District 42 Toastmasters

Monthly Dispatch

November 2024

Welcome to the November Dispatch!

Dear District 42 Members,

As we move into this new month, I’m thrilled to bring you another issue filled with the insights, stories, and achievements that make District 42 such a vibrant Toastmasters community.

With the clocks soon turning back, it’s a perfect reminder that change is all around us, bringing opportunities for growth, new perspectives, and fresh challenges. In this issue, you’ll discover events and resources to help you make the most of this season:

• Our Turning Pages Workshop Series continues, with speakers and authors sharing their knowledge on writing, publishing, and self-promotion. It’s a great chance to fuel your creativity and storytelling skills!
• With November’s Club Open Houses, consider inviting guests to experience Toastmasters and see the benefits of our community firsthand.
• Inspiring articles from our members, filled with practical tips and stories, will guide you on your journey to becoming a more confident communicator and leader.

As the days grow shorter, let's embrace this time of transformation to connect, learn, and celebrate our achievements together. Thank you for being part of District 42, where every new season brings fresh growth and exciting milestones!

With best wishes for a memorable month,



Please send your feedback to Vesna Ivkovic - D42 Dispatch Designer.

Warm regards,

The District 42 Toastmasters Dispatch Team

Upcoming Events

See what's happening in November 2024

DISTRICT DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

REPORTS

A Month of Milestones and New Opportunities Ahead!

Debbie Stearns, DTM

D42 Program Quality Director

What a month it has been! We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Pathways upgrade, bringing enhanced resources to support our members’ learning journeys. To help everyone make the most of these upgrades, the district’s Education Chair has appointed Pathways Ambassadors in each division, who will soon conduct orientation sessions. Let’s aim for 100% of our members actively engaged in Pathways—there’s no better time to dive in!

Club Officer Training (COT) for the November-February round is also around the corner, with sessions starting at the end of November. We will be holding 6-7 sessions, ensuring every officer has the opportunity to attend. To help our facilitators prepare, a “Train the Trainer” session is scheduled for November 2 from 9 am to 12 noon. We strongly encourage each facilitator to join, as there are important updates for this COT round.

Additionally, a reminder that club officers are welcome to attend COT sessions outside our district if needed. If you do, please let me know which district and session date so I can coordinate with that district’s Program Quality Director to ensure you receive credit. Email me at pqd@d42tm.org

We are also still seeking an Online Contest Chair—a vital role without which we won’t be able to offer an online contest. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to me at pqd@d42tm.org

Looking ahead, mark your calendars! Our Spring Conference is set for May 2-3, 2025 in Lethbridge, with registration opening in January. The conference team is working hard to plan an exciting lineup of sessions and events, so stay tuned for more details.

Finally, a quick reminder: the deadline for the Club Fitness Award is October 31. If your club has completed the Club Success Plan, Moments of Truth, and updated the club roster, please let me know ASAP at pqd@d42tm.org to ensure no one misses out on incentives.

Thank you to everyone for your dedication, and let’s make the most of these training and growth opportunities. Here’s to a season of learning, leadership, and connection!

Building Momentum: Our Path to President's Distinguished District Status

Lynnette Zotzman, DTM

Club Growth Director

Progress on Our District Success Plan 

It’s an exciting time for our District as we continue progressing toward President's Distinguished status with a target of 109 clubs! We currently have 101 clubs and 86 are already in good standing following October renewals, and our Area and Division Directors are actively supporting all clubs in reaching their goals. We’re optimistic and encouraged to build momentum. 

Specialty Clubs 

As mentioned in the last Dispatch, members have brought forward several ideas for niche clubs. Congratulations to Toastmasters At Palliser (TAP) which has successfully transitioned to a sustainability club attracting new interest. Some members have shown interest in other specialty club ideas such as Travel & Dining, Paranormal, Health & Safety, and a Book Club. If these sound interesting to you, let us know! 

Club Retention & Extension 

Our Club Retention and Extension Committees are looking for passionate members to serve as sponsors, mentors, and coaches for our clubs. Eight dedicated coaches are currently supporting nine clubs, and we have over 50 clubs eligible for this guidance. Three clubs are nearing launch, and we’re grateful for the mentors and sponsors stepping forward. Joining this team offers a meaningful way to support our District, develop new skills, and earn credit toward your DTM. 

