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 school in the Northwest Territories. I was invited to join a group of teachers who had booked a charter that would fly into several Arctic communities during the Easter break. A chance of a lifetime! I said no and lived to regret it as the opportunity didn’t come up again before I moved south. Has something similar happened to you?

In the 2022/23 Toastmasters year several opportunities came up for me. It became a year of saying yes! I sponsored two clubs, mentored a third and was a successful coach for a fourth club. As a result of saying yes, I was able to meet the requirements for my first DTM and do a lot of the groundwork for my second DTM. You might wonder if this was the only reason I said yes! You would be wrong if this is what you thought! I gained so much from doing this volunteer work.

In performing the roles of Club Sponsor, Club Mentor and Club Coach I became a better Toastmaster!

Here are some of the things that happened:

1. My leadership skills were enhanced!
2. My knowledge of the Pathways program and all of the projects has grown immensely!
3. I met some wonderful people and became a more effective team member!
4. My facilitation skills were enhanced!
5. I learned some different approaches to marketing and club building through fresh perspectives that were shared by others!
6. I became a better listener! (My wife liked this one!)
7. I was able to help many new Toastmasters start their journey in Toastmasters!

What advice can I give to others as a result of these experiences:

1. Keep your eyes wide open for opportunities!
2. Say yes more often, even when you think that the timing might be a little off!
3. Become a Pathways project expert and then share that knowledge!
4. Develop your plan so that you can be ready when the opportunities in life come your way!     

I’m so glad that I said yes! I hope that you will consider saying yes as well whether it is to become a club sponsor, club mentor, club coach or District leader. I don’t believe you will regret it!

The Right Time is Now!

Sincerely

Brian Fegan, DTM
Club Extension Co-Chair