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“There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” - Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, philanthropist, first President of South Africa

Message from the Editor

Beth May

Dear Reader,

It’s almost mid-February, and this newsletter is just now being published. Why the delay? As passionate as I am about Toastmasters, I'm equally dedicated to my nonprofit work, and the past month has been especially challenging as I prepare to host an annual event for Project Management for Change.

Passion is the driving force that keeps us moving forward, even during the busiest and most challenging times. But it’s just as important to give yourself grace - and love yourself - when life doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Whether it’s Toastmasters, your personal goals, or other pursuits, let your passion fuel you, and remember that flexibility, resilience, and self-compassion are part of the journey.

District Director's Point of View

John Comberiate, DTM

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.

The Power of Collaboration

Fellow Toastmasters, how many times have you attended a Toastmasters meeting with fewer than 10 people, and had to take on multiple meeting roles? If this happens often, you might find your passion for Toastmasters dwindling as you anxiously juggle being Timer, Grammarian, and Table Topics Master at the same time.

Sadly, repeatedly filling multiple club roles can lead to Toastmasters burnout. Speaking from personal experience, club meetings are enjoyable when you have at least 10 participants, and not so much when you’re overwhelmed filling multiple roles.  

The good news is, valuable leadership experience can be gained from these challenges. Toastmasters is "Where Leaders Are Made." An ordinary person might think that taking on multiple roles with a small group is inevitable. However, an empowered leader recognizes the importance of collaboration.

Every Toastmasters meeting is an opportunity for project management experience. When you’re assigned a multi-faceted project at work, no one expects you to do it all by yourself. The most successful people in project management are those who collaborate and ask others for help.

From a project management perspective, a Toastmasters meeting with just one speaker requires eight roles: (1) Toastmaster of the Day, (2) Timer, (3) Ah-Counter, (4) Grammarian, (5) Speaker #1, (6) Evaluator #1, (7) Table Topics Master, and (8) General Evaluator.    

How could an empowered Toastmaster fill these roles? First, individually ask members of the club for help. Some may not think of the Timer or Grammarian roles as being that important, but they are leadership opportunities.

Second, you could ask a Toastmaster from another club to serve as a guest speaker, guest speech evaluator, or guest Table Topics Master to provide a boost to your next meeting. Having a guest General Evaluator can be especially beneficial by providing an outside perspective and identifying areas for improvement you might miss. 

Third, you could hold a special meeting with all club members and discuss what needs to happen for more participation. Sometimes a simple change like a new meeting date, time, or location can make a real difference. You could also ask fellow club members to pitch in to fill all the roles for your next two meetings.

Finally, consider reaching out to your club’s Area Director or Division Director for help. They might provide suggestions to increase participation at meetings or recommend a club coach who could help get you back on track.

All of these ideas apply the power of collaboration, because one person doesn’t have all the answers. Team work makes the dream work, but someone must step forward and lead. After all, as E. H. Forster reminds us, "One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested." Similarly, Jeremiah Say notes that "People with great passion can make the impossible happen." This month, practice the power of collaboration and hone your leadership skills.

To find your club’s Area Director and Division Director, visit the District 18 website (under the “About” tab): District 18 Toastmasters.

During this month of passion and love (Valentine’s Day), let us reflect on the excitement we first felt for Toastmasters. It provides skills training that is both unique and affordable. When we joined, we learned that Toastmasters has an excellent educational curriculum. Pathways is the current system for delivering that curriculum.

Unfortunately, many clubs in District 18 have members who are not enrolled in Pathways. Every club’s success begins with its members and what they are able to achieve. It is hard for a club to achieve Distinguished status when not all of its members are engaging in the educational curriculum. I encourage every club officer to focus on getting all members enrolled in Pathways. One thing you can do is use the dues renewal notices as an opportunity to also remind members to enroll in Pathways.

Speaking of renewal, I am excited to introduce a new club incentives "9x9": clubs with 9 members renewing by March 9th will earn one free ticket to District 18's Hail and Farewell event on June 21st or a $25 gift certificate for the TI store. If Self Pay is enabled for your club, you can submit your renewal dues right now!

Many clubs are eligible for a club coach, and we still need volunteers to help them. We also need volunteers to step up as Traveling Toastmasters and Club Ambassadors.

​

Don't forget the gavels that are available for grabbing! Find the club in your division that has the gavel and plan a visit. Enjoy the camaraderie and joy of meeting other Toastmasters before bringing the gavel back to your club.

If you share my passion for Toastmasters, you know the joy of encouraging others and seeing them grow. Don't miss the many opportunities that are available for you to help foster a supportive and engaging environment that benefits us all.

Did

You

Know?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love - it’s a celebration of all kinds of meaningful connections. Toastmasters fosters those same connections by helping us improve our communication and leadership skills, which are essential for building stronger relationships in every aspect of life.

This Valentine’s Day, why not use your Toastmasters skills to express gratitude or appreciation to someone who has supported your journey? Whether it’s a fellow club member, a mentor, or a friend, a well-crafted message can leave a lasting impact. After all, the art of effective communication is a gift we share year-round!

Opportunity to Speak, Lead, Succeed

Join us for the District 18 Spring Conference and experience what it means to Speak, Lead, Succeed!

Hosted by Division A, the conference will take place on the evening of Friday, April 25 and all day Saturday, April 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Wilmington, Delaware.

Logistics

• Free parking
• Meals included: Friday dinner buffet; Saturday hot breakfast, lunch buffet, snack
• Hotel accommodations: Reserve your room by March 25 using group code Toastmasters International. Call 302-478-6000 or book online.

