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"Your connections to all the things around you literally define who you are." — Aaron D. O'Connell, American Quantum Physicist

Message from the Editor

Beth May

Dear Reader,

It is an irrefutable fact that connecting with the audience is critical for the successful delivery of any speech, whether for an audience of 1,000 or an audience of one. That connection is necessary for the audience to listen to, understand, believe, remember, and - in the best case - act on your message. Underlying this truth is another truth: connection fills the human need for belonging. Connection is important to leadership and most - if not all - other human endeavors. So clearly, connection is important for Toastmasters!

This month, our District Director connects the past with our future through a new incentive that leverages the legacy Competent Leadership manual; our Program Quality Director encourages us to connect with the amazing talent pool within and beyond our district; and our Club Growth Director provides opportunities for connections that will help our clubs and district grow and thrive. In addition, we have a recap of the "Hail and Farewell" event that provided a meaningful way for outgoing and incoming district leaders to connect at the end of the year.

Explore more on the theme of connections and belonging, and discover strategies to use in your Toastmasters club and in your professional life, in the July Toastmaster magazine article, Cultivate a Culture of Belonging.

Please connect with me by using the Provide Feedback button at the bottom of this newsletter: let me know what you like and what you feel could be improved.

District Director's Point of View

John Comberiate, DTM

Please watch this video message from our District Director. (An audio transcription 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, add dd@district18toastmasters.ccsend.com to your Contacts list/Address Book and restart your email client.

Transcription

Pablo Picasso said, “Action is the foundational key to all success.” 

Welcome to the start of a new Toastmasters year. One thing continues to remain true - the time will pass. Before you know it, we will be back here again, at the start of another new year. Where will you be? In the same place or closer to your goals? The choice is yours and it all depends on the actions you take here and now.

One big change this year - we are bringing back the Competent Leadership manual as a District-level incentive. That means completing it will not grant you any Toastmasters International-recognized additional letters after your name. Instead, we will send you a "Toastmasters Where Leaders Are Made" pin as well as I will write your employer describing your accomplishment and the skills you have learned. Download a free digital copy of the manual from the District website, read it, and start signing up for meeting roles. If you can find a member who was present when you performed a role in past meetings and they can evaluate you, you can get credit for the work you've already done. One role per meeting. Once you have all of the modules completed and have a club officer signature verification, take a picture of the back page and send it to me with your employer’s name and contact information to receive your reward.

If you are a Club Officer, sign up for a Club Officer training session so you can be equipped to succeed in your role.

Let's get started - speak, lead, and succeed!

Fellow Toastmasters, we have so much to be proud of in District 18.  We have bragging rights to two first-place winners of the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS) - Craig Valentine (1999) and Aaron Beverly (2019) - and a WCPS second-place winner, Dr. Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, PIP (1992). This year, our very own Dr. Cheryl Wood has advanced to the 2024 semifinals, which will take place in Anaheim, California in August. Dr. Mansur Hasib, another District 18 Toastmaster, is also competing in the semifinals, representing District 36.  Bravo!  If that weren’t enough, we had outstanding speakers compete in all of the speech contests at the District 18 Spring Conference in April.

How can you benefit from the amazing talent pool in our district, dear reader?  By connecting with these amazing Toastmasters.  How?  One way is to invite a Toastmaster you admire to be a featured speaker at a future club meeting.  Consider reaching out to a Toastmaster who competed in a speech contest, a past or current District 18 leader, or even a Toastmaster from another district. Advertise the guest speaker to all of your club members and prospective members. Why do this, you ask?  Because making positive connections with your fellow Toastmasters can help you “Speak, Lead, and Succeed.”

Happy New Year Members of District 18!

We are halfway through our first month and we are already pursuing leads for new clubs. The extension team and I are gaining momentum toward setting up our Demo Teams, and our Sponsor and Mentor teams. If you have earned a Pathways Level 4 or 5 you can be a club sponsor or mentor. Please reach out to me at cgd@toastmasters-d18.org if you are interested in either of these roles, or if you are interested in participating on a Demo Team, or want to learn more.

