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"The direction you choose to face determines whether you’re standing at the end or the beginning of a road.” - Richelle E. Goodrich, American Author, Novelist, & Poet

Message from the Editor

Beth May

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that the 2023/2024 Toastmasters year is already half over, and it is exciting to know that there is still plenty to look forward to in the second half. We still have lots of contests to look forward to, the District 18 Spring Conference, a new learning management system for our Pathways educational program, two more membership programs (Talk Up Toastmasters and Beat the Clock), open houses, training workshops, club meetings, and closing on our Distinguished Club Program goals.

We also have officer elections at the club and district levels to look forward to. If you are an officer, now is a great time to start thinking about recruiting your successor. If you are not an officer, now is a great time to consider becoming one; talk to your current club leaders about your interest or apply for a district leadership position.

There are so many ways for you to engage with your Toastmasters community. Be sure to leverage those opportunities so that you can continue to grow and thrive!

District Director's Point of View

AnnMarie Givans, DTM

Happy New Year, District 18 Toastmasters!

As we step into this brand new year, let's embrace it with hope, courage, and positivity. May this year be filled with new opportunities and moments of joy, growth, and success.

Let's cherish the lessons learned from the past, and use them as stepping stones toward a brighter future. Embrace each day and let determination guide you towards your dreams. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every setback is a chance to rise stronger and soar higher. I encourage you to stay committed, stay inspired, and continue striving for excellence.

Here's to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and a year filled with achievements and becoming a Smedley Distinguished district.

Recognizing Outstanding Leadership

Now that the second quarter of the 2023-2024 Toastmasters Year has closed, I would like to recognize division and area directors who demonstrated during the past quarter that they are leading the way toward excellence and distinction through their service to the clubs in their areas and divisions and to District 18. Thank you for being a shining example for our district:



• Division B Director - Harriet Armstrong 
• Division E Director - Sue Wilson
• Area 52 Director - Shehnaz Chaudhri
• Area 14 Director - Lauren Hansen

Growing Clubs Award Recipients

Sixteen clubs are being recognized with the Growing Clubs Award for achieving a minimum of any five DCP Goals by December 31, 2023. This award is part of District 18's incentive program for 2023/2024. Please help me in congratulating the following clubs, who are well on their way to being distinguished!

Dear District 18 Toastmasters,

I am excited to share the success of our district's Winter Club Officer Training (COT) sessions, so far. In the months of November and December, we conducted four training sessions with 246 officers from 96 clubs in attendance. The training sessions were full of learning and networking activities that were enjoyed by Toastmasters from our district and beyond. 

To create opportunities to build new leaders, we came up with the idea of using a "Program Manager" role for doing end-to-end planning of events at the district level, including COT sessions. This has been a wonderful opportunity for district members to explore leadership on a grand stage! Hats off to Division A Director, Janet Leary-Prowse and Division E Director, Susan Wilson, for demonstrating true leadership skills as they successfully planned three of these sessions! In addition, emerging leaders and new Toastmasters were encouraged to take on support roles for these COT sessions.

In addition to the training content that is required to help officers best serve their clubs, our district's COT sessions have included fun and interesting guest presentations on topics such as Yoodli, Using Zoom Effectively, and the Benefits of a Club Open House. (The guest presentation on Yoodli is now available on District 18's YouTube channel here, and videos from other guest presenters will be uploaded later.) I will continue to work with the COT Program Managers and their teams to bring interesting content to the COT sessions that remain (January 21 and February 17).

When you attend a Winter COT session, you will have the opportunity to learn from expert leaders, network with Toastmasters from beyond your club, make new friends, and empower yourself to lead successfully during the next six months and beyond. You do not need to have a leadership role to be a leader, and you do not need to be a club officer to benefit from these sessions. All Toastmasters are welcome to attend. If you are a club officer and have not yet attended a Winter COT session, please register to attend one of the last two sessions. We encourage all clubs to have all of their club officers attend, and at least four officers need to attend to achieve the second half of the Distinguished Club Program Goal #9.

I hope you are as excited as I and the other district leaders are about our Winter COT sessions. Details and registration links are available on the District 18 calendar and in the "Coming Up..." section of this newsletter. Please register now for one of the two remaining sessions!

For further information, please contact your Area Director, Division Director, or myself.

Happy New Year!

Happy Half-New Year to you, Fellow District 18 Toastmasters! As we start the second half of this Toastmasters year, I look forward to supporting all of you in achieving your educational and leadership goals by June 30, 2024.

Looking back on the CGD Corner from a few months ago, I shared the quotation from author Antoine de Saint-Exupery, noting that “a goal without a plan is just a wish.” How far have you come so far in achieving your goals, both for yourself and for your club? Now is an excellent time to review those goals, perhaps set a new one, and get our plans back in motion.

District 18 continues to support you with incentives, to give you that extra motivation to not only achieve your goals but also potentially accelerate their accomplishment. Your hard work and achievements will be recognized! Our current incentives can be found on our website, on the Incentives page. They include incentives for Clubs, Individual Members, Club Officers and District Leaders.  

