February 2025 Vol.53

A Look Inside

1. District Director Message
2. Program Quality Director Message
3. Club Growth Director Message
4. District Conference Early Bird Sale
5. Conference Call For Presenters
6. Conference Call for Volunteers
7. Contest Dates
8. Magic 8 Incentive
9. Events and Workshops
10. Club Anniversaries
11. We're All in Pathways Recognition
12. January Achievements

 I ♥ Toastmasters!

Many of us have made friendships through Toastmasters that will last a lifetime, and, in some cases, members have literally found the love of their lives or strengthened their relationships.

Now is the time to Talk Up Toastmasters.

Talk Up Toastmasters is a Toastmasters International membership drive that runs from February 1st through March 31st. Plan now to make the most of it. Help your club gain five new, transfer, or dual members between February 1st through March 31st, and earn a ribbon for your club banner, plus 10% off any purchase from the TI store.

Here are some fun ideas for your Clubs during this membership drive:

Hold an Open House. At our Open House workshop we laid out a plan for a fabulous Open House, one that has had great results. Take those ideas and hold a WOW! Open house that brings in new guests and members. Ask me if you need more details.

Invite special guest speakers. If you need ideas, we can recommend a speaker.

Advertise outside of Toastmasters and Post on your personal social media platforms.  I see a lot of Facebook posts and podcasts that are “talking up Toastmasters” … but they are aimed at people who are already Toastmasters! As a District, we need to talk to people who are outside of our Toastmasters family, i.e., our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and relatives who are not yet Toastmasters, and bring them into our TM world!

Have a fun membership contest within your Club. There are several variations to this game, here is one of them: Ask each member of your Club to bring in at least one guest per meeting during the month of February. The guest cannot already be a Toastmaster, and they must be a new guest, not someone who has visited this Club previously. The member receives a heart sticker or a point for each guest they bring in. If the guest joins the Club, the member will receive an extra point. By the end of the contest, the member with the most hearts (or points) wins a special prize.

Share with your guests the many reasons that we love Toastmasters, whether it be the love of speaking, sharing with others, self-improvement, enhancing communication or leadership skills, creating professional presentations, or simply meeting new people.

Let's bring our love of Toastmasters to others and work together to grow our clubs! 

-Avis Brodie, DTM, PDG

District 65, 2024-25 District Director

What a busy January we've had! Phase 2 of Club Officer Training is well underway, and Club Contests are now complete.

Participating in Toastmasters speech contests are one of the most rewarding opportunities to try something that stretches your comfort zone. These contests challenge us to refine every aspect of our speaking – from crafting a compelling message to delivering it with impact. 

Supporting roles – such as timer, ballot counter, Sergeant at Arms, and judges all offer some element of leadership experience and help elevate skills such as organization, teamwork, and event organization. Plus, it’s all a fun way to exercise your Toastmaster skills.

The more you put into the experience, the more you take away! Challenge your members to push beyond their comfort zone.

It’s likely that your Area Director has reached out to you asking for help. If not, I encourage you to reach out to them – I know they will be delighted to have your support.

All of this leads to the pinnacle for District 65, the Annual Conference in April, where the best of our District will compete to move forward to regional contest! Don’t forget to grab a ticket at the extended early bird price! Cupid won’t wait, and the price increases from $99 on February 15th!

Register here –https://shorturl.at/uk1Zz



-Gillian Sheldon, DTM

District 65, 2024-25 Program Quality Director

In a world where storytelling reigns supreme, Toastmasters clubs have a unique opportunity to connect with members and potential members through a powerful tool: the "My Why" video. This personal, reflective video gives members the chance to share why they joined Toastmasters and how it has impacted their lives. 

First, a "My Why" video fosters connection. Hearing a member’s journey creates relatability, showing that each individual’s path to Toastmasters is unique yet shared. Members may find common ground and feel more engaged in the club’s culture.

Second, the video serves as a powerful recruitment tool. In today’s digital age, potential members often seek firsthand experiences before joining any organization. A "My Why" video offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look into the personal growth and development that Toastmasters fosters. 

