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They say that "words from the heart go to the heart," and nowhere is that more evident than in our District 2 clubs.
This Valentine’s Day, we want to recognize the warmth and encouragement you bring to every meeting. Whether you are delivering a heartfelt speech or offering a supportive evaluation, your commitment to lifting others up is what makes our community so special.
Thank you for bringing your voice and your heart to everything you do. We are honored to serve such a dedicated group of communicators and leaders.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Your 2025 - 2026 District 2 Trio
Anu Jokinen, District Director
Roberta Craig, Program Quality Director
Joanna Tavera, Club Growth Director
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Leaders In The Wild
The Leaders in the Wild campaign is a recognition initiative designed to "catch" and celebrate Toastmasters members who demonstrate leadership in real-time, often behind the scenes.
District 2 is proud to recognize Chris Rimple as the first recipient of our Leaders in the Wild campaign.
During the Leadership Summit, Chris demonstrated exceptional proactive leadership. Recognizing the complexity of a hybrid event at Bellevue City Hall, he worked directly with event staff to fine-tune the technical setup. His efforts ensured that our remote attendees didn't just "watch" the meeting but were fully immersed in a high-quality audio-visual experience.
In a world where hybrid communication is the new standard, Chris’s dedication to excellence helps keep our District connected and inclusive. Thank you, Chris, for leading the way!
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
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Lead Higher. Grow Faster. Start your ascent today.
Yes, You CAN!
You’ve found your voice; now find your horizon. A rewarding world of leadership awaits beyond your club’s doors. By serving as a 2026–2027 District Leader, you will empower others, expand your network, and unlock a deeper level of personal growth.
The District 2 Leadership Committee (DLC) is seeking dedicated members for the District Executive Team (serving July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Available roles include:
- Area & Division Directors
- Club Growth, Program Quality, & District Directors
- Finance, Administration, & Public Relations Managers
Serving in these vital roles may fulfill the one-year leadership requirement for your Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation.
How to Apply
To qualify, you must be a member in good standing within District 2. Please review the Call for Nominations Form for role competencies and submit the following four documents:
- District Leader Nominating Form
- Candidate Application
- District Leader Agreement and Release Statement
- District Leader Biographical Information Form
Find all details on the District Leader Nominations website. Submit your application to the DLC by February 28, 2026.
We look forward to your nomination!
Melissa Jean, DTM, IPDD District Leadership Committee Chair
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Rebecca Murray, DTM,
President-Elect
National Speakers Association NW
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Michael Bown, DTM
International Director
Toastmasters
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D2 Conference Stronger Together Future Ready Update
Announcing Conference Tickets Club Incentives
Each Toastmasters club is its own living circuit—members connect, collaborate, learn, and grow stronger together. When every circuit powers up, our entire network becomes more future ready. To celebrate the strength of our clubs and the energy they bring to our community, we’re offering two club incentives plus the ever-popular marketing opportunity for this year's conference.
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, additionally receive priority seating!
Market Your Club Opportunity: Donating baskets valued at $50.00 or more for a hybrid raffle. For more information: https://www.d2tm.org/club-gift-baskets
By participating, clubs gain visibility, recognition, and pride—while helping power a conference designed to amplify voices, build connections, and prepare us for what comes next.
Take Action NOW, Register Today! Act now before March 31st for Early Bird
Special Get Tickets Link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7etqp37
Roxanne Spring, DTM
Conference Marketing Chair 2026
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District 2 Website Launch – Phase 1 is Live!
We’re excited to share that Phase 1 of the new District 2 website has officially launched!
A huge shout out and heartfelt thank you to our Public Relations Manager, Marty Varela, and our Webmaestro, Leah Ammon, whose hard work, creativity, and dedication made this transition to a new platform possible. From behind-the-scenes planning to bringing the site to life, their commitment has been incredible.
This launch marks just the beginning. Phases 2 and 3 are already in progress and will roll out before the end of the Toastmasters year, with continued enhancements to better support our clubs, leaders, and members.
Marty and Leah are also very open to feedback and would love to hear what you would like to see on the website to support you on your Toastmasters journey. Your input will help shape what comes next as we continue building a site that is member-centered, unified, and future-ready.
Take a look, explore what’s new, and stay tuned—there’s more to come!
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
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Club Officer Training Credit
All Club Officer Training Credit has been updated where the email or membership ID matched Toastmasters' records.