On behalf of District 18, I wish you great success in the second half of this Toastmasters year.

Shine in the Spotlight at the District 18 Conference

Unlock Opportunities Through Advertising for Your Club, Your Company, Your Book, or Yourself

As the excitement builds for the upcoming District 18 Conference, scheduled for April 19-20 in picturesque Ocean City, Maryland, we invite you to seize the opportunity to elevate your profile and support this exceptional event! We are offering exclusive chances for you to feature prominently in the Conference Booklet, reaching a wide audience of Toastmasters from District 18 and beyond. Whether you're a member, a business owner, or a dedicated supporter, here is your chance to shine.

Advertise Your Brilliance

Put your club, your company, your book, or yourself, in the spotlight with an ad in the Conference Booklet. Choose from four different sizes, from business card to full page, to fit your budget and advertising needs.

Elevate to Sponsorship

Shine even brighter as a Conference Sponsor at the Silver or level. This prestigious opportunity not only includes an ad in the Conference Booklet but also offers special recognition in the booklet itself and on the District 18 Website and Facebook Page. As a Silver or Gold Sponsor, you'll enjoy exclusive perks and the satisfaction of playing a vital role in the success of the conference.

In-Kind Donations

We believe in the power of community, and your generosity can make a significant impact. Consider making an in-kind donation to support the conference. Your contribution, whether it's a service, product, or expertise, will help to create an unforgettable experience for all conference participants, and will be acknowledged in the Conference Booklet.

How to Participate

Click on the image below for more details and to submit your order. The deadline for submissions is February 29. Don't miss your chance to be in the spotlight at this memorable event!

Why Participate?

• Visibility: Reach a diverse audience of Toastmasters members and enthusiasts.
• Support: Contribute to the success of the District 18 Conference and the Toastmasters community.
• Recognition: Enjoy special acknowledgments and exposure through various channels.

Be a Star in the District 18 Conference Experience

Let's make this conference an extraordinary experience together. Whether you choose to advertise, donate, or become a sponsor, your involvement matters. Be a driving force behind the District 18 Conference – let's leave an indelible mark together!

Click on the image below for more details and to submit your order

For more information, visit the Conference Webpage, click on the image above. or email: conference@toastmasters-d18.org.

Revolutionizing Club Marketing: A Toastmasters Workshop on ChatGPT and Canva

Join us for a transformative Zoom workshop that merges the power of AI with creative design! Revolutionizing Club Marketing is a hands-on workshop designed to elevate your Toastmasters club's marketing and branding. In this session, you'll discover how to effectively use ChatGPT to generate compelling content and Canva to create stunning visual materials, all while adhering to the Toastmasters International brand guidelines. 

Whether you're looking to attract new members, enhance your club's digital presence, or boost your marketing skills, this workshop is an invaluable opportunity. Join this innovative journey and empower your club's marketing like never before!

Click on the image below to register now!

Did

You

Know?

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is a common social phobia, with an estimated 75% of the U.S. population experiencing some form of anxiety before giving a speech. Some of the world’s most notable figures have overcome their fear of speaking in public to achieve great success, including: Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Richard Branson, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson, and Julia Roberts!

Source: Oct 15, 2019 News Release from Toastmasters International

Holiday Party Recap

District 18's holiday party was a festive gathering of district leaders, members, and friends at a community center in Laurel, Maryland. The event brought together a joyful crowd of nearly 50 people, creating a memorable celebration filled with fellowship and holiday cheer! Attendees enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner, lively music, entertaining games, engaging Table Topics, and a spirited gift exchange.

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 clubs that chartered in January:

71 years: Frederick Toastmasters (01/01/1953)

67 years: Caesar Rodney (01/01/1957)

36 years: Randallstown Network (01/01/1988)

33 years: Bel Air (01/01/1991)

13 years: Wh'y' Not Toastmasters? (01/13/2011)

11 years: High Voltage Speakers (01/22/2013)

9 years: Wild & Wonderful (01/12/2015)

7 years: Dynamic Leadership (01/09/2017)

7 years: MACC Standing Ovation (01/19/2017)

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)

Club-Level Contest Period Continues

Wednesday, November 1 - Sunday, January 14

See District 18 Contest Plan Reminder, below

Revolutionizing Club Marketing: A Toastmasters Workshop on ChatGPT and Canva

Saturday, January 6, 10am - 11am (online)

Register at https://chatgptcanva.empoweredleadershipseries.com

POC: Clyde Middleton, clyde@empoweredleadershipseries.com

See more information in the feature article above

Deadline for Nominations for 2024/2025 District 18 Leadership Positions

Monday, January 15 11:59pm

Nomination forms are on the District 18 website at:

https://www.toastmasters-d18.org/district-18-officer-candidate/

POC: Jim Book, District Leadership Committee Chair, dlc@toastmasters-d18.org

See more information in the Reminders section below

Pathways "Office Hours"

Sunday, January 21, 2024, 2pm – 3pm (online)

No registration required; join here (Zoom)

See details here

Club Officer Training - Session #5 of 6

Sunday, January 21, 1pm - 3pm (online, Zoom will open at 12:30pm) <-- CORRECTED

Register at https://bit.ly/COT-20240121

Area 53 Contest

Wednesday, January 24, 6pm – 8pm (online)

