February 2024

Membership Dues are due!


$60 USD*

semiannually


Talk to your club VPM or club Treasurer to renew. You may click the link below when you’re ready for the Self Pay Payment option.

Link

Nominations for 2023- 2024 Toastmaster of the Year are open!

We are looking to recognize our members for their achievements and excellence. The Toastmaster of the Year award recognizes a devoted District 27 Toastmasters member whose educational accomplishments, club service, dedication, and enthusiasm made a significant contribution toward achieving the District Mission. This Toastmasters also goes beyond the call of duty and adheres to the principle of Toastmasters: Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Service. 

https://forms.gle/hLBhwxZPV2e2vSzq9

Eligibility:

1) The person being nominated must be a current District 27 member in good standing of a District 27 Toastmaster club in good standing.

2) The person being nominated must be currently enrolled in Pathways.

3) The person being nominated must have served/helped their club, their area, or District 27 in some significant way.

4) The person being nominated must plan to attend the District 27 Annual Conference in-person to receive his/her award and recognition.

 

If you know someone who deserves this award, please nominate him/her by February 29th. A nominator is allowed to nominate up to two people for this award. 

 

Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/hLBhwxZPV2e2vSzq9

District 27 Toastmasters Virtual Town Hall

Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST


Join District 27 as we host our monthly virtual town hall. Talk one on one with the District Trio, ask any questions you have, and learn more about the conference. 


We will discuss the conference venue and speakers, area director club visit reports, area speech contests and rules. This is your chance to express what you need or what you want to see. Any suggestions you make will be appreciated. Attend to hear important district news.If you have any questions, please email District Director Jeanna Lee, DTM, at [email protected].


Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86996733021

In Memoriam

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of our fellow Toastmaster, Richard Vanderhoeven. He was not just a member but a cherished friend and a significant part of our District 27 Toastmasters family. Richard Vanderhoeven contributed immensely to his club, Personnelly Speaking Toastmasters, as VPE, SAA and Past Club President, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his willingness to help and his positivity.


District 27 Recognition

Division Director of the Month


Division B Director Judith Albury


Division B Director Judith Albury is this month's Division Director of the Month. Division B Director Albury has worked with her area directors to coordinate the fall speech contests and ensured Division B was represented at every DEC meeting. In addition to providing a Division B report at every District meeting, Division B has made tremendous strides in getting its clubs back to good standing.

Area Director of the Month


Area 34 Director Darryl Watts


Darryl Watts has worked hard to ensure that newly realigned clubs in Area 34 had a smooth transition and ensuring his clubs are in good standing. Area Director Darryl Watts has been instrumental in helping Division C with its area-level speech contest. He is always out front helping in Division C open houses and events by preparing flyers, setting up meeting links, and preparing certificates of appreciation. 

District 27 Trio Successfully Completes Mid-Year Training in Dallas, TX


During last weekend, the Trio was hard at work with fellow District leaders and Region Advisors to improve their leadership and teambuilding skills in Dallas. They participated in numerous workshops and activities to learn how to better serve you, the members of District 27 Toastmasters.

Designing and Marketing with Canva

Designing and Marketing with Canva


Join us on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, at 1:00 PM (EST) for a fun and interactive online event where we will explore the power of Canva in promoting your club!


Are you looking to attract more members, create eye-catching graphics, or boost your club's online presence? Look no further! This event is perfect for club organizers, marketing enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning how to effectively utilize Canva.


During this event, we will dive into the world of Canva, a user-friendly graphic design platform. Discover how to create stunning visuals, design social media posts, and craft engaging marketing materials to showcase your club's unique personality and attract new members.


If you have any questions, please email District Director Jeanna Lee, DTM, at [email protected].


Register via Eventbrite at https://district_27_Canva_Workshop.eventbrite.com.


DTM Masters is hosting a hybrid symposium/open house on February 18, 2024 starting at 12:30 p.m. The in-person venue will be at the Central Library Auditorium in Arlington, VA. For more information, please visit https://4054648.toastmastersclubs.org/.

From the Desk of the Club Growth Director


Talk Up Toastmasters – 2/1/2024 – 3/31/2024 – Clubs that add 5 new, dual, or reinstated members will earn the Talk Up Toastmasters ribbon and a 10% 6 months expiring discount to the Toastmasters International shop. Provided by Toastmasters International.


