February 26th, 2024
WE GREW DISTRICT 22
Words of Inspiration
Jerome Montgomery, District Director
David Wootan, Program Quality Director
Cheryl Reynolds, Club Growth Director

"Happy Leap Day! What will you do with your extra day? What a perfect time to dream big and plan your future successes in Toastmasters! What great goals will you achieve before the next Leap Day rolls around?"

Warm Regards from the District 22 Trio
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Feel Free to Scroll Down to Your Favorite Section)
Feature Stories
**Words of Inspiration
Region 4 Officer Training
**Confidence Builders Virtual Toastmasters Club, #5664 Open House
**D22 Speech Contest Information
2024 Spring Conference
Tower Talker Toastmasters’ 50th Anniversary Celebration
**Community Resources
Recurring District Buzz
District Leadership Call
**District Executive Committee (DEC)
2024 Spring Conference Keynote Speaker
Current District Leadership Team
Club Coaching Opportunities
Speaker Bureau Information
Club PR Assistance
PRM Corner
February Member of the Month
New Club Spotlight
Share Your Story
District 22 Calendar
**Yoodli News
** = updated information.
 Unleash Your Potential: Step Up as a District Leader with Toastmasters International!
Call For District Candidate Declarations: Suspense 15 March 2024
Greetings District 22! Are you prepared to embrace leadership?

Have you ever wondered how our organization has been around for a100 years and the leaders that have gotten us this far? Have you ever wondered how Toastmasters' Leadership works outside of your club? What is behind the scenes with Leadership training, the contests, and the conferences? Who are the people that put those together and help run the District to support you, the member?
 
You could be one of those people. We are looking for motivated leaders for 2024. Review the  Call for Nominations form.
 
District leadership provides an opportunity to grow your leadership and speaking skills outside of your club. There are so many skills you can gain and use in your personal and professional life from being in District leadership. If you are wanting to fulfill a stretch goal, learn new skills, and present yourself at a different level, consider getting into a leadership role. Video from International President on Leadership Toastmasters International -Call-for-District-Candidates.  Watch this short video from Jack Mackey on his experience with District Leadership.

If interested in District Leadership (Area Director, Division Director, Trio) reach out to Shed Mayberry, District 22 Leadership Chair more information. The following forms listed below need to be completed and sent to Shed Mayberry prior to 15 March 2024:

Region 4 Officer Training Opportunities
Upcoming Region 4 Club Officer Training


Everyone is invited to attend. See you there.

Did you miss out on attending District 22 club officer training? No worries, you can make up your officer training by attending Region 4 COT.


D106 COT
Tue, February 27, 6pm – 9pm
Click here for Zoom Link.
 
D106 COT
Thu, February 29, 6pm – 9pm
Click here for Zoom Link.
Facilitator Request:

Calling all passionate individuals! Step into the spotlight as officer training facilitators and inspire your fellow Toastmasters. Be the wind beneath the wings of dedicated officers, guiding them to excellence. Ready to make a lasting impact? Reach out to David Wootan and volunteer for upcoming training sessions. Let's create a success story that soars high in our Toastmasters community.

#LeadershipOpportunity #ToastmastersJourney
Confidence Builders Virtual Toastmasters Club OPEN HOUSE
You are invited to attend Confidence Builders Virtual Toastmasters Club Open House. (formerly Que Masters) 

Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00pm (CST)
Online: Join ZOOM meeting by using “Contact Us” portion of Confidence Builders Virtual Toastmasters Club's website:
Website: CLICK HERE!
"DEC Deliberations: Navigating Success Together."
Everyone is invited to attend!

Monthly District Executive Committee (DEC) Meetings, Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

Time: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CST).

By attending, you'll not only stay informed about important district matters but also have the chance to contribute your unique perspectives and ideas. Your support and feedback are crucial in shaping the direction of our district and ensuring its continued success.

Whether you're a seasoned Toastmaster or new to the community, your presence at the DEC meeting will enrich the conversation and foster a stronger, more vibrant community. Together, we can collaborate, learn, and grow to new heights.

Location: Zoom into the action with our updated link: Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 838 6305 8978 Passcode: 022617


See you there, Toastmasters!
2024 District 22 Speech Contests Information
District 22 2024 Hybrid Contests will be International Speech (5-7 mins) and Speech Evaluations (2-3 mins). To compete in the International Speech Contests, the member must have completed Levels 1 and 2 in any path in Pathways or earned a Distinguished Toastmasters Award and be a member in Good Standing in a club in Good Standing. To compete in the Speech Evaluations contests, the member must be in Good Standing in a club in Good Standing.

District contests, which consist of Area Contests and Division Contests, will all be held in a hybrid format to allow our members around the world the opportunity to compete and join in our contests. Each Club can have one member per category to participate in the Area Contest, the top two from the Area Contest will advance to the Division round, and one from the Division round will advance to the District level.

Are you interested in supporting other contests in the District as a Contest Master, Judge, Timer, Ballot Counter, Zoom Master, or Speaker for Speech Evaluation? Please read Contest Rule Handbook for new rules.