Thank you to all the members and teams who are contributing to our success.  

Let’s continue this fantastic momentum together for a strong and thriving Toastmasters community! 

Youth Leadership Program Is Alive and Well

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

D42 YLP Chair, 2024-2025

I was at the first session of a program Wendy I. a member of Literally Speaking (in E13), is leading. It has several participants from the program I led last year! I felt like I was at a Mary’s fan club meeting! Who knew my program last year had so much impact and was so much fun that they’d want to come to another one?

The Table Topics session was fabulous and I could really see wonderfully complete responses come out of these kids. Such a good feeling to know you really made a difference. The difference in the kids who were previous participants and those that are new to the program was real.

You too can make a difference! Be a Youth Leadership Program facilitator! We are creating a training session for November 16 from 9 am to 11 am (online). Please note, this is after the return to standard time in AB; this is 9-11 am MST, 10-12 am in SK.

I’m getting experienced facilitators to share tips and tricks. We will address both in-person and online programs. We’ll talk about running a program, finding resources, and getting support. It’s all here, be sure to attend!

Currently, I am happy to take names and emails of interested participants, but I have not been able to put together any programs from these contacts. If anyone contacts you, consider that you or your club could run the program! Better yet, maybe this person knows of a venue and has access to potential participants! That sounds like a program ready to run! Attend our training and get support!

Division B, is anyone out there interested in being the YLP contact for SK? There is interest in this program from organizations in SK, and a dedicated TI member in the Division could promote it further. Let me know if you are interested, I would love a Division B helper! Youth and public speaking go together!

DISTRICT EVENTS

Empowering clubs for success!

Michelle Ryerson, DTM

D42 Administration Manager 2024-2025 

I am excited to continue serving as the District's Administration Manager for another year. This role allows me to give back to an organization that fosters leadership and to support our clubs in achieving success.

One of the key initiatives we've introduced is the 30-60-90 day plan. This tool is designed to help clubs stay informed of upcoming deadlines, minimizing surprises. While this plan will be a valuable resource, I also encourage you to regularly check the District Calendar for any updates or changes.

Together, we can make this a successful year for all our clubs!

Your 30-60-90 days Plan snapshot:

November 2024:

• November 02 - D42 Train the Trainer Workshop
• November 03 - Daylight saving time ends
• November 09 - Turning Pages with District 42 - Promoting Your Book - Leena Alex and Dawn Thomas-Cameron
• November 13 - PR Mastermind
• November 16 - YLP Facilitator Training
• November 18 - Division Director Leadership Meeting
• Club Officer mid-year training begins November 1 – COT dates will be posted on the District calendar​
• Division Directors begin plans for Leadership Training events: ​
• November 27 - Leadership Training hosted by Division F
• November 30 - The last date to submit remaining Area Director reports to Toastmasters International

December 2024:

• Division Directors begin plans for Leadership Training events:
• December 04 -  Leadership Training hosted by Division B
• December 16 - All Leader Call (Division & Area Directors) meeting
• Club Officer mid-year training begins November 1 – COT dates will be posted on District Calendar​
• Time to celebrate success​

January 2025:

• Division Directors begin plans for Leadership Training events:
• January 09 - Leadership Training hosted by Division D & E
• January 20 - Division Director Leadership Meeting
• January 25 - Judges Training
• January 31 - DCP Go-Getter Award deadline

The District Calendar is available for you to continue to be updated with District events. If your club is celebrating an upcoming special event (ie: Open house, anniversary) you would like to post on the District Calendar, simply fill out the Submit New Event Form.

October & November - Open House Season

We’re excited to kick off Toastmasters Open House Season this October and November! This is a fantastic opportunity for your club to shine, attract new members, and showcase the benefits of Toastmasters.

Make sure your club makes the most of it! Submit your club’s Open House poster HERE, and be sure to include all the key details: date, time, location, and anything else that will make your event stand out. Let’s make this season one to remember!

