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Last minute reminder!
Your Toastmasters membership dues are due TODAY, March 31st, 2026 by 9:59 pm AK/10:59 pm PT
Don't delay!
How to Renew:
· Self-Pay: Visit Toastmasters.org to log in and pay your dues directly.
· Club Support: Reach out to your Club Officers to coordinate payment.
· Corporate Members: If you are part of a corporate club that sponsors your membership, please contact your internal program coordinator.
Thank you for staying plugged into the global leader in public speaking!
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Start Your Morning with the District 2 Town Hall!
Grab your favorite coffee or tea and join us for a special morning edition of the District 2 Town Hall. This is a space to share what’s happening in your region, hear the latest updates from across the District, and connect with fellow D2 members.
Win a Free Conference Ticket! We’re excited to announce a special drawing for a free conference ticket! If you’ve purchased your ticket by the end of the day on April 1st, you’ll be automatically entered to win. We will announce the lucky winner live during the Town Hall! Scroll down for link to purchase your ticket!
Your Questions, Answered
We want to hear from you. We will be dedicating time to answering all submitted questions to ensure you have the clarity and support you need.
When: Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 7:00 AM AK | 8:00 AM PT
Where: Zoom - Register here
Set your alarm and bring your best ideas—we’ll see you there!
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🌟 Celebrate Excellence: Nominations are about to CLOSE!
It’s time to shine a spotlight on the stars of District 2!
Nominations for the "Of the Year" Awards will close at the end of today, March 31st!
Your participation in the voting and nomination process is vital. This is your chance to help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding members, clubs, and leaders who have gone above and beyond to make our district exceptional this year.
🗳️ How to Cast Your Vote
Before you submit, please read the instructions carefully on the nomination form to ensure your vote counts toward honoring our community's finest.
- Recognize leadership and growth.
- Celebrate club achievements.
- Inspire others by highlighting excellence.
Thank you for being an active part of our District 2 community and for helping us honor those who embody the Toastmasters spirit!
The recipients of these awards will be announced at the District 2 conference on May 16th.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 31, 2026!!
Submit your votes here!
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March Madness & April Sweeps Incentive
March can be a pivotal month for Toastmaster clubs. The excitement of District contests and the upcoming conference can be offset with the challenge of membership growth and retention.
The key to both is making sure members achieve their goals and get fulfilment out of their Toastmasters journey. There are four factors that influence membership fulfilment.
· Education: Engaging members in Pathways.
· Environment: Creating a welcoming atmosphere and sense of belonging.
· Enrichment: Encouraging members to learn from people outside their club.
· Empowerment: Offering opportunities for continued growth after original goals are met.
The District 2 March Madness Incentive combines all for factors in a fun spring activity to inspire us all to march forth on our Toastmaster Journey. By hosting joint meetings, sharing available meeting roles with other clubs, mentoring members of new clubs, and hosting joint demonstration meetings to PROMOTE area clubs, we can influence membership engagement and fulfilment.
Click the link to see your Club and Area standing in the March Madness & April Sweeps Incentive campaign.
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Two Powerful Firesides from our Keynotes
Michael Bown & Rebecca Murray
🌟 Keynote Sneak Peeks + Live Q&A Opportunity! 🌟
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Michael Bown on April 8th 12PM Pacific Time
Michael believes Toastmasters International unlocks the potential within each individual by building confidence and communication excellence.
“Interviews have transformed from intimidating experiences into meaningful dialogues that showcase my suitability for a role,” he shares.
“I’ve unlocked opportunities to speak before hundreds, delivering value with confidence.”
As a member of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, Michael serves as a global ambassador—collaborating with leaders worldwide to shape strategies, policies, and programs that empower communicators and leaders everywhere.
https://www.d2tm.org/event-details/fireside-chat-with-michael-bown-dtm
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Rebecca P. Murray on Apr 13, 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Rebecca is a vocal influence strategist who blends behavior science, technology, and theater to help professionals elevate their presence and master their message.
Through her company, Showcase Your Shine, she empowers leaders, teams, and organizations to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact in every setting—from conversations to keynotes.
