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District 42 Toastmasters

Monthly Dispatch

February 2025

Happy February, District 42 Toastmasters! 


As we step into the second month of 2025, we celebrate growth, connection, and fresh opportunities within our Toastmasters community. Whether you're refining your speaking skills, stepping into leadership, or simply looking for inspiration, this month is packed with exciting events to help you level up your journey!

  • Contest Season is Here! – Club contests are underway! Are you ready to challenge yourself, grow, and shine? Whether you're competing or supporting, contest season is an electrifying time in Toastmasters.
  • PR Mastermind Sessions – Join our content creators team as we dive into Canva tools and elevate our design skills for impactful PR. Perfect for VP PRs and anyone interested in club promotion!
  • Pathways Orientation – Monthly Sessions – Need help navigating Pathways? Join our monthly orientation sessions to maximize your learning experience.
  • Toastmasters Tip of the Month: "Every great speaker was once a beginner who dared to start. Keep going, keep learning, and keep speaking!"

Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s make February a month of bold steps and big wins, not a quagmire.

Please look at the D42 Events Calendar for all the details on upcoming sessions and workshops.

Got any news to share? Send your club updates and success stories to us for a chance to be featured in the next Dispatch!


Warm regards,

The District 42 Toastmasters Dispatch Team

Upcoming Events

See what's happening in February 2025

In this issue:


  • District Director's Message
  • Word of the Month
  • Reports
  • District Events
  • Around The District
  • Club Officer Training Dates
  • Did You Know
  • Educational Awards
  • Club Anniversaries
  • Newly Chartered Clubs

DISTRICT DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Reflections On Six Months as District Director

Daisy Wei, DTM

D42 District Director

As I reflect on the past six months serving as District Director for Toastmasters District 42, I'm humbled by the incredible experiences, growth, and lessons I've gained along the way.

Read More

GAME CORNER!

Ellen Lambert

Dispatch Co-Editor


Challenge yourself! How many times is the Word of the Month used throughout the Dispatch? 


The word I chose is a noun: QUAGMIRE

  1. a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot.

"torrential rain turned the building site into a quagmire"


an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation.

"a legal quagmire"


The answer is at the end of the Dispatch.  

REPORTS

Halfway Through the Year: Celebrating Success and Continuing Momentum

Debbie Stearns, DTM

D42 Program Quality Director


We’ve officially crossed the halfway mark of the Toastmasters year and it’s incredible to see the progress we’ve made together. With numerous initiatives underway, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of becoming a Distinguished district. Here are some highlights of our achievements so far:


Go-Getter Award Success:

A huge shoutout to the 24 clubs that have already qualified for the Go-Getter Award by earning 5 or more DCP goals by January 31. Your dedication to excellence is inspiring!


Exemplary Leadership Training:

Two clubs, Green Horizons and BLT Advanced, have achieved a remarkable milestone of having 7 out of 7 club officers trained. This commitment to leadership development sets a strong foundation for success.


Celebrating Our New DTMs:

Please join me in congratulating our newly crowned Distinguished Toastmasters: Irma Goosen, Shelley Hoye, and Vesna Ivkovic. This prestigious accomplishment reflects years of dedication, hard work, and service to the Toastmasters community.


Recognizing Member Growth:

Nine new members have completed their first level within six months of joining! This is a fantastic achievement and speaks to the welcoming, supportive environment our clubs provide for new members.


Judges Training Success:

A heartfelt thank you to our contest team – Russ Dantu, Christina Kruis, Nandini Venkatesan, and Marvin Henry – for organizing a highly effective judges training session. Your efforts are crucial as we prepare for a successful contest season.

 

As we look ahead to the second half of the Toastmasters year, let’s maintain this momentum and continue working together to achieve our goals. Thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and passion for making this year a success.

 

Let’s see what the rest of the year has in store!

Paving the Way to Spring and Success

Lynnette Zotzman, DTM

Club Growth Director

The state of our district is encouraging and continues to improve. Our club base remains at 106, with 92 clubs in good standing and growth of three clubs in good standing since last month!

Read More

Club Officer Training Update: Last Two Opportunities to Attend!

Marg Ustupski, DTM

D42 Leadership Training Committee Chair


Congratulations to the 42% of club officers who have already attended training!

Reminder: Club officers are required to attend training twice a year.

  • Round 1: June – August
  • Round 2: November – February


Do you still need training? There are two more opportunities!

