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
| |
Save the Date!
Leadership Summitf
Friday, January 23, 2026
Get inspired to lead in 2026!
Join us in an evening of inspiration and growth!
We are excited to invite you to a hybrid District 2 Leadership Summit on Friday, January 23rd starting at 5:30 pm AK / 6:30 pm PT
In person location - Bellevue City Hall 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Online - Zoom
Agenda
A dynamic Leadership Summit featuring three inspiring keynote speakers:
- Toastmasters Region 1 Advisor Karen Burgess
- Nikki Malcolm, CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance
-
Benny Mobley, District 2 International Speech Contest Winner
They will share insights on managing fear, leadership at scale and regional impact, and inspire through the power of communication, presence, and purposeful leadership.
To further enhance your summit experience, a facilitated conversation with panelists who will address the application of leadership at all levels of our District:
- Kyle Hall, District Leader,
- Lisa Chen, Division D Director,
-
Laura Higdon, Area 54 Director
As we enter this season of identifying 2026-2027 District Leaders, this event will have so much more applicability. Knowing what you can offer and how it may marry with the need is a meaningful consideration whether it is in Toastmasters or elsewhere. Please, make the time to join us!
Register Below:
Online Event
In Person Event
| | |
|
There are twelve Toastmasters clubs in Russia today. All of them descendent from a single club chartered in 1990. The very club that was the product of a chartering trip spearheaded by Ralph Pehrson, DTM, a District 2 Toastmaster since November 1st, 1965. Sadly, Ralph passed away last month, at the age of ninety, leaving an unparalleled void in our District and two of our Toastmasters Clubs.
In his sixty years as a Toastmaster, Ralph served the organization and our community in myriad ways. As a Past District Governor (the precursor term for the District Director role), and a Presidential Citation Award recipient, he consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Toastmasters. He was active in strengthening our clubs and started Toastmasters Extraordinaires to provide advanced opportunities in our District. He was a long-term member of Seattle International 10 Toastmasters Club.
Ralph was a proponent of 'mission driven speaking.' He was often heard asking speakers to consider "why this speaker, to this audience, on this subject, at this time?" He could always be counted upon to extemporaneously, or with preparation, expound on various leadership topics as well as his decades of Toastmasters experiences.
Ralph's impact on the people, clubs, and community of District 2 Toastmasters is incalculable. He leaves behind a legacy of just what Toastmasters can bring about in a person who strives to be a better communicator and leader.
On behalf of District 2, we honor Ralph with this memorial.
District 2 Leadership Team, 2025-2026
CLUBS, PLEASE SHARE SIMILAR TRANSITIONS WITH YOUR AREA DIRECTOR.
| | |
Don’t Just Attend the Future—Help Design It.
Join Josh Hindman, the 2026 District 2 Conference Chair, and his team!
Wanted: Architects, Curators, & Storytellers
The gears are turning, the vision is set, and the excitement is building. As we look toward May 2026, I am thrilled to share a major update from the Conference Committee: The theme has been officially approved.
While we aren’t quite ready to pull back the curtain just yet, I can promise you this: the theme captures the essence of our evolution. As the very first conference in our newly expanded District, this event will absolutely set the tone for our future.
Behind the scenes, our leadership team is growing. We have recently filled several key committee roles with incredible talent, and the energy in our planning sessions is palpable. We are meticulously crafting an experience that honors our history while launching us into this new tech forward era.
Consider this your official "pre-announcement." The foundation is laid, the team is assembling, and the official theme reveal is coming soon. Trust me—it will be worth the wait.
Stay tuned, District 2. We are just getting started.
Josh Hindman
District 2 Conference Chair 2026
| | |
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
| | |
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
| | 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. | | |
🌟✨ SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, February 21, 2026 ✨🌟
D2 Area 32, 33, 35 International and Humorous Speech Contest
Toastmasters… get ready to
sparkle, shine, and be inspired!
The most anticipated season of the
year has arrived—CONTEST SEASON!
This year, three powerhouse leaders have joined forces to produce an unforgettable experience:
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!
The Sparkle & Shine - D2 International and Humorous Area Speech Contest
Come for the inspirational and humorous
speeches. Stay for the community.
