View as Web Page

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.

Join Us On Social Media

"I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou, Poet, Dancer, Singer, Activist, and Scholar

Message from the Editor

Beth May

Dear Reader,

This month's quote by Maya Angelou (above) captures the essence of this month's theme. It's related to our second core value, respect, and yet it goes beyond that. Let us embrace this mindset of always considering how our words and actions make others feel. It is important - especially when we are stressed - to at least give others the benefit of doubt. And when we're happy, we can spread that happiness by actively seeking out opportunities to lift others up with a kind word or thoughtful action. Imagine how our world would be if everyone did this!

District Director's Point of View

AnnMarie Givans, DTM

Hello District 18 Toastmasters,

During the last 10 months, we have worked hard together toward reaching our goals, and we have had many successes. With only two months remaining in the current Toastmasters year, it's crucial that we maintain our momentum and strive to attain Smedley Distinguished status for District 18. Let's rally together for one final push, giving our all to increase the number of paid clubs, individual member payments, and distinguished clubs.

District 18, this is our moment to etch our names in history. Let's seize this opportunity and collectively strive towards our shared goal of Smedley Distinguished status

Spring Business Meeting Recap

Our annual Spring Business Meeting concluded on April 28, with nearly 100 people in attendance. I would like to thank both the District Council members and non-voting participants for attending.

All items on the agenda were covered, which included approval of the Fall Business Meeting minutes, reports by the District Executive Committee members and the District Leadership Committee, elections (see Election Results, below), reading and approval of the Alignment Report, and announcements (a reminder about the Toastmasters International Convention, and an announcement that the next Fall Business Meeting will be held in September).

All reports given at the Spring Business Meeting can be found online: https://www.toastmasters-d18.org/spring-2024-virtual-business-meeting/2024-spring-conference-business-meeting-reports.

Dear Friends,

I have reflected on this month's theme about people always remembering how you made them feel, and I am proud to say that District 18 always strives to live the Toastmasters core values. This was evident to me especially during April, when we celebrated two important District 18 milestones - our Spring Conference and our Spring Business Meeting.

I want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the Conference Chair, DTM Michele Canopii, all the members of the Spring Conference Committee, and all the lovely District 18 Toastmasters and guests who attended the conference and helped to make it a success!

Creating an environment that encourages everyone to work together makes a big impact on our collective performance. Finding the correct balance between independent working and collaboration through teamwork helps us to play to each other's individual strengths, and keeps the larger team engaged and efficient. While the two-day agenda for the conference was really tight, our core team exemplified the spirit of teamwork and collaboration, enabling each other to complete all tasks with near perfection. 

In addition, I want to take a moment to congratulate all the contestants and winners for all three speech contests for your amazing performances! You not only delivered great speeches, but also inspired many in the audience to do better in their lives too.

District 18 is a valuable asset to Toastmasters International. I am proud of our commitment to the Toastmasters core values of Integrity, Service, Respect, and Excellence, and I believe that others will be inspired to exhibit the same values.

Andrew Carnegie once said, "if you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” There are only two months left in this Toastmasters year. Now is the time to set your final goals for the year, and follow through to achieve them!

As of the date of this newsletter, we have 17 clubs in District 18 that have reached Distinguished status. Congratulations to those clubs and their members on this wonderful  achievement! For the rest of us... we can be next!

If you haven’t completed a Pathways level so far this year, make a personal goal to complete a level by June 30 - especially if it is a level that your club needs to reach Distinguished status. If there aren't enough club meetings in May and June to complete all the required projects associated with the level you are completing, please consider contacting another club to ask if there’s room on their next meeting agenda for you to deliver a speech. You can find other clubs by visiting District 18’s website (https://bit.ly/Find-a-Club).

If your club has met the educational goals for the Distinguished Club Program but still needs new members to reach Distinguished status, please email your Club Growth Director (me) at cgd@toastmasters-d18.org. I will collaborate with you on ways to attract new members.

Let’s finish this Toastmasters year strong by focusing our efforts now. As Andrew Carnegie suggests, setting goals that liberate our energy and inspire our hopes will make us proud and empowered.

District Leadership Positions Available for 2024/2025

District Director-Elect John Comberiate, DTM is seeking volunteers for district leadership for the upcoming Toastmasters year. Available positions include the District Finance Manager (requires an accounting background), District Facilities Manager, District Administration Manager, some Division Directors, and Area Directors for all areas. Serving in any of these positions can provide credit toward achieving the Distinguished Toastmaster award.

If you are interested in serving the district, please reach out to John at comberiate.john@gmail.com.

Did

You

Know?

District email communications (including newsletter emails) use the email addresses from member profiles on toastmasters.org. Of the 1,263 Toastmasters currently in our district, 87 are missing out on district emails sent through Constant Contact because they have unsubscribed or their email addresses are bouncing. If you want to resubscribe, please click here. If you are already subscribed and are not receiving Constant Contact emails, please email prm@toastmasters-d18.org.

Please also review the email address on your profile at toastmasters.org and update as needed.

Empowerment and Celebration: Conference Highlights

Two weekends ago, nearly 150 people - District 18 members, family, and friends - gathered at the Carousel Oceanfront Resort in Ocean City, Maryland for our Spring Conference, hosted by Division G. We reminisced and we laughed, danced and exchanged knowledge - all while creating new memories.