  • Feb 1In-person training in Calgary
  • Feb 8Online via Zoom Events

If you can't attend these sessions, you can contact training @ d42tm.org to find available training dates in other districts.

A Huge Thank You!

Have you considered the time and energy our incredible facilitators, moderators, organizers, and tech teams dedicate to training? These volunteers go above and beyond, investing far more than just the three-hour session.

Thank you to everyone who has taken and provided training! Your commitment strengthens our clubs and District 42.

DISTRICT EVENTS

Updates from the District Administration Team!

Arobo Ako

D42 Administration Team Member 2024-2025 


I am honoured to step into the role of Administration Officer for District 42, supporting Administration Manager Michelle Ryerson. While this responsibility was initially set to begin at the start of the Toastmasters training year, I officially assumed the position in January 2025. With six months ahead, I am committed to ensuring efficient and organized administrative operations for the District.

Attached below is your 30-60-90 Day Snapshot, a key resource designed to keep clubs informed of upcoming deadlines. Please note:

  • Red indicates important deadlines that require your attention.
  • Green marks the start of a program

While this snapshot serves as a helpful guide, I strongly encourage you to check the District Calendar regularly for updates or changes. Staying informed is essential to ensuring smooth operations at the club, area, division, and district levels.


Your 30-60-90-Day Plan Snapshot

February 2025:

  • February 01 - Talk Up Toastmasters Program Begins
  • Leadership Training events:
  • February 01 - Leadership Training hosted by Division C
  • February 08 - Leadership Development & Club officer Training by D42
  • February 12 - PR Mastermind
  • February 13 - Pathways Orientation Session #2
  • February 13 - District Lead Club Officer Training – by District 42
  • February 17 - All Leader Call (Division & Area Directors) meeting
  • February 20 - Club Officer Training – Round 2
  • February 21 - Division/Area Director refresher training
  • February 27 - Core Leadership Team Meeting

 

March 2025:

  • March 06 - Area C17/C21 Table Topics & International Speech Contests
  • March 08 - Division A - Area Table Topics and International Speech Contest
  • March 12 - Area C3/C11 International & Table Topics Contest
  • March 13 - Pathways Orientation Session #3
  • March 13 - Area C17/C21 Online Speech Contest
  • March 17 - Division Directors Leadership Meetings
  • March 18 - Area F29 International Speech & Table Topics Contest
  • March 20 - Division F Circle of Gold
  • March 22 - Club Contest Deadline
  • March 22 - Area B9 & B24 Contests
  • March 29 - Area B4 & B18 Contests
  • March 31 - Talk Up Toastmasters Program Deadline

 

April 2025:

  • April 05 - Area Contest Deadline
  • April 05 - Division A - International Speech & Table Topics Contest
  • April 05 - Division C - International Speech & Table Topics Contest
  • April 12 - Division B - International Speech & Table Topics Contest
  • April 12 - Division D - International Speech & Table Topics Contest
  • April 19 - Division Contest Deadline
  • April 21 - All Leader Call District Leadership Meetings
  • April 24 - Pathways Orientation – For New & Existing Users Pathways Session 4
  • April 24 - Core Leadership Team Meeting
  • April 25 - Circle of Gold
  • April 26 - District Online Contest
  • April 30 - Club Fitness Award Reports Due
  • April 30 - AD Reports Due

District 42 Conference 2025 – Registration Now Open! 

Richard Lee-Thai

D42 Conference Chair

 

We’re excited to announce that registration for the 2025 District 42 Conference is now open! Secure your spot today at https://d42tm.org/d42-conference-2025/.

Where: Lethbridge, AB

When: Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3, 2025

Join us for an unforgettable in-person experience filled with inspiring keynotes, dynamic educational sessions, and incredible networking opportunities.

  • The hotel reservation code is now available on the conference website homepage to help you secure your accommodations at a special rate.
  • Stay tuned for more details, including our keynote speaker and session lineup—coming soon!


Got questions? Reach out to DCconferencechair@d42tm.org.

Don’t wait—register today and be part of the excitement!

BLOG

From Supportive Parent to DTM

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM

D42 Webmaster/Dispatch Designer

When I joined Toastmasters in April 2013, I never thought of earning a DTM-in fact, I didn't even know what that was. I joined to be the moral support for my daughter.

Read More

Secrets to Success

Brian Fegan, DTM

Club Extension Co-Chair

President's Distinguished Clubs Share Their Strategies for Engaging Members and Celebrating Achievements Have you ever wondered if a President Distinguished club does anything different to engage their members to achieve the consistent success that they seem to achieve?

