May 2025

Web      LinkedIn      Facebook      X      Instagram      TikTok

Welcome DISTRICT 27's 2025-2026 Leaders!

Please welcome our incoming District 27 Toastmasters leaders!


District 27 2025-2026 Incoming TRIO


District 27 Director, Beverly Byam-Hercules, DTM

Program Quality Director, Jenny Genser White, DTM

Club Growth Director, Dr. Janice Boss, DTM

____________________________________________________________


District 27 2025-2026 Incoming Leadership Team!


Division A Director, Judin Sukri

Division C Director, Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson

Division E Director, Kimbaley Williams, DTM


Congratulations!

The District 27 incoming District Leadership Team!


From the Desk of the District 27 Director

Dear Valued D27 members,

 

Flowers are blooming, daylight hours are longer and with it, excitement within our District! The familiar saying, "April showers bring May flowers," resonates deeply with the vibrant growth we've witnessed this year. Just as flowers thrive in their environment, our clubs and membership are blossoming, exceeding all expectations. 🌸


We've seen an unprecedented surge in new club formations—more than in many years past—with some clubs launching to an astounding start, boasting over forty-five members from day one! This incredible expansion speaks volumes about the dedication and enthusiasm of our community. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of each and every member and excited for the continued growth and success we will achieve together.

 

We look forward to see you at the District Conference May 2-3, Hotel AKA, Alexandria VA and to sharing more exciting updates with you soon.


Please contact me at DD27@d27-.org.


Sincerely,

Your Proud District DirectorAnnette Sanks, DTM

We BIG!!! (With Everything, Believe In Greatness!!!) 

One Team, One Mission

Annette M. Sanks, DTM

District 27 Director

Contact DD27@d27-tm.org

District 27 Recognition

Division Director of the Month

Herman Raybon Jr, DTM,

Division A Director

Herman Raybon Jr, DTM


Congratulations to Herman Raybon Jr., Division A's Director of the Month! His exceptional leadership, unwavering support of his team, and commitment to excellence have driven Division A's outstanding performance.


Herman's inspiring leadership is evident in the success of Division Council meetings and flawless planning and execution of the speech contests. Let's all congratulate Herman and the entire Division A team!

Area Directors of the Month

Division D Area 43

Shawny Stone

&

Division E Area 52

Sara Sampson


Congratulations Area Director Shawny Stone! She exemplifies the Toastmasters core value’s integrity, excellence, service and respect. Shawny is fully engaged and committed to members and their clubs success. She is always looking for new opportunities to help the district grow and thrive


Congratulations Area Director Sara Sampson! She continues to lead her area clubs with distinction and consistency. She’s been a rock solid contributor even with serving in a separate geographical area. From area visits, club engagement, attend district meetings Sara has continued to provide support and lead by example in encouraging all members. 

District 27 April & May 2025 Events

🌟Congratulations! D27 Division Contest Winners! 🌟

From the Desk of the Program Quality Director


District 27 Members,


As we enter the final two months of the 2024-2025 Toastmaster Year, we acknowledge the challenges many are facing in the current political climate.


Let's make every effort to finish strong, i.e. member engagement and achievements, club participation in the Distinguished Club Program, distinguished clubs, and increased membership. We understand that it is a challenging time for some of our members.




Remember that Toastmasters is a safe space to share and can act as a supportive environment for our members.



98% of all Club Officers are enrolled in Pathways! Only 11 Club Officers not enrolled.

84% of unique members are enrolled in Pathways - that's 1,029 member STRONG!




🎉 2024-2025 Distinguished Clubs 🎉

Que Pasa

Technical Women

USPTO




✨2024-2025 Select Clubs

Helmsmen

Speak Up

Library of Congress

GUTS

St Margaret's Achievers 

SAM FOX



TOGETHER, we can overcome all obstacles, knowing brighter days lie ahead. Toastmasters provides stability, support, and a space to share experiences, express emotions, and strengthen our clubs and individual members."

Yours in Service,

Beverly Byam-Hercules, DTM

D27 Program Quality Director 2024-2025

Contact: PQD@d27-tm.org

From the Desk of the Club Growth Director



The "Mission" of District 27

Build new clubs and

support all clubs in

achieving excellence



The mission of District 27 is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. How are we doing this year and what does this mean to you?


Building New Clubs

By the time you read this, we hope to have chartered four clubs:

·      DC Grit, sponsored by Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

·      Authors and Aspiring Authors for writers, founded in memory of Dr. Jesse Sharpe.

·      Echoes of the Nile, covering Daughters of the Desert of Maryland, a Shriners group. CHARTERED!

·      Dragons Guild, serving alumni from the Virginia University of Lynchburg’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration program.

There are a few other future clubs who will likely charter by June 30:

·      Money Talks, based in the Bureau of Printing.

·      Steps to Success, a community group in Waldorf.

·      Academy of Managed Care Pharmacies, a trade association.



🎉Great news! 🎆

Echoes of the Nile is now chartered

with Forty-SEVEN (47) members! 



There are other organizations and individuals that we are working with, but we could always work with more. If you have an idea for a club, please let Team Club Growth know. If it charters by June 30, you will earn a $50 Toastmasters gift certificate. Elizabeth Mitchell (DC Grit) and Dr. Janice Boss (Authors and Aspiring Authors) have earned theirs.


Supporting All clubs

But how about the other 88 clubs that we started with on July 1st? Most (76) are in good standing and we are working hard to bring 12 more. Twelve are being served by coaches. Some are now being helped by the Club Helping Hands Program.

I want to repeat that these times are very challenging for those of you who belong to US Military or Federal Government Clubs or who work for the Federal Government. As your Club Growth Director, I understand if you have a lot of choices to make. However, Toastmasters can be a source of comfort and community. Stay connected!


Win the Plus Three Incentive!

If your club has three members more than your July 1 base, you qualify for the Plus Three Incentive. Seven clubs already qualify: PENTAF, Amazon HQ, Garner, Library of Congress, Speak NG, and ASCO Speak EZ, -- The first ten clubs earn $50, the next ten clubs earn $25, and all clubs will be recognized.


Sincerely,

Jenny Genser White

Club Growth Director, CGD

Contact: CGD@d27-tm.org

Toastmasters International 2025 CONVENTION


Can you see this new era upon us? Picture it!


We invite you to delight in the intersection of your near-future goals with those of the organization. Are you ready to put your stamp on a very special “Envision” board? Register Today!


$775 USD  Advance registration, April 10–July 27

$825 USD  Standard registration, July 28–August 15

$825 USD  Standard onsite registration, August 19–August 23


The 2024-2025 Registration is open!

NEW REGISTRATION

DTM MASTERS OPEN HOUSE!!!



WHEN:

Sunday, June 8, 2025 @ 2:30 to 4:30 PM EST



MORE info on DTM Masters Toastmasters Club


https://4054648.toastmastersclubs.org/


To join the Open House event!

Inspirational Message

Fortitude!

Fortitude is the quiet strength that carries us through life's toughest challenges. It’s not about avoiding difficulty but about embracing the courage to face it head-on. When times get hard, remember that your resilience is far greater than you realize. Every obstacle you encounter is an opportunity to grow stronger, to prove to yourself that you can rise, no matter how many times you fall. Fortitude isn’t about never feeling fear or doubt, but about pushing forward despite them. With each step you take, you build a foundation of inner strength that will carry you through anything life throws your way.

 

So if you have not accomplished the goals you have set for the past 4 months dust them off and start over. Keep going, because you are capable of more than you know. We are Toast Masters and we can DO IT!