The New D2! Stronger Together! | | |
It is with gratitude and excitement that I welcome you to the newly formed District 2—a vibrant blend of three incredible districts coming together as one.
As your new District Director, I’m inspired by what we’ve already seen: our recent club officer training sessions brought together members from all three former districts, and the energy, collaboration, and sense of togetherness were truly remarkable. This is the spirit we’ll continue to build on.
I’m honored to serve alongside you, guided by three core goals:
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Unification – building a strong, inclusive community where every voice belongs
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Member-Centered – putting your growth, goals, and club experience first
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Future-Ready – embracing innovation and relevance in all we do
Let’s kick off this new journey at our first Town Hall:
“Let’s Get 2gether on the 2nd”
Wednesday, July 2nd 6 pm AK / 7 pm PT – a time to connect, reflect, and
co-create our future.
Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jFsCjMX0QSWyLesXtlXSyw#/registration
Thank you for your dedication and for stepping into this moment of transformation. I look forward to leading with you as we shape the next chapter of District 2.
Warmly,
Anu Jokinen
District Director, 2025 - 2026
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It's the laaast day, my pretties!
Just like the Wicked Witch’s hourglass running out, today—June 30th—is the FINAL day to:
➤ Add new members and submit year-end goals for 2024–2025! Over 30 clubs are "Almost Distinguished".
➤ Input your club officer list for next year to earn that sweet ½ DCP Administration goal!
Don’t let your club melt away from recognition—fly over to Club Central and make the magic happen before midnight!
See you in the Emerald City (or better yet, in your Distinguished Clubs)!
“You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”
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As I wrap up my time as your District Director, I want to take a moment to say thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for an incredible year.
This year’s theme, Lead with Joy, was more than a motto. It was a reminder that leadership can be enjoyable, meaningful, and fun.
As Ralph Smedley said, “We learn best in moments of enjoyment.” And I’ve learned so much from all of you—through your creativity, dedication, and genuine care for one another.
Watching you lift each other up in club meetings, mentoring new members, and rising to leadership challenges with grace and laughter has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity to serve.
Although my term is ending, my heart remains with District 2. As your Immediate Past District Director, I’m still here—ready to support next year’s leadership in any way they need.
So, this isn’t goodbye. It’s simply… farewell.
Keep leading. Keep growing. And above all, keep spreading joy.
With gratitude and joy,
Juniper Lear, DTM
District Director, 2024–2025
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Celebrating Our Distinguished Clubs!
As of June 29, 2025 | Toastmasters Year 2024–2025
Our celebration just got bigger! More clubs have now earned Distinguished status—or higher—and we’re thrilled to recognize every one of you for your dedication and teamwork.
Your efforts show what’s possible when members set goals, support each other, and turn vision into action. From educational awards to membership growth, you’ve kept your clubs vibrant and thriving all year long.
A special note: We’d like to extend our sincere apologies to Timber Talkers for last week’s mix-up. Timber Talkers belongs on the Select Distinguished list—thank you for your understanding and for the outstanding work you continue to do.
👏 To every Distinguished club, you’re the heartbeat of our District and an inspiration for us all. Your success helps every member grow and every club aim higher.
👇 See the updated list of Distinguished, Select Distinguished, and President’s Distinguished clubs below—and join us in celebrating these achievements!
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Distinguished
Clubs
- Seattle Excelorators Toastmasters Club
- Confident Communicators Club
- Greenspeakers EPA
- FAB Toastmasters
- Cedar River Ramblers Club
- Providence Toastmasters
- Costco Techmasters
- MicroToast
- CTS Club
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Select
Distinguished Clubs
- Lynden Toastmasters Club
- Bellingham Evening Toastmasters Club
- Ballard Weekenders Club
- Cosmos Toastmasters Club
- Timber Talkers Club
- SPOTLIGHT Toastmasters
- Conservatively Speaking
- Redmond 2828 Toastmasters
- Peak Speakers Toastmasters Club
- Bauer Speak Easys Toastmasters Club
- Costco Toastmasters Club
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Presidents
Distinguished Clubs
- Barkley Toasters
- Willows Voices Club
- Twin Speaks Toastmasters Club
- Northeast Toastmasters Club
- Toast Of The Town Toastmasters
- Kirkland Eclectics Toastmasters Club
- Eastside Toastmasters Club
- Redmond Nights
- Public Speaking Northwest Club
- Greater Issaquah Toastmasters Club
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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 the weekly Road to Distinguished Support every Wednesday 7:00-8:00 PM.
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
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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!
| | | Training Date | Online | In Person | Hybrid | Register Today | | July 8
Alaska: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Pacific: 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Online | Register Today! | | July 9
Alaska: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Pacific: 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Online | Register Today! | | July 16
Alaska: 5:00pm- 6:15pm Pacific: 6:00pm - 7:15pm | Online | Register Today! | | July 26
Alaska: 8:00am - 1:00pm | In-Person Only | Ancorage | Register Today! | | August 29,
Corporate Club Focus
Alaska: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Pacific: 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Online | Register Today! | | |
We are still in need of 17 Area Directors
for the 2025-2026 TM Year.
Curious what you will do as an Area Director?