Currently our records indicated that less than 50% of clubs have completed their second round of Club Officer Training.
Presidents use the link to verify your Club Officer Training attendance. Any errors should be emailed to d2tm.pqd@gmail.com with the subject COT Credit. Please include: club name and number, officer name and title, and date trained. Officers trained outside District 2 should include the number of the District in which they were trained.
| | | Dates will be added as scheduled! Additionally, Clubs can schedule to participate in a District Leader led Moments of Truth Assessment during their club meeting. See Great Strides Incentive for details. | |
Last Chance to Complete District Moments of Truth Survey
Moments of Truth is an integral part of the Successful Club Series and is included in either Level 4 or Level 5 Pathway requirements. This project is designed to help clubs understand how to make a strong first impression and highlights the importance of recognizing situations that can influence the club's overall success.
Purpose and Approach
Many mistakenly believe that the Moments of Truth exercise is intended to pinpoint club shortcomings and, as a result, may avoid participating in the self-assessment process. In reality, the purpose of the exercise is to identify what is most important to both guests and members. It encourages participants to reflect on their own Toastmasters journey and consider the experiences from their first meeting that made a lasting impression—both of the club and the Toastmasters organization and education program. It also prompts members to think about what keeps them engaged and what they would like to see more of in their club experience.
Participate Now
If your club hasn't conducted a Moments of Truth survey in the past year, please take the District's online survey by February 15. Results will be sent to each club with at least 8 completed surveys.
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D2 Area International & Humerous Speech Contest
🌟✨ The Sparkle & Shine Area 31, 32, 33, & 35 Area Contest ✨🌟
Time & Location
Feb 21, 2026, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM PST
The Brightwater Center, 22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072, USA
Google Map
About the event
Toastmasters…get ready to sparkle, shine, and be inspired!
The most anticipated season of the year has arrived—CONTEST SEASON! This year, four powerhouse leaders have joined forces to produce an unforgettable experience:
Doug Carter – Area Director C31
Katie Munoz – Area Director C32
Roxanne Spring, DTM – Area Director C33
Kelly Fallucca – Area Director C35
Together, they invite you to the most dazzling contest of the year! Come for the inspirational and humorous speeches. Stay for the community.
Why You Will Love It
- The Brightwater Center sets the stage—literally!
- Raised stage & professional microphones
- Continental brunch & snacks
- High energy, high impact, high inspiration
- Bring your club members, family, and friends.
Come ready to sparkle & shine!
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Dear Area and Division Directors,
February marks the official beginning of District 2 Speech Contest season. As District Leaders, you are responsible for collaborating with your Contest Committee to ensure all contests adhere to the Toastmasters International Speech Contest Rule Book. To create a supportive environment where members can develop their communication and leadership skills, the following expectations and responsibilities have been outlined.
Reporting of Club Contestants & Volunteers
To allow enough time for the Area Contest Staff to collect and verify contestant eligibility, a preferable deadline for submitting the Notification of Contest Winners is at least one week prior to the Area Contest. Your committee may require more or less notification time. However, YOU have the discretion to establish and communicate a submission deadline that best suits your clubs and contest committee.
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Clubs should submit their contestants to the Area Director or designated contest chair using the Notification of Contest Winners Form Item 1182, regardless of the selection method used by the club.
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Each club submitting contestants is requested to provide two volunteers to fill official contest functionary roles such as judges, ballot counters, timers, sergeants at arms, toastmaster, hosts, etc. Preferably, clubs should submit their volunteers at the same time they submit their contest winners.
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To help you track all contestants forms and volunteers please consider using the Area Contest 2025-26 Workbook. After conclusion of your contest, you can use this form to submit your volunteers for credit toward the District Participation Incentive.
Contestant Forms
The preferable time to submit contestant forms is alongside the notification of Contest Winners; however, forms may be submitted prior to the contestant briefing at the contest. Each contestant must submit the following forms for every contest in which they participate:
Communicating Contest Date and Times
If you have not already done so, please complete the Contest Sign-Up worksheet so we can list your contest on the District website. To help you plan for how many people will be attending, you can use the links on the Contest Resource Page to have attendees register (this is not a requirement to attend the contest).
