Toastmasters District 56 offers many ways for members and the public to learn about Toastmasters, including our website, social media communities, press releases, and mobile alerts.
You can also find out about news you can use each month in the District 56 Messenger. This month's newsletter is full of useful information, including many accolades and achievements and the introduction of your Area Directors!
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District 56 celebrated 2022-2023 member accomplishments at the annual Year-End Celebration on September 30, 2023.
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Important Cyber Security Notice
Hello District 56 Members,
We have learned that some members are receiving phishing emails and texts as if they originated from District 56 leadership. The scammers are texting and emailing asking for money for different reasons.
Please protect yourself and beware of scams. These emails and texts appear to be legitimate so be super vigilant.
Things to keep in mind: District 56 WILL NEVER ask you to purchase or buy anything or to share any confidential information. If suspicious, do not open any attachments that may make your computer vulnerable or forward the email to anyone.
If you recognize a phishing or malicious email, please mark it as “spam” immediately and block the sender. Protect yourself and if in doubt, contact a member of our leadership team, your District Director, or Area Director. Contact information for District Leadership can be found on the District 56 website.
Thank you,
Sharla Ozen, DTM
District 56 Director
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RENEWAL REMINDER
Time is running out to renew your Toastmasters membership. The deadline to renew through March was September 30.
Officers in clubs that don't have at least 8 member renew by November 15 may lose access to Club Central and will need to contact Toastmasters International to reinstate the club members.
Club members not paid may lose access to Pathways and other Toastmasters resources.
Make sure your club members have renewed their dues.
All clubs can now Jump into 2024 by renewing dues through September 2024 to ensure uninterrupted access to Toastmasters' leadership and communications tools! Clubs that submit renewals for 20 or more members, or their member base plus 3 members for April 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024, earn Toastmasters International merchandise and VIP recognition at the District 56 Spring Conference. The deadline is January 31, 2024. Learn more about this and other Club Growth Director incentives in the Incentives and Awards section of this newsletter and on the District 56 website.
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Club Officer Lists Due Soon
Clubs with semi-annual terms need to submit their officer lists in December. This means you need to have officer elections in November.
Club Immediate Past Presidents are responsible for organizing club officer elections. Secretaries and Treasurers help to facilitate a smooth transition by preparing files and budgets for the new officers.
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Education Summit (11/4)
Get ready to ignite your potential at the Toastmasters District 56 Fall 2023 In-Person Education Summit at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 3100 Cleburne St., Houston.
- Join us for a day of growth and empowerment, featuring:
- Special guest speaker, Distinguished Toastmaster Charlene Burroughs, Region 5 Advisor.
- Round 2 Club Officer Training – be ready to lead!
- Engaging Toastmasters Leadership Training, guided by seasoned Distinguished Toastmasters.
- Takeaways, gift bags, and acknowledgments to remember the day.
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District Leadership Opportunities
Looking for a way to share your time and talents with Toastmasters District 56? Join a District 56 Leadership Team to build leadership skills, expand your network, contribute to our community, and maximize your potential.
Opportunities are available to serve as members of the District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and Public Relations Manager teams.
Area Director Opportunities
District 56 has opportunities for members to serve as Area Directors. An Area Director provides District contact, support, and assistance to the clubs in an Area (typically 4-6 Clubs). An Area Director term is one year (July 1st to June 30th). This role will provide you a great opportunity to hone your leadership and communication skills. Area Directors serve as the direct liaison between the district and the clubs. Area Directors conduct club visits twice a year within their respective areas to understand and support club needs. In turn, these visits help district leaders understand how to support and meet the needs of each club. It is important that Area Directors have the support they need to serve clubs. The success of the district depends on it. Area Directors are eligible for re-election or re-appointment for one succeeding term only. Successful completion of a full term as an Area Director meets the District Leadership Role requirement on the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) application.
PQD Team Opportunities
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We are looking for Spring Conference Volunteers. Email 2024conf@tmd56.org if you would like to be a volunteer.
CGD Team Opportunities
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Anyone interested in volunteering as part of the Club Growth Director Team may express their interest by completing the Club Sponsor, Club Mentor, and Club Coach Volunteer Request Form on the D56 website or can email cgd@tmd56.org. We currently have more than 30 clubs eligible for a Club Coach, so there is a great need for people to volunteer to fill that roll. Help a club earn Distinguished status and earn credit toward your own Distinguished Toastmasters Award and have the opportunity to develop leadership/coaching skills.
PRM Team Opportunities
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Public Relations Manager Team opportunities include newsletter, website team, social media, and media relations. Anyone interested in volunteering as part of the PRM Team may express their interest by completing this form or can email prm@tmd56.org.