You can download the poster template HERE.

District 42 Conference - Theme Unveiled!

Richard Lee-Thai

D42 Conference Chair

The theme for the 2025 Conference in May will be: Creating Connections: A Bridge to the Future!

With Toastmasters just celebrating its 100th anniversary, what will the next 100 years of Toastmasters hold? The Conference envisions an exciting future filled with innovation, striving to provide value to an ever-evolving demographic of members, and empowering people with the tools of masterful communication.

Join us in Lethbridge from Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2025, for a fully in-person experience where you can meet both new and familiar faces, and celebrate the best of what Toastmasters has to offer. Registration will open later this year, along with the specific venue and discounted room rates. 

AROUND THE DISTRICT

From a Speaker to Trainer – Training for Trainers

Margaret Ustupski, DTM

Leadership Training Committee Chair

Are you afraid? Very afraid!! 

Take the fear away by attending the November 2, 2024 Train The Trainer event. This training will provide information to assist you with training adult learners.

Registration is required:  Click HERE to register for the workshop.

The District 42 training team is looking for facilitators and moderators who are willing to help with the second round of training. If you are interested, we strongly encourage you to attend the November 2 training to be prepared for training adults.  We are collecting names of people willing to do presentations on change management, club quality, club excellence and the various club officer roles. If you are interested, please send an email to training@d42tm.org

The next round of Club Officer Training takes place from November to February. Several dates are on the calendar already.

• November 27, 2024 - Register HERE
• December 4, 2024 - Register HERE
• January 9, 2025 - Register HERE
• February 1, 2025 - Register HERE

More dates are coming.

Turning Pages with District 42

A Workshop Series for Aspiring Authors

Vesna Ivkovic

D42 Webmaster/ Dispatch Designer

Dear District 42 Members and Aspiring Authors,

We are excited to invite you to the third workshop in our "Turning Pages with District 42". This session, titled “Promoting Your Book" will focus on strategies to market and promote your book once it’s published effectively.

Date: November 09, 2024

Time: 10:00 am (AB)

Location: Online via Zoom

Workshop Highlights:

Guest Speakers: Leena Alex and Dawn Thomas-Cameron

Leena and Dawn, experienced marketers and successful authors, will share their insights on how to promote your book effectively.

Discover the best practices for planning a book launch, securing book reviews, and using both traditional and digital marketing techniques to boost your book’s success.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your book or looking to enhance your existing promotional efforts, this workshop will provide you with actionable strategies to turn your writing into a successful venture.

Register Today: LINK

Join us for this essential session and learn how to make your book stand out in a crowded market!

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you missed the first two workshops, you can catch up by watching the RECORDING through the links below.

• Irma Goosen - Using Artificial Intelligence AI LINK
• Darlene Dafoe Davies & Kelly Kaur - The traditional creative book-writing process  LINK
• Dan Kostka - Pros & Cons of Traditional and Self-publishing LINK
• Dan Kostka - Interview Session Traditional and Self-publishing LINK

Master Your PR Game: Event Planning 101

Vesna Ivkovic

D42 Webmaster/ Dispatch Designer

Join the PR Mastermind Workshop!

Looking to take your event planning skills to the next level? Don’t miss our PR Mastermind Workshop, led by past PRM Vesna Ivkovic, on Wednesday, November 13!

In this session, Vesna will walk you through everything you need to know to plan and submit a successful event request. Get ready for a hands-on, step-by-step guide on:

• Crafting impactful event ideas
• Navigating the event request submission process
• Best practices to make your event stand out

Date: Wednesday, November 13

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Online

Please register HERE

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to master your PR skills with Vesna’s expertise! See you there!

YLP Facilitator’s Workshop

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

D42 YLP Chair, 2024-2025

If you would like to challenge yourself with a new opportunity at Toastmasters – consider helping young adults improve communication and leadership skills!

This is one of the most rewarding experiences in Toastmasters AND…it fulfills a requirement toward your DTM.

This training is for anyone who would like to know more about becoming a YLP Coordinator. We will share experiences and learn in a fun, fast-paced session that will give you an overview of the program, and resources for success.

