Toastmasters District 18
Newsletter
April 2025 (Corrected)️ (
| | | We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. | | |
“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle, and a victory.”
–Mahatma Gandhi, globally revered advocate for peace and justice
| | |
|
Message from the Editor:
Your Next Triumph
Beth May
| | | |
Dear Reader,
The quote from Mahatma Gandhi at the top of this newsletter reminds us that every worthwhile accomplishment has stages—a beginning, a struggle, and a victory. Serving as Managing Newsletter Editor for District 18 has followed that same path. There were moments of challenge, but also triumphs—like creating the newsletter archive, and seeing each issue come together with meaningful content.
Now, it’s time for someone new to step into this role and bring their own ideas and energy to the newsletter. If you enjoy storytelling, organization, and connecting with our Toastmasters community, this is a great opportunity to make an impact. While some aspects of the role may feel like a grind at times, I’ll be here to provide guidance and support to help make the transition as smooth as possible. And in the end, you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing your own personal triumph—shaping a publication that informs, inspires, and celebrates our district.
If you’re interested in leading this publication and gaining valuable leadership experience along the way, I’d love to talk with you.
Interested? Reach out to me to learn more: newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org.
| | If you do not see the video thumbnail image immediately above, try adding dd@district18toastmasters.ccsend.com to your Contacts list/Address Book and restarting your email client or View as Webpage | |
Competent Communicator Incentive
As a district-level Incentive, District 18 is bringing back the Competent Communicator manual from the legacy education program! This incentive runs from April 1st to June 30th.
Download a digital version of the manual here.
To receive credit, any speeches given for the Competent Communicator must also be eligible for credit towards a Pathways project, which must be specified in your incentive submission.
How to Participate:
|
-
After completing each speech project required by the Competent Communicator manual, use the Project Completion Record in the back of the manual (pictured on the right) to record:
- The title of the speech and the date you gave it
- The corresponding Pathways project for which you received credit
and have any club officer initial the last column.
-
Once you've finished all ten Competent Communicator speeches, send a picture of the completed Project Completion Record dd@toastmasters-d18.org, along with your employer’s name and contact information.
What You'll Receive:
| |
Complete the Competent Communicator manual following the guidelines above, and you will earn:
-
A "Toastmasters – Where Leaders Are Made" pin
-
A personalized letter from the District Director to your employer highlighting your accomplishment and the communication and leadership the skills you've strengthened.
| | | |
Triumph in April: Speak, Lead, Succeed!
April brings many opportunities for District 18 Toastmasters to experience moments of triumph and embrace this year’s theme: “Speak, Lead, Succeed.”
Whether or not you’ve attended any speech contests this year, you won’t want to miss seeing the best of District 18 compete at our Spring Conference in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic keynote address from the 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking, Ramona J. Smith and see Dr. Tony Allen from Delaware State University accept District 18’s Communication and Leadership Award. In addition to other educational opportunities and the District’s business meeting, you can network with your fellow Toastmasters from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our Conference Committee has gone above and beyond to deliver an outstanding conference at an affordable price. Visit the Spring Conference webpage for more information and the registration link.
At this point in the Toastmasters year, many clubs need new members to reach Distinguished Club status. If your club needs new members, join us for District 18’s Gaining New Club Members online workshop on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 7pm to 8:30 pm EDT. Our featured speaker is DTM Harold Osmundson, Past International Director of Toastmasters (who served during the pandemic) and Past District 6 District Director. No registration is required, just join with this Zoom link: https://bit.ly/TM-Pitch.
Make April your month to triumph through Toastmasters—District 18 is here to help you Speak, Lead, and Succeed!
| |
Six More Triple Crown Awards
The Triple Crown Award is one of the most prestigious educational awards in Toastmasters, presented to members who have achieved three or more educational and leadership awards within a program year (July 1 - June 30).
