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A Word About Pathways
As your District Director, I want to share something personal about why Pathways resonates with me.
My background is in elementary education, and that foundation has carried with me ever since. Over time, my journey also led me into roles in sales, marketing, and customer success. Through it all, one lesson from my education training stayed with me: the power of reflection.
When I created lessons or led activities with students, I had to pause afterwards and ask—what worked, what didn’t, and what did I learn? Many of you probably remember doing that in school, when a teacher asked you to stop and think about what you’d just learned. But once we graduate, that practice usually…stops.
Think about it—when was the last time you had a chance to really stop and reflect at work or at home?
That’s what I value about Pathways. Every project makes you pause, look back, and learn from your own experiences. This isn’t just about checking a box—it’s an opportunity to grow, to gain new insights, and to deepen your journey as a communicator and leader.
So, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to start your Pathways journey. It’s one of the best ways to help you become a more thoughtful communicator and a stronger, more insightful leader.
Anu Jokinen, District 2 Director
| | | | TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL NEWS | | |
Can you see this new era upon us? Close your eyes for a few seconds and visualize what the next century might look like for communication excellence and Toastmasters. Open them to this happy collage movement where 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? Come to convention and help us get the next 100 years started!
REGISTER NOW!
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Key Renewal Information
- Dues amount: $60 USD per member
- Submission deadline: October 1, 2025
- Minimum requirement: 8 members (including at least 3 renewing members)
- Speech contest eligibility: Contestants must have submitted their dues payment before the start of the contest to be eligible
- District Council Meeting eligibility: Your club must be in good standing for your club’s President and Vice President Education to be eligible to vote
Need help? Check out the Renewal Dues FAQ or email renewals@toastmasters.org.
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Your Voice Matters
Let’s Shape District 2 2Gether!
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!
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, PQD, if you have any questions.
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How quickly time flies when you are having fun at club meetings under the summer sun. All too soon, Club Success Plans will be due into Club Central. To encourage clubs to participate in the Distinguished Club Program, District 2 is offering the Great Start Incentive:
Here are the details:
$75 D2$*/club that meets the following requirements by 9/15
- Club Success Plan Submitted
- 4 Club Officers Trained**
- 8 member payments submitted
*Dependent on budget approval 9/18
**Officers must complete training by 8/31
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D2 SEEKING CLUB COACHES
District 2 is seeking Club Coaches to assist eligible clubs to grow and better serve their members.
What are Club Coaches?
Being a successful club coach is a step toward your DTM. It’s also another way to grow your leadership and communication skills. District 2 is looking for Toastmasters who are experienced members to assist in rebuilding club membership and restoring club quality. A successful club coach will:
- Build rapport with club officers and members
- Instill enthusiasm, camaraderie, and structure within the club
- Assess the club environment and recommend best practices for success
- Work with club officers to develop a Club Success Plan
- Motivate the club to strive for Distinguished Club Program (DCP) recognition
Coaches who assist clubs to achieve Distinguished status (or higher) in the Distinguished Club Program will receive credit in the education program and a digital certificate of accomplishment.
Ready to sign up?
Our District Club Growth Director will help you get started!
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ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW CLUB MENTOR OPPORTUNITY
Seeking passionate Toastmasters: Mentor A New Club To Success!
Experienced Toastmasters can enhance their leadership skills and contribute to the District 2 community. Dedicated Club Mentors are needed to guide and support newly forming Toastmasters clubs through their initial six to twelve months.
Club Mentors act as guides and advisors, helping new clubs implement the Toastmasters program effectively. Responsibilities include:
- Building rapport with the club and attending meetings regularly.
- Ensuring the club is strong and functional, connecting members with helpful resources.
- Familiarizing the club with the Toastmasters International website and its resources.
- Encouraging club officers to attend district-sponsored training and coaching them on their roles.
- Helping the club develop positive habits, e.g. prepared speeches, evaluations, and enthusiastic participation.
- Fostering a culture of membership-building within the club.
Being a Club Mentor offers a rewarding experience with several benefits:
- Enhancing communication and personal skills.
- Developing leadership and management qualities.
- Reinforcing Toastmasters knowledge.
- Increasing confidence and motivation.
- Earning credit towards the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award.
- Making a lasting impact on new Toastmasters and contributing to the growth of the program.
How to get started
Contact Joanna Tavera, Club Growth Director to express interest, learn more, and get started.
