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Four States!
🌟 Celebrate Together! 🌟
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Celebrating District 2 through our conference, “Stronger Together, Future Ready,” is more important than ever. What began as growth, has transformed into something even more powerful, expansive,; bringing greater diversity, perspective, and opportunity into our community.
Yes, being geographically diverse comes with its challenges. But within that challenge lies our greatest strength: the ability to unite across distance, collaborate across boundaries, and build something bigger than any one location could achieve alone.
And that unity is already in motion.
We are proud to have attendees on site representing all four of our states—showing up, stepping forward, and embodying what it truly means to be stronger together.
In addition, our producer John Chen, will be giving this conference in 4K, which is considered Ultra HD. Watch announcements for examples! Striving to ensure we have the most powerful connection for remote attendees as well as on site!
This is more than a conference.
This is connection.
This is momentum.
This is our future—ready and rising.
Be sure to get your tickets now! Online and on site will be an unparalleled experience.
Stronger Together, Powered by the Future | District 2 Annual Conference | May, 16, 2026
Roxanne Spring, DTM
2026 Conference Marketing Chair
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Shine Together: District 2 Basket Raffle 2026!
The 2026 District 2 Toastmasters Conference is almost here—let’s make our raffle shine! With just two days to go, by Wednesday, April 15, 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 easy crowd-pleasers—try a cozy “Coffee & Conversation” basket with local café cards, mugs, and a dash of inspiration for great talks. They’re light to carry but full of spirit! 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,
Public Speaking Northwest, Valley Club Juneau, Barkley, Green River,
Peakspeakers, Seattle Excelorators, Faithfully Speaking, Green Speakers,
Spokane Uptowners, and Eastside!
Special shout‑out to Nancy at Spokane Uptowners for sharing
photos of their beautiful baskets showcased in this promo and online.
Join the fun—complete the Conference form or email Patrice Tabor at patricetabor@gmail.com.
Toastmasters funds (D2 dollars) can’t be used for donations. Send photos or
arrange pickup with Audrey Perkins at aperkins1888@gmail.com.
Deadline: April 15—let’s fill those baskets and keep the
excitement growing!
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!
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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 TWO 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
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CONFERENCE AD
Incentive Deadline April 15th
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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:.
COMPLETE CIRCUITS!
Sparkling Synergists
Clubs who have four or more members and less than eight have achieved:
PRIME CIRCUITS!
Redmond Nights
Story Weavers Toastmasters
Laugh Lab Storymasters
Advancing Alaska Toastmasters
Toastmasters Extraordinaires Advanced
Frankly Speaking
Peak Speakers Toastmasters Club
Lake Pend Oreille Toastmasters
Anacortes Dockers Toastmasters Club
PMI Puget Sound Chapter Members' Toastmasters Club
West Seattle Toastmasters Club #832
STILL TIME!
To arrange your conference program print ad, please email Linda Vorthman [link Linda Vorthman@Gmail.com] this week. Use "Conference Ad" as subject line.
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!
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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
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 39
Lost in Translation? Not This Time!
Presence Has No Accent
Speaking in a second language takes courage. In
Toastmasters, remember that your goal is not just perfect English. Your goal is clear, confident connection.
Tips:
- Focus on clarity over perfection.
- Speak a little slower than feels natural.
- Use simple words you know well.
- Practice transitions like “First,” “For example,” and “In conclusion.”
- Mark difficult words in your speech and use Dictionary.com to hear the pronunciation and practice out loud.
- Pause instead of rushing.
- Use short sentences to deliver your message with more confidence.
- Do not apologize for your accent.
Your accent is not a weakness. It is your gift. Your audience wants to hear your message and connect with you.
CTA: At your next speech or Table Topics session, choose
three words that typically stump you, practice them before your meeting and deliver your message with pride, not apology.
Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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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?
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PAJAMAS AND PIs
Celebrate National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day and Mystery Heroine, Nancy Drew, with Story Weavers!
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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
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From Stage Fright to Spotlight
Join us this Saturday for our Open House
We cultivate a safe, compassionate space, to practice public speaking with frequent themes to supplement our learning. YOU are invited to visit!
We will have 4 speakers, including guest Speaker, Mary Morrison, DTM has served as Region One International Advisor and former District 32 director.
Refreshments will be included.
When:
This Saturday, April 18th
10:00 – 11:30 am Pacific
Meeting Registration link :
https://bit.ly/from-stage-fright-to-spotlight
Meeting Time
Join us online or in-person every 1st & 3rd
Saturday from 10:00 – 11:30 am Pacific Time
If you have any questions, please contact spotlighttoastmasters654507@gmail.com
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Step Into Your Leadership Journey With Confidence
So, You've been Asked to Take On A Leadership Role...
Join Seattle International 10 online for a dynamic Open House Panel Event. Designed for Toastmasters who are in, or are considering, leadership roles.
You will gain:
- Clarity on how to cast a compelling vision
- Practical strategies to create a growth-focused club
- Tools to set and achieve meaningful goals
- Real-world insights from experienced Toastmasters leaders
This event will feature Diann Hitzel, DTM, PDG - Panel Moderator and contributors; Sherry Tuckett, DTM, PDG, 2007-2008, Eric Vaughn, DTM, PDG 2010-11, Region 1 Advisor 2012-14, and Dennis Ham, DTM, PDG 1983-84
Date and Time: Saturday, April 25th,
1 pm PDT - 3 pm PDT
Location; Zoom
For more information, please contact Sherry Tuckett.
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Ready to add a little sparkle to your day? ✨
Experience the energy of a fully engaged, welcoming Toastmasters club where members support each other, grow together, and—yes—have fun along the way. You might even find yourself wearing a crown! 👑
Sparkling Synergists Toastmasters was created by Roxanne Spring, DTM, who—after serving as Growth Director in 2025—knew one thing for sure: the sparkle had to continue. What began as the “Sparkling Synergists” Growth Team has now evolved into a vibrant, uplifting club filled with fresh energy and new faces.
Why visit us?
- Build confidence in speaking and leadership
- Connect with positive, growth-minded people
- Be part of something truly uplifting and fun!
Join us every 4th Sunday at 3 PM
At a Puget Sound location near you
👉 https://synergists.toastmastersclubs.org/
Come see what makes this club shine—you’ll be glad you did.
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Introducing Thomas Jacobs
Member, Professionally Speaking Toastmasters
Discover Professionally Speaking Toastmasters—an advanced club for speakers ready to grow at a higher level—offering in-depth, topic-specific evaluations that sharpen voice, stagecraft, and message discipline.
Join us on May 7, 2026, and experience it for yourself.
We meet on the first Thursday of each month, in person and on Zoom, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
Registration is available on our homepage: https://www.prospeakerclub.com
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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. | | | | |