Date: November 16, 2024

Event times:  

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Alberta Time)

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Saskatchewan Time)

Registration is required – Click HERE to register

Celebrate Glenmore RSVP Toastmasters' 30th Anniversary!

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of leadership and communication with Glenmore RSVP Toastmasters!

• Date: November 19, 2024
• Time: 7:15 pm

Enjoy inspirational speeches, fun Table Topics, networking, and a slice of anniversary cake!

For more info or to confirm your spot, visit our Website and social media. Let’s toast to 30 years of growth and success!

D42 Christmas Dinner & 100th Year Celebration of Toastmasters International

Honoring the Past; Inspiring the Future

Join us for a festive evening to celebrate Toastmasters International's 100th birthday and kick off the holiday season! Bring your fellow club members, family, friends, and coworkers for an unforgettable evening of great food and fun!

• Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
• Location: Chinese Cultural Centre Cuisine (197 1St SW, Calgary, AB

(Basement of the Chinese Culture Center, Downtown)

Evening Highlights:

• Cuisine: Selection of 8 Chinese dishes and a dessert, plus a bottle of wine per table
• Parking: Free street parking after 6 PM; or park at Impark for a $5.50 flat rate after 6 PM
• Attire: Business Casual for a party
• Cost: $50 per person

Early Bird Deadline: Register by November 15, 2024, for a chance to win a prize!

Final Registration Deadline: November 30, 2024

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with our Toastmasters community!

REGISTER HERE

District 42 Published Authors Wanted!

Vesna Ivkovic

D42 Webmaster/ Dispatch Designer

Join us for the grand finale of the Turning Pages With District 42 workshop series! This special in-person event is set for December 7th at noon (location to be finalized).

If you're a published author or aspiring writer within District 42, this is your opportunity to connect, showcase your work, and share your writing journey with fellow Toastmasters. Let’s celebrate our community of authors and those passionate about the craft of writing! Save the Date!



• December 7, 2024
• 12:00 PM (Noon)
• Location to be finalized

Bring your books, your stories, and your enthusiasm. Let’s wrap up this series with inspiration, networking, and the magic of storytelling!

For more information, please contact Vesna Ivkovic at ivkovic@shaw.ca.

Judges Training: Master the Art of Judging!

SAVE THE DATE

Russ Dantu & Christina Kruis

Are you ready to sharpen your skills for the upcoming in-person contests in 2025? Join us on January 25th for an insightful Judges Training session led by Past District Director, Christina Kruis and this year's Chief Judge, Russ Dantu.

Whether you're a new judge looking to expand your skills or an experienced judge needing a refresher, this training will equip you with everything you need to judge effectively. Learn the ins and outs of judging properly, and discover what it takes to be a great judge. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your judging game!

Save the date, January 25th, 2025 and we'll see you there!

D42 CLUB OFFICER TRAINING

TI CLUB AWARDS & INCENTIVES

Early Birdie Renewal Scurry Winners!

Congratulations to the clubs that went above and beyond by renewing 8+ members a month before the due date (September 1st). These proactive clubs have secured their spots in the Early Birdie Renewal Scurry, with the first three submissions receiving an exclusive Early Birdie Promo Pack. Well done to all for your commitment to timely renewals and Toastmasters excellence!

Successfully Completed Clubs:

• Foothills Toastmasters Club
• Fluor Communicators
• Southern Alberta Mandarin English (SAME) Club
• Connected Communicators Toastmasters Club
• Glenmore RSVP Club
• Calgary Pace Setters Club
• Civil Speakers
• Fifth Avenue Place Toastmasters Club
• FCC Stubble Jumpers Club
• Calgary Talking Toastmasters
• Healthy Living Toastmasters
• To the Point Club
• Literally Speaking

Cheers to these Early Birdie achievers for keeping their clubs thriving and energized!

Smedley Award Report for District 42

Congratulations to the clubs that added 5 new members between August 1 to September 30.

• Mosaic Masters
• Fifth Avenue Place Toastmasters Club
• Spoken Word Toastmasters Club

DID YOU KNOW

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY