• Redefine what is possible and deliver the extraordinary.
• Envision the next steps.
• Feel empowered to go in the direction of the mission.
• Alone, we can do so little. Together we can do so much.
• May you advance in the direction of your dreams
• Toastmasters is about collaboration, not completion; we get better and go further together. Past leaders are willing to provide wisdom and guidance.
• The year is a marathon, and we are not alone.
• When we listen to experience, we experience a different future.
• My biggest takeaway was hearing the diverse best practices and knowledge from different cultures, which I am looking forward to incorporating into my district.
• We should all realize that the most important resources for our success were sitting at the tables with us.
• The takeaway is that Toastmasters feels like one family. It brings thousands of people from all over the world speaking one language and one brand. I love the diversity. The parade of flags of different countries shakes me and makes goosebumps and tears in my eyes as we face world issues and challenges. Toastmasters unites us.
• Toastmasters model is working. The safe exercises of practicing leadership works. Even though none of us is paid for our countless hours of dedicated hard work, we love it more than our paid jobs. At the same time, there should be a willingness to change for the better. For instance, Pathways needs reform as it does not appeal to every member.
• If they can do it, we can too.
• For the past week, I have been in a different world, of new friendships, wonderful diversity, where everyone is welcome and a place to learn and grow.
• Friends are the flowers in life’s garden.

Clarifying the Mission and Envisioning the Future

The district mission of “We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence” is a lot clearer now.  We need to front-load the first two months to focus on this mission.  I have met with Brad Korbo and Marcy Field, club extension committee co-chairs, to finish the market analysis and start the process to train our members to do cold calls to reach out for leads.  I have met with Anne James and Jackie Harbidge, club retention committee co-chairs, to get an action plan to get more coaches and also find ways for the coaches to build community to share what works to focus on achieving excellence for our clubs.  I encourage any Toastmaster in this district to reach out to me.

Thanks to last year’s trio, Daisy Wei, Debbie Stearns, and Lynette Zotzman, for leading D42 to distinction.  It shows what is possible, and it shows that from that legacy, we can build on that momentum to get D42 to achieve more.  Our members have this potential.  I am seeing it already when I do the club visits.

The Challenge for Every Member

I challenge each and every one of you to remember the value Toastmasters brings to you.  It could be mentoring others, it can be telling friends and family how Toastmasters has changed your life personally and professionally rapidl.  It could be the confidence you get to go out and make a difference everywhere you go.  Think about how you can use most of your Toastmasters journey – It could be wanting to do more as a district leader to develop your leadership.  It could be working on a really value added and exciting DTM project.  Perhaps it’s a group of people you’ve always gelled with and want to build a new club together.  Perhaps you want to take a club to distinguished status by being a club coach.  Perhaps it’s wanting to become a professional speaker.  The sky’s the limit.  The time is now.

I am so proud to be your CGD and to be part of the growth of D42.  The future is bright.

Stanley Vong
D42 Club Growth Director