It is your responsibility as the Area Director to email your clubs the date, time and location of your contest, including contestant reporting times and form submission deadlines. Understanding that some clubs may still be choosing their contestants, you have the discretion to waive the January 31 club contest deadline as long as the waiver does not create a burden on your contest committee and does not exceed your deadline for submitting the Notification of Contest Winners.
Celebrating the Area Contest
The Area Contest is designed to foster a supportive environment where both contestants and contest staff can further develop their communication and leadership skills. Beyond the competition itself, the contest serves as an opportunity for everyone involved to come together and celebrate their achievements and growth.
Awards and Recognition
· Please ensure that you download and provide the appropriate speech contest certificates to each participant and winners. Area Directors should have received the medals, to present during the awards ceremony in recognition of contestant accomplishments.
Capturing the Moment
· Taking photos at the contest is optional. If you wish, you may submit photos for publication in the District Starburst newsletter by using the Starburst Newsletter Post Request form. Please remember to obtain consent from all individuals before taking and publishing any photos.
Notification of Area Contest Winners and Volunteers
· After announcing the winners of the Area Contest, you are required to complete a Notification of Contest Winners Form Item 1182 and submit the form to your Division Director.
· We encourage you to have any contest winners advancing to the Division Contest to complete the Speaker’s Certification of Eligibility and Originality for Item 1183 Rev 03/2025 before leaving the contest to submit with the notification of contest winners form to your Division Director.
· Please email your Area Contest volunteers to d2tm.pqd@gmail.com, with the subject line Area ## Contest volunteers to receive credit for the District Participation Incentive.
Finally, remember to celebrate with your team!
Still have questions?
Feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding this email. You are also welcome to register to attend the Town Hall on Feb 2, https://www.d2tm.org/event-details/town-hall-lets-get-2gether-on-the-2nd.
Following tonight's Town Hall, I will host an exclusive Q&A for Area and Division Directors. You are also encouraged to attend the Team Leads Training for Area and Division Directors on February 11 https://www.d2tm.org/event-details/team-leads-training-for-ad-divd-2026-02-11-19-00.
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Great Strides Incentive
Put Your Plan Into Action
The Great Strides Incentive aims to put your Club Success Plan into action. Now is an ideal time to assess whether Toastmasters supports your members’ 2026 goals. If not, or if you're unsure, consider having your club complete a Moment of Truth exercise to better align your plan with members' needs.
To receive the Great Strides $25 Incentive:
Minimum of 4 club officers trained and ONE of the following options:
· Upload Moments of Truth Analysis & Recommended Action added to Club Success Plan
· Upload Pathways Themed Open House
· Submit a Club Success Plan (if not previously created prior to 11/1/2025).
See the Great Strides Requirements via the District Incentive Tracker for option details.
Questions? Contact Program Quality Director, Roberta Craig
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
The final winner of the Moments of Truth Surveys over the last few weeks is: Susan Beecher of Impromptus Northwest Toastmasters.
You still have until February 15 to complete the Moments of Truth for Club Officer Training Credit Assessment.
According to Psychology Today, 80% of people abandon their New Year's resolutions by the first week of February. Reasons for such failure rates are as follows:
- Unrealistic Goals: Setting huge, overwhelming goals without smaller milestones makes them feel unattainable, says Western University and Verywell Mind.
- Lack of "Why": Focusing on what to do rather than the deeper reason for change reduces motivation, according to Verywell Mind.
- Behavioral Traps: People often rely on willpower rather than building sustainable systems, and big changes require transforming into a new version of themselves, notes Medium.
This Survey of the Week is an exploration to set the standard for positive growth along your Toastmaster's Journey.
One survey. One minute. One stronger community.
Take the Survey of the Week!
Surveys feature a different topic each week and can also be accessed through the link on the District website. Your voice helps us grow together, one response at a time.
Please reach out to Roberta Craig, PQD, if you have any questions.
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Stepping into the Arena
I’ve always enjoyed competing. You win some, you lose some, and either way, you learn from the experience. When I was seven, competing in math felt straightforward–losing showed me my gaps and winning confirmed my process. Competition, to me, was information.
I took chances at contests simply to give my best shot and gather information. That changed when I competed in the District Contest in 2023, filling in as the runner-up. I was filled with imposter syndrome and didn’t feel like I had earned the spot. My motivation to practice shifted from giving a valuable speech to proving myself–I didn’t realize how many nerves I had until then.