This is an opportunity to share your Toastmasters journey and help shape new clubs. Join in making a difference!
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Joining the Smedley Challenge
The Smedley Award program runs from August 1 to September 30. Toastmasters International provides details on eligibility and how to participate. To qualify, clubs need to add five new, dual, or reinstated members with a join date within the specified period. The addition of transfer and charter members does not count towards Smedley Award credit. Applications and payments for new members must be received by Toastmasters International or submitted online no later than September 30.
How to grow your club and earn the award?
- Host an open house
- Leverage social media
- Engage with potential members
By actively participating in the Smedley Award challenge, clubs can boost their membership, strengthen their programs, and earn well-deserved recognition for their achievements. This fosters a thriving and supportive environment that benefits all members.
Our District Club Growth Director, Joanna Tavera is ready to help you get started!
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WHAT IMPRESSION DOES YOUR CLUB MAKE?
SCHEDULE A MOMENTS OF TRUTH
CLUB QUALITY STANDARDS EVALUATION
Do you remember what stood out to you when you visited your club for the first time? What was awesome? What was curious? What was frightening?
Our clubs only have one opportunity to make a first impression. Using the Moments of Truth survey, we can anonymously give feedback on just how well our club is dong in six key aspects. This information can then fuel plans for how our club strives to be the best that it can be. D2 is glad to invite you to experience the MOT with our Chair Richard Ripley.
Join us for the next Moments of Truth Office Hour
Date: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Pacific Time, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Alaska
There will be a presentation and opportunities for questions and answers. If this event doesn't work, check out the D2 Events Calendar for other Moments of Truth (MOT) Office Hours.
As a special August bonus, this session can count toward Officer training!
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Chair Richard Ripley.
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Unlock Your Potential at a COT: Pathways!
Bring your Questions!
Curious about Pathways or need guidance on your Toastmasters journey? We’re here to help!
Pathways offer an innovative, interactive learning experience designed to boost your communication and leadership skills while fostering personal and professional growth within a fun, supportive community.
Join us on Thursday, August 21st, for the next COT: Pathways
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific Time, 6:00 – 7:00 PM Alaska
Chair Karen Lezon will present valuable content on the Pathways Program to enhance its usefulness in your Toastmasters experience.
As a special August bonus, this session can count toward Officer training!
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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!
Training deadline is August 31st!
Check the status of club officers trained for your club here.
More training opportunities have been added!
| | | Training Date | Online | In Person | Hybrid | Register Today | | August 20
Distinguished Office Hour
Alaska: 6:00pm-7:00pm Pacific: 7:00pm-8:00pm | Online | Register today! | | August 21
COT: Pathways
Alaska: 6:00pm-7:00pm Pacific: 7:00pm-8:00pm | Online | Register Today! | | August 27
MOT Office Hour
Alaska: 11:00am-12:30pm Pacific: 12:00pm-1:30pm | Online | Register Today! | | August 27
Distinguished Office Hour
Alaska: 6:00pm-7:00pm Pacific: 7:00pm-8:00pm | Online | Register Today! | | August 28
MOT Office Hour
Alaska: 11:00am-12:30pm Pacific: 12:00pm-1:30pm | Online | Register Today! | | August 29
COT: Corporate Club Focus
Alaska: 11:00am-12:00pm
Pacific: 12:00pm-1:00pm | Online | Register Today! | | August 30
MOT Office Hour
Alaska: 8:00am-9:30am Pacific: 9:00am-10:30am | Online | Register Today! | | | |
I have recently been contacted by District 2 Toastmasters with ideas to build community, keep us informed, and provide opportunities to stretch ourselves. It's truly exciting to see our District pulse with great ideas. Do you have a curiosity or creative contribution that you want to make? Please reach out to Marty Varela, PRM and let me know!
Our Public Relations Committee will have it's launch soon!. Ready to unleash your creativity? Ready to try something new? Ready to make an impact?
Reach out to our Public Relations Committee, today—there is still time to make some magic happen together!
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Emulate to Elevate
by Vincent Tang
The first time I went into my corporate Toastmasters meeting, I was a little nervous. I noticed there were only six people in the room—which meant there was no way to avoid speaking. Strangely enough, that smaller attendance was what drew me to the club. It meant more speaking practice for me!