Please help me congratulate and celebrate the six District 18 members who recently earned the Triple Crown award:
-
Amy Culbertson (MS1, MS2, MS3, MS4, MS5, VC5)
-
David Miles, DTM (DL3, DL4, DL5)
-
Jessica E. Dorsey (TC1, TC2, TC3)
-
Kathy Smart-Preston (DL1, PM3, PM4)
-
Larry Riggs (LD2, LD3, MS5, PI1)
-
Susanna M. Smith (PM1, PM2, PM3, PM4)
| | | |
Interactive Online Workshop: Gaining New Club Members
Gain valuable insights that will help you "convert" prospects to members during this interactive 90-minute workshop, featuring Past International Director and District 6 Director, Harold Osumundson, DTM. (No registration is required.)
| Note: This workshop was first announced in the March newsletter and was subsequently rescheduled from March 27 to April 9. | | | | |
April Showers, Spring Flowers... and Distinguished Clubs!
As I think of April Showers and Spring Flowers, I have the feeling that we have triumphed over the winter months. Will the clubs in District 18 triumph and become Distinguished this year?
We are in the last quarter of the Toastmasters year. Every member can be a leader—not just club officers. Now is the time to use the skills you've gained through Toastmasters to become the effective leader you are meant to be. It’s time to use teamwork to make our Distinguished Club Program (DCP) dreams work. Will your club finish the year as Distinguished? It can—if you step up as a leader! Let your leadership skills shine by helping lead your club to a solid finish before June 30.
We have concluded the “Talk Up Toastmasters” membership drive and the 9 X 9 challenge. I am in the process of determining which clubs have won a free ticket to the Hail and Farewell Buffet Lunch, for the 9 X 9 challenge.
There are only three months left to participate in Steal the Gavel! Just have two members of your club visit another club that currently holds your division's golden gavel and bring it back to your club. Be sure to take lots of pictures so your "steal" can be featured on our district website and social media.
It’s hard to believe we’re entering the final months of the Toastmasters year. Let's make it memorable by finishing strong. Your club can be Distinguished—with your leadership!
| |
|
🌟 New Incentive Announcement! 🌟
I'm excited to announce that I am introducing another district incentive for clubs: any club that qualifies for Presidents Distinguished status by June 1, 2025 will receive:
-
Two free tickets to the Hail and Farewell event
OR
-
A TI Store gift certificate of equivalent value
| | | | |
|
District 18 Spring Conference Countdown:
* 24 Days! *
| | |
KEYNOTE SPEAKER UPDATE
Ramona J. Smith, 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking, certified public speaking coach, and author, will be our keynote speaker.
| | |
Showcase Your Club at the Spring Conference!
Clubs can now sign up to display their banners and contribute to the exciting basket raffle at the District 18 Spring Conference! These traditions are a great way to highlight your club and support the event.
| | | District 18 Business Meeting | | Updates, Elections, and Decisions for the Future of District 18 by John Comberiate, DTM | |
We are approaching the second time in the year that we conduct the highest level of business for our district: the Spring District Council Business Meeting will be held in person during the Spring District Conference on Saturday, April 26th. The conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Downtown Wilmington located at 4724 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware.
During this meeting, we will:
-
Approve the District Alignment for 2025-2026
-
Hear reports from our division directors and district officers
-
Vote on any new business
-
Elect district leaders for the 2025-2026 year.
Reports and the meeting agenda will be posted to the District 18 website at least two weeks before the meeting, on the Spring Business Meeting webpage.
Voting information:
Presidents and Vice Presidents Education of clubs in good standing (i.e., with at least 8 paid members) are eligible to vote during the Business Meeting. If you are eliglbe to vote but cannot attend, you may delegate your vote to another Toastmaster (any paid member of your club) by completing the Proxy Form and emailing it to
Note: A link to a Proxy FAQ was erroneously linked from the March newsletter; that link is for the international-level Annual Business Meeting and is not relevant to the District Council business meeting.
Conference Registration:
You can register for the conference here. Note: if you plan to attend only the Business Meeting and not the rest of the conference, select the "Business Meeting Only" option to receive your free Business Meeting ticket.
| | Attention, GMAIL users: Use View as Web Page at the top to see the rest of this newsletter. | |
Candidate Slate for 2025/2026 District 18 Elections
The District Leadership Committee (DLC) has put forward the following candidates for the 2025-2026 year, per the DLC Committee Report:
-
Catherine Damavandi - District Director
-
Vincent ("Taz") Ellsworth, DTM - Program Quality Director
-
Shea Lynch - Division C Director
-
Dallas Ebanez - Division D Director
-
Jay Radhakrishnan - Division E Director
-
Laura Magoon - Division F Director
-
Dana Thurston - Division G Director
Additional candidates can still run from the floor by submitting their applications to the DLC Chair (dlc@toastmasters-d18.org) by 12 PM on April 12th. Application material can be found on District 18's Candidate Declarations and Nominations webpage.
| | | District 18 Hail and Farewell Announced | | |
Hail and Farewell Buffet Lunch and Awards Presentation
Join us as we give a warm welcome to our new leaders for 2025/2026 and sincerely thank those that are departing from their current leadership roles.