I would like to congratulate the clubs that achieved Distinguished Club Program (DCP) status this past year. As of July 1st, we all start on a level playing field with zero DCP goals accomplished. All of the clubs in District 18 can become Distinguished. Many clubs last year did not become Distinguished because of a lack of members. We can do better! We cannot perform the same way and expect a different result. Clubs that have 12 members or less qualify to have a club coach assigned to them (if they ask for one) so that the club has another resource to help them succeed. If your club qualifies, please reach out to me to request a club coach! Also, if you have earned a Pathways Level 4 or 5, you can be a club coach. Please find more information about this role on the Club Coach Program webpage, and let me know if you are interested by reaching out to me at cgd@toastmasters-d18.org.

Did

You

Know?

On July 1, the regions of Toastmasters International were realigned. This changed the number of regions in the Americas from nine to seven while changing the number of regions in the rest of the world from five to seven. Because of the realignment, District 18 is now a part of Region 6.



Reference: Region Realignment 2024 webpage

Recognizing Outstanding Leadership

Our Immediate Past District Director, AnnMarie Givans, DTM, would like to recognize five district leaders who went above and beyond in service to our district and our members during the final quarter of 2023/2024 (April-June):

• Dwayne White, DTM - Area 71 Director (2023/2024)
• Jean Kemp - Division D Director (2023/2024)
• Michael Hoy, DTM - Division G Director (2023/2024)
• Michele Canopii, DTM - District Conference Chair (2023/2024)
• Tim LaValle, DTM - Area 61 Director (2023/2024)



District 18 joins AnnMarie in thanking these leaders for their distinguished service!

Congratulations to Dr. Cheryl Wood!

Based on a video recording of her speech at the District 18 International Speech Contest ("Put Down Your Heavy Bricks"), Dr. Cheryl Wood, of Crofton Professional Toastmasters, won the Quarterfinal competition for Region 7. This means that she is eligible to compete at the semifinal competition during the Toastmasters International Convention in Anaheim next month. Eight winners from that competition will progress to the World Championship of Public Speaking. We will be rooting for her!

The full list of contestants can be found here: https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2024-international-convention/semifinals.

Register Now!

Please see the schedule below for District 18 hosted training sessions, and find more information in the email that was sent to all current club officers on July 9 (view that email online here). If you are a club officer and did not see the email, please check your Spam/Junk folder or contact newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org. If you are not a club officer and want to attend anyway, you are welcome to!

Note: if you cannot attend one of these District 18 sessions, you can attend training hosted by another district; your club(s) will still get credit for your participation.

Questions? Contact our District 18 TLI Dean, Craig Delfosse, DTM at: tlidean@toastmasters-d18.org.

Triumphs and Transitions, by Sue Wilson

On Saturday, June 29^th, approximately 40 District 18 Toastmasters leaders gathered at Glen Mar United Methodist Church in Ellicott City for a "Hail and Farewell" luncheon. The idea for this event came from AnnMarie Givans, DTM. As the outgoing District 18 Director, she wanted to thank and recognize the contributions of district leaders for 2023-2024 and to both welcome and formally install the new leadership team for 2024-2025. This event was fun and provided a nice transition from the old to the new leadership.

The Toastmaster of the Day, Craig Delfosse, DTM, opened the meeting by talking about the importance of the commitment one makes in taking on a district role. This theme carried on throughout the event. The best part for me was the recognition of the 2023-2024 leadership team and the introduction and installation of the 2024-2025 leadership team. All outgoing district leaders, including division and area directors, were thanked for their service. AnnMarie Givans then presented several outgoing leaders with a certificate and "above and beyond" pin for exceptional service. Following the recognition of the prior year team, members of the new leadership team were introduced and our outgoing District Chief Judge, AnnMarie Walker, DTM, installed them into their positions. Finally, AnnMarie Givans gave all participants a 100-year Toastmasters centennial anniversary pin.

As the event concluded, Catherine Damavandi, outgoing Club Growth Director (CGD)/incoming Program Quality Director (PQD) honored AnnMarie Givans for her hard work and determined leadership. Flowers were presented to AnnMarie Givans as we congratulated her on a job well done.