I challenge all clubs to submit a 30 second to 1 minute video on their members "My Why" to the District. The clubs who submit a video will receive an incentive from the District. We would love to compile these testimonials and share them at the District Conference in April. 

Additionally, if you have video skills and are looking for a DTM project, this is the perfect job for you! Please reach out for more details. 



Start creating today and watch your club thrive!

-Brianna Wichowsky

District 65, 2024-25 Club Growth Director

The $99 Early Bird Sale for the 2025 District 65 Conference is now EXTENDED! It runs until Feburary 14th. Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot and be part of all the action.

Get your tickets by clicking HERE

Prices increase after Valentine's Day, so act now!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORKSHOP PROPOSAL

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Contest Dates

It's contest season! For the complete list of contests, click HERE!

Your copy shou

D65 Events and Workshops

D65 Early Bird Sale-$99 Tickets! Now Extended for A Limited Time Only!

• Runs until Feburary 14, 2025!
• Do not miss out on a deal of a lifetime! Thrilling speech contests! Game-changing educational workshops and powerful networking opportunities. Are you ready to unlock your full potential? This price goes up after Valentine's Day!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/uk1Zz

Club Growth Series-Where to Find Members (Corporate)

• February 10, 2025 at Noon
• Part of the "Club Growth" Series. Come out and find out where you can find new members for your corporate club!
• Register Here:  https://shorturl.at/lewR4
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Club Growth Series-Secret Sauce of Converting Guests to Members

• February 10, 2025 at 7PM
• Part of the "Club Growth" Series. Come out and find out the "secret sauce" of converting guests to members!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/WSaQj

Zoom COT Phase 2 (Virtual)

• February 13, 2025, from 12PM to 1PM
• Continue your training and deepen your understanding of effective club leadership in this online session.
• Register Here:  https://shorturl.at/wiaem

Welcome to Toastmasters/Pathways 101

• February 15, 2025 at 9AM
• Come out and learn about about Toastmasters and Pathways! Open to new members and seasoned members too!! Find out what Toastmasters can for you!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/qANr1

Mentor Monday

• February 17, 2025 at 6PM
• Need an idea for a Pathways project, inspiration for a speech or anything Toastmasters related? Mentor Monday is here to provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your goals and grow as a speaker and leader!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/tD5fT 

Share Your Why, Reach the Sky

• February 17, 2025 at 7PM
• Discover key elements of an impactful "My Why" video, and gain tips on crafting a compelling message. This workshop will provide guidance on effective delivery, confidence on camera, and how sharing their journey can inspire others and strengthen their club’s community.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/zLp4Y

Club Growth Series-The Value of Coaching

• February 21, 2025 at 7PM
• Part of the "Club Growth" Series. Come out and find out why a club coach may be beneficial to your club!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/2Zfyr

Zoom COT Phase 2 (Virtual)

• February 24, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30PM
• Continue your training and deepen your understanding of effective club leadership in this online session.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/avdU3

Club Anniversaries

Talk the Talk Club-2006

Assured Communicators-2010

Rhetorical Roar-2015

Village Toastmasters-2024

Say It LOUD-2024

Educational Achievements

January 2025

Level 1

Daniel J. Bernard, PM1

Daniel V. Ferens, VC1

David W. Otten, LD1

Grace Sam, PI1

Joy Manna, PM1

Jye Crocker, PM1

Maria Maier, DL1

Sidra N. Hammad, PM1

Level 2

Avis C. Brodie, VC2

Dawn R. O'Hara, MS2

Kara Mather, PM2

Maria Maier, DL2

Rosemary O'Keefe, DL2

Szabolcs Bozsanyi, SR2

Vincent Cilento, EC2

Warren E. Musselman, TC2

Level 3

Douglas C. McCall, EC3

Iman Pakzad, LD3

Jacqueline A. Pilon, DL3

Nicholas R. Romo, EC3

Therese A. Corrigan-Bastuk, PM3

Level 4

Amanda K. Ganguly, IP4

Charulata Chawan, PM4

Rohini S. Sarapalli, PM4

Steven Bader, MS4

Suzanne F. Brisk, PM4

Level 5

Angela M. D'Amico, DL5

Demetria L. Cooper, PM5

CONGRATULATIONS!

*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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