District 2 Toastmasters are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to our very own Angela Ritchey for being awarded the prestigious Toastmasters Presidential Citation Award!

To put the magnitude of this achievement into perspective, this honor is intensely selective: out of more than 270,000 members spanning over 14,000 clubs worldwide, only about 15 individuals are selected globally each year by the International President. This means recipients represent roughly the top 0.005% of Toastmasters worldwide, making it one of the rarest and highest forms of recognition for exemplary service and dedication in the organization.

Shining a Light on the Great Pacific Northwest Angela’s unwavering dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the leadership talent thriving in our neck of the woods. Angela takes on officer roles, to training and facilitation, to chairing alignments and elegantly representing the unique needs of Alaska and District 2. Bridging the vast landscapes of Alaska across the waters of District 2 and throughout Region 1, our communities are built on a foundation of mutual support, bold storytelling, and structural excellence. Angela personifies just such foundational capacities.

Angela, thank you for your incredible commitment and for putting a brilliant spotlight on Alaska, District 2, and the greater Pacific Northwest Region. Your leadership inspires us all to reach higher, speak bolder, and serve our communities with distinction.

Please join us in celebrating Angela’s historic achievement! Drop her a note of congratulations, or give her a well-deserved shout-out at your next club meeting.

Roberta's Reflections

As the Program Quality Director, Roberta Craig is reviewing the past program year. There are many highlights including training, member development, and last month's conference. As the District Director-Elect, she has set a bold vision for the 2026-2027 Program Year. She wants to GO BIG! Looking back to propel us in the future, she shares a little of her vision below. It all starts with planting seeds and nurturing their growth.

"This weekend I finally got around to planting the vegetable seedlings I started back in May. Honestly, if half survive to produce a harvest, I will be pleasantly surprised. While bracing the tender sting bean shoots from the blustery Westside winds, I thought of the new members that have joined Toastmasters this past year.

Transplanting vegetable starters and welcoming new members in a Toastmasters club share several similarities, both processes requiring care, attention, and specific techniques to ensure successful growth and integration. Consider these similarities:

1. Preparation: Just as vegetable starters require proper soil preparation, adequate light, and water before transplanting, new members need a welcoming environment, orientation, and resources to feel comfortable and informed.

2. Timing: Transplanting is best done at the right time to ensure the plants can adapt to their new environment. Similarly, integrating new members effectively depends on timing—introducing them during a supportive meeting or event can enhance their experience.

3. Nurturing: Both processes involve nurturing. Vegetable starters need consistent watering and care to thrive after being transplanted. New members benefit from mentorship, encouragement, and constructive feedback to grow their skills and confidence.

4. Gradual Transition: When transplanting, it’s often helpful to gradually acclimate plants to their new environment. New members may also need time to adjust, learning the club’s culture and procedures at their own pace.

5. Community Support: In gardening, surrounding plants provide a micro-ecosystem that supports growth. In a Toastmasters club, a supportive community fosters connection, helping new members feel valued and engaged.



6. Monitoring Progress: Gardeners regularly check on their plants to identify any issues early on. Toastmasters leaders and members should also monitor the progress of new members, ensuring they are feeling included and addressing any challenges they may face.

In essence, transplanting vegetable starters and integrating new members into a Toastmasters club require thoughtful planning, nurturing, and community support to ensure successful growth and development. As we transition from one Toastmaster year to the next, consider the seeds you have planted, and what your club can to do to prepare your club to support new and existing members. Incorporating these measures into your Club Success Plan expands your members capacity for boundless, inspirational growth. "

A Culture of Listening



By Vincent Tang

Have you ever been in a meeting where the Ah-Counter reports, "There were no ahs caught whatsoever"? While that's certainly possible, it often doesn't accurately reflect the state of the meeting. I know I've heard more than a few stumbles during meetings, and a lack of count could mean the Ah-Counter genuinely didn't hear them or wasn't fully diligent in the role.

I've noticed that active listening can be difficult in an age where multitasking is easier than ever, yet I believe it is absolutely necessary. Unlike some work meetings, where we may be pulled into large group discussions that don't always align with our responsibilities, Toastmasters meetings require our attention and participation. It's easy to zone out or begin working on other tasks, especially in a virtual environment.

Active listening is a sign of respect. It's something we should show not only to speakers who are polished and immediately capture our attention, but also to those who are still finding their style or delivering their very first speech.

Imagine giving your Ice Breaker and noticing someone constantly switching to another tab or checking messages on their phone. It can be discouraging, right? As speakers, we often ask others to listen to us with patience and attention while we develop our communication skills. In return, we should strive to offer that same attention to others.

One of the dangers I worry about if this behavior continues is that:

• As a role holder, you may not be able to provide accurate feedback to your fellow Toastmasters.
• You may develop a subtle belief that if you're not listening, others probably aren't listening to you either.
• You may create a habit of zoning out or multitasking whenever someone shares a story.

It's a practice that can easily be lost. Truly paying attention to a speaker in a Zoom meeting doesn't mean staring into the camera. It can mean observing their gestures, listening carefully to their words, and being fully present in the moment.

Now, this isn't to say that we'll remember every message or catch every "ah." Rather, it means approaching each speech ready to give it our full attention. Not only does this show respect for the speaker, but it also helps create a culture where attentiveness is the norm–where we consciously choose to pay attention because what is being shared matters.