What’s Inside
💌 Leadership Greetings – Fresh Beginnings, Bold Goals, and a Shared Future
📚 Club Officer Training (Dec–Feb) – Schedule Is Live | Register Now
🎁 Contest Season Is On – International Speech and Tall Tales Contests | Host Your Club Contests!
🌟 Event Spotlight – G-R-E-A-T Event with Fursey Gotuaco | Registration Link
🎬 Bay to Bay Toastmasters – Upcoming Recording in January
🎙️ Destination 101 Podcast – Elaine Lung, DTM: From Introvert to Impactful Speaker
🎤 Blog Post – Are You Ready for the International Speech Contest?
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Welcome to 2026
Let’s kick things off with energy and purpose. Get set… and go!
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Fresh Beginnings, Bold Goals, and a Shared Future
Dear Toastmasters,
A new year brings fresh beginnings—an opportunity to reset, refocus, and move forward with optimism. As we step into 2026, let this be the year we take our dreams off the shelf and put them into play. The goals we’ve held quietly, the ideas we’ve postponed, and the potential we know exists within us all deserve momentum and action.
A big part of achieving those goals lies in our ability to communicate clearly and lead confidently. These skills are not optional—they are essential. Your membership in Toastmasters is uniquely poised to deliver growth in both areas. Every meeting, every speech, every role we take on sharpens our voice and strengthens our leadership.
You are not part of this community by accident. Whether you are here to learn, mentor or share your hard-earned experience, your presence is by design. When we show up for one another—when we lock arms and rise together—we create a district capable of extraordinary impact.
I personally feel that my association with you has already greatly improved my life, and I am wholeheartedly excited for what the future holds. Together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish in 2026.
Let’s make this a year of courage, connection, and collective success.
With gratitude and excitement,
Anna Garcia, DTM
District Director, District 101
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Club Growth Director —
Anushree Ramanath, DTM
Wishing all Toastmasters of District 101 a very Happy New Year!
As we step into the year ahead, our shared focus remains on strengthening struggling clubs and building new clubs that create meaningful impact. This vision is possible only through collaboration—your mentorship, encouragement, and active support make all the difference.
Together, let’s grow with purpose, support one another, and make this a year of strong clubs and inspired leaders.
Warm regards,
Anushree Ramanath, DTM
Club Growth Director, District 101
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Program Quality Director —Chirag Mapara
Happy New Year! I hope 2026 brings you endless opportunities to find your voice and sharpen your leadership skills.
Here’s to a year of breaking barriers and reaching your full potential in your personal and professional lives!
Regards,
Chirag Mapara
Program Quality Director, District 101
| | | Club Officer Training - Schedule Updated | | |
We’re thrilled to kick off the Tall Tales and International Speech Contests for 2026! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or stepping onto the contest stage for the very first time, this season promises growth, inspiration, fun, and unforgettable moments.
📣 Stay Informed
Connect with your Division Directors for the latest updates, timelines, and helpful resources. Let’s get ready for a fantastic contest season filled with bold stories, powerful speeches, and confident voices! ✨
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🎤 Featuring Fursey Gotuaco
We are thrilled to announce a special learning opportunity with Fursey Gotuaco—an Executive Speech Coach, TEDx speaker/coach, and one of the most sought-after trainers in the world of high-impact communication. With over 30 years of coaching experience and two appearances in the Finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking, Fursey brings unmatched insight into powerful delivery, compelling storytelling, and confident presence.
He has coached individuals and teams for high-stakes presentations, startup pitches, and voice-over artistry, helping speakers elevate their message and transform their impact.
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm PT
📍 Location: Online
A Zoom link will be provided once your registration form is submitted.
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Toastmasters Bay to Bay
Volunteer to Appear on the Show
| | First Episode - Watch on Youtube | |
From 2008–2015, Bay to Bay gave 200+ Toastmasters the spotlight on 70+ televised episodes. Now, the show is back—led by Producer Stan Ng and District 101.
📅 Next episode recording: Jan 25, 2026 (tentative)
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👉 Read more about the show
We’re seeking:
✅ Speakers
✅ Hosts
✅ Evaluators
Questions?
Email pr@d101tm.org or complete the D101 Public Relations Contact Form
👉 Fill out the Interest Form to secure your spot under the studio lights!
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✨ A must-listen for speakers, leaders, and anyone learning to own their voice. ✨ | |
🎙️ Destination 101 – Podcast Spotlight
Elaine Lung, DTM — From being an Introvert to an Impactful Speaker
In this inspiring episode of Destination 101, host Sneha Sharma sits down with Elaine Lung—keynote speaker, coach, storyteller, and champion of introverts and quiet leaders.
Elaine shares how powerful communication isn’t about being louder—it’s about being intentional, authentic, and confident. Through stories and practical insights, she shows how anyone can step into their voice and lead with presence and purpose.
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🎤 Are You Ready for the International Speech Contest?
Step into your story and challenge yourself on the championship stage! The journey to the International Speech Contest begins with authentic storytelling, thoughtful preparation, and persistent practice—not just excellent delivery. Great speeches start with a compelling topic that resonates, are structured with clarity, and are polished through repeated rehearsal and feedback from fellow Toastmasters.
Whether you’re aiming to advance beyond club contests or dreaming of the World Championship of Public Speaking®, this contest season is your chance to grow, connect, and inspire. Your story matters—so start writing it today, refine it, and step boldly toward success!
👉 Read Here
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