-
When: Saturday, June 21, from 1pm to 4pm
-
Where: Olive Grove Restaurant, 705 N. Hammonds Ferry Rd., Linthicum, MD
-
Tickets:
-
Early Bird: $30 (purchase by May 18)
-
Regular: $35 (purchase by June 1)
- Buffet Lunch Menu:
- Penne Primavera, Chicken Creole, Beef Tips Burgundy
- Mixed Veggies, Salad and Breadsticks
- Assorted Sweets, Soft drinks, coffee
-
Activities include a 50/50 raffle (cash required)
A registration link will be provided on the District 18 website soon. For more information, please contact Club Growth Director Taz Ellsworth, DTM at ellsworth19@comcast.net.
| | | |
Pathways Base Camp Improvements were made in January and February 2025. They are described on Toastmasters International's Pathways Updates and Maintenance Schedule, a webpage that provides information about planned and implemented updates as well as upcoming and past outages. | | |
For this month's Pathways Showcase, we are sharing a tip submitted by District 18 Toastmaster Lauren Hansen. Her tip provides a great reminder that every speech is a chance to grow—and to help others grow too. Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your strategy!
Do you have a Pathways tip to share, or a story about a Pathways experience? Share your perspectives, challenges, and successes with Pathways: email your article (or tip) for consideration to newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org.
| |
|
Level 1 Strategy for When the Ice is Already Broken by Lauren Hansen
If you've already completed a path or two and are starting another one, repeating the Level 1 basics of writing and delivering a speech might seem tiresome and repetitive. There are two things I did while completing Level 1 of my third path that helped me get through it. You may find them helpful:
- First, be creative with your Icebreaker! Tell a story, use props, share something about yourself that even your long-term fellow Toastmasters don't know. Have fun with it!
- Second, instead of thinking that the basics are a waste of time for you, focus on how your speeches can help others in the club. Your Level 1 speeches can show newer Toastmasters how to structure a speech, use vocal variety and gestures, and incorporate feedback from others. Think of Level 1 as a teaching moment for your club.
Next time you're starting a new path, try turning Level 1 into a fun, creative challenge. You might surprise yourself—and your club!
| | | |
No Time? No Problem: Find Success with Just 10 Minutes a Day
We all had big plans when we joined Toastmasters. But life happens. Join us for a free interactive webinar on finding time to achieve your goals.
-
When: Thursday, April 3, 7pm-8 pm ET 🗓️ 🕒
-
Where: Zoom (registration required) 💻
-
Hosts: Terri Abramovitz and Jake Kupiec
In this session you will:
-
Remember Your Why and What: Reflect on the reasons you joined Toastmasters and the goals you aim to achieve.
-
Align with Your Core Values: Identify and connect with your most important values to stay motivated.
-
Optimize Your Mental Energy: Stop wasting brain power on trivial tasks and focus on what truly matters.
-
Break Down Your Goals: Learn to divide your objectives into manageable chunks, regardless of your busy schedule.
-
Take Action: Leave this session with a clear plan and the determination to act on it.
Register here today!
| |
Let's "Toast" these Toastmasters Clubs
The anniversary of a Toastmasters club holds significant importance as a symbol of its journey, growth, and accomplishments over the years. Whether a young club is celebrating its early years or a long-standing club is celebrating decades, its anniversary is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the club's dedication and commitment to communication, leadership, and self-improvement.
