District 2 Achievement
Distinguished Toastmasters Award
Congratulations to our Distinguished Toastmasters (DTM)!
We are thrilled to announce that as of March 31, 2026, 9 members have officially earned the highest educational achievement in Toastmasters International. Reaching DTM status requires years of dedication, multiple leadership roles, and a commitment to communication excellence.
Please join us in celebrating all the District 2 member’s incredible hard work and this major milestone!
Joanna Tavera
Club Growth Director, 2025-2026
| | |
We are thrilled to announce our latest Leader in the Wild recipient:
Aaron Anderson!
As a reminder, our "Leaders in the Wild" initiative is all about shining a spotlight on those who lead from wherever they are. While we often recognize formal titles, this campaign celebrates the consistent, impactful actions that happen in the "wild"—the everyday moments where members step up, support others, and drive our Toastmasters community forward without needing a podium to do so.
While membership growth is a goal we all share, Aaron is truly driving the results. He is currently pioneering a new club in a community where the nearest Toastmasters home is 70 miles away—an incredible feat that was recently recognized in the local newspaper. That is the very definition of a pioneer!
Beyond building a thriving new community, Aaron is generously sharing his roadmap so we can all succeed alongside him. For his Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) project, he authored "Ruthless Rules of Marketing: A Complete System of Growing Your Toastmasters Club." This isn’t just theory; it is a practical, proven system for growth.
We are so excited to share that his book will be available to all of you at our District 2 Conference this May. Aaron, thank you for your passion, your grit, and for everything you do to help more people experience the life-changing benefits of Toastmasters. Congratulations on being our newest Leader in the Wild!
Anu Jokinen
District Director 2025-2026
| |
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.
| | |
District 2 Early Bird Incentive Winners
Congratulations to Our Outstanding Clubs!
District 2 is excited to recognize the following clubs earning the Early Bird Incentive award—This achievement reflects strong planning, commitment, and early action. Thank you for your enthusiasm and hard work—your achievement inspires others throughout the district!
To be eligible for the Early Bird Incentive, clubs must have begun the Toastmasters year with a base membership of 20 members and submit renewal dues by March 15.
Congratulations once again to the Early Bird Incentive winners!
| | | | Ballard Weekenders | Greater Issaquah Toastmasters | Richland Desert Wind Toastmasters | | Barkley Toastmasters | High Desert | Seattle General Toastmasters | | Bellingham Evening Toastmasters | Jacobs NW Toastmasters | SKWIM Toastmasters Club | | Bremerton Toastmasters | Kirkland Eclectics Toastmasters | SPOTLIGHT Toastmasters | | Conservatively Speaking | Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters | ST Sound Toastmasters | | Cosmos Toastmasters | Lynden Toastmasters | Synonym Toast Crunch | | Costco Toastmasters | Northeast Toastmasters | Talk of the Town | | Downtowners Club | Peak Speakers Toastmasters | Thursday Night Live Toastmasters | | Eastside Toastmasters | Public Speaking Northwest | Tree Top Toastmasters | | FAB Toastmasters | Redmond 2828 Toastmasters | Twin Speaks Toastmasters | | Gavaliers Toastmasters | Rhetoracles Toastmasters | Richland Desert Wind Toastmasters | | | |
The Area 34 contest was one of the most rewarding and challenging Toastmasters experiences I have had. Although I had visited Twin Speaks many times as an individual guest, hosting an Area contest inside a correctional facility was a true gauntlet of obstacles, unexpected turns, and moments where I found myself becoming part problem solver and part salesperson. The Twin Speaks sponsors first approached me last summer with the idea of holding the Area contest at their club, which meets inside the Monroe Correctional Facility. I was excited, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering how in the world this was going to work. There are guest applications, background checks, and strict security requirements. How could we possibly pull this off?
Through a mix of blind faith, trusting the process, and steady teamwork, we pulled it off. Throughout the planning, I had to promote, advertise, and encourage club members and potential contestants to participate in the Area 34 contest at Twin Speaks. I also wanted to be sensitive to any concerns of potential guests and be ready to pivot to a different venue if needed.
Above all, the event exceeded every expectation I had. We had more than 10 outside guests attend, along with an exceptional turnout of Twin Speaks members and guests. Although it was difficult to secure contestants and we ultimately had only two clubs participate with a total of two contestants, the contest was still a successful event.
The can‑do attitude of both the Toastmasters at Twin Speaks and those from across the district was truly inspiring. It showed that the Toastmasters mission is alive and well in every member who participated in the event. The spirit of Toastmasters transcends walls and boundaries, and that was evident at the Area 34 contest. I believe we all left the contest feeling encouraged and deeply inspired.
