Toastmasters District 18
Newsletter
March 2024️
| |
|
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. | |
"Renewal is the process that empowers us to become better than we've ever been." ― Jack Canfield, Author and Motivational Speaker | |
|
Dear Reader,
Spring is around the corner, membership renewal payments are coming due, and officer elections need to be planned. What is the common thread? Renewal! That is the theme for this month's newsletter. Author and motivational speaker Jack Canfield could have been talking about us when he said: "Renewal is the process that empowers us to become better than we've ever been." After all, we are Toastmasters because we want to improve ourselves... and our world. Let's embark on this journey of renewal together, embracing the opportunity for personal growth and collective progress.
| |
|
Hello District 18,
What better way to celebrate Toastmasters International's 100th anniversary than to achieve the Smedley Distinguished award for our district? As depicted in the picture below, our empowered "eagles" (member clubs) are soaring toward that goal! Thank you to everyone who contributed to achieving these heights! This month, when you submit your membership renewal dues on time, your clubs - and District 18 as a whole - will gain even more altitude! There is still plenty of time for clubs to achieve the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) educational goals, and you can help by renewing your dedication to completing Pathways levels. Pathways projects can help you grow and continue to soar on your personal journey, and level completions can help your club and district achieve DCP distinction, including Smedley Distinguished. There is no limit to what we can achieve together, with renewed commitment to the DCP goals. Soar on, District 18 eagles!
| |
"There is no limit to what we can achieve together with renewed commitment to the DCP goals" | | |
Click on the image below to see it in detail on the District 18 website | |
Renew your membership by March 31 | |
|
For your club to remain in good standing and receive credit for the Distinguished Club Program, your club needs to submit dues by March 31 for a minimum of eight members, at least three of whom are current club members. Submission of renewals for all members helps District 18 get to Smedley Distinguished.
Please submit your dues on time to help our district, help your club, avoid a lapse in your own membership, and maintain access to Pathways.
Find more information here: Renewal Dues FAQ
| |
|
Growing Club Excellence Awards
Congratulations to the 16 clubs who earned the Growing Club Excellence award for achieving at least 5 DCP goals by December 31, 2023! These clubs are being given trophies to celebrate this achievement.
| |
|
Division A
- Caesar Rodney
- Greater Newark Area
- JPMC Wilmington
- Spellwizard Advanced
Division B
Division C
- Another Level Online Advanced
- Crofton Professional
- Northrop Grumman Gaveliers
- Toast of Severna Park
| |  |
|
Division D
Division E
Division G
- DelDot
- Delmarva
- Free Speakers
| | |
|
Dear District 18 Toastmasters,
We had our final Winter Club Officer Training (COT) session in February. This session included a panel discussion about Membership Renewals & Club Growth Strategies. The panelists were district officers from three districts: DTM Rhonda Green, District 8 Director, DTM Annette Sanks, District 27 Program Quality Director, and DTM Arvind Venugopal, District 36 Club Growth Director. The panel discussion was enjoyed by both the audience and the panelists themselves. One panelist commented: "D18 is definitely leading the way in keeping members educated, empowered and, informed." The video will be posted to District 18's YouTube channel soon.
Now that the Winter COT sessions are complete, I am proud to report that there are 72 District 18 clubs that had four or more officers trained during District 18-hosted sessions, and more who were trained at sessions hosted by other districts (those statistics are still being compiled). That means at least 75% of our clubs have achieved the second half of Distinguished Club Program Goal #9.
Clubs who had all seven officers trained in both a Summer COT session and a Winter COT session are being recognized with "Super Seven" awards, as listed below. In addition, we have two new DTM awards and five new Triple Crown awards to announce. Congratulations to all award recipients!
| |
|
Super Seven Awards
Congratulations to the clubs who had all seven officers trained at both Summer and Winter Club Officer Training sessions. These clubs will receive a set of club officer pins from District 18.