Please reach out to the District 22 Trio.

Division T - Combined Area Contest -
March 9, 2024, 10am – Noon.
In person location:
BCBSKS – Topeka, 1133 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka KS 66629
Zoom Registration
Online Link: CLICK HERE FOR LINK.
 
Division T Contest Combined with Division S -
April 20, 2024, 10am - Noon.
In person location:
Manhattan Public Library Auditorium, 2nd Floor – 629 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, KS 66502
Zoom Registration link: CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Division A – Combined Area Contests 
March 23, 2024, 10:00 am - Noon.
In person location: 
Cargill, 300 W. 1st Street N, Wichita, KS 67202
Online Information:
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device: Click here to join the meeting
MS Teams Meeting ID: 222 510 096 498, Passcode: HCrNuj

Division A Contest –
April 27, 2024, 10am – Noon.
In person location: 
Cargill, 300 W. 1st Street N, Wichita, KS 67202
Online Information:
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device: Click here to join the meeting
MS Teams Meeting ID: 281 339 584 436, Passcode: tgjcqT

Division L, K & S71 - Combined Area Contest -
March 2, 2024, 10am – Noon. 
In-person location: Teams Local 41, 4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard, Kansas City, M 64130.
Online Information:
Zoom link:  CLICK HERE FOR LINK.
Meeting ID: 867 9448 0184

Division L & K Combined Contest -
April 13, 2024, 10am – Noon. 
In-person location: Teams Local 41, 4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard, Kansas City, M 64130.
Online Information:
Zoom link: CLICK HERE FOR LINK.
Meeting ID: 840 1219 4957
 
Division S - Combined Area Contest -
March 16, 2024, 10am – Noon.
Location: (Springfield, TBD)
Online Information
Registration link:  CLICK HERE FOR LINK.

Division S Contest Combined with Division T -
April 20, 2024, 10am - Noon. 
Location: (Springfield, TBD)
Online Information:
Zoom Registration link: CLICK HERE FOR LINK.
  
Any questions, please reach out to District 22 Trio for more information.

** The Rule Book has been updated. Click here to see the new Contest Handbook.
2024 District 22 Annual Spring Conference
SAVE THE DATES:

May 17-18, 2024
Friday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location:
Children's Mercy Park, Sporting Kansas City Arena, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111

Register NOW for In-person and Virtual registration CLICK HERE.

Stay tuned for further details.


Doing the Unthinkable and Living Beyond our Finish Lines
Meet our Keynote Speaker:

Scott Rigsby, a resilient individual, overcame a life-altering truck accident at the age of 18, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and the loss of both legs. Despite enduring 12 years of limb salvage, he transformed his challenges into triumphs. Now, Scott is a world-class athlete, author, motivational speaker, and founder of the Scott Rigsby Foundation. This local nonprofit pairs wounded veterans and active-duty military with civilian participants for the Ironman 70.3 Augusta event. Scott, a double-amputee, made history in 2007 by completing the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon on prosthetics.

Recognized as Physically Challenged Athlete of the Year, he received accolades such as the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame "Stars of the Year” Award and World Vision’s Advocate for Children with Disabilities. Scott's philanthropy extends globally, featured in national media and campaigns for brands like Holiday Inn and Brawny. His journey, highlighted in the "Unbroken" film and other platforms, inspires others to face adversity, cross their finish line, and create a resilient legacy.

Scott Rigsby (Hawaiian Ironman)
2023/2024 Current District Leadership Team
District Director - Jerome Montgomery
Program Quality Dir. - David Wootan
Club Growth Director - Cheryl Reynolds
Finance Manager - Kaynaz Firoozabadi
PR Manager - Linda Wilson
Admin. Manager - Darren Yarbrough

Division T
Director - Open
Area T11 - Jiatong May Lynch
Area T12 - Open
Area T13 - Open

Division A
Director - Susan Lee
Area A21 - Kathy Draper
Area A22 - Joseph Spexarth
Area A23 - Jason Platter 
Division L
Director - Shelly Bolling-Strickland
Area L31 - Open
Area L32 - Susan Ikazaki
Area L33 - Kristian Grahn

Division K
Director - Yolanda Nicholson
Area K41 - Phil Baker
Area K42 - Dan Arbuckle
Area K43 - Barb Granade

Division S
Director - Terry Burns
Area S71 - Leslie Abram
Area S72 - Kirra Antrobus
Area S73 - Norma Clinton
Current District 22 Leadership Team List is also found on our website. Click Here.

Click here to see short video clip:

You are invited to check out a club near you. Find A Club.

To express your interest in an upcoming leadership role, reach out to the District 22 Trio.

Best Regards,

District 22 Leadership
Club Coaching Opportunities
Coming soon... an opportunity for clubs looking for coaching to drive their success and coaches looking for someplace to serve. Look for more details in an upcoming newsletter.


In 2022, Toastmasters International implemented changes to the Club Coach Program, including new resources, program requirements, and a permanent addition for members to be able to earn District Leader credit, if certain additional conditions are met. 