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Online Leadership Electives - How to Become a Distinguished Club, Navigating the D56 Website
How to Become a Distinguished Club- from 7 to 8 p.m. November 8.
Register today to learn more about what is needed to earn Distinguished Club status. The speaker for this OLE is Kate Shi, DTM, DCP Chair.
How to Navigate the District Website - from 9 to 10 a.m. November 11.
Register today to learn more about what's available on the District Website for members and leaders and how to find what you're looking for. The speaker for this OLE is Andrea Tantillo, DTM, D56 Public Relations Manager.
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Round 2 Club Officer Training Begins November 4
Round 2 Club Officer Training is scheduled and open for registration. It begins on November 4, 2023. Register Now!
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Spanish Club Officer Training
Save the Date for in-person Spanish Club Officer Training - November 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Attend to learn more about all officer roles. Plus, registered Spanish-speaking attendees have a chance to win a prize. The training will be at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Houston.
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Get ready for the 2023-2024 Tall Tales and International Speech Contests
Speech Contest Season is approaching. This year, we have the Tall Tales Speech and the International Speech. Area and Division Speech Contests will be on the District Calendar soon. For more information, download the Speech Contest Rulebook Toastmasters International -2023-2024 Speech Contest Rulebook.
Dates for the District Speech Contests: Friday, May 3, 2024, is the District Tall Tales Contest, and Saturday, May 4, 2024, is the International Speech Contest.
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Mark Calendars for Spring Conference
Mark your calendars for the 2024 District 56 Spring Conference Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Faranza Chohan, DTM, International Director for Region 5, will offer a keynote address and education session. The two-day event promises education sessions, networking, entertainment and more. Plus get ready to hear some fantastic speeches during the District Tall Tales Contest and the District International Speech Contest.
Learn more and see a sneak peak at a few of the conference speakers and volunteer chairs.
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Pathways Refresher Courses for Leaders and Members
MEMBERS, VPE's & other club officers become more comfortable with PATHWAYS.
Objectives of the training
- Learn how to use and benefit from Pathways from start to finish.
- Demonstrate "hands-on" during the training that you can navigate the Pathways program
- Receive resources that will help you in the future when you are working on Pathways online or explaining it to others.
The training is held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m.-8:15 p.m. You may remain in the zoom call after the session if you need additional help. Check out the District 56 incentives page for club and member incentives associated with this course.
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New Member/Pathways Orientation - Monthly Zoom Meetings
New members who are excited to start the Toastmasters’ journey are invited to attend the online New Member & Pathways Orientation to activate your communication and leadership goals.
The orientation will be offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Register 24-hours before the scheduled date. (Choose the date you want to attend from the calendar for more information and registration info)
This is open to all new members who joined a District 56 club AFTER May 2023. You must have received an email from Toastmaster International and assigned a mentor by your Club VP Education. Check out the District 56 incentives page for club and member incentives associated with this course.
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Clubs, members, and leaders who reach certain milestones can celebrate doing a great job AND may be eligible for certain incentives from District 56.
Program Quality Director Incentives
Super 7 Award - Round 2 Club Officer Training is open for registration. There are two in-person Round 2 officer trainings--one in English and one in Spanish. Six club officer trainings are available on Zoom. Register all seven club officer roles and earn your Super 7 Award.
Club Growth Director Incentives
Leap Into 2024 - Elevate, Communicate, Succeed! Clubs that submit renewals for 20 or
more members, or their member base plus 3 members for April 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024, earn Toastmasters International merchandise and VIP recognition at the District 56 Spring Conference. The deadline is January 31, 2024.
3, 2 One Member Ambassador - Members are encouraged to invite 3 people to a club meeting. When 2 of those invited guests attend the meeting, the goal is to inspire and encourage at least one of them to join Toastmasters. Recruit 1 member and receive a 3, 2 One Star pin and recognition at the D56 Spring Conference. Recruit 4 or more members and receive a 3, 2 One Star pin, recognition at the D56 Spring Conference, and Toastmaster merchandise. The deadline is March 31, 2024. Note: Name must appear as sponsor on new member’s Membership Application.
Public Relations Manager Incentives
Club of the Month Engagement - Share your club's latest news with the District 56 community! Post it in the District 56 Facebook group, on your personal social media, or submit it through our news portal on the D56 website. Don't forget to include the hashtag #TMD56ClubOfTheMonth. The post with the most engagement (likes, comments, and shares) each month will win a Toastmasters International Gift Certificate and will be featured in the D56 Messenger and on our website. You can win only once, but your recognition can be ongoing!
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D56 2022-2023 Year-End Celebration
On September 30, 2023, District 56 celebrated 2022-2023 accomplishments at the annual Year-End Celebration. Led by Past District Director Chandra Munagavalasa, DTM, more than 50 awards were given to individuals for outstanding services to their clubs and District 56.
