Toastmaster Rantschler,

Read this email as Webpage

Who’s Carrying the Torch?

Meet Your Next PR Manager!

(Click the header to watch our handoff interview!)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when one storyteller hands the mic to another—this is it.

It’s an incredible feeling to know exactly who’s stepping up to carry forward the energy, creativity, and connection that makes our district shine. I’m beyond thrilled to introduce you to Marty Varela—your new District 2 Public Relations Manager!

Marty loves this district just as fiercely as I do. She knows the PR Manager’s role is one of the most rewarding—and wide-open—leadership adventures we have. It asks for your time and ideas, but it gives back tenfold in the chance to lift voices, tell our stories, and spotlight the spark of brilliance in every club.

Marty’s vision is clear: unite people, amplify our impact, and make sure everyone feels seen and inspired to grow.

So take a few minutes to watch this special interview—click the header above to join Marty and me (Josh) as I pass the torch, the spark, the fire that is District 2 PR. I can’t wait for you to see where she takes us next!

by Josh Hindman.

Thank you to everyone who attended our first town hall! We had great conversations, thoughtful questions, and valuable idea-sharing. Your presence and participation set a strong foundation for collaboration and connection as we move forward together. 

Please be sure to join us at the next Town Hall held on August 2nd at 9 am AKT / 10 am PT! 

This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your ideas and to network with the members of the new District 2! 

Warmly,

Anu Jokinen

District Director, 2025 - 2026

A club officer has a very important role in Toastmasters International. By providing leadership and support, you foster a positive environment that’s conducive to members’ personal and professional growth, allowing them to achieve their Toastmasters education program goals.

Start off the new Toastmasters year with the right tools to have a thriving club on the path to Distinguished status!

Be on the lookout for more training dates! See below!

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to set your ideas loose and watch them spark a wildfire of excitement across an entire district? This is your sign.

Your 2025–2026 Public Relations Team is on the hunt for bold, curious, and creative minds ready to make some noise! PR isn’t just a role—it’s a playground for your imagination and a launchpad for your leadership. Want to craft stories that inspire? Design visuals that grab attention? Plan campaigns that get people talking? You’re in the right place.

There’s a spot waiting for you—whether you’re a seasoned storyteller, a social media maven, or just someone ready to try something new and fun. We’ve got several roles open, and every single one comes with growth, support, and the thrill of knowing your work helps our members shine.

This is your chance to shape how our district connects with the world. Ready to unleash your creativity?

Reach out to our Public Relations Manager, Marty Varela, today—let’s make some magic happen together!

Announcing the new D2 Distinguished Program!!

As your new Distinguished Club & DTM Chair, I am committed to achieving greatness together! Each level, the individual, club, district and organization, is designed for Success.

Has your club achieved distinguished multiple times, or will this be your first year to make it happen?

Excellence is its own reward and is magnetic, who doesn't want to be part of the winning team?

Starting July 1st, there will be weekly Road to Distinguished Support Sessions every Wednesday at 7:00-8:00 PM PT/6:00-7:00 PM AK. 

For the next 3 months there will be weekly Success Plan Workshops offered with a rotating schedule for your convenience.

As we know, having support makes a world of difference in our ability to achieve Success. Let's commit to achieving new heights in our new District 2!

For further information contact: Roxanne Spring, DTM d2distinguishedchair@gmail.com

Sign the D2/9/32 Voices & Visions Chronicle!

What’s one memory or story you never want us to forget?

As we step into the new District 2, we’re honoring the incredible legacy of Districts 2, 9, and 32—and celebrating the leaders who will carry us forward.

We’re creating something special: a beautiful keepsake—both digital and printed— filled with your memories stories, words of encouragement, advice for the future, and photos from across all three districts. This is not the same as the memory books you may have seen at events—this is our complete story, gathered together as a gift for our new leadership team to treasure.

Whether you’ve been a Toastmaster for decades or just a few weeks, your voice and your photos belong in this book. And good news—we’ve stretched the deadline to Tuesday, July 15th!