There are 24 clubs that have been identified so far as recipients for this award:
| |
|
Division A
- Bank of America
- Caesar Rodney
- Christiana Care
- Greater Elkton
- Greater Newark
- High Voltage
- Polished Professional Advanced
- Spellwizard Advanced
Division B
Division C
- Asbury Town Neck Area
- Crofton Professional
- Kritikos
- Phase II Advanced
- Toast of Severna Park
| | |
|
Division D
Division E
- Advancing
- Hola
- Voice of A Woman
Division G
- Annapolis
- Delmarva
- Dynamic Leadership
- Free Speakers
- Tidewater
| | |
Congratulations to our Newest Distinguished Toastmasters
Congratulations to Christine Glenn of Bank of America: Take the Lead and Craig Delfosse of Chesapeake Club for receiving Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) awards in February. The DTM award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. Please join me in congratulating and celebrating Christine Glenn, DTM and Craig Delfosse, DTM!
| |
|
"Earned, Not Given": My DTM Award Journey
According to Daniel Rex, CEO of Toastmasters International, "The DTM Award is given only to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and who have used these skills to help others in their self-development efforts." Many requirements must be met and it's been reported that less than 1% of all Toastmasters earn this achievement.
I still remember the day like it was yesterday. I was sitting at my desk at Bank of America and saw the site newsletter that highlighted Toastmasters. I thought, you know what, I am going to attend a meeting. Little did I know that first visit would spark a journey in me that I never knew I needed. At the time, I was employed at the company for 18 years and was considered a leader who was “not afraid” to speak in front of a group. The biggest question at the time: would I be confident and effective when speaking? I can tell you that I would not have been able to say “YES” back then like I can say “YES” now.
I remember one day, I was telling my husband how excited I was for my Toastmasters meeting that day, and my sweet daughter Lilah who was 12 at the time, asked if Toastmasters was where I went to learn to make toast, because I "like make the best toast”. I assured her it was not, but still chuckle every time she asks me for toast, because it reminds me of how excited I was that day for my Toastmasters meeting.
As I started my journey, I had two questions to answer for myself. How far can I go? What is the ultimate end goal? When I learned about the DTM award, I thought, WOW, that’s a lot, but that day I decided that if that’s the highest honor then I want it. After six years, 35+ speeches, two Area Directorships (one-year terms each), 10 club officer terms, sponsoring a New Club, serving as a Club Mentor, and countless meeting roles, today I received my DTM designation.
This has been an incredible journey and learning experience for me, and I can proudly say that I learned a range of skills from communication, training, to servant leadership. Most importantly, I have formed incredible friendships inside the company and in my local community. I am truly grateful to Bank of America, for offering an amazing program to its employees and also encouraging participation! Special shout-out to Take the Lead members (past and present), and my family for all the support throughout the years!
Christine Glenn, DTM
| | |
FIVE More Triple Crowns!
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). We announced 19 Triple Crown award recipients in newsletters from October through February. This month, we have five more Triple Crown awards to announce. Please help me congratulate and celebrate the recipients:
- Courtney Gale, VC2 (PM2, PM3, VC1, VC2)
- Dana Thurston, SR3 (SR1, SR2, SR3)
- Joey Gibbons, DTM (EH2, LD4, PM3)
- Laura D. Garver, IP3 (IP2, IP3, PM1)
- Terrence Mallory, SR5 (SR3, SR4, SR5)
| | | |
|
A Time of Renewal!
What comes to mind when you think of the month of March? Some people think of St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Spring (March 19) or the return of daylight savings time (2 am on March 10). If you’re a Toastmaster, you know that March is also membership renewal month!
That’s right, March is the second time of the Toastmasters year when we submit dues payments to renew our memberships. When eight or more members submit these payments before the end of the month, your club achieves the other half of Goal #10 in the Distinguished Club Program.
Some Toastmasters clubs have "opted in" to allow their members to pay their dues using the self-pay option on the Toastmasters International (TI) website. Regardless of how you submit your dues, you have the option to pay for six months ($60) or for a full year ($120). At $10 per month, Toastmasters is an unbeatable price to improve and renew yourself.