Rebecca credits Toastmasters International as the foundation of her journey as a professional speaker and communication trainer. Now serving as President-Elect of the National Speakers Association Northwest, she actively champions Toastmasters as the ideal launchpad for building a successful speaking business.
https://www.d2tm.org/event-details/fireside-chat-with-rebecca-murray
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District 2 Conference Education Sessions Scheduled
Plus More Coming Soon!
The Future of Engaged Leadership
EQ Unleashed: The Human Edge of Tomorrow’s Leaders
International Director Michael Bown discusses how emotional intelligence shapes leadership, communication, and connection through empathy, authenticity, and vision.
The Future of Bold Communication
Mastering Impactful Storytelling Through Story Arcs
Product Program Manager Abhijeet Joshi demonstrates how AI tools can help elevate your storytelling skills using the “story arc” framework. By applying this structured approach, storytellers craft narratives that captivate, engage, and resonate with audiences, keeping them interested in both the characters and their journey throughout the story.
The Future of Confident Speaking
Mapping Your Path to Leadership Success
This workshop is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the Toastmasters Pathways program. Toastmaster Guides will support participants in establishing a project vision, forming an advisory committee, and crafting an elevator pitch to effectively communicate their project vision and attract team members.
Beachball Communication
This workshop is intended to provide a thorough examination of individual communication styles and their influence on team engagement and organizational support. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of beachball communication and acquire insights into how effective interaction with peers can contribute to their professional success.
Information on other educational sessions to come.
For more information on the conference, please visit -
https://www.d2tm.org/2026-conference
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Be the spark!
Bring your employer on board as a Conference Sponsor.
Big changes often start with small actions—and this is one you can take today. You already believe in the value Toastmasters: your growth, your connections, the confidence it builds. As a member, you’ve seen firsthand how powerful this community is. Now extend that by inviting your employer to be a sponsor at the May 2026 District 2 Conference.
By introducing this sponsorship opportunity, you’re helping your employer do both—invest in their people and strengthen their presence, all while supporting a cause you’re already passionate about. You could be the reason- your action can turn possibility into a long-term collaboration. Don’t know where to start? We have you covered with ready-to-use materials - email templates, sponsorship levels at the Club Comms and Sponsor Kit - Google Drive site.
Have more questions? Contact Rekha Nair, DTM
District 2 2026 Conference Sponsor Committee.
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Celebrate Your Club: Build a Basket, Boost the Fun!
The 2026 District 2 Toastmasters Conference is fast approaching! All clubs are invited to donate a themed basket or gift card valued at $50 or more for the conference raffle—one of the weekend’s most anticipated highlights, celebrating our voices, connections, and club pride
Gift cards make simple yet standout contributions. For instance, a Seattle Mariners gift card paired with a team bobblehead adds a hometown flair any attendee would love. Whether for coffee, dining, or local entertainment, gift cards travel light but bring big fun.
Clubs are encouraged to share photos of their basket or gift card donation to be featured on Starburst and the D2 Conference website.
Thank you to Redmond Nights Toastmasters, Public Speaking Northwest, and Valley Club Juneau for their early donations!
To participate, complete the 2026 CONFERENCE | District 2 Toastmasters form or email Patrice Tabor at patricetabor@gmail.com.
Note: Toastmasters funds (D2 dollars) cannot be used for donations. Send a photo for display and contact Audrey at aperkins1888@gmail.com to arrange pickup.
Deadline: April 15. Let’s make this raffle the best yet!
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Which Ticket is the best fit?
Initiate Your Circuit Today — Secure Your Conference Ticket.
It is my pleasure to present options to being Future Ready with your Conference Ticket!
🤝 Helping Hands
Here’s your chance to be behind the scenes — and in the action.
Give us 4 hours of service.
Get your conference ticket for just $100.
Serve. Connect. Lead. Experience it all.
Spots are limited — when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Entrepreneurs Check this out:
Silver Mic Sponsor $250
- Featured Quarter-Page Ad in Conference Program
- Verbal Brand Recognition from the Main Stage
- Standard Brand Innovation Site
- One Conference Pass
Broadcast your club:
Consider Sponsorship Options & Club Incentives
Incentive 1: Prime Circuit
Four members purchasing their conference tickets by April 15th entitles your club to have a quarter-page ad in the conference program as well as a shout out!