Individuals recognized include:
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Senior 7 Awards
- Immediate Past District Director, Jo Idoux
- Program Quality Director, Sharla Ozen
- Club Growth Director, Elizabeth Ruiz
- Administration Manager, Jennifer Guhlin
- Finance Manager, Rae Ann George
- Public Relations Manager, Melissa Atchley
District Director Team Awards
- Parliamentarian, Gail Lover
- Alignment Committee Chair, Harold Eaton
- Logistics Manager, Jennifer Nelson
- District Historian, Diane Nino
- Audit Committee Chair, Amish Patel
- Area Council Chair, Robert Bailey
- District Leadership Chair, Pamela McCown
- Compassion Outreach Chair, Terri Gatica
- Credentials Chair, Roop Roy
Program Quality Team Awards
- District Contest Chair, Fatimar Jones
- DTM Co-Chair, Andrea Tantillo
- DTM Co-Chair, David Brackus
- District Chief, Judge Gail Lover
- Conference Co-Chair, Roop Roy
- Conference Co-Chair, Jennier Guhlin
- Photographer, Abiodun Popoola
- Program Quality Assistant, Latonia Jones
- Videographer, Jonetta Barnett
- Special Award, Akin Oni
Club Growth Director Awards
- Gavel Clubs Chair, Qiana Preston
- Club New Source Research Chair, Zenia Shipp
- Club Extension Chair, Pamela McCown
- Club Retention Chair, David Bell
- Youth Leadership Chair, Andy Paultanis
- Club Quality Chair, Troy Rockett
- Club Mentor Trainer, Jocelyn Williams
- Club Mentor Trainer, Robert Bailey
Division Director of the Year and
Area Director of the Year
- Division Director, Michele Cuellar
- Area Director, Carol Desai
Division Director Awards
- Division L Director Michele Cuellar
- Division M Director Akin Oni
- Division N Director Dara Griffith
- Division O Director Qiana Preston
- Division P Director Fatimar Jones
- Division Q Director Brent Jatko
- Division R Director Srikkanth Madhavan
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Division L Area Director Awards
- L 40 Kelly Hao
- L 41 Tyra LaRocca
- L 42 Kelly Hao
- L 43 Jonetta Barnett
- L 44 Anh Jorgensen
Division M Area Director Awards
- M 30 Ukpai Kalu
- M 32 Becky Fields
- M 33 Sujatha Srikanth
Division N Area Director Awards
- N 20 Andrew Paultanis
- N 21 Linda Goldberg
- N 22 Samantha Traylor
- N 23 Carol Desai
- N 24 Maiella Cunningham
Division O Area Director Awards
- O 11 Jennifer Nelson
- O 12 Marcia Hudgens
- O 14 Alessia Williams
Division P Area Director Awards
- P 2 Ava Sloan
- P 3 Pinar Sikes
- P 4 Elizabeth Moala-Page
- P 5 Elizabeth Cambre
Division Q Area Director Awards
- Q 50 Glenn Lu
- Q 51 Andy Rennie
- Q 52 Gail Lover
- Q 53 Betsy Escobar
Division R Area Director Awards
- R 60 Jocelyn Williams
- R 61 Ellen Wieczorek
- R 62 Roop Roy
- R 63 John Ness
- R 64 Cynthia Abdon
Club Officer Awards
- Club President, Rachell R Hernandez
- Club VPE, Latonia Jones
- Club VPM, Johna Hill
- Club VPPR, Sonja Elise Freeman
- Club Treasurer, Pat London
- Club SAA, Roosevelt Elo
- Club Secretary, Valeria Jones
District Annual Awards
- Bert Mann, Andy Paultanis
- David Abel, Harold Eaton
- Lone Star, Gail Lover
- Suzy Gormley, Fatimar Jones
- Corporate Recognition, Phillips 66
- Special Award, Akin Oni
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PQD Achievements
Triple Crown: Congratulations to the latest District 56 Triple Crown Award Recipients. 9/25/23 to 10/21/23.
- Elizabeth A. Smith, LD5
- Horacio Rodriguez, DTM
- Peter Contreras, EH5
- Rajesh Verma, PI3
Almost Distinguished: Congratulations to the latest clubs that are almost distinguished for District 56. Clubs with 4+ DCP goals or needing more members to be distinguished. The "members needed" properly accounts for the +3 net increase over the July 1 base or at least 20 total. 9/25/23 to 10/21/23.
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- ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
- Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
- Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
- Conroe Speaks Club
- Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
- Diamond Club
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- Houston Toastmasters Club
- Mente Abierta
- Power Speakers
- Southeast Houston Toastmasters
- Sugar Speakers Club
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Highest Education Awards: Congratulations to the top 10 clubs with highest education awards per July 1, 2023, base membership. 9/25/23 to 10/31/23.
