Toastmasters District 18
Newsletter
August 2024️
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We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. | |
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." — John Quincy Adams, Sixth President of the United States | |
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Dear Reader,
Do you consider yourself a leader? Even if you do not hold a formal leadership position at work or in Toastmasters, I believe you are probably a leader. After all, you're a Toastmaster and Toastmasters is "Where Leaders Are Made"! More importantly, as a Toastmaster, you believe in the power of words to "inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more" and you use that power by giving speeches. That is John Quincy Adams' definition of a leader, according to his quote above.
Leadership opportunities abound in Toastmasters, and they span the spectrum from giving a speech or serving in a club meeting role to serving in a formal leadership position for a whole year or more. The more you avail yourself of these opportunities, the more you will experience personal and professional growth.
As you may have guessed, leadership is the theme of this month's newsletter. In his video message this month, our District Director shares his perspective on what makes a great leader, and our Program Quality Director and Club Growth Director both discuss practical applications of leadership within our district. In addition, we celebrate last year's leaders as we reveal the final results of District 18's 2023-2024 performance, and we look at how elections work at the international level.
I hope you find this edition inspiring and insightful. Embrace the leadership journey, and remember, every step you take within Toastmasters brings you closer to becoming the leader you aspire to be.
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Please watch this month's video message from our District Director. (An audio transcript follows beneath the video.)
If you do not see the video thumbnail image immediately below, you should still be able to play the video by clicking below; however, if you want to see the thumbnail image, adding dd@district18toastmasters.ccsend.com to your Contacts list/Address Book and restarting your email client may help. Alternatively, use the "View as Web Page" link at the top of this newsletter.
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Transcript
August is an important month in the Toastmasters year. At the International Convention in a few short weeks, we will elect new international leaders.
What makes for a great leader?
There are many qualities that all great leaders hold in common, but these are often considered the most important:
First, the Ability to Inspire Others. A leader must have a clear vision and paint that picture in a way that motivates and galvanizes others to band together in making that vision become a reality.
Second, a leader must demonstrate Persistence and Determination. Any big objective will likely meet resistance. A great leader must be able to persevere through that resistance and come up with creative solutions to move past obstacles. Keeping focus and continuing to move forward when everything seems to be against you can be a characteristic that separates a good leader from a great one.
Third, at their core, a great leader must be motivated by, and take action from, a place of Integrity and Moral Values. Time and time again throughout history, leaders who have taken the shortcut or sacrificed their morals due to the lures of perception of success have later been exposed for the negative impact of their short-term thinking. Time is the true test of success: a leader’s legacy reveals their true impact.
I’ve been a Toastmaster long enough to know that the end result isn’t what matters. It’s the relationships formed, and the lessons learned from working towards a worthy goal. If you’re already part of a team or leading a team, take some extra time this month to go deeper with the people you are working with and get to know them in a meaningful way. If you’re not part of a team, seek out an organization with a mission that connects with you and join in or start one of your own, inside of Toastmasters or out in the world at large.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Editor's Note: This is a paraphrasing of the actual (much longer) quote by Mahatma Gandhi.
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Club Presidents and Secretaries: Make Your Votes Count!
Club Presidents and Secretaries are eligible to vote in the elections for international officers during the Annual Business Meeting this month. Voting can be done in-person (at the International Convention in Anaheim) or virtually (online). If you are a Club President or Secretary and do not plan to vote, please make sure that you follow the proxy process to allocate your vote to me (dd@toastmasters-d18.org), or someone else who can vote on your behalf. The deadline for submitting proxy requests is August 9.
Additional information about the elections is provided below, under "Did You Know?", and details about the proxy assignment process can be found in Toastmasters International's Proxy Assignment FAQ.
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Leadership Isn't Just A Tagline
The tagline for Toastmasters International is “Where Leaders Are Made”. Here at District 18, our focus this year is “Speak, Lead, Succeed."
“Where Leaders Are Made” and “Speak, Lead, Succeed” aren’t just memorable phrases. They’re part of the leadership culture that Toastmasters International aims to develop in all members.
August is the final month for Toastmasters summer club officer training. This leadership training emphasizes the skills necessary to maintain a club environment where members consistently deliver prepared speeches and complete levels in Pathways, and guests want to join because the club atmosphere is positive and welcoming.
In the summer, your club officers meet to discuss what goals can be achieved during the year. Who are the four members who can complete a Level 1 by June 30? Are there at least two members who can compete a Level 2? Which club member can complete a Level 3 in Pathways? As with any leadership-driven organization, goal-setting is an important skill to develop and use in Toastmasters. Completing levels in Pathways shows that club members are leadership-driven and have “learned by doing”.