Highlights of the 1.5-day conference included the traditional club banner parade, keynote speeches by Past International President Dr. Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, and 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking, Lance Miller, DTM, speech contests (see "Contests Results", below), educational sessions, a fun photo booth, the DTM Luncheon Walk of Fame, presentation of District 18's Communication and Leadership Award (see article below), and dozens of door prizes. It also included fun fundraising activities: a fantastic basket raffle with baskets donated by 24 clubs, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

If you were unable to attend the conference, please take a few moments to browse the pages of the program booklet. You will find highlights from our keynote speeches and educational sessions, recognition for this year's Distinguished Toastmaster and Triple Crown award recipients, Pathways accomplishment data for all district members, and more. You can also purchase a conference swag bag: an insulated and zip-able tote filled with goodies, for just $15. If you are interested, please email conference@toastmasters-d18.org.

Save the date: our next District 18 Spring Conference will be hosted by Division A at the Embassy Suites in Newark, Delaware, April 25-26, 2025.

Contest time - Beth and Tom May are ready!

Dance Party!

Additional photos will be posted to the District 18 Website.

A Word of Thanks from Conference Chair Michele Canopii, DTM

Contest Results

The district level speech contests are always a highlight at our Spring Conference. This year, six of District 18's best Table Topics speakers competed, providing 1-2 minute impromptu speeches in response to the prompt "Take a little trip." During the Humorous Speech Contest, six contestants made us laugh while inspiring us with their own life lessons. Finally, six International Speech Contest participants thrilled us as they vied for the opportunity to advance to the regional quarter-finals for the World Championship of Public Speaking (WCPS). Winning the quarter-finals will secure a spot on the world stage at the WCPS semi-finals during the International Convention in Anaheim, California in August. We are excited to cheer on Dr. Cheryl Wood, DTM, in her quest for one of those coveted spots!

Congratulations to everyone who participated and especially to the winners!

Table Topics Contest winners (left to right): Jane Hoy, DTM (Division G), 2nd place; Malcolm Reid (Division C), 1st place; Oleo Samuels (Division B), 3rd place.

Humorous Speech Contest winners (left to right): Ben Crist (Division A), 2nd place;

Shawn Brumfield (Division C), 1st place; Norma Johnson (Division G), 3rd place

International Speech Contest winners: Stephen Choo Quan (Division A), 3rd place;

Dr. Cheryl Wood (Division C), 1st place; Oleo Samuels (Division B), 2nd place

District 18 Honors Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes with Communication & Leadership Award

Each year at our annual Spring Conference, District 18 confers its Communication & Leadership award on a local community member who is not a Toastmaster but exemplifies our Toastmasters values. This year's award recipient was Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes of the Maryland State House of Delegates.

Delegate Sample-Hughes was elected to her current role representing District 37A in 2015. She currently also serves on the House Judiciary Committee and holds national leadership positions. Her exemplary service has been recognized by many organizations, including the Rural Maryland Council and the Daily Record.

Delegate Sample-Hughes' mantra, "Yours In Service" reflects her genuine commitment to serving the government, her community, and her family. Congratulations to Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes on this well-deserved recognition!

In this month's Pathways Project Showcase, District 18 Toastmaster Stephanie Fletcher shares the insights she gained from a Pathways Level 2 project, and how those insights have helped her become a better leader.

You too can share your perspectives, challenges, and successes with a Pathways Project: 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 of this feature.

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 May:

• 49 years: Powermasters (05/01/1975)
• 46 years: Meadeators (05/01/1978)
• 16 years: Fiserv (05/21/2008)
• 13 years: JWR Enterprise (05/10/2011)
• 12 years: Voice of a Woman (05/21/2012)
• 8 years: Wiley Wildcats (05/31/2016)
• 4 years: Crofton Professional (05/25/2020)
• 1 year: Tri-state (05/31/2023)

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)

National Day of Prayer: Thursday, May 2

May the Fourth be With You: Saturday, May 4

Cinco de Mayo: Sunday, May 5

Pathways Training

Tuesday, May 7, 7pm - 9pm (Zoom)

No registration required; join here

See details here

Mother's Day: Sunday, May 12

Second Monday Speaker Series,

Presented by Northrop Grumman Gavaliers Toastmasters Club

Monday, May 13, 6:30pm - 7:40pm (Zoom)

Topic: Accelerate Your Personal & Professional Growth Through Mentor-Mentee Relationships

Speaker: Dilip Abayasekara, DTM, AS, PIP

No registration required; join here (Meeting ID: 84717070575, No Password)

Additional details for this series are available here

Pathways "Office Hours"

Sunday, May 19, 4pm - 5pm (Zoom)

No registration required; join here

See details here

Memorial Day: Monday, May 29

This section contains reminders for items previously published in prior editions of this newsletter and in separate email blasts

Club Officer Elections

Club officer elections should be conducted this month. Detailed information was provided in the April issue of this newsletter and additional resources are listed below:

• Club Officer Elections FAQ
• Club Election Videos (two videos: Preparing for Your Club Officer Election and Holding Your Club Officer Election)
• Club Leadership Handbook

After your club elections are complete, don't forget to submit your officer list to Toastmasters International World Headquarters, by updating Club Central.

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!

Click on the image below for more details and to register

(Additional details added in February, hotel reservations opened in March)

All Officers

• Help with running club officer elections, prepare for transitions
• 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

• Preside over executive committee meeting(s)

VP Education

• 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

• Support the Beat the Clock membership building program
• 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

• Support the Beat the Clock membership building program
• Greet club meeting visitors and distribute guest packets ("blue folders")
• Follow up with prospective members (club meeting visitors and others)

Treasurer

• Prepare for financial audit
• Continue processing dues submissions from new 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 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, or want to resubscribe? Click here.