Toastmasters District 18
Newsletter
December 2024️
| |
|
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. | |
“How do you know if someone needs encouragement? If they are breathing!” – Samuel T. Cathy, American businessman, investor, author, philanthropist, and Chick-fil-A founder. | |
|
Dear Reader,
This month’s newsletter focuses on encouragement. As Samuel T. Cathy suggests (see quote above), we all need encouragement! Isn’t it lucky for us that encouragement is baked into the Toastmasters program?
At the very core of our program is the international mission to "empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders." Encouragement fuels the personal and collective growth that is central to this mission of empowerment.
As you read this newsletter, I hope you feel encouraged by the supportive messages of our district leaders, the accomplishments of our peers, the experiences we’ve shared and those awaiting us, and the opportunities we have to serve our district and communities.
| |
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 Web Page. | |
|
It's time to start building the slate of candidates for the 2025/2026 District 18 Officer positions. Please find more information here. In addition, volunteers are needed for the District 18 Audit Committee (contact me by email if interested). Don't miss these opportunities to serve your district!
Interested in taking a broader role, too? Volunteers, speakers, and sponsors are needed for the 2025 Toastmasters International Convention, which will be held in Philadelphia, next August. Find more information in the 2025 International Convention FAQ.
| | | |
From Goal to Achievement
Senior Project Engineer Irfan Ahmad wrote an inspiring LinkedIn article last month, titled “Goal without Deadline = Fantasy”. You can view it here. Mr. Ahmad is part of his employer’s leadership team. He noted that “Goals without deadlines are like maps without destinations - they give direction but lack the urgency needed to keep us moving forward.”
Mr. Ahmad’s article provides valuable advice for anyone who hasn’t set a goal to complete Level 1 in Pathways. Currently, a Toastmaster must complete the following activities to finish Level 1:
| |
- Icebreaker Speech (a 4-6 minute speech)
- Writing a Speech With Purpose (a 5-7 minute speech)
- Vocal Variety and Body Language (a 5-7 minute speech)
- Evaluation and Feedback, Part 1 (a 5-7 minute speech)
- Evaluation and Feedback, Part 2 (a 5-7 minute speech that uses the feedback received in Part 1)
- Evaluation and Feedback, Part 3 (perform the Evaluator role for another member's speech, and give a 2-3 minute evaluation speech)
| |
|
|
How long should it take to complete Level 1 in Pathways? If you don’t set a goal for yourself, it could literally take years! However, with a plan, it can be completed much faster. If you give just one speech per month, it should take six months. Giving two speeches per month would allow you to finish in just three months. If your club doesn’t meet often or available speaking slots are limited, consider reaching out to another open club and asking to be put on their agenda. You can easily find other clubs in our District by scrolling down to the second calendar on our Calendar webpage.
Toastmasters is “Where Leaders Are Made.” Good leaders understand the importance of continuous self-improvement. Whether you’re a seasoned Toastmaster or a new member, I encourage you to complete Level 1 in the next 3-6 months. Let’s move our Level 1 goals from “I’ll do it” to “I’ve done it - and you can too.”
| |
Distinguished Toastmaster | |
Congratulations to Dwayne White, DTM, of Toastmasters Sports Network (TSPN) for earning an additional DTM award on October 7, 2024. The DTM award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. Please join me in congratulating and celebrating Dwayne's latest DTM award!
|
| | |
|
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).
Nine Triple Crown recipients for 2024/2025 have been recognized in previous issues of the newsletter. Please help me congratulate and celebrate our most recent Triple Crown recipients:
-
B. S. Wilson, PI4 (PI2,PI3,PI4)
-
Jacqueline Spielman, MS3 (MS1,MS2,MS3)
-
Michael L. Hoy, DTM (LD5,EC4,EC5,EC2,EC3,MS3,DTM,LD4)
-
Terri K. Abramovitz, DL1 (SR3,SR2,TC5,DL1,SR1)
Note: In last month's newsletter, a Triple Crown award was reported for Dennis G. Lawson, who had already been recognized as a Triple Crown award winner in the August newsletter; only one Triple Crown is awarded per person per year.
| | | |
Driving Across America by TLI Dean Craig Delfosse, DTM
| |
Can you believe it is December? How does that hit you? Are you in the camp of “I can’t believe the year is almost over”?Are you looking forward with the mindset “Bring on 2025”? Or are you thinking “Let December be December”? No matter how you are approaching the end of the year, I want to offer you an encouraging thought.
During the last week of November, I had the opportunity to drive more than halfway across our amazing country (1,650 miles, one way!) With just my dogs by my side, I ventured down our highways, noticing the beauty of the sunrise, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, the breadth of our country’s great breadbasket state of Kansas. As I drove through each location, I knew there were Americans like you and me living their lives free to be their best. Free to choose to grow, or not. That made me thankful for my time in Toastmasters, where I have grown and met astounding people like you – people who take their personal growth seriously.