I am grateful to have been part of District 2 history, and this will remain one of my favorite Toastmasters memories.
Betty Gibbins
Area 34 Director, Division C
| | |
Attend Conference!
Onsite & Online Makes it Possible!
"Stronger Together, Future Ready" will deliver an exceptional hybrid meeting experience. This is more than a conference feature—it’s a commitment. A promise to ensure every voice in our geographically diverse District is seen, heard, and connected in real time.
To execute on this promise, we have hired an experienced production professional: John Chen. John is a recognized thought leader in the field of virtual meetings.
Join us! Your ticket isn’t just a pass—it’s a portal. A portal to the full conference experience, with post event access to every insight, every breakthrough, every moment.
This isn’t just about attending… it’s about belonging. It’s about staying connected to a community that is stronger together—and future ready.
Get your ticket today! Choose to be seen, be heard and be connected in Real Time!
Roxanne Spring
District 2 Toastmasters | 2026 CONFERENCE
Marketing Committee Chair
| | |
NEWS FLASH
Virtual Ticket Drawing
Exciting news! Thanks to an anonymous donor, everyone who purchases a virtual ticket will be entered to win a grand prize drawing for a year of paid Zoom! $170. value! Get your virtual ticket today!
District 2 Toastmasters | 2026 CONFERENCE
Marketing Committee
| | | |
Two Powerful Firesides from our Keynotes
Michael Bown & Rebecca Murray
🌟 Keynote Sneak Peeks + Live Q&A Opportunity! 🌟
| | |
Michael Bown on April 8th, 1:00 PM 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
| | |
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
| | |
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
|
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.
| |
Spark the Spirit: Toastmasters Basket Raffle 2026!
The 2026 District 2 Toastmasters Conference is just around
the corner—let’s make our raffle shine! Every club is invited to contribute
a themed basket or gift card valued at $50 or more, celebrating the
creativity and connection that make our community thrive.
Gift cards are a simple way to stand out—think a Seattle
Mariners card with a team bobblehead or something local for coffee, dining, or entertainment. They’re light to carry but full of energy and fun!
Share your basket or gift card photo to be featured on Starburst and
the D2 Conference website.
Big thanks to our early donors!
Redmond Nights Toastmasters
Public Speaking Northwest
Valley Club Juneau
Barkley
Green River
Peakspeakers
Seattle Excelorators
And a special shout-out to Christy Helvajian, who donated three baskets herself!
To join the fun, complete the 2026 Conference | District 2 Toastmasters form or email Patrice Tabor at patricetabor@gmail.com.
Toastmasters funds (D2 dollars) may not be used for donations. Send photos for display and contact Audrey Perkins at aperkins1888@gmail.com to
arrange pickup.
Deadline: April 15. Let’s basket up and boost the fun!
| | | | |
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. ONLY THREE LEFT!
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 6TH AT 12:59 AM PT
Click link to compare & choose
2026 CONFERENCE | District 2 Toastmasters
Roxanne Spring, DTM
2026 Conference Marketing Chair
| |
Circuits Are Forming!!
Celebrate our Prime & Complete Circuits
Time to celebrate our clubs who have put together an entire table for the conference with 8 members or more making a
COMPLETE CIRCUITS!
Sparkling Synergists
Eastside Toastmasters
And our clubs who have four or more members less than eight and have achieved
PRIME CIRCUITS!
Redmond Nights
Story Weavers Toastmasters
Eastside Leaders
Laugh Lab Storymasters
Advancing Alaska Toastmasters
Toastmasters Extraordinaires Advanced
Frankly Speaking
Peak Speakers Toastmasters Club
Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters
STILL TIME! TODAY LAST DAY OF EARLY BIRD PRICING
District 2 Toastmasters | 2026 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 receive all of the benefits of the Prime Circuit level, plus priority seating at the District Conference!
| | | |
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.
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
| |
Unlock Your Potential with Pathways Office Hours!
Get your questions answered!
Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to
help! Wondering what the new Vintage Paths and the Path Enhancements mean for
you or your club? Come on by!
Pathways offer an innovative, interactive learning experience designed to boost your
communication and leadership skills while fostering personal and professional growth within a fun, supportive community.
Join us this week for the Pathways Office Hour:
•Date: Thursday, April 9th
•Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific Time, 6:00 – 7:00 PM Alaska
Hosted by: Karen Lezon
This session is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and enhance your Toastmasters experience, whether you’re new to Pathways or seeking targeted advice.
Don’t miss your chance for personalized support—register now!