What to Expect

• SPEAK! District's best will compete in the Evaluation Contest (Friday, April 25) and International Speech Contest (Saturday, April 26)
• LEAD! Be inspired by Past International President Jim Kokocki, DTM
• SUCCEED! 
• Attend an educational session led by Past District 18 Director Elizabeth “Dr. E” Carter, DTM.
• Meet the recipient of the D18 Communication & Leadership Award, Dr. Tony Allen.

And there’s so much more! Check out the full details at toastmasters-d18.org/d18-2025-spring-conference.

Register Early and Save!

• Early Bird: $88.00 (through March 31)
• Regular: $95.00 (April 1–24)
• Walk-ins: $100.00 (meals not guaranteed)

Register here today!

Attention, GMAIL users: Use View as Web Page at the top to see the rest of this newsletter.

Let the Contest Begin...! by Sue Wilson, District 18 Chief Judge

Contest season is in full swing, bringing with it the excitement and inspiration that only Toastmasters contests can deliver!

This year, District 18 is conducting two contests. In the Evaluation contest, a "model speaker" presents a speech, and contestants give evaluations of the model speaker. Contest audiences learn not only from the speech, but also from the evaluations. Speeches during the International Speech Contest can also be educational, in addition to entertaining and inspiring. Speeches tend to get better as the contestants advance from the club level to each successive level.

• Club contests started in November and ran through mid-January.
• Area contests began on January 25th. So far, 6 area contest events for 10 contests have been held across District 18. An additional 7 events for 12 area contests are currently scheduled between now and March 9th.
• Division contests will run from March 15th through April 6th.
• District contests will occur during the District 18 Spring Conference taking place on April 25^th and 26^th in Wilmington, Delaware (see details above, under Conference Updates). 

The district's International Speech Contest winner will compete regionally, with a chance to reach the World Championship of Public Speaking at the Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia in August.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the extraordinary talent of our district’s members! Attend a contest - or better yet, a few. Bring a guest so that they can experience the magic of Toastmasters firsthand.

Every contest relies on the dedication of volunteers. From model speakers to contest masters, judges, timers, ballot counters, and sergeants at arms, every role is vital to the success of these events. Volunteering at a contest is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to experience the contests from a new perspective. Encourage your club members and guests to get involved - it might just spark their ambition to compete someday!

Whether you attend, volunteer, or both, Toastmasters contests are a celebration of growth, camaraderie, and excellence. Find the details on the District 18 Calendar.

For this month's Pathways Showcase, we are sharing a tip. 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 for consideration to newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org.

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 February:

• 79 Years: Brandywine (2/1/1946)
• 60 Years: Kritikos (2/1/1965)
• 31 Years: Winchester (2/1/1994)
• 20 Years: Debedeavon (2/14/2005)
• 19 Years: Stine-Haskell (2/15/2006)
• 18 Years: Southern Delaware (2/16/2007)

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!

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.

Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET) unless otherwise noted

Additional information may be available on the District 18 Calendar

Talk Up Toastmasters

(February 1 – March 31)

Valentines Day: Friday, February 14

Area 72 Contest

Saturday, February 15, 2:15pm - 4:15pm

Queen Anne Public Library, Kent Island Branch, 200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD

District Leadership Candidate Application Deadline

Saturday, February 15, 11:59pm

Candidate applications are due for the elected officer positions of District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and Division Directors.

Find more information and the application form at https://www.toastmasters-d18.org/district-18-officer-candidate/.

Presidents Day: Monday, February 17

Winter Club Officer Training - VPM, VPPR, Secretary, Treasurer

Monday, February 17, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

Register here

FreeToastHost Training

Tuesday, February 18, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

Wednesday, February 19, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

Thursday, February 20, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

Register here

Pathways Training

Wednesday, February 19, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

No registration required, just here

Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) - All Officer Roles

Saturday, February 22, 9am - 1pm

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, 13650 Apple Harvest Dr, Martinsburg, WV

Register here

Area 12 & 14 Contests

Saturday, February 22, 9am - 1:30pm

ChristianaCare Hospital, Room 1100, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd, Newark, DE

Areas 54, 55 & 56 Contests

Saturday, February 22, 10am - 12pm

Enterprise Community Partners, 11000 Broken Land Pkwy, Suite #700, Columbia, MD

Deadline for Newsletter Submissions for the February Issue

Saturday, February 22

Email newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org

Areas 62 & 63 Contests

Sunday, February 23, 11am - 2pm

Location: TBD

Winter Club Officer Training (COT) - All Officer Roles (Last Virtual Session)

Monday, February 24, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

Register here

District Director "Office Hour"

Thursday, February 27, 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 March Look-Ahead:

• Area 41 Contest: Saturday, March 1, 10am - 1:30pm, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, 13650 Apple Harvest Dr, Martinsburg, WV
• Area 73 Contest: Saturday, March 1, 10am - 12pm, Wilmington University Dover Campus, 3282 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE
• Pathways Training: Wednesday, March 5, 7pm - 8pm, Zoom (no registration required)

This section contains reminders for items published in prior issues of this newsletter and in separate email blasts, with updates as appropriate

All Officers

• Last chance to register for/attend a Winter Club Officer Training Session
• 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)
• Remind all officers to attend Winter Club Officer Training

VP Education (VPE)

• Support area contests
• 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

• Solicit dues for membership renewals
• 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.

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