One highlight of my trip was when I attended a meeting of the Pikes Peak Club in Colorado Springs. They start every morning meeting at 6:44 a.m. with a cheer: “I’m alive, I’m alert, and I feel great” accompanied by high fives and elbow bumps. Isn’t that an excellent way to start the day, the month, or the new year? As December unfolds, why not adopt this mindset? Let every sunrise be a reminder that today is a new opportunity. Say it with me: “I’m ALIVE, I’m ALERT, and I feel GREAT!”
| | | |
|
As I write this, I am reflecting on last week’s Thanksgiving holiday, and all the things I am thankful for: my family, my health and my friends - especially those in Toastmasters.
Encouragement and support are at the heart of what makes Toastmasters such a special community. Last month was filled with a flurry of activity and inspiring moments that remind us how powerful encouragement can be on our journeys. As we move forward, there are many exciting opportunities for us to continue uplifting one another.
A new club chartered: Black Climate Justice Toastmasters is now part of District 18. They meet on the second Wednesday each month at 6 PM. Let us show them our support.
The Grab the Gavel program started with great excitement. Golden Gavels were presented to five clubs and additional gavels will be presented this week. See more details in the Grab the Gavel section, below.
The Traveling Toastmasters Program has been totally REINVENTED. A traveling Toastmaster visits a club and reports on that club’s best practices so that other members may see ways to enhance their own club experience. You can join the Traveling Toastmasters by filling out the form on the Club Growth Initiatives web page, or access the form directly here. Traveling Toastmasters with the most submitted reports will receive an incentive.
Being a Club Ambassador can be a rewarding endeavor. Club Ambassadors travel to clubs and present training on topics that can help the club grow and better enhance the club experience for their members. You can become a Club Ambassador by filling out an interest form on the Club Growth Initiatives web page, or access the form directly here. Club Ambassadors have the opportunity to earn an incentive that grows with the number of trainings given.
District 18 is still very much in need of Club Coaches, Club Mentors, and New Club Sponsors. Serving in any of these positions can help you earn your DTM. Please find the interest form on the Club Growth Initiatives web page, or access it directly here. You are not obligated for any position by filling out the interest form.
| |
Five divisions have begun the "Grab the Gavel" program, and more will start soon! A club can Grab the Gavel by having two members participate in person at the meeting of a club that currently possesses one of the gavels. Find out who has the gavels now by clicking on "Read More" below... | |
| | |
Traveling Toastmasters Reports | Traveling Toastmaster Debra Linton visited five clubs last month! From innovative meeting setups to enthusiastic club members, her visits uncovered inspiring moments and best practices that can elevate any Toastmasters experience. |
|
| | | |
|
|
Toastmasters members can use Yoodli for free to prepare for upcoming speeches (for Pathways projects, contests, or external events), and to practice Table Topics and interview questions.
Yoodli can provide you with almost instantaneous speech feedback, including: how much eye contact you make while speaking, how many filler words and sounds you use, whether your speaking pace is too fast or too slow, and even if any words could be replaced with more inclusive language.
Access Yoodli by logging into toastmasters.org, selecting My Home, and clicking on the Yoodli card which is located in the “From the Organization to You” section of the page.
| |
Past District Director Mock Contest | |
|
Skill, Inspiration, and Laughter by John Comberiate, DTM
We are lucky to be part of a District with so much talent! That talent was on full display at the Past District Director Mock Contest last month, where each of seven past District 18 directors competed in one or more of four contests. All the contestants rose to a challenge from Carmen Lee-Pow, DTM, to participate in the Mock Table Topics Contest; the topic was: "What Is Your Next Big Goal?"
Our Mock Evaluation Contest featured Past International President, Dilip Abayasekara, DTM as the model speaker. He shared a heroic Toastmasters story that showed us why we should never take for granted what we have available to us in Toastmasters.
The International Speech Contest always delivers enthusiasm and inspiration, and our mock contest was no exception. However, the star of the night was the Mock Humorous Speech Contest. It may have been "Too Much Information," but those speeches will be remembered for a long time - especially as we approach some of life's more memorable milestones.
Did you miss out? Don't worry! You can still catch all the action by purchasing your own copy of the event video. For a nominal donation of $5, you can support the District and enjoy an enduring experience of skill, inspiration, and laughter. Purchase your copy here.
| |
District 18 Side Splitter Challenge | |
|
A Celebration of Laughter and Friendship by Sue Wilson
This Fall, District 18 launched a new event called the Side Splitter Challenge to provide an opportunity for members to present humorous speeches for judging by local audiences in four locations across the district. The Challenge consists of two acts. The first act, “Compass Point Challenges”, is now complete. Winners will participate in the second act, “Side Splitter Finals,” which will take place at the District 18 Holiday Party, in Laurel, Maryland on Saturday, December 7th (register here by December 6th).