During my speech, my heart felt ready to leap out of my chest and my hands were sweating. After the competition, I didn’t place, but I felt relief once the pressure lifted and I could analyze the speakers who followed. Reflecting later, I realized how sensitive I was to feedback at the time, avoiding critique because I feared it would confirm I wasn’t fit to represent the competition. Competition is valuable, but it’s easy to get into your head depending on the mindset you adopt.
When I worried more about placement than personal growth, I stopped using competition as my practice arena. It became stifling–something I avoided.
That’s the mindset I try to return to now. Toastmasters competitions don’t have to be a verdict on your ability–they can be an arena to practice, learn, and gather information. If your club still has a chance to compete, give yourself permission to step into that arena, not to prove yourself, but to grow as part of your Toastmasters practice.
Vincent Tang
VPPR of Story Weavers Toastmasters (#00819229)
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How Toast of the Town Helped Me Deliver the Talk of My Career
When I walked into the ballroom at the DONA International Conference in Seattle last month, ready to present a 90-minute workshop on culturally-informed postpartum nutrition to hundreds of birth professionals, I carried something unexpected with me: a serving tray.
There was no podium—just this makeshift lectern someone handed me to hold my notes. But here's what I did have: months of preparation, honest feedback, consistent practice, and a Toastmasters club that showed up for me in every way that mattered.
Toast of the Town, my club in Seattle, Washington, was instrumental in making that presentation a success. Not because they offered generic encouragement or told me I'd do great—but because they gave me exactly what every speaker needs: flexibility, honest feedback, and a community committed to growth.
The Preparation That Actually Worked
I've been a member of Toast of the Town for [timeframe], and I've learned that good public speaking isn't magic—it's preparation. When I started developing my DONA talk, I knew I needed more than solo practice in front of a mirror. I needed real people, real feedback, and real opportunities to refine my message.
That's where my club made all the difference. When I asked to be added to the speaking schedule to practice sections of my workshop, the answer was yes. When I needed to work on specific skills—eye contact, pacing, transitioning between topics—members gave me detailed, actionable evaluations. When I recorded an early version of my talk (that I couldn't even bear to watch myself), fellow Toastmasters offered thoughtful critiques that helped me see what I couldn't see on my own.
The flexibility Toast of the Town showed me wasn't just convenient—it was essential. Preparing for a 90-minute workshop with interactive activities and scenario-based learning required a different kind of practice than a standard speech. My club adapted. They understood that sometimes growth means doing things that aren't traditional. That willingness to be flexible while maintaining high standards made my preparation possible.
Feedback That Made the Difference
I used to think I was a naturally good speaker because I'm comfortable with impromptu conversation. Toastmasters taught me I was wrong. I'm actually better at structured speaking—but only after I learned how to truly use feedback.
The evaluations I received at Toast of the Town were specific and honest. Members told me exactly where I rushed through content, when I lost eye contact, and how my notes were controlling me instead of supporting me. They pointed out the moment in my speech when the room's energy shifted, and helped me understand why.
That level of detail transformed my preparation. When I practiced with my mom and her nursing-school friend, when I ran through sections on Zoom with coworkers and family, I knew what to focus on—because Toastmasters had already shown me where the gaps were.
On the day of my DONA presentation, when I had to improvise with a serving tray instead of a podium, when I walked through the projector light while managing slides, when I adjusted my pacing based on the room's energy—I was drawing directly on skills my club helped me develop. The feedback I'd received wasn't just helpful. It was the foundation of my success.
The People Who Showed Up
Toast of the Town has followed the Toastmasters International program since 1988, and that legacy of commitment to growth was evident in how members showed up for me. They didn't just attend meetings—they invested in my development. They stayed after sessions to discuss my approach. They offered specific suggestions. They celebrated progress and challenged me to do better.
When a participant at DONA came up to me afterward and said, "I finally understand how to honor my clients' food traditions without appropriating them—you gave me a framework I can actually use," I felt the weight of that accomplishment. But I also knew I hadn't done it alone.
The Real Gift
Toastmasters didn't teach me to be perfect. It taught me to prepare well. To seek honest feedback. To be resourceful about practice. To lean on people with a growth mindset who are willing to help.
That's what Toast of the Town gave me—not through some magic formula, but through flexibility when I needed it, honest evaluations when I asked for them, and a community of people who genuinely cared about helping me succeed.