Let’s show our new District 2 leaders just how much heart, wisdom, and history they’re carrying forward. Add your piece—your memory matters.

Please submit your message by July 15th, 2025

https://forms.gle/nxkT4X4t3dfc7Vjc9

Your Voice Matters

Let’s Shape District 2Together

What’s on your mind? What fuels your growth? What do you want more of in your Toastmasters journey?

Every week, we share one short survey to help us get to know you better — your goals, your challenges, your ideas. It’s our way of listening so we can build stronger clubs, better opportunities, and an experience that truly fits what you need.

Your feedback isn’t just data — it’s a spark for positive change. Take a minute this week to share your thoughts and help us keep Toastmasters member-focused and future-ready.

One survey. One minute. One stronger community.

Take the Survey of the Week

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2526D2MIS1

We’ll be featuring a different survey each week and sharing the link on the District website. Your voice helps us grow together, one response at a time.

Please reach out to Roberta Craig, if you have any questions

Notice an outstanding Toastmaster?

Nominate them to be featured here!

As our District transitions through an important realignment this month, we want to keep you in the loop about what this means for you and your club. Between July 1 and July 28, World Headquarters will be completing tasks that impact club bases, membership records, and Distinguished programs.

During this time, clubs will not be able to add new members or process membership payments through Club Central, and members using Self-Pay will not be able to submit dues payments either. Because these updates affect how our records are tracked, you may notice a short delay in presenting education awards or celebrating charterversaries until the end of this month.

Your club officers can still conduct all other club business, and once processing is complete by July 28, we’ll be back on track to honor your achievements and milestones properly!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move through this exciting transition. Together, we’re building a stronger District for all!

Questions? Reach out anytime at clubofficers@toastmasters.org.

Join us on July 10 In-Person!

Forever Improving Toastmasters meets on the second Thursday of each month, normally in Bellevue City Hall. For the month of July, will be meeting at the home of one of the club officers and members, David Hablewitz. Networking and welcome begins at 6:30 PM with the meeting to commence at 7 PM.

You are invited to visit our club, share your voice, and mingle with like-minded people. Please contact Vice President Public Relations, Donna Stolz for the address at donnastolz.d2@gmail.com

Come. Share. Vent.

Be heard. Hear others.

All in a safe space - What Happens in Frankly Stays in

Frankly. ALL viewpoints welcome and respected.

For more details, contact: caryn.axelrad@gmail.com

July 11, 2025 | Pacific: 7:00 - 8:30pm | Alaska: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Online: Zoom Link Learn more about Frankly Speaking: https://www.facebook.com/FranklySpeakingToastmastersClub

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

I may have hung up my hat as your District Public Relations Manager and Starburst Editor — but not my love for sharing stories.

This year reminded me that saying yes before you feel ready can open doors you didn’t even know existed. I hope you keep saying yes, too.

While I’m no longer the Starburst Editor, keep your eyes open for Emberlight — my new corner to share sparks of tips, advice, and stories to keep us learning, laughing, and growing.

I won’t share a spark every week, but when you see one, I hope it makes you pause, smile, or see something in a new way.

Thank you for every read, share, and kind word. It’s been an honor to serve.

Stay bold. Stay curious. And keep saying yes.

Empowering Voices by Josh Hindman

2024/2025 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:

• Topic: Focus on club special events.
• Word Limit: Try to limit posts to 200 words or less.
• 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.
• Contact Information: All articles must include your club website and/or a contact email for more information.
• Event Posts: Submit up to three consecutive posts for a single event.
• Deadline to Submit: 5:00 PM on the Friday before the upcoming Monday Starburst release.

Submission Process:

• 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

Starburst Suggestion Box

Have a Starburst suggestion? Please check out our Starburst Suggestion Box (only 5 questions), to help us improve the Starburst Newsletter!

This newsletter was edited by - Josh Hindman, 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.