District 2 Wishes you a Very Happy Thanksgiving
As we pause for Thanksgiving, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every Toastmaster in District 2. Your perseverance, curiosity, and willingness to stretch into new possibilities continue to inspire me. Thank you for the countless ways you show up—for your clubs, for one another, and for the spirit of service that makes this district thrive. May this season remind you how powerful your contributions are, individually and together. Wishing you a season filled with appreciation, connection, and the joy that comes from knowing your voice makes a difference.
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025-2026
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David Lewtas
David Lewis, has been a Toastmaster for 60 years. He joined Tacoma #13 on 11/17/1965, and became D32 Governor (Director) in 1972-73. He has a near perfect meeting attendance of 96.7% of all his club meetings since joining Toastmasters. That's 2,360 total meetings. He has attended 104 consecutive Spring and Fall Conferences, plus 17 Winter Conferences held by former District 32 from 1968-1984. That in itself must be a Toastmaster World Record. He received the Toastmasters Presidential Citation in 1985.
David was the historian for District 32 for the last 53 years. In 2024 District 32 presented him with a Lifetime Service Award for his outstanding and dedicated service as the district historian.
David says Toastmasters is his passion and hobby. Despite 60 years of Toastmasters, serving as a club officer and District leader, you can still see him at various club officer training events. According to David, in addition to the fellowship with long time Toastmasters, there is always something new to learn, and someone new to meet.
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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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Simply AI: The Edge for Influence & Impact
What if AI finally made sense?
Not the sci-fi kind. Not the hype-filled kind. Just the kind that helps real people do real work with more clarity and confidence.
That is the heart behind the Simply AI Workshop on December 6. Over the past year, I have noticed something important. Most people are not avoiding AI because it is scary. They are avoiding it because no one has taken the time to explain it in a simple and human way.
This workshop is designed to change that.
No engineering background needed.
No confusing terminology.
No pressure to become an “AI expert.”
Instead, this is a space where Toastmasters, leaders, creators, and curious learners can explore practical ways to use AI in their own voice, at their own pace, and in their real everyday work. You will learn repeatable techniques that help you communicate more clearly, save time on routine tasks, and tap deeper into your creativity.
If you have been curious about AI or quietly overwhelmed by it, this session is for you.
Virtual and in-person seats are open.
Let’s make AI finally make sense for everyone.
Register now! Space is limited.
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 1 – 3 PM PST
Location: Bellevue City Hall | Room 1E-108
450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004-5514
Parking: Complimentary visitor parking off 110th Ave NE. Overflow on P3 (employee garage, entrance off 112th Ave NE). Open-air; vehicles left overnight may be towed.
Simplify AI. Amplify Your Voice. Prepare to be WOWed!
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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.
COT Training Spreadsheet
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
Winner for the week of Nov 17 is Nancy Carpenter of Public Speaking Northwest Club.
We are continuing observing moments of Daily Gratitude with a look at how we can put gratitude into action.
Build positive relationships:
Acknowledging and appreciating the love and care of others.
Attract more positivity:
Expressing gratitude can lead to a more positive outlook.
Spread goodwill:
Performing random acts of kindness is a way to live a life of gratitude and spread positivity to others.
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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Moments of Truth
Club Officer Training
Moments of Truth is one of the Successful Club Series options for completing Pathways levels 3, 4 and 5. It offers clubs an opportunity to explore how well they meet Toastmasters' meeting standards and member needs.
In addition to completing a Pathway level, clubs can receive credit towards the District's Great Strides incentive. As part of the incentive, a club can either conduct its own Moments of Truth assessment or have a district leader present result from the District’s online survey.
Afterward, submit via the District Incentive Tracker a summary of the analysis (signed by at least 4 officers) and a screenshot of one action plan added to your Club Success Plan.
To schedule a District Leader presentation:
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· Clubs with 10 or fewer members: At least 8 members or guests must complete the survey.
