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Save the Date!
The 2026 District 65 Annual Conference will take place May 1–2, 2026, at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, located at 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst, NY 14221. This year’s theme, “ONE VISION: STRONGER TOGETHER,” celebrates unity, collaboration, and our shared commitment to growth and excellence. Join us for an inspiring weekend of learning, connection, and leadership! More information will be forthcoming.
The District 65 website will be updated soon with an outlined agenda!
Register before tonight to secure the special rate! Prices will go up on March 1!
Click HERE to purchase your ticket!
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Call for Education Workshop Presenters!
The Toastmasters District 65 2026 Conference Education Committee is seeking three workshop presenters to lead sessions on communication, leadership, and personal growth on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Click HERE to submit your workshop idea!
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"The future belongs to those who believe in it and work together with other positive people in order to create it".
-Jon Gordon
Together We Achieve More!
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A Look Inside
- District Trio Message
- News and Announcements
- Events and Workshops
- Club Anniversaries
- Achievements
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When you renew, you’re not simply signing up again - you’re choosing progress. You’re choosing you!
Membership renewal is a strong affirmation that you’re committed to strengthening your voice, sharpening your skills, and stepping more confidently into every room you enter. It’s an investment in your future self - the one who communicates with clarity, leads with purpose, and embraces new challenges with courage and confidence.
Ongoing access to a community that believes in your potential, encourages your progress, and celebrates your achievements – that kind of support doesn’t just help you improve; it accelerates your transformation. Don’t just take it from us, click on the video below to hear from our International President:
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What better way of affirming your commitment than attending the Annual Conference! It’s not the reason to renew – it’s the reward. A chance to immerse yourself in learning, connect with fellow members who share your drive, and gather new learning strategies that ignite the growth you’ve already invested in.
Through engaging workshops, dynamic speakers, and meaningful conversations, the conference deepens the value of your membership. We guarantee you will leave with fresh insights, renewed motivation, and a stronger sense of purpose – ready to bring your best self back to your club, and your life.
If that’s not enough - you don’t want to miss the Keynote Speaker: Luisa Montalvo, 2024 World Champion of Public Speaking, who will be in Buffalo to inform and inspire us.
Don’t hesitate: Our members are the heartbeat of our clubs and our February special Valentine’s rate of $130 expires February 28th. If you want to be in the room of growing and supporting likeminded members, sign up today.
-Gillian Sheldon, DTM
District 65, 2025-26 District Director
-Scott Schaefer
District 65, 2025-26 Program Quality Director
-Jeannette Kreher Heberling, DTM
District 65, 2025-26 Club Growth Director
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Ignite Your Club’s Growth: Join the Talk Up Toastmasters Challenge!
From February 1st to March 31st, energize your club by inviting guests and sharing the Toastmasters experience. Every member has the power to help someone discover greater confidence, communication skills, and community. Your invitation could be the spark that transforms a guest into a lifelong Toastmaster!
This is your moment:
- Reach out to friends, colleagues, and contacts who could benefit from Toastmasters.
- Bring them to a meeting and show them the value of your club.
- Convert the guest to member.
Let’s make this campaign a success - step up, invite, and inspire. You reaching out & we all build new member.
Bring a Guest, Earn a Gift!
When you introduce someone to Toastmasters, you’re not just inviting them to a meeting - you’re opening the door to their confidence, and growth.
If your guest becomes a member, you’ll receive a special thank you gift - a TI water bottle.
It’s our way of celebrating you for helping our club grow and thrive.
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Communication and Leadership Award
The Communication and Leadership Award honors a non-toastmaster who has made substantial contributions in communication and leadership within our community.
It will be presented at our annual conference on May 2, 2026 in Buffalo, NY - and the recipient should be present to receive this award.
Do you know a strong leader in your community that you would like to see honored? Please nominate them for the 2026 award - by March 27, 2026.
The criteria, process and nomination form are below.
