Oct 2025 Issue 1

What’s Inside

💌 Director’s Message – Renewing commitments and celebrating early wins

📅 September Recap – Celebrating our Clubs and Members

🎁 Incentive Programs – Opportunities to inspire membership growth

📚 Pathways & Membership – Pathways updates and new member registration fee now $25

🌟 Event Spotlight – GREAT Event: The AI-Powered Toastmaster recap

🎬 Bay to Bay Returns – TV show revival with pilot recording on Oct 14

😂 Fall Humorous Contest – New venue, extended registration, timeline

📣 PR Corner – Club Spotlight on Milpitas Toastmasters


Thank You for Renewing Your Commitment to Yourself and Your Club


Dear Toastmasters,


Thank you for renewing your commitment to your personal growth in communication and leadership. Every renewal is more than just a membership—it’s a reaffirmation of your belief in yourself and the value you bring to others. Each of you has so much to contribute to our community, whether it’s through inspiring speeches, mentorship, or leadership that helps us all grow together.

Together, we’ve already achieved great things this term, and those early wins are setting us up for even greater success ahead. I encourage all our club officers to continue using the Club Success Plan as their playbook. It is designed to guide us toward wins that empower every member in their journey.


It has also been exciting to see clubs taking bold action:

Special Speakers & Events that inspire us to aim higher.

Community Service Programs like the Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club, which helps job seekers sharpen their interview skills and gain confidence.

Open Houses & Celebrations that welcome new members and showcase the best of what Toastmasters offers.


In just the first three months, I have had the privilege of attending an open house at Toastmasters for Professionals and A Great Event, X to 10x: The AI Powered Toastmaster. The energy, creativity, and dedication on display are a clear reminder of why Toastmasters is such a powerful community.

Let’s continue to build on this momentum—supporting one another, challenging ourselves, and celebrating every step of growth. Together, we are setting the stage for a truly remarkable year.


With gratitude and excitement,

Anna Garcia 

District Director


P.S. “We hope you didn’t forget to renew your membership! The renewal deadline was September 30, 2025, but you can still take action today. Many exciting events, skill-building opportunities, and leadership experiences are planned for all D101 members—and we’d love for you to be part of them.”

September Recap

Incentive Programs

Announcements

Explore Pathway Changes in Detail

Events

GREAT Event Recap

Bright and early on Saturday, September 20, about 25 Toastmasters poured into the room at Saratoga Big Basin Toastmasters club to participate in District 101's Great Event - From X to 10X: The AI- Powered Toastmaster led by Satish Shenoy, DTM. With another 20 Toastmasters participating online, the District workshop was a huge success. In-person attendees were welcomed with muffins, cookies, fruit, and homemade chai from Priya Shastri. Having spoken all across the globe, Satish, a member of the 7 Continent Marathon Club and an AI subject matter expert, served as our keynote speaker.

There are so many AI tools out there and it can be confusing what and when to use it for an AI novice.

Watch the recording on Youtube


Satish effectively showcased the advantages of specific tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Agent.ai. Toastmasters and guests had a great time actively contributing to the AI discussion. In one exercise, attendees helped prompt the LLM (large language model) to generate an image of a Toastmasters workshop surrounded by mountains, the beach, and a forest! 

Special thanks to Saratoga Big Basin Toastmasters for hosting the event and Satish Shenoy for his exceptional expertise in helping empower Toastmaster members in using AI.


Parthiv Doshi, DTM

GREAT Event Chair

Toastmasters Bay to Bay

Volunteer to appear on the show

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.


📅 Pilot episode recording: October 14, 2025

📺 More episodes coming throughout the year!



👉 Read more about the show


We’re seeking:

✅ Speakers

✅ Hosts

✅ Evaluators


Questions?

Email pr@d101tm.org or visit D101 Public Relations Contact


👉 Fill out the Interest Form and take your place under the studio lights!

Fall Humorous Speech Contest!


🚨 NEW VENUE! 🚨 Early Bird Registration Extended until Oct 15


📅 Saturday, October 25


🕗 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM PT


📍 Independence Adult Education Center, 625 Educational Park Dr, San Jose, CA 95133


Timeline Highlights:

  • Sep 15 – Kickoff
  • Oct 5 – Video Submission Deadline
  • Oct 10 – Final Contestants Announced
  • Oct 25 – Division & District Contests

👉 Read Contest Rules here

PR Corner

Club Spotlight

Club Name: Milpitas Toastmasters Club


Motto: Club Motto: ACT—Accomplish, Connect, Transform


Contact



More than just a club, Milpitas Toastmasters is a playground for growth and laughter! Our on-site meetings let us connect face to face, where every speech, table topic, and role is a chance to learn, lead, and transform.


Wenyu Li

VPPR

Members enjoying fun social activities outside the club


As a proud President’s Distinguished Club, we carry on a legacy of friendship and mentorship. Beyond the meeting room—whether it’s pasta making, improv, or picnic—we continue building confidence, camaraderie, and memories to celebrate!

Milpitas Toastmasters in Action

Milpitas Toastmasters Flyer

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

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