To my fellow Toast of the Town members: thank you for showing up. For being flexible. For caring enough to give me real feedback. You made that DONA talk work. And you've reminded me what Toastmasters is really about—not individual achievement, but the community that makes growth possible.
About the Author: Kristin Stinavage is a member of Toast of the Town Toastmasters in Seattle, WA. As a postpartum doula and CIA-trained chef, she recently presented "Healing Through Food: Culturally-Informed Postpartum Meal Planning to Nourish Families and Build Resilience" at the 2025 DONA International Conference in Seattle.
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 30
PRESENCE in Action. New Member Alex Konicke - Turning Pain into a Powerful Story
Alex joined Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters several months ago with a simple goal: develop his speaking skills for the launch of his new book.
What we did not know at first was the personal nature of his book.
In Evil Among Us: A True Story of Surviving Tragedy Through Murder, Fire, and Forgiveness, Alex tells a raw and redemptive memoir rooted in faith, resilience, and the decision to keep choosing hope. This isn’t “just” true crime—it’s a story of healing and the strength it takes to move forward.
From the start, Alex admitted he was nervous—but he took massive action anyway. He scheduled his Ice Breaker soon after joining and has kept a steady pace delivering speeches ever since—showing up consistently, practicing courage in real time, and growing with every talk.
Alex is an authentic example of PRESENCE in Action. Improving
public speaking is brave...sharing an emotional, personal story with honesty and heart takes grit and grace.
CTA this week: What story are you holding back out of fear? Feel the fear—and tell it anyway. Your story may be the gift someone else needs.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Secrets to successful Podcasting
Are you curious about what it is like to be a podcaster? Are you hesitant to do the Level 4 project, Create a Podcast? What does it take to start a pod cast?
On Feb. 10 you can find out. Michael Dugan of “Voice for Chefs;”; Todd Cudaback and Jackie Bailey of “In the Groove With Todd and Jackie”; and Malaina Palmer Simmons of “His Arm Is Outstretched Still” will give us the scoop. As participants in a panel discussion, they will tell us about starting and running successful podcasts. The topics of their podcasts are diverse, but they are passionate about their interests. Their experience levels range from recently going solo to very experienced.
Eastside Leaders Toastmasters is hosting the panel discussion at its monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month. .
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. PST (The Zoom doors are open at 6:45 p.m.)
Location: Zoom Online
Meeting Registration link : https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_gnBasl9Q7aPfu30I8l9cw
If you have any questions, please contact Kumar Kannadiapalayam at kumark.d2tm@hotmail.com or Tom Hager at tomhager2070@yahoo.com.
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Are You Brave Enough to Look?
The Dark Side of Toastmasters
Join us for our February Open House, where we boldly look at
the Dark Side of Toastmasters.
We cultivate a safe, compassionate space, to practice public
speaking on unexpected themes. And YOU are invited!
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because
what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly.
February 13, 2026
7:00 – 8:30 pm Pacific
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/682006972?pwd=aDJDdG9ESW1zTVFWNW9vK2JyVE9jUT09
Join us every 2nd Friday of the month at 7:00 – 8:30 pm Pacific on Zoom!
Meeting ID: 682 006 972
Password: 1909950
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Are We There Yet?
Managing and Measuring Change
Masterclass Toastmasters (AKA Sound Advice) seeks guests who are managing change and looking for ideas about key milestones and measures. Is that you? Do you miss deadlines? Plans go awry? We're here for you! Join us to learn from change leaders who have experience getting back on track and recalibrating goals.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 5:30-7 pm. Pacific time. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/change-milestones-are-we-there-yet
Masterclass Toastmasters is an advanced club focused on leadership development. Monthly meetings--with a change management theme--help members and guests explore varied dimensions of change! All to help our guests and members better serve as leaders in their organizations.
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Club Officer Training Presented by
SPEAKOUT Advanced Seattle Toastmasters Club
We've joined Toastmasters and we've grown. We became club officers and we've grown. Keeping growth going, however, is difficult. How do we keep growing? There are two critical next
steps to our growth. Our keynote speaker, Kyle Hall, will tell us about his experience with Our Most Important Next Steps.
Training for all officers. Offered in a hybrid format during the last chance week of Winter Training.
Feb 24, 2026, 5:40 PM – 7:30 PM PST
Online & In-Person, 1326 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Register here!!
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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. | | | | |