Thank you!
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Criteria used for the award recipient selection:
- Must be a resident of or work within the geographical area covered by District 65
- Must currently be a non-Toastmaster
- They have distinguished themselves as leaders or spokespersons for a worthy cause or purpose clearly demonstrating their communication and leadership skills
- They have made a significant contribution to their community
- Must be able to personally accept the award and give a short acceptance address at the District 65 Annual Conference on May 2, 2026.
Nomination Information:
- Any District 65 Toastmaster in good standing may submit a nomination for the award. If you wish to nominate more than one person, please submit separate entries for each individual. The Nomination Form and any supplemental information should be sent to the District Director, using the format provided on the Nomination Form below, at District65DD@gmail.com
- Nominations must be submitted by the nominations due date of March 27, 2026. The District Leaders will only consider nominations submitted by this date.
- The District Trio and PRM will decide which nominee, if any, is worthy of the award. A majority vote will make the decision.
- If a majority feel that no nominations merit the award, then no award will be made for that year.
- If an award is to be given, the District 65 Director will contact the recipient to inform them that they have been selected to receive the award, and advise the recipient that they must make an acceptance address at the District Annual Conference as a condition of receiving the award.
Presentation:
The Communication and Leadership award will be presented at the District 65 Annual Conference.
Nomination Form:
Please click HERE for the nomination form.
For more information, please contact: Gillian Sheldon, DTM, District Director 2025/26 at District65DD@gmail.com or Click HERE!
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WhatsApp Pathways!!!
Do you have a question about Pathways? Not sure where a speech fits or what requirements you need to complete your Level? Well now you can join the District 65 Pathways Q&A WhatsApp Group – just scan the QR code below to join:
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Read, Learn, Lead!
Do you want to learn new tried and tested techniques to grow your club? Speechcraft is a tool that helps non-Toastmasters see the benefits of the Toastmasters program - read on to learn more....
Click HERE to read more!
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Master the Basics of Basecamp
Mentor Monday
ImprompTunes
- ImprompTunes delivers 45 minutes of high-energy, interactive fun with Tracy Baker—retired Air Force combat veteran, professional speaker, six-time DTM, and District 40 Director. Through a dynamic, music-infused experience, he’ll help you unlock spontaneity, confidence, and expressive power. Don’t miss this engaging multimedia workshop designed to spark joy and elevate your impromptu speaking.
- Tuesday, March 24, 7-8 pm
- Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tdpx1nV-Qe21cqlAlV_4ng#/registration
View trainings and events on the District 65 Website at https://tmdistrict65.org/calendar/.
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Anniversaries & Achievements
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Club Anniversaries
Syracuse Club-1948
Mohawk Valley-1953
Speechcrafters-1968
The Communicators-1979
Bristol Speaker Toastmasters Club #5776-1985
Barrier Breakers-1989
Oneonta-1993
Port City-1997
Advanced Toastmasters Club of Rochester-1998
Leaders and Learners-2003
Toast the Grid-2017
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Educational Achievements
February 2026
Congratulations on your Pathways Education Achievements!
Level 1
67767545 – Name unavailable
Douglas C. McCall, DTM
Kristen M. Fata
Matthew Mack
Shannon M. Brooks
Maricarmen L. Watson
Geralyn Blossom
Melissa Forsyth
Darcy Colby
Patrick Kinney
Christine Kirwan
Level 2
Mohammad Al Syouf
John S. O'Hare
Jo Anne Seccurra, DTM
Adrian J. Pooley
Jean Hunter
Level 3
Joseph Gwizdaloski
67714020 – Name unavailable
Mohammad Al Syouf
Level 4
Richard Teel
Dawn D. Marini
Jennifer L. Duplantie
CONGRATULATIONS!
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*Disclaimer*
The District 65 Team recommends using your personal or home electronic devices to access registration links. Some company devices may have restrictions that could interfere with the process.
Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your cooperation.
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