Incentive 2: Complete Circuit
Clubs with eight members purchasing their tickets by April 15th receive all of the benefits of the Prime Circuit level, plus priority seating at the District Conference!
Many options ACT NOW!
Early Bird Pricing ends April 1
Click link to compare & choose
2026 CONFERENCE | District 2 Toastmasters
Roxanne Spring, DTM
Conference Marketing Chair 2026
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PROMOTE
DISTRICT 2 INCENTIVE
Use your websites, social media platforms, and other channels to advertise special events like interview prep meetings, panel discussions on current topics, and themed open houses to deliver Public Relations about Our Members Outside of the Toastmasters Ecosystem: PROMOTE.
Upload the evidence into the Incentive Tracker and earn 25 D2$ for your club if these actions are completed between February 16th and May 1st.
P.R.O.M.O.T.E. is a plan that harnesses the power of many to have a singular impact on our club’s prospects. Promoting Public Relations about Our Members Outside of the Toastmasters Ecosystem is the most potent tool we have to attract new members to our vibrant and impactful community.
We have two sessions specifically tailored to identify how each Club Officer can contribute to PROMOTING their Club, District, and Toastmasters. For those of you that were not able to attend, the link to the recording will be posted to the D2 YouTube page within the week.
In the interim, reach out to your PRM if there are promotion topics that you'd like us to offer so that we can take our district to new heights!
Let’s leverage one another, Toasties! We possess all the power that we need, and we know how to use it wisely!
Your District 2 Public Relations Manager,
Marty Varela, DTM
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 37
In Speech Contests, Your Presence Competes Before You Do
At the club level, casual clothing may feel fine, but speech contests call for more intention. There is casual, and then there is… just rolled out of bed. Sweatpants and hoodies do not signal contest readiness. They can read as overly relaxed, disengaged, and misaligned with the moment.
In a speech contest, your presence speaks before you do. Before your first word, judges are already reading your confidence, professionalism, and level of preparation.
This is not about being expensive or overdone. It is about dressing with respect for yourself, your audience, and the opportunity. Ask yourself, ‘what do I want to project?” Professionalism, quirky, or fun... or understated and refined? Then dress with intention.
Comfort alone is not convincing. Presence is part of the performance. Club officers and mentors should guide members toward this standard, because avoiding the conversation can lead to a lackluster contest experience.
CTA: At your next meeting, dress one level above your usual look when you speak. Practice contest-level presence now, so it is natural when the stakes are higher.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Help Showcase the Power of Corporate Toastmasters
Have you—or someone in your club—experienced how Toastmasters can make a difference at work and in their career? I’m looking for Toastmasters who would like to share how their corporate club experience has strengthened their communication and leadership skills.
As Club New Source Research Chair for the District 2 Growth Team, and as part of my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) project, I’m creating a new Corporate Toastmasters webpage for the Toastmasters District 2 website.
The goal is to help more companies and organizations discover the value of starting their own Toastmasters clubs. The page will include a video featuring Toastmasters members who can share how their corporate club—and District 2—has helped them grow in:
- Public Speaking
- Leadership
- Evaluation and feedback skills
- Listening and communication at work
Interested in Being Interviewed?
If your corporate club experience and also your service at the area, division, or district level has been meaningful, I would love to hear from you.
- Interviews: Short Zoom interviews
Please contact Lynn Chapman at: lynn.chap@comcast.net
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Building Leaders Through Trust
By Vincent Tang
True leadership isn’t found in the perfect execution of a process, it’s found in the moment you train someone and then trust them to figure the rest out.
I’ve found that "letting go" is one of the trickiest, yet most vital, responsibilities we have in building the next generation of leaders. I think back to the first time I covered for a colleague during their vacation. I grew exponentially in that moment because I knew the safety net was gone. I was the one in charge.
In Toastmasters, we often get too comfortable with how things should be. We’ve defined the processes and it can be painful to see them ignored. Perhaps you’re training a new Vice President Membership. You notice they didn’t CC the President on an e-mail or they missed the 24-hour follow-up window. Your instinct is to jump in and "fix" it, but I’ve learned that building a leader isn't about correcting their emails. It’s about watching how they reflect afterward.