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- American General Toastmasters
- ANICO Articulators Toastmasters Club
- Blue Frog Toastmasters Club
- Cane Island Path Blazers Toastmasters
- Clear Lake Communicators Club
- Conroe Speaks Club
- Cy-Fair Super Speakers Club
- Deerwood Toastmasters Club
- Diamond Club
- Dining Out Toastmasters Club
- Find Your Voice Toastmasters
- Houston Galleria Project Management Toastmasters
- Houston Toastmasters Club
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- HP Houston Toastmasters Club
- Market Street Toastmasters
- Memorial City Toastmasters
- Mente Abierta
- Missouri City Toastmasters Club
- Pensadores de Houston Toastmasters Club
- Pensadores Northwest
- Power Speakers
- Sound of Greenway
- Southeast Houston Toastmasters
- Sugar Speakers Club
- Woodforest Toastmasters Club
- Woodlands Toastmasters Club
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CGD Achievements
New and Returning Clubs: District 56 has welcomed the following new clubs into the family this program year:
- POP Houston Toastmasters Club /Division R, Area 61, Chartered 7/31/23. Charter Celebration on Sunday, October 29, 2023
- Rosen Toastmasters Club/Division R, Area 60, Chartered 8/31/23.
- Convergint Toastmasters Club/Division M, Area 32, Chartered 9/28/23.
- Accenture Speaks/Division O, Area 13, Chartered 10/20/23.
We also welcomed back two clubs -- Houston Public Works Club 8276/Area O-10 and Talk of the Town Toastmasters/Area P-02 Updated 11/1/23..
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PRM Achievements
The following clubs have confirmed their information is correct or have submitted an update for their information on District 56 Find A Club tool. And officers, be sure your information is updated on Toastmasters International Club Central too! 9/25/23 to 10/22/23
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- ConocoPhillips Toastmasters
- McDermott McToasters
- Medically Speaking Toastmasters
- Southeast Houston Toastmaster
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- The Friedkin Group
- True Blue Talkers
- UHCL Toastmasters
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Club of the Month Engagement: The following clubs have posted on the District 56 Facebook group, have submitted social media updates through the portal on the D56 website, or have used #TMD56CluboftheMonth on their posts on their own social media accounts. The clubs' post with the most engagement on social media in October is eligible to win a Toastmasters International gift certificate. Clubs with the most engagement each month are eligible to win. (Clubs may only win once, but can be recognized more often.) Updated 10/1/23 to 11/1/23.
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- Club Pensadores de Houston
- Frankly Speaking
- Master Evaluators
- Mente Abierta
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- San Felipe Plaza Toastmasters Club
- Speak Up Houston
- Storytellers
- UHCL Toastmasters
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Will you see your name or your club's name here next month? |
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From Division P
Division P is Rocking and Rolling as our Passionate Positively Motivated Power Pack Team in Division P are punching out their Area Director visits and proving that setting goals with an action plan and asking the right questions will help get the job done. Shout out to our amazing Area Directors, Ryan Boyce, Katrina Isaac, Robert Kieshnick, Val Jones and Johna Hill for their hard work and dedication to get this year off to a good start. Keep up the great work Division P's Passionate Leaders!
Lizz Moala-Page, Division P Director
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From Division N
Noteworthy Division N had an excellent month. Eighteen of 19 clubs are in good standing with 8+ members renewed through 2024, and 80% of Area Director reports have been completed. Special thank you to Captain Troy Rockett and Linda Goldberg for welcoming AD Lina Papaioannou and myself onboard the S.S. Katy Toastmasters voyage on October 12th. I am looking forward to my tour through the Division N network of clubs.
Samantha Traylor, DTM, Division N Director
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District 56 provides leadership tools for club officers. Check out the Club Officer Monthly Checklist in the Executive Corner section of the D56 website for an overview of the month-by-month activities for each officer.
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Get the word out about your clubs, and you might win a prize! Share your club's latest news with the District 56 community! Post it in the District 56 Facebook group, on your personal social media, or submit it through our news portal on the D56 website. Use the hashtag #TMD56ClubOfTheMonth so we can find it. The post with the most engagement (likes, comments, and shares) each month will win a Toastmasters International Gift Certificate and will be featured in the D56 Messenger and website. You can win once, but your recognition can be ongoing! Learn more on the Incentives page of the D56 website.
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Sometimes, life gets in the way. If you or another Toastmaster encounters a life event (i.e., the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, family loss, loss of a job, moving to another state, diagnosed with major illness, etc.), please email our Compassion Outreach Chair (compassion@tmd56.org) to let us know.
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