Take the time this month to renew your commitment to self-improvement through Toastmasters. Set out the educational goals that you’d like to achieve in Toastmasters over the next few months, then make the decision to achieve them. Renew your commitment to becoming an even better speaker, listener, and leader. Improve the greatest asset that you have: yourself.
| |
How to Pay Your Membership Renewal Dues
If self-pay has been enabled by your club, start by logging into your account at www.Toastmasters.org. Then, follow the steps shown in this YouTube video to navigate to self-pay: How to renew your Toastmasters.org dues when Self-Pay is enabled.
If your club isn't using the self-pay feature, contact your club treasurer (or any other club officer) to find out how to submit your payment, and the associated deadline. (Your club treasurer may need time to submit dues to TI after collecting them from all club members.)
For club officers: to enable self-pay for your members, log into your TI account, and go to Club Central. From there, look for the Club Contact and Meeting Information page. Select “Self-Pay” as a setting, then “Save” at the bottom of the page. Now your club members can use the self-pay feature for TI dues! (Note that club dues can not be paid through TI's self-pay feature. If your club has it's own dues, members will need to submit those payments directly to the club.)
Read more about self-pay by visiting TI's Self-Pay FAQ.
| | | |
|
Spring Conference Countdown:
49 Days!
| |
|
The District 18 Spring Conference starts on Friday, April 19 and early bird pricing ends on Sunday, March 31. Buy your tickets and book your Ocean City hotel room today!
See "District 18 Spring Conference" in the Reminders section below for details
| |
|
|
Parade of Banners
A highlight of the District 18 Conference is the Parade of Banners. This is an opportunity for your club to display its pride and prestige. So, when the “saints” (Toastmasters) go marching in, your club should be in that number!
More details will be provided in the April issue of this newsletter. In the interim, make sure that all of the ribbons your club has received are attached to your banner!
| | | |
Virtual Spring Business Meeting | |
Register Now to Attend the Virtual Spring Business Meeting on April 21 | |
|
All club presidents and vice presidents education (VPEs) and District Executive Council (DEC) members are requested to join the Trio (District Director, Program Quality Director, and Club Growth Director) for the District 18 Spring Business Meeting on Sunday, April 21, 2pm-5pm ET on Zoom. Attendance is important for establishing the quorum required to conduct district business (including district officer elections), so please plan to attend!
Note: you do not need to be a club president or VPE to attend. Any Toastmaster, regardless of officer status, may attend. (However, only club presidents, VPEs, and DEC members may make motions and vote.) Participating in the business meeting is a great way to learn about the district and how it conducts business. Perhaps you'll be inspired to run for a DEC position in the future!
Click on the flyer below to register now
| | |
|
|
In your profile on toastmasters.org, if the privacy setting is "No" for "Your Name on Public Report", then you will be identified as "Name Unavailable" in educational award reports from Toastmasters International (e.g., Triple Crown reports, DTM reports, etc.). This can make it difficult for District 18 to recognize your achievements in this newsletter, on our website, and in other publications such as the Spring Conference Program.
Now is a good time to review (and update, if needed) all of your settings under "My Privacy & Consents" in your profile on toastmasters.org.
| |
Pathways Project Showcase | |
|
In the spirit of renewal, we are looking at how this newsletter can better serve our members. This month, we are introducing a new feature that we hope to repeat every month: the Pathways Project Showcase. This is a place for District 18 Toastmasters to show off their Pathways projects and share the benefits of those projects.
Our first Pathways Project Showcase article is from Nick Deplitch, who inspired this new feature. (Thank you, Nick!) We can only continue this feature if we receive submissions from members like YOU. Please email your article for consideration to newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org. You can also use the Provide Feedback button at the bottom of this newsletter to let us know what you think about this new feature.
| |
Journey to You
by Nick Deplitch
Who are you? Deep down, do you know how you feel about some of the most important things in your life? Can you express it to friends and family? Can you express it to... anyone?