Left: Catherine Damavandi and Taz Ellsworth, DTM after being installed as PQD and CGD, respectively; Right-Top: outgoing District Director AnnMarie Givans, DTM celebrating the end of the year; Right-Bottom: 2024/2025 district leaders being installed by outgoing District Chief Judge AnnMarie Walker, DTM

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:

• 64 years: Northrop Grumman Gaveliers (07/01/1960)
• 60 years: Freestate (07/01/1964)
• 29 years: Free Speakers (07/01/1995)
• 28 years: CMS (07/11/1996)
• 8 years: Naviators (07/12/2016)
• 7 years: Blue Hen Toastmsters at the University of Delaware (07/31/2017)
• 4 years: MAA Aviators (07/24/2020)

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)

PAST JULY EVENTS

Independence Day: Thursday, July 4

Speechcraft sponsored by Freespeakers of Dover, Session #1/4

Wednesday, July 10, 12:30pm - 2pm (in-person)

Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 435 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE

Point of Contact: Stephanie Steckel, VPM Freespeakers (docsteckel@gmail.com)

Club Officer Training

Sunday, July 14, 2pm - 4pm (virtual/Zoom)

FUTURE JULY EVENTS

Speechcraft sponsored by Freespeakers of Dover, Session #2/4

Wednesday, July 17, 12:30pm - 2pm (in-person)

Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 435 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE

Point of Contact: Stephanie Steckel, VPM Freespeakers (docsteckel@gmail.com)

Club Officer Training/Toastmasters Leadership Institute

Sunday, July 20, 12pm - 4pm (in-person)

Riviera Beach Library, 1130 Duvall Hwy, Pasadena, MD

Registration required

See more information above, in the section "District 18 2024 Summer Club Officer Training"

National Ice Cream Day: Sunday, July 21

Club Officer Training

Tuesday, July 23, 7pm - 9pm (virtual/Zoom)

Registration required

See more information above, in the section "District 18 2024 Summer Club Officer Training"

Speechcraft sponsored by Freespeakers of Dover, Session #3/4

Wednesday, July 24, 12:30pm - 2pm (in-person)

Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 435 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE

Point of Contact: Stephanie Steckel, VPM Freespeakers (docsteckel@gmail.com)

International Day of Friendship: Tuesday, July 30

Speechcraft sponsored by Freespeakers of Dover, Session #4/4

Wednesday, July 31, 12:30pm - 2pm (in-person)

Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 435 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE

Point of Contact: Stephanie Steckel, VPM Freespeakers (docsteckel@gmail.com)

Club Officer Training

Thursday, August 1, 7pm - 9pm (virtual/Zoom)

Registration required

See more information above, in the section "District 18 2024 Summer Club Officer Training"

Note: no Pathways Training or Office Hours sessions are scheduled for this month.

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

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 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

All Officers

• Sign the Club Officer Agreement and Release Statement
• Register for a Summer Club Officer Training session
• Complete transition activities with outgoing officers
• Establish new club goals for the Distinguished Club Program (review last year’s results and begin new Club Success Plan)
• Conduct executive committee meeting(s) with each officer reporting on accomplishments, challenges, and plans
• Get familiar with Toastmasters Club Officer Tools
• NOTE: Data for the 2024/2025 year will be available soon in the Club Performance Report

President

• Submit Annual Business Meeting voting proxy as needed
• Schedule executive committee meetings for the year
• Preside over executive committee meeting(s)

VP Education

• Work with Mentoring Team to understand each member's educational goals
• Establish meeting agendas with role sign-ups
• 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)

VP Public Relations

• Review and refresh club publicity kit; if none exists, consider creating one
• Get familiar with your club's social networking sites and outreach opportunities
• Prepare to promote the Smedley Award membership building program (Aug 1 – Sept 30)
• Publicize your club's and club members' achievements (e.g., on social media and/or in the District 18 Newsletter)

VP Membership

• Become familiar with TI's: Membership Building Programs
• Ensure that membership directory is up-to-date (e.g., in Free Toast Host)
• Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
• Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)

Treasurer

• Work with Executive Committee to create 2024-2025 budget
• Process dues submissions from new club members
• Establish tracking for club expenses

Secretary

• Work with webmaster to ensure that website is up to date
• Document meeting minutes at executive committee meeting(s)

Sergeant-at-Arms

• Take over club meeting site set-up activities
• Inventory club equipment and materials; order additional items as needed
• Set up and break down required materials for each club meeting

Your input and feedback are welcome.

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