If your club’s Vice President Education hasn’t reached out to you yet about your goals for the year, take the lead and decide what Pathways level you’ll complete this year. If you complete three levels during the Toastmasters year (July 1 to June 30), you’ll be awarded a Triple Crown Pin and recognition from District 18.
Your Toastmasters membership gives you the opportunity to continually improve your leadership and communication skills. As your Program Quality Director, I encourage you to set personal goals for this Toastmasters year. I look forward to seeing you Speak, Lead and Succeed, and to celebrating your successes over the next eleven months.
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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 five recipients of the first Triple Crowns of 2024/2025:
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Chris Bishop, DTM (DL1,DL2,DL3,DL4,DL5,EH1,EH2,EH3,EH4,EH5,PWMENTORPGM)
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Dennis G. Lawson, PM3 (LD3,PM2,PM3)
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Frank Armstead, IP3 (IP1,IP2,IP3)
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Karen K. Storey, DTM (PI1,PI2,PI3,PI4,PI5)
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Thomas Snyder, VC3 (VC1,VC2,VC3)
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I Don't Need Training, by Craig Delfosse, DTM
That’s right, I don’t NEED training. After all, I have been a Toastmaster for five years, and I have attended at least two trainings per year. Maybe you have more Toastmasters experience and you’ve attended even more trainings in your Toastmasters career. So you may not NEED training either.
But I WANT training. I WANT to learn from skilled Toastmasters who are dedicating their time and energy to give ME their knowledge. Do I know most of it? Probably. I also know that they will give it their best effort to show me something new. And I know that other participants will be sharing their best practices. Do you WANT to learn some new tidbit? I hope you do, because as Toastmasters we should always cultivate a healthy curiosity and desire to learn. That is essential for achieving excellence, which is one of our Toastmasters core values.
BUT WAIT, there is more. I don’t just want to attend training, I DESIRE to participate in training. Desire? Yes, desire. I DESIRE to participate because I know I can help our newer officers learn from MY experience. I would bet they can learn from yours as well!
So, whether you are a brand new officer, or an extremely experienced officer, find your reason to attend one of the amazing August sessions. Find session details in the “Coming Up…” and “Reminders” sections below, on the District 18 Calendar, and on the District 18 Training web page).
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Whether you NEED, WANT, or DESIRE to be at training, I would love to get an email from you telling me your BEST reason for attending training this summer. Contact me at tlidean@toastmasters-d18.org and I will post your stories here next month!
If you are one of the ~200 District 18 club officers who have already been trained, kudos to you for leading by example and setting up your club and our district to succeed! I welcome your stories as well: email me and tell me why you attended training.
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August 1 marks the beginning of the first membership building program of the year: the Smedley Award program, which runs through September 30. If your club adds five new, dual, or reinstated members during this period, it will qualify to receive a Smedley Award ribbon and a special discount code for the Toastmasters International online store. (Additional details are here.)
As your club pushes to build membership strength, please remember that nobody has to do this alone. We are all in this together, as reflected by the district mission: “We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence”. District leaders are here to help you, and we can all contribute by making sure that we "speak, lead, and succeed."
One way you can lead and help others to succeed is to take on the role of Club Coach, Club Sponsor, or Club Mentor. If you are pursuing a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, taking one of these roles can also contribute to your own success. For more information, and to sign up for one of these roles, please contact the appropriate chair:
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For Club Coach information: complete the Club Coach Training Module (accessible from Pathways Base Camp) and email our Club Retention Chair, Terri Abramovitz, at terri.toastmasters@gmail.com.
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For New Club Sponsor or New Club Mentor information, email our Club Extension Chair, Diane Tichnell, at hilltop4you@gmail.com.
As time moves on, so must we. Change is our road to growth. There will be changes coming soon to some of District 18's Club Growth programs. Stay tuned for more information on the additional opportunities these programs will provide to help District 18 Toastmasters speak, lead, and succeed.
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Leadership for Toastmasters International is provided by a Board of Directors that includes 19 elected officers and directors, each of whom serves as a volunteer and started out just like you: as a Toastmasters club member. Each year, at the Annual Business Meeting (conducted during the International Convention), elections are held for the International President-Elect, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and seven of the 14 International Directors.
International Directors serve two-year terms which are offset: International Directors for even-numbered regions will be elected this year, and those who support odd-numbered regions will be elected next year. The other elected positions have one-year terms. You can find information about all the current candidates for this year's elections here.
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2023/2024 District Recognition Program Results | |
District 18 Achieves Select Distinguished!
Congratulations to the 50 clubs in our district who achieved distinction in the Distinguished Club Program for 2023/2024. Your hard work and leadership, along with the hard work of our Immediate Past District Director, AnnMarie Givans, DTM, and all of the leaders on her team, helped District 18 achieve Select Distinguished. This is the first time in nine years that District 18 has achieved distinction!
