District 106

Newsletter

January 2025

Serving Parts of Minnesota and Ontario

Upcoming District Events

January 28, 2025

Club Officer Training

Ridgedale Library

Virtual (via Zoom) and in-person

Register

April 26, 2025

District Council Business Meeting

Virtual (via Zoom)

8-11 a.m. CST

Click for details

May 2-3, 2025

District 106 Spring Conference

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Register for the Spring Conference

From the Desk of the District Director


January 2025 Article: Speech Contests—Practice makes Perfect!


Happy 2025! As we begin this new year, I’ve taken time each day to paint a bookmarker. Allowing myself a few minutes each morning to paint a small landscape on a bookmarker has been rewarding and brought me great joy. It has given time to pause and practice something I love. I’ve noticed the more I take time to paint the more I improve. 


Like painting a small picture daily, practicing a 5-minute speech daily or a few times a week can make a big difference before you deliver it to your club. Practice makes perfect. Any skill a person dedicates a few minutes to everyday improves over time.


Why not start practicing your contest speech now and plan to enter one or both of the speech contests categories in the spring? The contest categories are International and Tall Tales. The Club speech contests start in February. Make sure your club’s contest is scheduled now. March is the Area contests then April will be the Division contests. All contests will be in person so reserve a venue early. The final contest will be at the District Spring Conference in Thunder Bay, Canada, on May 2nd & 3rd. Please register and plan to attend this festive event. 


Let this year be the one we take time to practice and develop those amazing speaking skills that set us apart. To learn more about the District 106 speech contests visit https://d106tm.org/speech-contests/

Katy Hursh, DTM

District Director, District 106

Email: tm.katy.hursh@gmail.com

From the Desk of the Program Quality Director


Happy New Year my fellow Toastmasters!


We are now officially on our journey for the second part of the year. With 6 months left, time is flying. It's been an absolute pleasure serving as your club growth director. 


We have officer training coming up on January 28 at the Ridgedale Library that is both in person and online. Please consider taking one (Link to officer training list). We had an amazing 100 people attend our TLI to start the new year off right. 


Keep an eye out for DTM Alley, speech contest training and pathways training in the near future. 


Have you heard about the spring conference in Thunder Bay? We really want you to join us. Please register today. 


Let's finish off strong—quality meetings, quality time spent with our Toastmasters and quality time learning and growing. 

All the best in 2025,

Matthew Villella, DTM

Program Quality Director, District 106

Email: tm.matthew.villella@gmail.com

From the Desk of the Club Growth Director


Happy New Year, Toastmasters!


As we step into the New Year with renewed enthusiasm and aspirations, I want to take a moment to reflect on the transformative journey that Toastmasters offers to each one of us. Toastmasters is more than just an organization—it is a platform that empowers individuals to discover their voice, build their confidence, and unlock their true potential.


As your Club Growth Director, I invite you to join me in spreading the word about Toastmasters and its life-changing impact. Whether it’s mastering the art of public speaking, enhancing leadership skills, or connecting with a vibrant and supportive community, Toastmasters offers unparalleled benefits to individuals from all walks of life. Let us share our stories of growth and transformation with those who are yet to experience the magic of Toastmasters.


Why Should We Promote Toastmasters?

Every day, countless individuals seek opportunities for personal and professional development. They may want to improve their communication, overcome their fear of speaking, or hone their leadership skills. Toastmasters provides a proven, affordable, and supportive framework to help them achieve these goals. By sharing our experiences, we can inspire others to embark on their own transformative journey.


Opportunities to Charter New Clubs

This year, let us look for opportunities to expand our reach and create new spaces for growth. Chartering new Toastmasters clubs allows us to:

1. Serve Diverse Communities: From neighborhood groups to hobby-based networks, community clubs provide a platform for people to come together and grow while sharing their unique interests.

2. Empower Professionals in Corporate Settings: Many organizations recognize the value of Toastmasters in fostering leadership and communication excellence. Let us collaborate with companies to launch corporate clubs, helping their employees grow into confident leaders and communicators.

