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“Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is freedom.” - Marilyn Ferguson, American author, editor and public speaker

Message from the Editor

Beth May

Dear Reader,

This month, in our corner of the world (the area where most District 18 members live), temperatures will continue to cool, leaves will change color and fall from trees, and our focus will generally shift from outdoor activities to those we can do in the warmth and comfort of the indoors. These are all changes we have experienced before and can anticipate without fear, even though we cannot control them.

When fear occurs with a change, it is usually because we do not know what to expect. That is the nature of doing something outside of our comfort zone. Fear of the unknown can keep us from stepping out of that zone, but when we do, we often find that the zone expands, and we are rewarded with new confidence and fulfillment. In this month's newsletter, you will find plenty of encouragement to do just that.

Remember, it's only when we push past our fears that we discover just how much we are truly capable of.

District Director's Point of View

John Comberiate, DTM

Please watch this month's video message from our District Director. (An audio transcript 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, adding dd@district18toastmasters.ccsend.com to your Contacts list/Address Book and restarting your email client may help. Alternatively, use the "View as Web Page" link at the top of this newsletter.

Video Transcript - Don't be Afraid

We are taught at a young age not to use certain four-letter words. They get us in trouble, cheapen our oratory skills, and limit our growth.

But FEAR is a four-letter word that we don’t receive warning about, even when it too can produce the same results. It stops us in our tracks, holds us back from our goals, and traps us in our comfort zones.

Toastmasters is all about FEAR. Facing it, confronting it, and pushing past it. When we move beyond the limitations of our FEAR, we find our voice. We make connections. We open opportunities.

Believe it or not, we are already a quarter of the way through our year. Look at the progress we have made! We have stepped up to new roles, often beyond our comfort zone, with completely new experiences. We have stepped out to take training and learn how to take on the challenges and responsibilities of our roles. We stepped up to conduct district business and completed the Fall District Council Business Meeting!

Look how far we have come! Now is the time to keep moving forward, take the next step without fear, and continue to build on our success. Freedom awaits!

Don't Be Afraid to Dream

Have you ever been inspired by a movie or television show where the main character delivers a heartfelt, moving speech that saves the day, and thought: "Why can’t that person be me?"

There is no reason it can't be! Don't be afraid to dream big about becoming a powerful public speaker. Think about what you're passionate about. Have you given a speech on it? If so, how many times have you given that same speech, to make it as impactful as possible? If not, why not share it with the world?

This past month alone, I’ve heard many powerful speeches at club meetings. I listened to Toastmaster Sara Nabiel’s Icebreaker speech, about overcoming her two greatest fears—cancer, and not being there for her children. At another club, Distinguished Toastmaster Dwayne White shared how his Baltimore, Maryland fraternity delivered a custom-made bicycle and helmet to a disabled child in Ottawa, Canada. At yet another club, Toastmaster Terri Patterson applied the power of persuasion to urge audience members to get preventative health screenings.

Toastmasters clubs are the best places to hone our speaking skills so we can inspire even greater audiences. The building blocks for crafting powerful speeches are found in Pathways. Be sure to review the resources in Base Camp, and deliver your speech at club meetings and contests.

Dream big this month and prepare a speech that you believe in. Be the inspiring speaker that - deep down inside - you know you are.

September was a very busy month. District 18 was out and about at community events like the River Walk Freedom Festival in Milford, Delaware. Norma Johnson spearheaded a display table and volunteers to talk about Toastmasters to a large number of festival participants. Contact information for quite a few people was acquired from the event. If you know about other such festivals or community meetings and you wish to spearhead the set-up of a Toastmasters display, please inform me so that I can provide you with marketing materials (email me at cgd@toastmasters-d18.org).

September 30th marked the end of the Smedley Award Program. I will post the results of which clubs attained the award in the November newsletter.

I hope that all clubs in the district are growing their membership by utilizing the PLUS ONE PLEDGE (every member of every club brings at least one guest to a club meeting before the end of December).

Ralph Waldo Emerson stated "Knowledge is the antidote to fear.” Wouldn't you like to share your knowledge and eliminate fear by becoming a CLUB COACH, CLUB SPONSOR, or CLUB MENTOR? If you are interested in any of these roles, please submit the interest form (even if you have already emailed me to express your interest). Find the interest form on the Club Growth Initiatives web page, We have been gathering leads for new clubs in District 18 and WE STILL NEED MANY MORE MEMBERS TO FILL THESE ROLES.

The Club Ambassador and Traveling Toastmasters programs are also described on the Club Growth Initiatives web page. Please submit the associated form if you wish to fill either of these important roles. I will post the incentives for actively participating by October 15th.

A new program named "GRAB THE GAVEL" will go live on October 15th. An overview is posted on the Club Growth Initiatives web page. More details and club incentives will be posted by October 15th.

Don't be afraid to step out and inspire others - let's work together to grow our district and share the power of Toastmasters with our communities!

Did

You

Know?

You may know that when you complete a level or a path, you receive a digital badge which you can view in Pathways Base Camp. Did you know that you can also award feedback badges to recognize members of your club? There are currently six different badges you can award to others (see badges pictured below). Find additional information in the Providing Feedback and Awarding Badges video.

Note: Digital certificates will continue to be available after the Base Camp upgrade.

Getting Business Done by Sue Wilson

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the District 18 Council conducted the Fall business meeting online. The Council consists of the "trio" (District Director John Comberiate, DTM, Program Quality Director Catherine Damavandi, and Club Growth Director Vincent “Taz” Ellsworth, DTM), division directors, area directors, club presidents, and club vice presidents education. 