We are all on a journey of self-discovery as every day is an opportunity to learn something new, do something new, or be someone new. Embracing this opportunity allows for discovery of who you are and what you really think about something. I have found through Toastmasters, parenting, coaching youth sports, karate, and my career, that I love to teach and inspire. I have made it my purpose to spread the knowledge I have learned. One of the most important lessons I learned is that my most intimate thoughts and ideas are difficult to express, and nobody can really know who you are if you don't express yourself. Instead, people make assumptions to fill in details about your personality that you don't share. If you want people to know who you are, then you need to express yourself!
| |
To spread this message, I started the website and blog Journey to You (www.journey2u.org) with the goal of establishing a complementary YouTube channel to share my lessons and message. Last year, I took my first step towards that goal by starting a podcast hosted on my Journey to You YouTube channel.
The podcast, Evolving in Toastmasters, was envisioned to be a great way for the public to learn about Toastmasters from people who were or are members. My guests and I would share stories and lessons learned from our experiences in Toastmasters. In sharing how we benefited from Toastmasters, how we learned new skills and hurdled obstacles, and how we helped motivate each other, listeners might be more inclined to visit a Toastmasters club to see if they can benefit. Please give it a listen. Share it with people who are on the fence about visiting or joining Toastmasters. Contact me with feedback on how I can improve, and don't forget to tell me what you liked so I can highlight my best attributes.
Journey to You was a pet project that had been rattling around in my head for a while. When I made it to Level 4 of my first Pathways path, I came across two projects: Create a Compelling Blog and Create a Podcast. The lessons and assignments encouraged me to get started. Instead of waiting until I was "ready", I just jumped in and saw where it would go. I created something I am passionate about and was able to get feedback from my club members - people who I trust - to help and encourage me. I invite you to identify your passion and give these projects a try for expressing yourself. Find out who you are, and share your experience and your passion with the world!
| | | |
Sign Up for Game Night!
At this fun online game night on Friday, March 8, you will compete with others to be the first to solve a digital 100-piece puzzle and to complete a scavenger hunt. Pay only $10 to have fun and potentially also win a cash prize. This event is open to everyone, so invite your friends and family to participate. Sign up now, before registration closes!
Click on the flyer below for more details and to register by March 5
| |
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 clubs that chartered in March:
-
27 years: Patuxent (3/1/1997)
-
17 years: Delmarva (3/8/2007)
-
17 years: Asbury Town Neck Area (3/19/2007)
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!
| |
Note: All times are Eastern Time (ET) | |
|
Area-Level Speech Contest Period Ends
Monday, January 15 - Saturday, March 9
See District 18 Contest Plan Reminder, below.
Division-Level Speech Contest Period Begins
Sunday, March 10 - March 31
See District 18 Contest Plan Reminder, below.
Talk Up Toastmasters Program Continues
Thursday, February 1 - Sunday, March 31
See the Membership Building Programs web page for details
Areas 32/33 Speech Contests
Saturday, March 2, 10am – 2pm (Zoom)
POCs: Roxanne Liebermann, Area 32 Director, areadirector-32@toastmasters-d18.org and Craig Delfosse, Area 33 Director, areadirector-33@toastmasters-d18.org
Pathways Training
Saturday, March 2, 12pm - 2pm (Zoom)
No registration required; join here
See details here
Pathways "Office Hours"
Sunday, March 3, 12pm - 1pm (Zoom)
No registration required; join here
See details here
Deadline to Sign Up for Game Night Fundraiser
Tuesday, March 5
Sign up here
See "Sign Up TODAY for Game Night!" above for details.
Game Night Fundraiser (SIGN UP BY MARCH 5)
Friday, March 8, 7:30pm – 9:30pm (Zoom)
Zoom link to be provided to everyone who registers by the deadline.
See "Sign Up TODAY for Game Night!" above for details.