Read More

Green Horizons

Ron MacTavish, DTM

VP Membership

Many Toastmasters clubs continue to face membership challenges in the wake of Covid-19. How should a club respond? Division B's Toastmasters At Palliser Club found themselves at a crossroads. They responded with vision and innovation, "refocusing" their purpose.

Read More

Spicing Up Your Meetings

Twila Tayfel

D42 Dispatch Co-Editor

Ever feel like your Toastmasters meetings are a bit...well, routine? Inject some much-needed spark and pizzazz by introducing themed meetings! A theme provides a unifying thread that can elevate your club's atmosphere and make each gathering memorable.

Read More

It Takes a Village

Shelley Hoye, DTM

District Leadership Committee Member

When I started with Toastmasters, I never envisioned earning not one but two such awards. The first was under the legacy program and now this one is under the Pathways program. No Toastmaster can achieve their DTM alone, as it takes a village to raise a Toastmaster.

Read More

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Get Ready for Contest Season!

Debbie Stearns, DTM

D42 Program Quality Director


Contest season is just around the corner, and it’s time to prepare for one of the most exciting and inspiring parts of the Toastmasters year! Whether you’re a contestant, a role player, or a cheering audience member, here’s everything you need to know about upcoming deadlines and events.

 

Important Contest Dates:

  • Club Contests: Must be completed by March 22
  • Area Contests: Must be completed by April 5
  • Division Contests: Must be completed by April 19
  • District Online Speech Contest: Scheduled for April 26
  • Table Topics and International Speech Contest Finals: Will take place at the District Conference on May 3

 

International Speech Contest Eligibility: To compete in the International Speech Contest, contestants must complete Levels 1 and 2 in any Path of the Pathways program. 

This ensures that participants are well-prepared and have built a strong foundation of communication and leadership skills.

Please note: The legacy program qualifications are no longer eligible other than the DTM designation.

 

Why Participate? Contests are an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself, refine your public speaking abilities, and connect with fellow Toastmasters. Whether you’re competing or supporting, these events showcase the best of Toastmasters’ talent, creativity, and camaraderie.

 

Let’s make this contest season one to remember! Be sure to mark these dates in your calendar, prepare your speeches, and support your clubs, areas, and divisions as we celebrate the power of public speaking.

If you have any questions or are lost in the quagmire of contest rules, don't hesitate to reach out to your Area Director or Division Director. Let’s gear up for an amazing contest season!

So much interest in YLP!

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

Youth Leadership Chair


People have reached out to me about leading, looking for programs, and hosting Youth Leadership Programs. There is a lot of energy for this program!

Some of that energy is from groups that have had the program before. The ECCSEN Career School has held several programs online over the past years. They are considering holding a program this spring in person, perhaps holding two groups with a competition at the end! Fun!


Another member is in the process of developing a program with a colleague. The program would be hybrid as the colleague is working to develop career-related skills with a group of youth in another country! The leader, in D42, and additional helpers, would be attending online, while the students would be on site. The creativity they are demonstrating is mind-blowing for me!


Additionally, another member is considering coordinating his program with a local high school.

I get requests from interested individuals looking for a program regularly. Don’t hesitate.

If you are interested in this program reach out to me. Our youth are an exciting, energizing group to work with. I am happy to point you toward resources to get you started and to connect you to organizations looking to host a program.

New Club Opportunities

Brad Korbo, DTM

Co-Chair District 42 Club Extension Committee


Are you working towards your Distinguished Toastmaster Designation (DTM)?



Did you know that by Sponsoring and Mentoring a new club, you will complete 2 of the 6 requirements for your DTM?

Did you know that District 42 is looking for Sponsors and Mentors for several prospective clubs?

Are you interested in applying to be a club Sponsor or Mentor? Follow this link to the Application form: Mentor/Sponsor Application Form

You will not be on your own. We assign 2 Sponsors and 2 Mentors to each club. We provide training and support for our sponsors and mentors.

Do you have an idea for a new club? If yes, follow this link to complete the New Club Lead Submission or contact me, District 42’s Co-Chair Club Extension Committee Brad Korbo.

Pathways Orientation - For New and Existing Users

Chuck LeBlanc, DTM

District Education Committee Chair


Pathways orientation session dates:

  • February 13, 2025
  • March 13, 2025
  • April 24, 2025
  • May 15, 2025
  • June 12, 2025

Each Pathways orientation session is divided into 2 segments.