No registration required; join here (Zoom)

POC: Nikko Jenkins, Area 53 Director, areadirector-53@toastmasters-d18.org

Pathways Training

Saturday, January 27, 10am - 12pm (online)

No registration required; join here (Zoom)

See details here

Area 35 Contest

Saturday, January 27, 10am – 12pm (online)

No registration required; Zoom link not yet available

POC: Freeman Bagnall, Area 35 Director, areadirector-35@toastmasters-d18.org

Deadline for Accredited Speaker Applications

Wednesday, January 31

Find more information at www.toastmasters.org/Membership/Accredited-Speaker

Areas 41/42/43 Contests

EARLY FEBRUARY - Date/Time is TBD (to be rescheduled from February 2)

No registration required; Zoom link not yet available

POCs: Sudha Warrior, Area 41 Director, areadirector-41@toastmasters-d18.org; Deeply Sinha, Area 42 Director, areadirector-42@toastmasters-d18.org; Bhavana Kanchibotla, Area 43 Director, areadirector-43@toastmasters-d18.org

Areas 61/62/63 Contests

Saturday, February 3, 12pm – 4pm (online)

No registration required; Zoom link not yet available

POC:Nancy Waring, Division F Director, divisiondirector-f@toastmasters-d18.org

Club Officer Training - Session #6 of 6

Saturday, February 17, 10am - 12pm (online, Zoom will open at 11:30am) <-- CORRECTED

Register at https://bit.ly/COT-20240217

This section contains reminders for items previously published (either in a prior edition of this newsletter or in a separate email blast)

Nominations for District Leadership Positions Due January 15th

From the December 11th email blast to all current members of District 18. Click the image to access the webpage with more information and a link to the nomination form.

District 18 Club Officer Training (Not Just for Club Officers)

Two sessions remain. If you cannot attend one of the District 18 sessions, you may attend another district's club officer training session. Regardless of which district's club officer training session you attend, be sure to register in advance so that your club(s) get DCP credit!

District 18 Contest Plan Reminder

District 18 contests are summarized in the accompanying table. All contests will be run in accordance with Toastmasters International's 2023-2024 Speech Contest Rulebook. In addition:

• Clubs in Areas with four or less clubs may send both the first- and second-place winners for each contest to their Area-level contests
• Areas in Divisions with four or less Areas may send both the first- and second-place winners for each contest to their Division-level contests

Area and Division contest dates are being added to the District 18 Calendar. (If you are an Area Director or Division Director, please ensure that your contest dates are posted.)

More information was provided in the October Newsletter and additional details and resources may be found in this Speech Contests FAQ from Toastmasters International and on the District 18 Contest web page.

District 18 Conference - Time to Book Your Room!

Reserve your room for the Spring Conference now, and in April, you'll be thankful that you did! Simply call the Carousel Oceanfront Resort at 800-641-0011 and request the group rate for the Toastmasters room block. The conference is scheduled for April 19-20.

Find more details on the Conference Webpage. (There was also a feature article on the converence in the August Newsletter.)

2024 Toastmasters International Convention

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 many reasons to attend the convention, including the opportunity to see the International Speech Contest Semi-Finals and the World Championship of Public Speaking.

Ready to make milestone magic? This one-minute-and-five-second video will have you excited about the convention!

Click on the image below for more details and to register.

All Officers

• Register for and attend a Winter Club Officer Training session if you haven't already
• Begin thinking about succession planning for your role in 2023/2024
• New officers (in clubs with 6-month terms): review the Club Officer Handbook
• Conduct club speech contests (Table Topics, Humorous, and International); note: your club must be in good standing (with at least 8 paid members) to participate in the contests at the Area level and above. 
• Conduct executive committee meeting(s) with each officer reporting on accomplishments, challenges, and plans
• Use the Club Performance Report to review progress against the Club Success Plan goals for the current year Distinguished Club Program
• Use other Toastmasters Club Officer Tools as needed

President

• Continue to encourage officers to attend Winter Club Officer Training\
• Preside over executive committee meeting(s)

VP Education

• Support your club's contest activities
• 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)
• Continue working with members on their educational goals
• Ensure agendas are complete and participants understand their meeting roles
• Reach out to paid/inactive members

VP Public Relations

• Publicize your club contest results in local news media and in social media
• Publicize your club's and club members' achievements (e.g., on social media and/or in the District 18 Newsletter)
• Use your club's social networking sites and outreach opportunities to publicize club activities

VP Membership

• Get ready for the Talk Up Toastmasters program (e.g., plan a Spring Open House)
• Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
• Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)

Treasurer

• Encourage members to renew their memberships early (by January 31) for the Early Bird Incentive
• Continue processing dues submissions from new club members and from renewing club members
• Continue tracking club expenses against the club's budget

Secretary

• Document meeting minutes at executive committee meeting(s)

Sergeant-at-Arms

• Manage and maintain club equipment and materials
• Set up and break down required materials for each club meeting

Your input and feedback is welcome.

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