Every club has a unique twist, whether it’s as small as mine was or a group of 20+ members. Each club offers something to appreciate, but there are also times we can borrow another club’s practices and make them our own. And the first step? Visit other clubs!
My journey to visit new clubs began when my president in that small corporate club encouraged us to explore new ways to grow. He challenged us to find the best techniques we enjoyed from other clubs and (shamelessly) use them to improve our own.
Have you ever been to a club that quizzes members on their listening skills at the end of a meeting? Or one that starts with a round of jokes? Maybe you’ve seen a club that schedules speeches two months in advance! Trust me—you’ll start noticing the things you love about other clubs, and those ideas will bring a wealth of inspiration to your next officers’ meeting.
Challenge your club by asking: “What makes our club unique?” or “What value do we want to provide to our community?” These small but powerful questions can guide how you want your club to grow.
So, what’s stopping you from visiting your next club? I encourage you to check out the clubs in your area and discover fresh ideas. As the saying goes, “Emulation is the sincerest form of learning.” Keep emulating what works—and who knows? You might just find other clubs adopting your best practices.
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VPPR TIPS to Produce Your Powerful Presence™ – No. 5
REPLAY - VPPR Officer Training – August 9, 2025!
As the VPPR for Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters, I am excited to share the replay from the District 2 Club Officer Training (COT) I had the honor of facilitating on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
We enjoyed an intimate breakout session where we dug deep into what really moves the needle for club growth. Spoiler alert: your number one lead generator is not a mystery—it is your club's website. When it is clear, inviting, and aligned with the Toastmasters brand, it becomes a powerful magnet for prospective members.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined in with energy, creativity, and fresh ideas. Your participation proved that PR is not just about promotion—it is about connection, storytelling, and inspiring others to step into their own leadership journey.
Let’s take what we learned and put it into action. Together, we can make this year one of unforgettable growth, unmatched visibility, and unstoppable impact. 💪✨
Let’s create the kind of presence that draws people in and grows our clubs.
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Sparkle & Shine, Friends!
Kelly Fallucca
VPPR, Public Speaking Northwest Toastmasters
D2 Area Director, C35
| | | | CLUB | CHARTERED | YEARS | | Tableau Toastmasters Club | 8/24/2016 | 9 | | |
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When Teams Change, Leaders Shift
Sound Advice explores what happens when leadership meets change
This August, Sound Advice Toastmasters explores what happens when leadership meets change. Our theme—“When Teams Change, Leaders Shift”—dives into how great leaders adapt their style by listening deeply and responding to evolving team needs.
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where leaders share real stories of navigating change with flexibility, empathy, and purpose. Whether you’re stepping into leadership or sharpening your skills, you’ll leave with fresh insights to help you lead through transition.
🗓 Thursday, August 21
🕠 5:30 p.m. Pacific / 4:30 p.m. Alaska (90 minutes)
🔗 Register here
Questions? Contact Mary Morrison
🌐Sound Advice Toastmasters Club
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Conservatively Speaking Toastmasters Presents:
A Special Seminar with District 2 Champion Benny Mobley!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Conservatively Speaking Toastmasters Club will be hosting a dynamic seminar on Saturday, August 23rd, featuring none other than District 2 International Speech Champion, Benny Mobley.
🎤 Topic: “From Stage Fright to Spotlight: My Journey to the Championship & How You Can Elevate Your Speaking Game”
Join us for an inspiring and practical session where Benny will share:
- His personal journey to winning the District 2 title
- Lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of Toastmasters
- Actionable tips to improve your public speaking, storytelling, and stage presence
- How to turn your message into a movement
Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this seminar will equip you with tools to speak with confidence, clarity, and impact.
📍 Location: St. Madeleine Sophie Koinonia Room,
4400 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
🕕 Time: 9:05am
💬 Open to all—Toastmasters and guests alike!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best and take your speaking skills to the next level.
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SPEAKOUT! presents 20X20
August 26, 2025
Come see SPEAKOUT Advanced Seattle Toastmasters infamous 20X20!
Three speakers will entertain and inform as they speak to 20 slides for 20 seconds each. It's an astounding feat!
What: 20X20!!
Who: SPEAKOUT Advanced Seattle Toastmasters
When: August 26, 2025
Where: Downtown or Online
Our meetings are hybrid, so join us downtown or online. Information can be found on our website:
Come join the fun!
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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
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2025/2026 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 Marty Varela
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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 - Marty Varela, 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. | | | | |