One of my biggest regrets as a mentor was leaving a mentee to their own devices without a framework for growth. I thought I was giving them freedom, but without guided reflection, they eventually stopped experimenting. They weren't learning and eventually drifted.
To avoid that trap and truly lean into your role as a leader-builder, try these two strategies:
Create "Presence-Free" Space: Give the member time to navigate the meeting structure or a new role without you hovering. If a process is truly vital, its importance will eventually become clear through the natural flow of the system.
Prioritize Reflection Over Correction: It’s easy to follow a checklist, but it’s hard to understand why the checklist exists. Instead of pointing out a missed step, ask: "How did that process work for you? What would you change next time?"
Leadership is about trust and ownership. The next time you can’t make it to a meeting, don't worry about what might go wrong. See it as the greatest gift you can give your club–an opportunity for someone else to lead.
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Welcome April in by joining Peak Speakers Toastmasters for a Backward meeting.
It’s lots of fun!
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Bellevue City Hall
Or
Come via the internet on Teams. .
For more information, email vpe@peakspeakers.org
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Designed for Speakers Ready to Advance
We invite you to join us on April 2, 2026, to experience why Professionally Speaking Toastmasters is an advanced club for those who want more.
At Professionally Speaking, each speaker receives 17-minutes of in-depth, topic-specific feedback designed to sharpen skills and elevate performance — whether you are a speech contestant, public or professional speaker, or presenter refining your craft.
We meet Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time, via Zoom and in person.
Come grow faster and stronger with us. Register and learn more at https://www.prospeakerclub.com .
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Ever Been Told “You Ought to Be Ashamed of Yourself?”
We Beg to Disagree.
According to Brené Brown, “Shame needs three things to grow exponentially in our lives: secrecy, silence, and judgment.”
Join Frankly Speaking’s April Open House on April 10, 2026, as together we eliminate the silence around shame.
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly. Join us every 2nd Friday of the month 7:00 – 8:30 pm Pacific on Zoom.
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Core International Speech Framework
Speak with Lasting Impact
Join us for Core International Speech Framework, a MasterClass presented by Derek Lott, DTM and 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking Finalist, on April 16, 2026.
This live, Zoom-only session introduces a repeatable, competition-level framework for crafting transformative speeches—helping you elevate a speech from “good” to an
“unforgettable experience.”
Guests are warmly welcome, whether
you are ready to deepen your speaking skills or expand your impact.
This MasterClass will be held
Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
Registration is available on our
homepage: https://www.prospeakerclub.com
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Is your club holding a special event? Celebrating a milestone? Or want people to know of a significant upcoming meeting they should join? Want to include your post here for next week's newsletter?
Fill out this form to submit your post request
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2025/2026 Starburst Submission Guidelines
We're excited to share our guidelines for submitting articles to Starburst, our official District 2 newsletter. Your club's special activities deserve the spotlight, and we're here to help you shine!
Guidelines for Article Submissions:
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Topic: Focus on club special events.
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Word Limit: Try to limit posts to 200 words or less.
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Images: You may include one image with your article. Ensure it follows the Toastmasters Brand Manual (You may have to login to the Toastmasters main Site to access) and contains minimal text. We're happy to help create one if needed. If the image doesn't meet TM guidelines, we'll work with you or recreate it if we don't hear back.
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Contact Information: All articles must include your club website and/or a contact email for more information.
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Event Posts: Submit up to three consecutive posts for a single event.
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Deadline to Submit: 5:00 PM on the Friday before the upcoming Monday Starburst release.
Submission Process:
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Use the submission form to send us your article requests.
- We look forward to showcasing your amazing events in Starburst!
If you have any questions or need more clarity, feel free to reach out to Marty Varela
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Register to receive the Starburst Newsletter
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Have a Starburst suggestion? Please check out our Starburst Suggestion Box (only 5 questions), to help us improve the Starburst Newsletter!
| | How did you like this week's Starburst? | | | | This newsletter was edited by - Marty Varela, Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for the sole use of Toastmasters members for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters materials or information. | | | | |