Saturday,
February 21, 2026
The Brightwater Center
22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
🌟Why You Will Love It
The Brightwater Center sets the stage—literally!
✔️ Raised stage & professional microphones
✔️ Elegant, inspiring venue
✔️ Continental brunch & snacks
✔️ High energy, high impact, high inspiration
Mark your calendars.
Bring your club members, family, and friends.
✨Come ready to sparkle & shine. ✨
To volunteer, please contact Katie Munoz at:
katie@serioustohilarious.com
| | | |
The District Executive Committee met on December 3rd and approved the following for this contest season:
- Areas with four (4) or fewer clubs in good standing will advance the top two (2) contestants to the Area contest.
- Divisions with four (4) or fewer assigned clubs will continue to advance one (1) contestant to the Division contest.
To check if your club is advancing 1 or 2 contestants to the area contest, please click on the following link
Reminder - Please be sure to keep your club in good standing throughout the contest season so your club members will not be disqualified at any time! For more information on club status, click here
| | |
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 Beyond the Basics 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.
| | |
District 2 Charter Anniversaries
Clubs Celebrating Anniversaries in the month of January
Congratulations to all the Clubs celebrating chartering in the month of January!
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
| |
|
Unlock Your Potential with Pathways Office Hours!
Get your questions answered and COT credit!
Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to help! Wondering what the new 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: Wednesday, January 14th
• Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM Pacific Time, 5:00 – 6:00 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 January, February, and March.
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Karen Lezon at kmlezon@comcast.net
| | |
VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 25
Punctuality is PRESENCE… for Leaders and Members
Anu Jokinen, District Director, recently shared the “1% better” idea. Small, consistent improvements add up. It made me think about how meetings can start a few minutes late and then run several minutes over time.
Late happens. Everyone is human. However, when lateness becomes a habit, or when a couple of minutes become ten, it takes away time from what everyone is here for: the speakers, the evaluations, and the learning. Starting and ending on time shows respect for everyone and that you have personal agency.
Try these 1% upgrades:
Members. Be seated before the meeting begins. Save chatting for breaks. Keep phones silent and eyes up. Online, join early, mute and settle in.
Leaders and Presenters. Model timeliness. If you constantly allow meetings to run late, people will stop coming to meetings or even worse, your presence may be diminished.
CTA: “OWN THE CLOCK.” This week, notice your time habits and write down one simple fix to try at your next meeting.
How will you improve your punctuality and presence by 1% in 2026?
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
| | | | |
Eastside Leaders explores Leadership Lessons from Marcus Aurelius
Eastside Leaders Toastmasters presents
Leadership Lessons of Marcus Aurelius
Stoicism is enjoying a renaissance in popularity. Perhaps the most popular explainer of Stoicism is the Roman "philosopher emperor" Marcus Aurelius. This month Eastside Leaders will explore what leadership lessons we can glean from the "Meditations" of Marcus Aurelius.
Come visit Eastside Leaders Toastmasters
Date: Tuesday, 13 January
Time: 6:45 PM PST
For Zoom link contact:
Kent Breidenstein (breidensteink@yahoo.com)
Tom Hager (tomhager2070@yahoo.com)
Eastside Leaders Toastmasters
"Where you can become the leader you were meant to be."
https://eltm.toastmastersclubs.org
| | |
Know Thyself In Transition
Thriving through life stresses
Change can be planned—or arrive without warning.
In this session, Know Thyself in Transition,
two speakers guide participants in exploring how self-awareness shapes our response to change. Through reflection and discussion, discover practical insights to navigate life’s transitions to better lead the life you want.
Join Sound Advice Toastmasters, a leadership development club, at its January 15 meeting, 5:30-7 pm. Pacific time, via zoom.
Register here!
| | | |
January is the one time of the year that still smells like possibility. Let’s talk about where we’re aiming and how we grow together while we get there. It's a new year!
Join Impromptus NW for an extemporaneous consideration of New Beginnings on the evening of Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 7:30 pm PST on Zoom.
Zoom: https://bit.ly/43PUkzs
We look forward to giving you a challenge unlike one you've received before.
Impromptumaster Becky Fisher will be our guide!
| | | |
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. | | | | |