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Volunteer at Queen Anne's County Fair to Support Fundraiser
District 18 has again signed up as a full-time volunteer organization for the Queen Anne's County (QAC) Fair. By volunteering, our district will receive a donation to be used for Spring Conference costs. According to past District 18 volunteers, this can be fun and rewarding.
We need volunteers at every gate for 3-hour shifts between 9am and 9pm (9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm, 3pm-6pm, 6pm-9pm), starting on the second day of the fair, Sunday August 13, through Saturday, August 17. Can you help with a shift or two?
Find out more and sign up to volunteer by emailing terri.toastmasters@gmail.com.
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District 18 Toastmasters Subject to Phishing Scam
Someone pretending to be our District Director, John Comberiate, has sent phishing emails to District 18 Leaders and possibly other District 18 members. It is possible that the scammer "scraped" our web pages that include email addresses, and we are considering ways to avoid this in the future. However, someone already has those email addresses, so please take precautions...
Don't become a phishing victim! Please scrutinize the sender's email address and other details in each email you receive - especially any email that appears to be from John Comberiate - to be sure that it is legitimate. (Note: at least one of the recent phishing emails was sent from boardspace8@gmail.com, which belongs to either the scammer or someone "spoofed" by the scammer.) If you have any doubt, just reach out to the supposed sender with a new/separate email to their legitimate email address (i.e., do not reply to the original email). For example, if the email looks like it's supposed to be from John Comberiate, confirm with him by sending a separate email to dd@toastmasters-d18.org, before taking any action requested in the email.
Report all phishing emails that you receive! Don't delete the phishing email until you report it. Reporting these emails will help authorities identify and prosecute the scammers. Find more information about recognizing and reporting phishing emails from the Anti-Phishing Working Group (this group includes Internet Service Providers, security vendors, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies) and from the Federal Trade Commission.
Spread awareness. Notify our Public Relations Manager, Mitchell Garber, at prm@toastmasters-d18.org if you receive a phishing email from someone pretending to be John Comberiate or any other member of District 18.
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In this month's Pathways Showcase, District 18 Toastmaster Sue Wilson explains why the Engaging Humor path was outside of her comfort zone, and how stepping out of her comfort zone has helped her grow.
You too can share your perspectives, challenges, and successes with Pathways: email your article for consideration to newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org.
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Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone by Sue Wilson | |
“If you’re not getting outside of your comfort zone, then you’re not growing. Life begins outside of our comfort zone.” These are the words of Chad Foster, who wrote the book Blind Ambition, and these are also the words that encouraged me to pursue the Engaging Humor Path.
Over the years, I have had many opportunities to speak before groups of all sizes. I have spoken at conferences and taught college classes, but generally I discussed technical topics, mostly tax related. There is not much humor in taxes. So, when I was selecting my second path, the first one I crossed off the list was the Engaging Humor path. However, I then realized that if I wanted to grow as a speaker, I needed to take on a challenge and do something I have not done before. Therefore, I left my comfort zone and selected the Engaging Humor path.
This path turned out to be much more fun than I anticipated. I took real-life humorous experiences and turned them into speeches. I actually found myself observing more humor in day-to-day activities and those experiences generated more speech content. As I finished the path, I realized I truly had developed new skills.
For many of us, just joining Toastmasters was a step outside of a comfort zone. To continue growing, we need to continue pushing those limits, both inside and outside of Toastmasters. It is easy to keep doing what you know best, but there is so much more to life you can experience by taking a small – or maybe even large – step outside of your comfort zone.
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Plan Now to Attend Judges Training
Serving as a judge for a speech contest is a great way to grow as a leader. It can also make you a better speaker. Plan to attend one online Judges Training session so that you can volunteer to be a judge at a club, area, division, or district contest. Then practice judging at a Mock Contest. Don't miss this opportunity!
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Judges Training Session #1: Tuesday, September 24, 7pm - 9pm (Zoom)
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Judges Training Session #2: Sunday, October 13, 2pm - 4pm (Zoom)
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Mock Contest (Judges Practice): Saturday, November 9, 2pm - 5pm (Zoom)
Note: no registration is required for these sessions. For additional information, please contact District 18 Chief Judge, Sue Wilson at ChiefJudge@toastmasters-d18.org.
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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 it's a young club celebrating its first years or a long-standing club 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 following clubs:
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33 Years: Gore-Talks (08/01/1991)
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33 Years: Baltimore VA Toastmasters #8369 (08/01/1991)
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12 Years: Lift Your Voice to the Stars (08/13/2012)
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9 Years: JPMC Wilmington (08/27/2015)
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6 Years: Something New Toastmasters (08/16/2018)
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!