Happy Anniversary to the District 18 clubs who chartered in April:
-
57 Years: DESEAA (4/1/1968)
-
55 Years: Noontimers (4/1/1970)
-
21 Years: Advancing (4/21/2004)
-
19 Years: AstraZeneca Toastmasters Delaware (4/11/2006)
-
13 Years: RMF (4/30/2012)
-
10 Years: Polished Professionals Advanced (4/30/2015)
-
05 Years: DelDot (4/1/2020)
-
02 Years: Thermo Fisher Scientific - Frederick (4/3/2023)
-
01 Year: Whitehall Mill (4/1/2024)
Let's join these clubs in acknowledging and celebrating their anniversaries. As they reflect on their progress, honor their founders and past members, and set new goals, we wish them continued success!
| | |
Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET) unless otherwise noted
Additional information may be available on the District 18 Calendar
| | |
Editorial Note: Regretfully, the holiday Eid-al-Fitr, which was celebrated Saturday, March 29 (sunset) - Sunday March 30, was inadvertently omitted from the March newsletter.
April Fools Day: Tuesday, April 1
Pathways Training
Wednesday, April 2, 7pm – 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
No registration required, just join here
Webinar: "No Time? No Problem: Find Success with Just 10 Minutes a Day"
Thursday, April 3, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
Register here
Division G Contests
Saturday, April 5, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Broadneck Library - 1275 Green Holly Dr, Annapolis, MD
Point of Contact: Michele Canopii, mcanopii@gmail.com
Deadline for Division Director Report Submission
Saturday, April 5
Division C Contests
Sunday, April 6, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Russett Community Center, 3500 Russett Common #10, Laurel, MD
Point of Contact: Roxanne Liebermann, rjliebermann@aol.com
Interactive Online Workshop: Gaining New Club Members
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 7pm – 8:30 pm
No registration required; just join here or join the Zoom meeting using Meeting ID 985 217 1478 and Passcode 692083
POC: Catherine Damavnadi, pqd@toastmasters-d18.org (email your questions up until one hour before the event)
Deadline for Group Rate on Hotel Booking for Spring Conference
Wednesday, April 9, 11:59 PM
Book by phone at 302-478-6000 (ask for the Toastmasters International group rate) or book online at https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/toastmastersinternational.
Deadline for Declarations to Run from the Floor for District 18 Officer positions
Saturday, April 12, 12 PM
Access the required forms here
Deadline for District Officer Report Submission
Saturday, April 12
Tax Day:
Tuesday, April 15
Passover: Saturday, April 12 (sunset) - Sunday, April 20
Pathways Training
Wednesday, April 16, 7pm – 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
No registration required, just join here
Good Friday: Friday, April 18
Easter: Sunday, April 20
Deadline to sign up for "Club Banners on Display"
Monday, April 21, 11:59 PM
To include your club's banner in the Club Banners on Display at the Spring Conference, email conference2025banners@toastmasters-d18.org with the subject "Club Banners", and include your club’s name.
Earth Day: Tuesday, April 22
National Arbor Day: Thursday, April 24
District Director "Office Hour"
Thursday, April 24, 8pm – 9pm (virtual/Zoom)
No registration required, just join here (password: District)
Available to all District 18 Toastmasters, on the 4th Thursday of each month; bring your questions, comments, and suggestions
Deadline for Purchasing District 18 Conference Tickets at Regular Price
Thursday, April 24
See more details below, in the Reminders section
District 18 Conference (including Contests and Business Meeting)
Friday, April 25 (6 pm) – Saturday April 26 (6 pm)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Wilmington Delaware
See more details below, in the Reminders section
Deadline for Newsletter Submissions for the April Issue
Saturday, April 26
Email newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org
Early May Look-Ahead:
-
Beat the Clock Membership Building Program begins May 1
-
Pathways Training: Wednesday, May 7, 7 pm – 8 pm, Zoom (no registration required)
-
Club Officer Elections: Clubs should plan to hold club officer elections at their first meeting in May, if possible.
| | This section contains reminders for items published in prior issues of this newsletter and in separate email blasts, with updates as appropriate | |
District 18 Conference - Reminder
Join us for the District 18 Spring Conference and experience what it means to Speak, Lead, Succeed! The conference kicks off on Friday, April 25, at 6pm and wraps up on Saturday, April 26, at 6pm. Saturday-only tickets and two-day tickets are available, but there are a limited number of each, so get yours before they sell out.
Note: This event was first announced in the February newsletter and has since been updated. Find the latest updates here.
Don’t miss out—register in advance to guarantee meals and save a little, too!
-
Regular: $95.00 (April 1–24)
-
Walk-ins: $100.00 (meals not guaranteed)
👉 Register here today!
| | | |
Spring Business Meeting - Reminder
District 18's Spring Business Meeting will be in person this year, during the Spring Conference. Registration is required.