Visit the District 2 Event Calendar for Pathways Office hours in May and June.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon at kmlezon@comcast.net
| | |
VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 38
When Perfection Kills Connection
In Toastmasters, improvement can easily turn into
perfectionism. We polish every gesture, pause, and line until speaking feels
heavy instead of alive. That is when burnout begins. Pressure rises, joy fades, and connection suffers.
Presence is the better path. It is not about flawless delivery. It is about being grounded, real, and connected in the moment. Audiences do not remember perfect speakers. They remember speakers who feel genuine.
To avoid burnout:
Aim for connection over perfection.
Prepare with a clear outline, not a memorized script.
When mistakes happen, recover with grace and keep going.
Perfection drains energy. Presence builds trust, ease, and impact.
CTA: At your next meeting, volunteer for Table Topics and share a personal story you know well. Focus on connection, not exact wording. Your audience will remember how you made them feel.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
| | | |
|
When Even a Simple Notification Feels Like Too Much
By Vincent Tang
I recently had an unexpected reaction. I picked up my phone, saw a notification, and immediately tossed it aside. It was nothing dramatic. It was a simple question. The kind that takes two minutes to answer. Something like “What do you want for dinner?” or “Do you have time for a call?”, but at that moment, it did not feel simple. It felt like one more thing I had to carry.
That reaction stuck with me. I usually see myself as someone who can juggle a lot. I like being reliable. I like saying yes to things I’ve committed to. And if I’m being honest, I sometimes feel like I should be able to handle more, but at that moment, I couldn’t. It felt like my body was telling me I had reached my limit.
You might recognize this feeling. It can show up in Toastmasters when you take on leadership roles, prepare speeches, or try to finish that last level in a Path. It can also show up when work is busy, life is full, and Toastmasters becomes one more thing you care about, but struggle to keep up with.
Even small tasks can start to feel heavy. I am still figuring this out myself (even while writing this, I am sorting through what actually helps), but here are a few reminders that have made a difference for me.
- Chunk your time, then switch.
Sometimes a task feels overwhelming not because it is difficult, but because we overestimate how long it will take. I might think writing a speech draft will take two hours, when in reality it takes thirty minutes to get something usable down.
When I tell myself I only need to work on something for thirty minutes, it feels lighter. I do not have to solve everything. I just have to start. And if I stop after that block, that is still progress.
- Delay instant feedback when needed.
Sometimes the weight of a task is not the task itself, but everything that follows it. You send one message, and now there are replies, follow-ups, and new requests waiting for you.
With instant messaging, that loop can happen quickly. There is no space to recover.
Creating a little distance can help. For emails, I have found delayed delivery useful. It lets me complete the task without immediately stepping into the next one. Sometimes I will choose a quick call instead of a long message thread, just to keep things contained.
- Start anywhere.
You may have heard the advice to always start with the highest priority task. That works when you have clarity and energy, but when everything feels stuck, that advice can make it harder to begin.
In those moments, I have found it more helpful to start anywhere. Pick one small task and finish it. It does not have to be the most important one. It just has to be something.
There is a kind of mental weight that comes from unfinished tasks sitting in the background. Completing even one can make everything else feel a little more manageable.
My personal sign of overwhelm is the urge to throw my phone across the room (I usually settle for tossing it onto the bed). Yours might look different. It might be procrastination, avoidance, or just feeling unusually tired when you think about a task. Whatever it looks like, it is worth paying attention to.
Not being able to juggle everything is not a weakness. In some cases, the most responsible thing you can do is to let a few things go, or at least delay them, so you can fully show up for what matters most. That might mean saying no. It might mean asking for help. It might mean adjusting expectations, even your own. At the end of the day, each task is an opportunity to become someone you want to be, but there are only so many hours in a day (and sleep still matters).
So the real question is not whether you can juggle everything. It is this: which tasks are worth holding onto right now?
| |
Want to Say How You Really Feel?”
Frankly Speaking Is the Place!
In Frankly Speaking we explore subjects that usually stay in the dark. This month we are shining a light on Shame, because shame withers by
exposure. Join us for our April 10 Open House where you can really say how you really feel – and be heard!
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. Join us on Zoom.
| | |
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
| | | |
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
| |
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:
-
Topic: Focus on club special events.
-
Word Limit: Try to limit posts to 200 words or less.
-
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.
-
Contact Information: All articles must include your club website and/or a contact email for more information.
-
Event Posts: Submit up to three consecutive posts for a single event.
-
Deadline to Submit: 5:00 PM on the Friday before the upcoming Monday Starburst release.
Submission Process:
-
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
| | |
Register to receive the Starburst Newsletter
| | |
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. | | | | |