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Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET) unless otherwise noted
Additional information may be available on the District 18 Calendar
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Smedley Award membership building program
(Aug 1 – Sept 30)
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Club Officer Training
Thursday, August 1, 7pm - 9pm (virtual/Zoom)
Registration required
See more information below, in the Reminders section
Toastmasters Leadership Institute/Club Officer Training
Thursday, August 3, 11am - 3pm (in-person)
Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3003 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE
Registration required
See more information below, in the Reminders section
Deadline for Assigning Club Voting Proxies
Friday, August 9
See the Proxy Assignment FAQ for more information
Last Day of the 2024 Summer Olympics: Sunday, August 11
Toastmasters International Convention: Advanced Registration Deadline
Sunday, August 11
Note: Onsite registration during the convention will cost an additional $50.
District 18 Toastmasters Volunteering at Queen Anne's County Fair
Tuesday, August 13 - Saturday, August 17, 9am - 9pm (3-hour shifts)
Queen Anne's County 4-H Park, 100 Dulin Clark Rd., Centreville, MD
Find out more and volunteer in advance by emailing terri.toastmasters@gmail.com
See more information under "Call to Action", above
Club Officer Training
Wednesday, August 14, 7pm - 9pm (virtual/Zoom)
Registration required
See more information below, in the Reminders section
Toastmasters International Convention
Wednesday, August 14 - Saturday, August 17 (hybrid)
Registration required
See more information below, in the Reminders section
Toastmasters International Annual Business Meeting
Friday, August 16, 7am PDT (hybrid)
Find more information on the Annual Business Meeting web page
Senior Citizens Day: Wednesday, August 21
District Director "Office Hour"
Thursday, August 22, 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
Club Officer Training
Saturday, August 24, 7pm - 9pm (virtual/Zoom)
Registration required
See more information below, in the Reminders section
Toastmasters Leadership Institute/Club Officer Training
Saturday, August 31, 9am - 1pm (in-person)
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, 13650 Apple Harvest Dr, Martinsburg, WV
Registration required
See more information below, in the Reminders section
District 18 Fall Business Meeting
Sunday, September 15, 2pm - 4pm (online)
Registration required
Note: No Pathways Training or Office Hours sessions are scheduled for this month.
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This section contains reminders for items published in prior editions of this newsletter and in separate email blasts, with updates as appropriate | |
2024 District 18 Club Officer Training Schedule | |
The schedule of District 18-hosted Club Officer Training is presented below. If you cannot attend one of these sessions, you can attend training hosted by another district; your club(s) will still get credit for your participation. | |
2024 Toastmasters International Convention | |
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We will be celebrating Toastmasters International's centennial at the 2024 Convention, which will be held in the Founders District in California - where it all started! There are many reasons to attend the convention, including the opportunity to see the the World Championship of Public Speaking semi-final and final contests.
Ready to make milestone magic? This one-minute-and-five-second video will have you excited about the convention!
Need more inspiration? See the June 2024 Toastmaster magazine article "Benefits of Attending the International Convention" which includes contributions from three District 18 members: Frank Storey, DTM, Carmen Lee Pow, DTM, and Beth May.
Click on the image below for more details and to register
(advanced registration ends on August 11)
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All Officers
President
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Cast your vote at the Annual Business Meeting on August 16 or designate a proxy-holder by August 9. (See the Annual Business Meeting FAQ for voting information and the Proxy Assignment FAQ for proxy assignment information.)
- Preside over executive committee meeting(s)
VP Education (VPE)
- Work with Mentoring Team to understand each member's educational goals
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Continue preparing for the Pathways Base Camp transition; help members ensure that their educational achievements are accurately reflected in Base Camp and Club Central (see article "Get Ready for the Pathways Base Camp Transition" in the PQD Corner in the December edition of this newsletter)
- Establish meeting agendas with role sign-ups
VP Public Relations (VPPR)
- Promote Smedley Award membership building program (Aug 1 - Sep 30)
- Publicize your club's and club members' achievements (e.g., on social media and/or in the District 18 Newsletter)
VP Membership (VPM)
- Work with VPPR to promote the Smedley Award membership building program (Aug 1 - Sep 30)
- Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
- Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)
Treasurer
- Track club expenses against club budget
- Process dues submissions from new club members
Secretary
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Cast your vote at the Annual Business Meeting on August 16 or designate a proxy-holder by August 9. (See the Annual Business Meeting FAQ for voting information and the Proxy Assignment FAQ for proxy assignment information.)
- Document meeting minutes at executive committee meeting(s)
Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA)
- Inventory club equipment and materials; order additional items as needed
- Set up and break down required materials for each club meeting
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Your input and feedback are welcome.
Want to see a topic included? Have a story or photo share? Let us know!
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Integrity • Respect • Service • Excellence | | | | |