Finishing Strong - 12/1/24 to 2/28/24 - The first 10 clubs who reach their Distinguished Club Program (DCP) required membership, plus 3 by February 28, 2024, will receive District recognition and a Word of the Day Pack and Moments of Truth Evaluation Chart. Note: Only clubs with less than 20 members qualify for this incentive. Once this goal is met, please have your VPM send an email to [email protected] with the date this goal is met.


Strive for Success-9/1/23 to 6/5/24 - The first 5 clubs who gain 5 new members within 30-days of hosting an OPEN HOUSE will receive a $25 gift certificate from TI shop; Member sponsors will receive a Stylus Pen Clubs are required to have the dates of their Open House placed on the District 27 calendar. Also a copy of the application showing who the new member sponsor is will be required. Note: This item can not be combined with other member extension incentives for clubs. Please provide proof of meeting the requirements to [email protected].


Volunteer Cheer - 8/1/23 to 6/8/24 - District 27 will be marketing at several tabling events to promote Toastmasters. These events will require volunteers from the District’s clubs. For each of the 4 events, the first 5 volunteers who receive information that leads to an introduction meeting with organization’s decision makers will receive a Navy Tote Bag item # 6845; the first 5 volunteers who sponsor new members will receive a 2023 Convention KeyChain; the first 3 volunteers who become Club Sponsors to assist the club through the chartering process will receive a License Plate Frame.


All incentives can be found on the District 27 website. Check to see if your club has completed the requirements of any of the incentives then contact the CGD at [email protected].



More from the CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR


1. We still need volunteers to be club sponsors, mentors and coaches. If you have completed a Path, Level 4 and/or Level 5 of a Path, we are looking for you. These leadership positions are a requirement for the DTM award. We will provide training.


2. If you have completed the club sponsor, mentor and coach training offered last year, please let us know. We need you on our team. Remember "Team Work makes the Dream Work."


3. Membership Renewals can be processed now for the TM period starting April 1st through September 30th, although the membership drive and renewal period runs from February 1st through March 31st. Reminder: To remain a club in good standing, the club must maintain a minimum of 8 members.


4. In order for a Division to get credit for a newly chartered club, the members of the Division must participate in the chartering process and ideally should serve as a club sponsor or mentor. The credit will be applied to the Division's distinguished status.


Sincerely, Club Growth Director​ Ida King

Pathways Office Hours


No Zoom pre-registration is required.

Add Zoom link to your calendar.


Zoom Links & Date:


February 18, from 12 pm to 2 pm Pathways Training

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82134285361


March 2, from 12 pm to 2 pm Pathways Training

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86731163776


April 3, from 7 pm to 9 pm Pathways training (Frank Only)

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82786831589


May 7 from 7 pm to 9 pm Pathways Training

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84370828493

 

Send any questions or concerns about Pathways Office Hours to Frank Storey:

[email protected]



https://karenstorey.com/PATHWAYS/95-PW-OfficeHours.htm 


Winter TLI Sessions


From the Desk of Program Quality Director​ Annette Sanks, DTM


District Officers, Division Directors, Club Officers,

 

TLI - Club Officer Training Opportunities: District 27 has only two more TLIs left for the winter session. Get your club officers trained before February 29th. Clubs need at least 4 officers trained for both the summer AND winter sessions to get DCP Goal #9!

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(1) Saturday, February 17, 9 am, Online Only

https://Winter-TLI-SessionF-2024.eventbrite.com

 

(2) Tuesday, February 27, 7 pm, Online Only

https://Winter-TLI-SessionG-2024.eventbrite.com

  

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New Program Quality Director Happenings:


First Mondays with the PQD -- Join the PQD Team every 1st Monday of the Month at noon for relevant educational opportunities for club officers and any TM member to share ideas, network, and expand their skills as communicators and leaders. Brown bag lunch is welcome as we share and learn together in a casual, fun, and inspiring environment. These are opportunities for all TM members to partner with the PQD Team as we Engage, Empower, and Elevate!!!


No Zoom pre-registration is required. Add Zoom link to your calendar. 


NOTE: Use same link for all remaining sessions every Monday at NOON!


https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85114543117 

Monday, February 5th, 2024

Monday, March 4th, 2024

Monday, April 1st, 2024

Monday, May 6th, 2024

Monday, June 3rd, 2024 


Sincerely,

Annette Sanks

2023-2024 PQD

 

Spring Speech Contest (Evaluation and International Speech Contests)


Contest Training

Area Contest Coord/Judges Training:

Monday, Feb 5, 7 pm https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82673193062

 

Division Contest Coord/Judges Training:

Saturday, Feb 10, 3 pm https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81045009580

 

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District Conference April 26-27


Conference Chair - Herman Raybon, Jr, DTMA

Conference Theme: Engage, Empower, Elevate

Interested in joining the Conference Team?