Daylight Savings Time: Sunday, March 10, 2am
Division F Speech Contest
Friday, March 15, 7pm – 10pm (Zoom)
Zoom link will be on the D18 Calendar
Point of contact: Nancy Waring, divisiondirector-f@toastmasters-d18.org
Division A Speech Contest
Saturday, March 16, 9am – 1pm (Zoom)
Zoom link will be on the D18 Calendar
Point of Contact: Janet Leary-Prowse, divisiondirector-a@toastmasters-d18.org
Division G Speech Contest
Saturday, March 16, 2pm – 4pm (hybrid)
Wilmington University, 3282 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901 (map)
Point of Contact: Michael Hoy, DTM, distinguishedtm@aol.com
Division C Speech Contest
Sunday, March 17, 1pm – 5pm (Zoom)
Zoom link will be on the D18 Calendar
Point of Contact: Jolynn Winn, divisiondirector-c@toastmasters-d18.org
Saint Patrick's Day: Sunday, March 17
Division E Speech Contest
Tuesday, March 19, 7pm – 10pm (Zoom)
Registration is not required; join here (Meeting ID: 385 136 3113, Passcode: 647084)
Point of Contact: B SUSAN Wilson, divisiondirector-e@toastmasters-d18.org
Spring Equinox: Tuesday, March 19 (11:06 PM)
Division B Speech Contest
Saturday, March 23, 9am – 12pm (Zoom)
Zoom link will be on the D18 Calendar
Point of Contact: Harriet Armstrong, divisiondirector-b@toastmasters-d18.org
Division D Speech Contest
Saturday, March 23, 2pm – 5pm (Zoom)
Zoom link will be on the D18 Calendar
Point of Contact: Jean V Kemp, divisiondirector-d@toastmasters-d18.org
Easter: Sunday, March 31
Deadline for Submission of Membership Renewals for April - September
Sunday, March 31
Submit your payment to your club Treasurer before your club's deadline or pay online by March 31 if online payment is enabled for your club
See "Renew your membership by March 31" above
End of Early Bird Pricing for District 18 Spring Conference
Sunday, March 31
See the "District 18 Spring Conference" reminder below.
| |
This section contains reminders for items previously published in prior editions of this newsletter and in separate email blasts | |
|
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 contests are on the District 18 Calendar.
| |
District 18 Spring Conference | |
Buy your tickets here, before March 31 to get the early-bird discount. Book your Ocean City lodging by calling the Carousel Oceanfront Resort at 800-641-0011 (request the group rate for the Toastmasters room block).
Additional details are available on the Conference Webpage
| |
|
Conference Basket Raffle
The District 18 Basket Raffle is one of the fun highlights of the conference! This FUNdraiser is an excellent way to showcase your club while helping to defray conference costs.
Click below to sign up to donate a basket
| |
|
Conference T-Shirts
The conference T-shirt was announced in this newsletter last month. It will be available to conference participants and others. Order yours and plan to wear it with pride!
For more information, contact conference@toastmasters-d18.org
| |
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 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
(Note: additional details added in February & hotel reservations now available)
| |
Club Officer Checklist - March | |
|
All Officers
- Work with club members to build a basket to donate for the Conference Basket Raffle
- Continue thinking about succession planning for your role in 2024/2025; start planning elections
-
Support Area and Division speech contests
- 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
- Encourage club members to consider running for a club officer position for 2024/2025
- Preside over executive committee meeting(s)
VP Education
- Support your club's contestants at Area and Division contests
-
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's participation in Area and Division contests
-
Promote the Talk Up Toastmasters membership campaign (2/1-3/31)
-
Externally publicize your club's Open House or other membership building activity; use the Find a Club events feature mentioned in the Open House Success article in the February edition of this newsletter
- 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
-
Increase recruitment efforts for Talk Up Toastmasters
- Reach out to prospective members and former members
- Lead the planning and implementation of an Open House or other membership building activities with support from other club members
- Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
- Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)
Treasurer
- Collect membership renewal dues and submit to TI by 3/31
- Support budget and expense tracking for your club's Open House and other membership building activities
- Continue processing dues submissions from new club members
- Continue tracking club expenses against the club's budget
Secretary
- Assist with Open House and other membership building activities
- Document meeting minutes at executive committee meeting(s)
Sergeant-at-Arms
- Assist with Open House and other membership building activities
- Manage and maintain club equipment and materials
- Set up and break down required materials for each club meeting
| |
|
Your input and feedback are welcome.
Want to see a topic included? Have a story or photo share? Let us know!
| |
|
Please share the information in this newsletter with your club members.
Not subscribed yet? Subscribe here.
| |
Integrity • Respect • Service • Excellence | | | | |