Segment Number 1: (5:30-7:00 PM MT)

  • This portion of the training is geared toward the new members not already using Base Camp. It takes the learner through the process of creating and signing up for their first path.

Segment Number 2: (7:00-8:30 PM MT)

  • This portion of the training is for existing users of Base Camp who want to learn how to learn to use the features of the system. Here we will take a more comprehensive look at what Base Camp has to offer.

Registration is required. Register HERE. We look forward to seeing you there!

Protecting Privacy While Celebrating Achievements in Toastmasters

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM

D42 Webmaster/Dispatch Designer


Social media is a powerful tool for sharing club milestones, engaging members, and attracting new guests. However, ensuring that all members feel comfortable with their photos and personal information being shared is essential.

At Toastmasters, we respect the privacy of our members while also promoting the benefits of our club. To maintain this balance, we ask for consent before posting images or videos online. Members can provide their permission through a Media Release Form, which allows Toastmasters clubs, districts, and Toastmasters International to use images for club websites, promotional materials, and official Toastmasters platforms.

By signing this form, members acknowledge that their images may appear in various formats but will only be used for Toastmasters-related purposes. While Toastmasters International takes precautions, it cannot control the quagmire of unauthorized use of images downloaded from the internet.

Best Practices for Clubs:

  • ✅ Always get verbal or written consent before sharing photos.
  • ✅ Be mindful of personal information in captions.
  • ✅ Use group photos when possible to highlight the club experience.
  • ✅ Respect any preferences members have regarding their privacy.

Toastmasters is about creating a supportive learning environment, and that includes being mindful of how we share our members’ experiences. If you have any questions about the media release or want to update your consent, speak to your club’s executive team.

Let’s celebrate our achievements while respecting each other’s privacy! 

Mastering Canva with Geetha Nicodemus, former District 42 PRM!

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM

D42 Webmaster/Dispatch Designer


Join us for the next D42 PR Mastermind, where our facilitator Geetha will guide us through the ins and outs of Canva! Whether you’re a VP PR looking to elevate your club’s branding or simply want to enhance your design skills, this session is for you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create eye-catching visuals, streamline your PR efforts, and boost engagement with Canva!

Join the fun! REGISTER HERE


D42 CLUB OFFICER TRAINING

Click the image below to register for Club Officer Training!

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

EDUCATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to all of our Educational Award recipients! Many awards were submitted for the last month. Click below to see the full list of awards.

EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

CONGRATULATIONS to the following clubs celebrating an anniversary this month!

Foothills Toastmasters Club | February 1, 1960

Division F, Area 14

Meets Thursdays 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

 

Big Country Toastmasters | February 1, 1962

Division B, Area 18

Meets Wednesdays at 7:00 pm

 

Circle T Club| February 1, 1962

Division D, Area 2

Meets Tuesdays at 6:30 pm

 

Treasure Chest Club | February 1, 1983

Division B, Area 4

Meets Wednesdays 7:00 pm & Mondays 12:00 pm

 

Speakers Corner Toastmasters Club | February 1, 1983

Division B, Area 24

Meets Mondays at 12:00 pm

 

WestEnders | February 1, 1984

Division F, Area 29

Meets Wednesdays at 12:00 pm

 

Dynamically Speaking | February 1, 1998

Division D, Area 12

Meets Thursdays 6:58 am-8:00 am

 

Tireless Talkers Toastmasters | February 1, 1998

Division F, Area 29

Meets Tuesdays at 12:05 pm

 

Verve Toastmasters Club | February 16, 2006

Division A, Area 1

Meets Wednesdays 7:30 am-8:30 am

 

Literally Speaking | February 6, 2006

Division E, Area 13

Meets Tuesdays 12:00 pm-1:00 pm

 

Sait Sayers Sayers | February 8, 2012

Division E, Area 28

Meets Wednesdays 6:30 pm-8:00 pm

 

Civil Speakers | February 24, 2014

Division B, Area 4

Meets Thursdays at 12:00 pm (noon)

NEWLY CHARTERED CLUBS

CONGRATULATIONS to the newly chartered club!


UCalgary Toastmasters | December 16, 2024

Division E, Area 06

Meets every second Friday at 4:00 pm

 

Answer to Word of the Month: 5

District 42 Toastmasters | www.d42tm.org
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