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· Clubs with more than 10 members: 70–80% of active members are recommended to participate.
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· Once enough surveys are completed, arrange for a District Leader to present the results during a one-hour meeting. Officers who are present and sign the assessment will receive Club Officer Training credit.
Program Quality Director, Roberta Craig
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Road to Distinguished
Creative Ways to Encourage Participation in Club Meetings
Does your club struggle to get members to sign up for meeting roles? Changing up your club’s meeting format may be the key to engaging both new and longtime members.
Table Topics: Zombie Apocalypse Edition One of my club’s favorite October meetings is the table topics Zombie Apocalypse. In this activity, members select three items from a free Jeopardylabs.com board—similar to the concept of story cubes—and use them to craft a 1 to 2-minute table topic response. The twist is that if a member uses more than five filler words or does not meet the time requirements, they “become a zombie.” This adds a fun, competitive edge to the traditional table topics session.
Backwards Meeting: Another favorite among many clubs is the backwards meeting. The format is simple: flip the meeting upside down for a fresh and entertaining experience. Evaluators begin by identifying how a speaker can “improve” their speech, such as by reducing distracting body movements. Then, speakers deliver their speeches, incorporating the feedback from the evaluators. The focus of a backwards meeting is to emphasize fun and creativity over perfection, making it enjoyable for everyone involved.
Theme Speech A-Thon: Consider organizing a theme speech a-thon, where members can vote on the funniest, tallest tale, or most “spooktacular” speech. Speech a-thons offer a lively, engaging open house opportunity and provide a platform to showcase the speaking skills of both new and seasoned members. For example, Palmer Toastmasters has hosted a Laugh Out Loud open house every autumn for several years, highlighting the club’s spirit and camaraderie.
Wheel of Toastmasters: If your club is experiencing difficulties getting members to volunteer for meeting roles, one creative solution is to introduce a “Wheel of Toastmasters.” This interactive approach involves using a spinning wheel to randomly assign meeting roles to members for the next session. By incorporating an element of chance and fun, the Wheel of Toastmasters encourages participation and ensures all roles are filled, helping meetings run smoothly and engaging members in a lighthearted manner.
For more creative meeting ideas, check out the Road to Distinguished office hours Wednesday at 6-7 PM Alaska, 7-8 PM Pacific.
Click here to register for the Wednesday evening sessions!.
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Unlock Your Potential At A Pathways Office Hour!
Bring Your Questions!
Pathways offers an innovative, interactive learning experience designed to boost your communication and leadership skills while fostering personal and professional growth within a fun, supportive community.
These sessions are the perfect opportunity to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and enhance your Toastmasters experience, whether you’re new to Pathways or seeking targeted advice. We will also present a project from the Education Series that are a part of the new Pathways Enhancements requirements.
Put Pathways projects to work! Join the Distinguished Office Hour on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at 6:00 pm AKT/7:00 pm PST. Where you will experience an encore performance of the Membership Development Day session Pathway Project to Workshop. Register for this game-changing session now!
Visit the District 2 Event Calendar for Pathways Office Hours.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon
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District 2 Incentive Tracker
Attention Club Officers!
As clubs, you can earn District 2 Dollars by completing various incentives and then use those dollars to support your club’s goals. Clubs often spend these dollars on things like open house refreshments, Zoom accounts, or meeting space rentals.
In the past, however, many clubs found it challenging to track how much they had earned or to see which incentives were available.
The Incentive Tracker solves these frustrations! This new software will allow you to:
- Easily submit and review available incentives
- Track the status of your submissions and awards
- View your club’s progress in real time
To view the training session, click the following link.
Anu Jokinen
District Director, District 2 Toastmasters
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District 2 Club Recognition
November Charter Anniversaries
Congratulations to all the Clubs celebrating chartering in the month of November!
District 2 celebrates the dedication of every past and current member who has helped develop a supportive environment for growth. May you have many more years of transforming lives, one speech at a time!