Check out this video from former Area Director of the Year, Marty Varela -https://youtu.be/LctK54Gn5M8?si=IqaCzs-IK6NstuXN
Program Quality Team -
- Conference Committee Chair
- Chief Judge
- Education Chair
Club Growth Team -
- The CGD Club Growth Team Positions (in Alphabetical order):
- Assistant Club Growth Director
- Club Coach Chair
- Club Extension Chair
- Club Retention Chair
- Club Quality Chair
- Community Outreach Chair
- Corporate Liaison
- Speechcraft Chair
Club Growth Team Interest Form link
https://forms.gle/MdKv9XGxKoydXKRj8
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Let’s Get to Know You – One Survey at a Time
Every week, we’re spotlighting one quick survey designed to help us better understand and support our members. This week’s focus: your goals, leadership interests, and what you value most in your Toastmasters journey.
Whether you're here to become a more confident communicator, explore leadership, or simply grow in new ways—your input helps shape the experience for everyone.
This short survey gives you a chance to be heard—and gives your leaders the insight they need to align club and district opportunities with what truly matters to you.
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
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Sign the D2/9/32 Memory & Welcome Book!
As we transition into the new District 2, we’re celebrating the incredible legacy of Districts 2, 9, and 32—and welcoming the leaders who will guide us forward.
This digital book is your space to:
- Share a memory
- Offer words of encouragement
- Give advice for the road ahead
Whether you’re a longtime Toastmaster or just joined, your voice matters. Every message will be printed and presented to the new leadership team as a keepsake of our shared journey.
Let’s fill this book with joy, gratitude, and inspiration!
Please submit your message by July 4th, 2025
https://forms.gle/nxkT4X4t3dfc7Vjc9
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Did you blink and suddenly find yourself in the middle of a hallway conversation, halfway through a coffee, and missing half an Ed Session? We’ve been there. Conference days move faster than a Table Topics timer on turbo mode.
But don’t worry—your time-turner has arrived, and it’s called YouTube.
That’s right! Every single one of our amazing Conference Ed Sessions is now available online. Whether you missed a session entirely, caught just the Q&A, or want to rewatch that one tip that made your eyebrows raise in enlightened surprise—they’re all just a click away.
Watch. Pause. Rewind. Take notes. Rewatch again just for fun. You’re in charge now!
Here’s a quick peek at the lineup:
So grab your favorite beverage, maybe even your Pathways to Brilliance conference badge if you’re feeling nostalgic, and dive back into the brilliance that made the Galaxy Rising Conference truly out of this world.
District 2 YouTube Channel
The knowledge is waiting. And this time, the only person who can interrupt you is your cat.
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RICK KUNKEL, CL
Rick Kunkel, CL, is a member of Toast to Data and Tableau Toastmasters clubs.
Rick is currently serving as the District 2 Finance Manager, where—despite having no formal accounting background—he has earned high praise from the CPAs on the audit committee for his dedication and performance.
As the President-Elect of Tableau Toastmasters, Rick is poised to lead the club with vision and enthusiasm. A charter member since the club’s founding in 2016, he has held an officer role every year since, consistently demonstrating his commitment to excellence and service.
The members of both corporate clubs deeply appreciate Rick’s steady leadership, tireless support, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the club and its mission.
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Congratulations Educational Achievements
See the full list of recipients
Pathways Education award recipient for last week:
Alex Hoff, Brandon Miller, Brittany Micka-Foos,
Karthika Pillai, Mary Redman
Great work everyone!
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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
| | Editor's Nook - The Last Chapter | |
A Farewell with a Full Heart
Well, here we are. June 30. The finish line — or maybe the starting line for what’s next.
Today, I hang up my hat as your District Public Relations Manager and the editor of our Starburst Newsletter.
When I stepped into this role, I didn’t have it all figured out — not even close. But that’s the beauty of Toastmasters leadership: you say “yes,” roll up your sleeves, and discover you’re capable of far more than you ever imagined.
Over this past year, I’ve met people who turned into life-long friends. I’ve built new skills, refined old ones, and blew through paths I once thought were out of reach. This journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. It came with its share of late nights, second guesses, and the amount of coffee that probably shouldn’t be legal. But for every challenge, there was a reward — new confidence, fresh ideas, and the privilege of shining a spotlight on our fantastic members.
I’m endlessly grateful for our 2024-2025 Trio and every member who nudged me, cheered me on, or threw me into deep waters just to see if I’d swim (spoiler: I did — sometimes doggy paddle style, but I made it!).
So, here’s my final call from this little nook: say yes to leadership. Even if you don’t feel ready. Especially if you don’t feel ready. There’s no “perfect” moment to lead — there’s only the moment you decide to grow.
Thank you for trusting me to tell our stories. Thank you for every click, share, and kind word. Thank you for letting me serve.
This isn't goodbye, I’ll see you out there — maybe not behind the editor’s desk but always cheering you on.
Stay bold. Stay curious. And say YES.
Empowering voices by Josh Hindman, your Starburst Editor
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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:
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Topic: Focus on club special events.
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Word Limit: Try to limit posts to 200 words or less.
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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.
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Contact Information: All articles must include your club website and/or a contact email for more information.
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Event Posts: Submit up to three consecutive posts for a single event.
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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 Josh Hindman.
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Starburst Suggestion Box
Have a Starburst suggestion? Please check out our Starburst Suggestion Box (only 5 questions), to help us improve the Starburst Newsletter!
| | How did you like this week's Starburst? | | | | 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. | | | | |