Click "Read more..." to read the full article and see photos from the events.
| |
|
In this month's Pathways Showcase, District 18 Toastmaster Naomi Savaro shares a powerful story of vulnerability and resilience, and offers heartfelt encouragement to all those who seek growth.
Share your perspectives, challenges, and successes with Pathways and other projects: email your article for consideration to newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org.
| |
A Path to Growth by Naomi Savaro | |
Last week, I finished my first Pathways path. As I reflected on my path, I thought back over the past 2½ years. When I relocated to Maryland just months before joining Toastmasters, I was suffering from major depressive disorder. I hadn’t thought about this until recently, when I was leaving one of the Side Splitter Challenges. A friend I had invited asked me why I joined Toastmasters. It was then that I realized: I had originally joined to have a lifeline - a way to connect with people who provided positive energy – even if only twice a month.
In those early days, I struggled to complete my projects - not because they were difficult, but because I feared the evaluations. It was a self-imposed roadblock: I feared hearing about all the things I did wrong. A lifetime of negativity had led me to where I was. It took almost a full year of intense counseling and listening to the positive evaluations given in my club before I found the courage to jump into my own projects.
Now, with the goal of DTM within reach, I take advantage of every opportunity to give a speech. I use my speeches to encourage club members to jump into their projects, to teach different aspects of Toastmasters, and to challenge them to step outside their comfort zones.
On this journey, I discovered that while my club equipped me to be a good Toastmaster, personal growth required stepping beyond the boundaries of my club. I encourage you to do the same – visit other clubs and attend some of the in-person events our district has planned. Like me, you will find the best of friends and your circle of cheerleaders will grow exponentially.
| | |
|
Pathways Training is Back!
Sessions are on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7-8 PM. Registration is not required: just click one of the buttons below to join.
| |
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 December:
-
40 Years: Chesapeake (12/01/1984)
-
36 Years: Carroll Creek (12/01/1988)
-
30 Years: Greater Elkton Area (12/01/1994)
-
18 Years: BAC to the Future (12/11/2006)
-
16 Years: T. Rowe Price (12/18/2008)
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
| |
|
Winter Club Officer Training - VPM
Monday, December 2, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
Register here
Pathways Training
Wednesday, December 4, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
No registration required, just join here
District 18 Holiday Party
Saturday, December 7, 2pm - 5pm, 8430 Ice Crystal Drive, Laurel, MD
Register here
Winter Club Officer Training - VPPR
Monday, December 9, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
Register here
Winter Club Officer Training - SAA, Secretary, Treasurer
Monday, December 16, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
Register here
Pathways Training
Wednesday, December 18, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)
No registration required, just here
Winter Solstice: Saturday, December 21
Final Deadline for Newsletter Submissions for the January Edition
Sunday, December 22
Email newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org
Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
First Night of Hanukkah: Wednesday, December 25
First Day of Kwanzaa: Thursday, December 26
District Director "Office Hour"
Thursday, December 26, 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
Early January Look-Ahead:
- New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Last Day of Kwanzaa: Wednesday, January 1
- Last Night of Hanukkah: Thursday, January 2
-
Winter Club Officer Training, President: Monday, January 6, 7pm-8pm, Zoom
-
Winter Club Officer Training, VPE: Monday, January 13, 7pm-8pm, Zoom
| |
This section contains reminders for items published in prior editions of this newsletter and in separate email blasts, with updates as appropriate | |
District 18 Holiday Party - Reminder
Click on the image below to register for the Holiday Party
|
| | |
District 18 Club Officer Training - Reminder
One-hour role-specific club officer training sessions are being offered every Monday on Zoom, from 7pm to 8pm. Register now to participate!
Click on the image below to register for a Club Officer Training session
| Information on in-person training sessions will be published as they get scheduled: check for details on the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI)/Club Officer Training (COT) web page. |
| | |
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)
| | | |
|
All Officers
- Plan to attend a Winter Club Officer Training Session
- Begin to think about recruiting others to run for club officer positions in the Spring
- 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
-
Use other Toastmasters Club Officer Tools as needed
President
- Preside over executive committee meeting(s)
VP Education (VPE)
- Help members as needed with the new Pathways Base Camp
- Conduct club contests (if not already done)
- Establish club meeting agendas with role sign-ups
VP Public Relations (VPPR)
- Publicize your club's and club members' achievements (e.g., on social media and/or in the District 18 Newsletter)
VP Membership (VPM)
- 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
- 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
| |
|
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 | | | | |