All District 18 Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Education should plan to either attend the business meeting on Saturday, April 26 from 2pm to 4pm, or designate a proxy who can attend and vote on their behalf.
Additional information is provided above (see the article, Updates, Elections, and Decisions for the Future of District 18, above).
| | | |
Toastmasters International Convention - Reminder
| |
Join Toastmasters from around the world at the Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia this August! This annual hybrid event offers valuable training, inspiring keynote speakers, and the World Championship of Public Speaking — all while connecting you with a global community.
-
Learn more and register here.
Volunteers, speakers, and sponsors are still needed for the convention.
| | | |
Pathways Training - Reminder
| |
Pathways is our educational program and the Pathways Base Camp is the online, interactive learning system used to deliver Pathways content. Learn how use it step-by-step by attending one of our live trainings on Zoom!
Sessions are on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7-8 PM. Registration is not required: just click one of the buttons below to join.
|
| | |
District 18 Contest Plan - Reminder | The 2024/2025 contest season is in full swing. Club contests (Evaluation and International Speech) should conclude by January 11th. | |
For more information, see the District 18 Speech Contests web page
(District 18-specific information is in the left column, and a link to the 2024/2025 Rulebook is on the right side)
| | | |
GNAT 70th Anniversary Celebration - Reminder
Mark your calendar now to help Greater Newark Area Toastmasters (GNAT) club celebrate their 70th anniversary on Saturday, June 7th in Newark, Delaware. Check out the exciting details below.
Click on the image below to learn more about the club.
| | | | |
All Officers
-
Ensure your club officer elections are scheduled (ideally, for your first meeting in May). Helpful information is availalbe on TI's webpage: Club Officer Elections.
- Help your Club Leadership Committee (led by your club's immediate past president) identify potential candidates for the election slate
- Conduct executive committee meeting(s) with each officer reporting on accomplishments, challenges, and plans
-
Use the Club Performance Report (enter your club name or number on the left and click Search) to review progress against Club Success Plan goals for the current-year Distinguished Club Program
-
Check the current-month Leader Letter for important deadlines and other valuable information
-
Use other Toastmasters Club Officer Tools as needed
President
- Ensure that the Club Leadership Committee is formed (led by the club's immediate past president) to nominate candidates for club officer elections
- Help your Club Leadership Committee to identify a potential successor for your role
- Preside over executive committee meeting(s)
VP Education (VPE)
- Support division and district contests
- Help your Club Leadership Committee identify a potential successor for your role, in preparation for club elections
- Establish club meeting agendas with role sign-ups
VP Public Relations (VPPR)
- Execute PR strategies with club members to ensure a quorum at your club officer elections
- Help your Club Leadership Committee identify a potential successor for your role, in preparation for club elections
- Publicize your club's and club members' achievements (e.g., on social media and/or in the District 18 Newsletter).
- Include any club member(s) who are competing in the District 18 contests this month
VP Membership (VPM)
- Follow up with members who did not submit their membership renewal dues on time
-
Work with VPPR to develop a PR strategy for the next membership building program: Beat the Clock (May 1 - June 30)
- Help your Club Leadership Committee identify a potential successor for your role, in preparation for club elections
- Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
- Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)
Treasurer
- Process late membership renewal dues submissions as needed
- Help your Club Leadership Committee identify a potential successor for your role, in preparation for club elections
- Track club expenses against club budget
- Process dues submissions from new club members
Secretary
-
Help ensure that club membership records and email distribution lists are accurate based on membership renewals (e.g., if your club uses a FreeToastHost website, move members who did not renew to the Former Members group)
- Help your Club Leadership Committee identify a potential successor for your role, in preparation for club elections
- Document meeting minutes at executive committee meeting(s)
Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA)
- Help your Club Leadership Committee identify a potential successor for your role, in preparation for club elections
- Inventory club equipment and materials; order additional items as needed
- Set up and break down required materials for each club meeting
| | |
We welcome your input and feedback.
Want a topic included? Have a story, photo, or video to share? Let us know!
| | |
Please share the information in this newsletter with your club members.
Not subscribed yet, or want to resubscribe? Click here.
| | Integrity • Respect • Service • Excellence | | | | |