The Council approved the District 18 budget and district leaders who were appointed after the Spring 2024 business meeting. Names of those leaders can be found on the District 18 website here.

Year-End Audit Committee Chair Robert Logan, DTM, presented a summary of the annual audit, noting that the audit committee had reviewed bank statements, payment approvals and narratives. He was pleased to say that no discrepancies were found.  

Our area and division directors reported on their clubs' activities. Many talked about their efforts to increase membership and shared their plans to hold in-person contests over the next few months. 

During his report, Public Relations Manager Mitchell Garber talked about District 18’s presence in social media. 

Club Growth Director Vincent "Taz" Ellsworth, DTM, provided a summary of new club leads that the district is pursuing to gain additional clubs. He also talked about the need for club coaches and club sponsors.

Program Quality Director Catherine Damavandi talked about the success of the summer club officer training program, upcoming judges training activities, and speech contest season. She thanked and congratulated all those who participated in club officer training.

District Director John Comberiate, DTM, congratulated members of the district team for the work done so far this year. He talked about District 18’s initiative of having members complete the Competent Leadership Manual and asked club leadership to encourage its members to complete the manual. He also mentioned the upcoming Mock Contests, in which past district directors will compete to give other participants the opportunity to practice their contest judging skills.

Additional information can be found on the Fall 2024 Virtual Business Meeting web page. The next District Council meeting will be in the Spring.

As Vice President Education for her club, District 18 Toastmaster Laura Allen, DTM, prepared an informal video to share with her club (Dynamic Leadership Toastmasters) to help them prepare for the upcoming Pathways Base Camp upgrade. She has graciously agreed to allow that video, and information that accompanied it, to be included in this newsletter (see below).

For further guidance on preparing for the Pathways Base Camp upgrade, refer to TI's video on preparing for the upgrade (also linked from the PQD Corner in the December 2023 Newsletter). That video offers additional tips that complement the advice shared in Laura's video, which is below. Together, these resources provide a comprehensive overview of how to prepare effectively.

You don't have to be afraid of the transition if you are prepared!

In this month's Pathways Showcase, District 18 Toastmaster Terri Abramovitz helps us understand the legacy we can create with our speeches, and inspires us to leverage our Pathways projects into public speaking success. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and let your speeches become the foundation of your legacy!



You too can 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 October:

• 58 Years: Harco (10/01/1966)
• 16 Years: CSC Incorporators (10/06/2008)
• 07 Years: Heard in the Herd (10/10/2017)
• 03 Years: Thermo Fisher Hunt Valley (10/20/2021)

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) unless otherwise noted

Additional information may be available on the District 18 Calendar

Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, October 2 (sundown) - Friday, October 4 (sundown)

Club Coach Information Session

Tuesday, October 8, 7pm - 8pm (virtual/Zoom)

Details will be available on the District 18 Calendar.

Pathways Base Camp Outage

Wednesday, October 9 - Friday, October 25

Updates may be posted to https://www.toastmasters.org/education/pathways/pathways-updates.

Yom Kippur: Friday, October 11 (sundown) - Saturday October 12 (sundown)

Judges Training

Sunday, October 13, 2pm - 4pm (virtual/Zoom)

No registration required, just join here

For more information, see the Reminder below

Side Splitter Challenge - South

Friday, October 18, 5pm - 8pm, Jazzercise Pasadena Fitness Center, Pasadena, MD

Socialize with appetizers from 5pm to 6pm; challenge will start at 6pm.

Registration link and more information are in the PQD Corner (see "Laugh Out Loud")

100th Anniversary of First Toastmasters Club Meeting

Tuesday, October 22

The first Toastmasters club meeting was held at a YMCA in Santa Ana, California.

Final Deadline for Newsletter Submissions for the November Edition

Tuesday, October 22

Email newseditor@toastmasters-d18.org

District Director "Office Hour"

Thursday, October 24, 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

Halloween: Thursday, October 31

Note: No Pathways Office Hours/Training sessions are scheduled for October.

Side Splitter Challenge - North

Friday, November 1, 5pm - 8pm, Mission BBQ, Ellicott City, MD

Socialize (food available for purchase) from 5pm to 6pm; challenge will start at 6pm.

Registration link and more information are in the PQD Corner (see "Laugh Out Loud")

Side Splitter Challenge - East

Saturday, November 2, 2pm - 4pm, Kirkwood Library, Wilmington, DE (Open Mic session)

Registration link and more information are in the PQD Corner (see "Laugh Out Loud")

Mock Contest (Judges Practice)

Saturday, November 9, 2pm - 6pm, Enterprise Corporate Headquarters, 11000 Broken Land Parkway, Columbia, MD

See more information below, under Reminders.

Side Splitter Challenge - West

Saturday, November 16, 2pm - 4pm, Coyle Free Library, Chambersburg, PA

Registration link and more information are in the PQD Corner (see "Laugh Out Loud")

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

All Officers

• 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)

VP Education (VPE)

• Continue preparing for the Pathways Base Camp transition (expected THIS MONTH); help members ensure that their educational achievements are accurately reflected in Base Camp and Club Central (see article "Pathways Base Camp Transition Update" above in this newsletter)
• Begin planning club 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

• Make sure that all membership renewal dues are submitted to World HQ by October 1!
• 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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