3. Launch Specialty and Advanced Clubs: Specialty clubs cater to niche interests, such as storytelling, humor, or specific industries, while advanced clubs challenge seasoned Toastmasters to push their boundaries further. These clubs enrich the Toastmasters ecosystem and provide tailored opportunities for growth


How Can You Contribute?

1. Be an Ambassador: Share the benefits of Toastmasters with friends, colleagues, and your community. Talk about how it has helped you grow and how it can help others achieve their goals.

2. Identify Opportunities: Keep an eye out for groups or organizations that could benefit from Toastmasters. Whether it’s a local community center, a workplace, or a professional network, there’s always room to start a new club.

3. Collaborate and Lead: If you’re passionate about starting a new club, take the lead. Collaborate with your District team, who are here to guide you every step of the way—from planning meetings to the chartering process.


Transforming Lives, One Speech at a Time

Each Toastmasters meeting, speech, and project has the power to transform lives. Together, we can create opportunities for countless individuals to find their voice, build their confidence, and achieve their dreams.


Let us make 2025 a year of growth and impact, not just for ourselves but for everyone we inspire to join this incredible journey.


Thank you for your commitment to growing Toastmasters and changing lives. Here’s to a year of growth, opportunity, and transformation!

Warm regards,

Ashok Sunkavalli

Club Growth Director, District 106

Email: tm.ashoksunkavalli@gmail.com

Phone: 319-431-2415 (call or text me!)

From the Desk of the Public Relations Manager


Refresh and Renew: Breathing New Life into Our Digital Presence


As we move into a new season, there’s no better time to refresh and renew. Just as spring cleaning revitalizes our homes, a digital refresh can bring new energy to our websites, social media, and documents. It's time to take a closer look at our online presence and ensure it reflects the vibrant, dynamic spirit of District 106 Toastmasters.


The Digital Makeover

Think of your website and social media as your club’s front porch. What do visitors see when they first arrive? Is it inviting, up-to-date, and reflective of the incredible work you’re doing? A refreshed digital space can spark new interest and rekindle excitement among current members.


Social Media: A Fresh Perspective

Social media is a powerful tool, but it’s easy for content to become stale. Let’s commit to refreshing our posts with engaging content that highlights our club’s unique personality. Share success stories, upcoming events, and glimpses behind the scenes. Remember, your creativity has the power to inspire and attract new members.


Documents that Shine

Our documents—be it flyers, newsletters, or presentations—are often the first touchpoints for potential members. Let’s take a moment to review these materials. Are they visually appealing and informative? Do they convey the message of who we are today? A fresh look can make a world of difference in how we’re perceived.


A Commitment to Refresh

Refreshing doesn’t mean starting from scratch; it means enhancing what’s already great. By making small, intentional updates, we can ensure our digital presence continues to reflect the growth and enthusiasm of our Toastmasters community.


A Quote to Inspire

As the legendary business magnate Warren Buffett once said, "Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." Our digital presence is the tree we plant today. Let’s nurture it, refresh it, and watch it flourish, providing shade—and inspiration—for years to come.


Let’s Do This Together!

This season, let’s make a commitment to refresh and renew. Dive into your club’s digital content with fresh eyes and a creative spirit. Together, we can ensure that District 106 Toastmasters remains a beacon of leadership, communication, and community.

Warm Regards,

Leo Smith, DTM

District 106 Public Relations Manager

Email: leo.w.smith@gmail.com

Phone: 651-600-0531

Newsletter Archive


Did you know that that there is an archive of past D106 newsletters?


Visit this repository if you need to refer to a past newsletter. https://d106tm.org/newsletter/

Follow us on the D106 Website, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for exciting updates, inspiration, and more.


District 106 Social channel presence by the Numbers:

Facebook: 490 | X (Formerly Twitter): 214 | LinkedIn: 230 | Instagram: 311 | YouTube: 169 TikTok: 51

 
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