District 2 Club Growth Director, Joanna Tavera
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 19
7 Habits That Silence Your Presence…Faster Than You Can Say “Um…”
1.Starting Before You are Ready
Unanchored ideas make your delivery float.
Fix: Warm up your voice and message for 60 seconds.
2.Filling Every Silence
Constant sound leaves no room for confidence.
Fix: Use intentional pauses—they signal clarity.
3.Rushing the Moment
A fast pace makes listeners work.
Fix: Inhale every sentence or two to reset.
4.Not “Showing Up” in Your Eyes
Blank eyes disconnect.
Fix: Lift your expression—soft eyes invite connection.
5.Drifting Attention
Scattered focus weakens influence.
Fix: Give one person a full sentence. Online, look at the lens.
6.Shrinking Without Knowing
Collapsed posture shrinks your message.
Fix: Stand tall, open, and grounded.
7.Matching the Room
Low energy makes you forgettable.
Fix: Add more spark and energy than feels natural.
Presence Exercise:
Record yourself for 30 seconds. Watch once with sound off, once with sound on.
Fix one thing daily for rapid transformation.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
#LeadershipPresence
#GratitudeInAction #Toastmasters #District2 #ProduceYourPowerfulPresence
#ThankfulLeadership #LeadWithHeart
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Celebrate Thankfulness!
Lightworkers Invites You
TOMORROW!
Tuesday, November 25th, 2025
at 5:00 pm PST
IN-PERSON AT
Lake Joy
Call (206) 650-3611
For Details
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Contest Confidential: Session Four of the Contest Prep Series
Presented by Leading Edge Toastmasters
Lessons of Mentorship Along the Path to District Champion
🎤 Featured Speaker: Benny Mobley
What does it take to become a District Champion?
Who helps you rise, refine, and reach the next level?
In this fourth session of our Contest Confidential series, Leading Edge Toastmasters proudly welcomes Benny Mobley, the 2025 District 2 Toastmasters International Speech Champion. In his speech, “Lessons of Mentorship Along the Path to District Champion,” Benny shares the pivotal feedback, encouragement, and relationships that shaped his contest journey—and how mentorship can elevate your own speaking.
📅 Event Details
When: Saturday, November 29th
Time: 8:30–10:30 a.m. Pacific
Where: Hybrid (Online via Zoom & In-person
🔗
Join Zoom Meeting
In-person: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 105 State St S, in Kirkland
To attend in person, please get in touch with Kyle McEligot
🌐 Leading Edge Website
🍴 More Than a Meeting
For those joining us in person, the program doesn’t end when the speeches conclude. Attendees continued the conversation over food, turning the morning into both a learning experience and a chance to build fellowship. Contest prep is about sharpening skills—but it’s also about sharing the journey.
📩 Questions? Contact Kyle McEligot for more information.
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Explore Hidden Disabilities
With Frankly Speaking
Open House: Hear Lived Experience
Broaden your understanding of the human condition. Explore Hidden Disabilities in a safe, compassionate environment where we practice public speaking on deeply meaningful themes.
Frankly Speaking is a place to freely speak frankly, because what's said in Frankly, stays in Frankly.
Friday, December 12, 7 - 8:30pm PST
On Zoom
You belong here!
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Visit This D2 Distinguished Club
The Richland Desert Wind Toastmasters Club is proud to announce it has earned President’s Distinguished Club status for the 2024-2025 Toastmasters year. This prestigious designation marks a significant achievement for the club, acknowledging its commitment to empowering members with communication and leadership skills through a supportive learning environment.
Founded in 1994, the Richland Desert Wind Toastmasters Club is proud to serve the Tri-Cities community with a vibrant space for personal and professional growth.
Club President Bonnie Chukwuka shared her enthusiasm for the club’s achievement, “It is a pleasure to learn and grow in a goal-oriented club focused on excellence.”
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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. | | | | |