Email: [email protected]


Dates: April 26 -27

April 26 Virtual (Business Meeting via Zoom) 

April 27 Hybrid



District Conference Committee -needs your help and is an exciting educational and networking event for all District members. The purpose of the District Conference is to: 


• Provide a venue for the annual District Business Meeting.

Provide a venue for District Speech Contest.

• Provide communication and leadership training opportunities to support

the district mission.

• Provide opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas.

• Recognize and celebrate member, club, and District accomplishments.


District 27 2024 SPRING Speech Contest Dates

AREA -all Virtual

DAY

DATE

START TIME

END TIME

EVENTBRITE LINK

A13, A14

Saturday

24-Feb-24

11:00 A.M. EST

1:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area13_14.eventbrite.com

A11, A12

Saturday

9-Mar-24

7:00 P.M. EST

9:00 P.M. EST

https://2024_Area11_12.eventbrite.com

E51, E45

Sunday

10-Mar-24

3:00 P.M. EST

5:00 P.M. EST

https://Spring2024_area51_54.eventbrite.com

D42

Friday

15-Mar-24

7:00 P.M. EST

9:00 P.M. EST

https://Spring2024_area42.eventbrite.com

D41, D43

Sunday

17-Mar-24

3:00 P.M. EST

5:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area41_43.eventbrite.com

E52

Wednesday

20-Mar-24

7:00 P.M. EST

9:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area52.eventbrite.com

E53, E55

Friday

22-Mar-24

7:00 P.M. EST

9:00 P.M. EST

https://2024_Area53_55.eventbrite.com

C33, C34

Saturday

23-Mar-24

11:00 A.M. EST

1:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area33_34.eventbrite.com

B21

Saturday

23-Mar-24

3:00 P.M. EST

5:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area21.eventbrite.com

C31, C32

Wednesday

27-Mar-24

7:00 P.M. EST

9:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area31_32.eventbrite.com

B22, B23

Thursday

28-Mar-24

7:00 P.M. EST

9:00 P.M. EST

https://spring2024_area22_23.eventbrite.com

District 27 2024 Spring Contest at the D I V I S I O N Level

DIVISION

DAY

DATE

START TIME

END TIME

Cut & Paste into Browser

A

Saturday

13-Apr-24

11:00 A.M. EST

1:00 P.M. EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/501663588297

B

Sunday

7-Apr-24

3:00 P.M. EST

5:00 P.M. EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/501689977227

C

Saturday

6-Apr-24

11:00 A.M. EST

1:00 P.M. EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/501693959137

D

Saturday

13-Apr-24

3:00 P.M. EST

5:00 P.M. EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/501694239977

E

Saturday

6-Apr-24

11:00 P.M. EST

1:00 P.M. EST

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/501696095527

Inspirational Message of the Month

Self-Confidence and Leadership

There are many factors robbing us of our ability to lead effectively. One key area is to know who you are and to know your value. Whether you are a seasoned leader or new to leadership, putting in the work to build and maintain your self-confidence is crucial.


Understanding who you are involves knowing your strengths and weaknesses. This plays a major role in knowing what you can do and when you should reach out for assistance. Knowing your value is easier said than done. It comes easy for some. For others, situations beyond their control have taken so much from them that the idea of having value is nonexistent.


Making improvements at anything takes time. It is the same with building self-confidence. Start slow, get out there and look for opportunities to stretch. Be kind to yourself. Mistakes will happen. Assess, correct, and continue on your path to self-confidence!


In leadership you will be tested at various times. You will make many decisions - some where people agree, others where they will not. In either case, along the way your decision-making skills will eventually be called into question. At that point, you will have to believe in yourself. Do you have what it takes to keep moving forward when all odds are against you? It is easy to be confident and know who you are when things are going well. Being confident and standing strong when difficult people and/or situations are coming from every direction, and possibly at the same time, you will really know who you are, and so will others.


If you struggle in this area, begin today to build and continuously work on growing the confidence needed to lead successfully. Get out there and work those leadership muscles!


Sincerely,


Deborah Jones

District 27 Chaplain