Feb 2026 Issue 1

✨ What’s Inside ✨

💌 Director’s Message – Lead with Heart

📜 A Toastmaster’s Promise – Our Commitment to Excellence

🎯January Recap – Highlights & Wins

📅 Club Officer Training – Final Month

🏆 2026 Spring Speech Contests – Feb Area Contests Schedule

🎁 Incentive Programs — Earn District Credits

🗳️ Call for Nominations – Step Into District Leadership

🎤 District 101 Storytelling Project

🎬 Bay to Bay Toastmasters – New Episode & Next Taping

🎓 Speaking Opportunity at Cinequest

🌟 GREAT Event Recording – Storytelling Secrets with Fursey Gotuaco

🎙️ New Podcast – Stories That Speak: Writers, Toastmasters, and the Power of Expression

📸 Club Spotlight – California Lions Toastmasters


Lead with Heart


Dear Toastmasters,


As we step into February, the shortest month of the year, we’re reminded that even a small window of time can hold powerful potential. February invites us to focus on the parts of our journey that we truly love, the passions that light us up and give meaning to our hard work. Passion is more than a feeling–it’s fuel. When we tap into it, effort becomes purpose-driven and growth becomes inevitable.


Within our Toastmasters community, this is our moment to speak more, develop more, and lead more, not only to achieve what we’re working toward, but to lift others as we move forward together. Let Cupid’s arrow of passion and love strike your heart and awaken your rising potential.


Enter a speech contest and challenge yourself to step into the spotlight. Practice your speeches with fellow members or other clubs, because iron truly sharpens iron. Dive into Pathways, where you’ll find the tools to grow as a speaker and refine a message the world needs to hear. Take on an officer role, and you won’t just grow as a leader—you’ll shape the future quality of your club and strengthen its ability to support every member.


This February, make your passion and love serve a purpose. When you lead with heart, your impact reaches far beyond yourself—and that’s where real growth begins.


With gratitude and excitement,

Anna Garcia 

District Director

📜 A Toastmaster’s Promise 📜

January Recap

Club Officer Training — February (Final Month)

Are You Ready for Area Contests?

Incentive Programs

Training, Education & Membership

Call for Our Next Leaders


Are you ready to grow as a leader, sharpen your communication skills, and help shape the future of our district?


Step up and serve. Leadership in Toastmasters is a powerful way to learn, lead, and lift others.


👉 Nominations for the next leadership term are now open.


District 101 Storytelling Project

Events

Toastmasters Bay to Bay

Episode 2 Recap & Next Taping on Feb 22, 2026

Episode 2 - Watch on Youtube

Led by host Kunal Kishor, speakers shared impactful stories on Wishcycling: When in Doubt by Vincent Tang and a powerful fitness journey by Aniruddha Tarodekar.

Evaluators Anushree Ramanath and Sharon Yu provided insightful feedback to help elevate the stories to the next level. The episode also featured an outstanding club and heartwarming member stories that empowered and inspired.


Want to be part of future episodes? Sign up!

📅 Next episode recording: Feb 22, 2026


Questions?

Email pr@d101tm.org or complete the D101 Public Relations Contact Form

Unique Speaking Opportunity for District 101 Members

Sharpen Your Speaking Skills On Stage at the Cinequest Film Festival!

Don't miss a unique opportunity for a real-world public speaking experience. Volunteer as a Speaker at the Cinequest Film Festival (March 10–22 in San Jose & Mountain View)

As a Cinequest speaker, you will:

  • Introduce films before screenings
  • Interact with audience members
  • Facilitate live Q&A sessions with filmmakers on stage



Benefits of volunteering as a speaker include:

  • Sharpening your public speaking and presentation skills
  • Meeting filmmakers and industry professionals
  • Contributing to arts and culture in the Bay Area
  • Feeling great about giving back to the community


Interested? Register at cinequest.org/volunteer (Registering will give you access to further communications.)

Questions? Contact Bob Gulino (robert@gulino.net), an experienced volunteer at Cinequest.

GREAT Event Recording

Watch on Youtube

District 101 Storytelling Masterclass

On January 13, District 101 hosted Fursey Gotuaco, a two-time World Championship finalist, who shared his Storytelling Secrets—demonstrating how powerful stories create connection, emotion, and meaning.

New Podcast

Watch on Youtube

🎙️ New Episode — Stories That Speak: Writers, Toastmasters, and the Power of Expression


In this episode, we’re joined by three accomplished writers and Toastmasters—Ron Billimoria, DTM, Becky Divinski, DTM, and Dr. Naznin Chimthanawala—as they explore the powerful connection between writing and communication. From fiction and storytelling to emotional wellness and real-life narratives, our guests share how writing shapes their Toastmasters journey and how Toastmasters elevates their craft as writers.


🎧 Listen in for inspiration, insight, and creative growth.

PR Corner

Club Spotlight

🌟 California Lions Toastmasters Club 🌟

Motto: We Serve and Keep Being Epic!

Club President: Eric Cheung

Social Media: Facebook Page


California Lions Toastmasters Club (CLTC) brings together Lions Club International members and Toastmasters with a shared commitment to service and leadership. The club blends communication excellence with community impact, supporting a wide range of service causes.



This year, CLTC submitted its Club Success Plan, is working toward Smedley Distinguished, and continues to invest in leadership through Club Officer Training, a new Facebook page, and plans for its first Speechcraft. The club is hosting the 89th Annual Student Speakers Contest, recently celebrated its 5th Charter Anniversary, and is preparing for the California Lions Convention aboard the Queen Mary, showcasing how Toastmasters and Lions together amplify impact.

Member Spotlight: Leadership in Action


CLTC is proud to recognize Gary Wong, the club’s only Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). Gary recently completed the Persuasive Influence Pathway and has completed nearly 19+ Pathways projects overall. A dedicated mentor, he continues to support and guide members—including the club president—helping elevate communication and leadership excellence in the club.

Gary Wong, DTM

Club President

Club President Eric Cheung, a former Lions Club Governor, is working on a Level 5 Keynote Speech and creating promotional videos through his Motivational Strategies Pathway. He recently represented CLTC, alongside alumnus Rodrigo Acosta Jr., at the Lions Club International District 4-A1 Service Carnival, promoting the value of Toastmasters. Featured Speeches (Youtube Links): Communication Styles and Mentorship & Gratitude


Want to spotlight your Club or Member? Submit your entry here.

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