Click HERE to see the form which explains the process in more detail and must be filled out by you and accompany the request when sending forward to TI.

Do you have any questions? You are always welcomed to be a club coach. Feel free to reach out to Cheryl Reynolds (District 22 Club Growth Director).

Match Maker Event Coming Soon
Is your club struggling? Do you need a helping hand? Are you interested in knowing what a coach could do for your club?

Or are you an experience toastmaster who would like to pay it forward? Do you want experience towards a DTM?

Then, this event is for you. Let's see if we can make some matches happen on March ?, 10AM.

Registration link to be announced.


 
Welcome to the District 22 Speaker Bureau

You are Invited to Join the District Speakers Bureau

Let's make 2024 the year of impactful speeches and memorable moments.

Need a dynamic speaker for your event?

Look no further!

Toastmasters District 22 presents the D22 Speakers Bureau—a hub of motivated speakers. Whether it's for your Toastmasters club, District event, or other professional gatherings, we've got you covered. Our speakers are well-versed in topics like Effective Communication, Leadership, Team Building, Motivation, and much more. Let us elevate your event with impactful speakers!

To be considered as a speaker, please fill out the Speaker Application Form. Once accepted as a member of the Speaker Bureau, speakers may join the D22 Speaker Bureau Facebook group HERE.

To request a speaker, please fill out and submit the Guest Speaker Request Form. Requests must be at least 30 days out to allow time to find the right speaker for your event.

Do you have any questions? Please reach out to Kathy Draper (our administrator).

#ToastmastersSpeakers #EventSpeakers #ToastmastersSpeakersBureau
Announcements, Events, and Achievements –
We've Got You Covered!
Dear Toastmasters and Trailblazers,

Ignite the spotlight with your success story in the Toastmasters' District Newsletter! Share your announcements, celebrate events, and highlight achievements. Submit your stories to our District PR Manager at least two weeks before your preferred publication date.

Your moment is now! Watch your story reach Toastmasters across the community and beyond. Don't worry about staying on-brand – our team ensures your message aligns perfectly with the Toastmasters Brand for a polished representation.

For those seeking brand excellence, explore the Brand Manual on the Toastmasters International website. Empower yourself to craft a message that shines, leaving a lasting impact.

Your success deserves the spotlight – let us help you illuminate it!

Best Regards,

Your PR Team
PRM Corner
Spotlighting Success: Dive into the District PRM Corner – Exclusive Personal Interviews Await!
Dear Toastmasters of District 22, Friends and Guest,

We are elevating our newsletter by interviewing Toastmasters members.

Check out the latest interviews:

Our mission is to revitalize our "PRM Corner" in the Toastmasters Weekly Newsletter, and we want your input to make it exceptional! Your feedback is crucial in shaping the content and direction of this corner, ensuring it aligns with your interests.

Why Your Feedback Matters: Your insights will directly influence the content and quality of our newsletter. Our aim is to create a publication that not only informs but also inspires and engages each of you.

How Can You Contribute?
  • Share Your Thoughts: Let us know what you love about the D22 Weekly Newsletter and where we can improve.
  • Pitch Your Ideas: Have a topic in mind for future coverage or a PR expert to spotlight? We want to hear your ideas!
  • Join Our PR Team: If you're passionate about PR, consider contributing to the "PRM Corner" and sharing your expertise.

How to Reach Us: Send your feedback, ideas, or inquiries to the PR Manager.

Connect with us through social media or catch us at upcoming events.

Your input is pivotal in shaping the Toastmaster D22 Weekly Newsletter into a valuable resource for all of us.

Together, let's transform the "PRM Corner" into an even more engaging and informative space.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Toastmaster District 22 PR community!

Warm regards, District 22 PRM Corner Editor
 
Free feel to submit your comments with this survey link.
District 22 February Member of the Month
Toastmasters District 22 proudly presents Barbara Granade as our February Member of the Month! Barbara, a former Club Growth Director, has made significant contributions to our district. From facilitating TLIs to excelling as an Area Director and winning Table Topics contests, Barbara exemplifies Toastmasters excellence.

She's also a dedicated trainer, showcasing her expertise at TLIs and assisting in event coordination. Barbara's positive approach has revitalized struggling clubs and led to their success. As a member of four Toastmasters clubs, including Toastmasters Unlimited Club and Tower Talkers Club, Barbara continues to inspire our community.

Let's celebrate Barbara's outstanding contributions to Toastmasters! #MemberOfTheMonth #ToastmastersExcellence #BarbaraGranade
Who would you like to nominate for our next member of the month? Send in your selection and the reason why.
Tower Talkers Toastmasters Club 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Dear Toastmasters, Friends, and Distinguished Guests,

Join us as we celebrate the golden jubilee of Tower Talkers Toastmasters Club! Commemorate fifty years of eloquence, leadership, and camaraderie on Saturday, April 6th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the prestigious Mid-Continent Public Library - North Independence Branch.

We invite current and former members, guests, and supporters to join us in person or virtually via Zoom. Register in advance for the Zoom option.
Let's toast to fifty years of excellence in public speaking and leadership development! Use this link: Zoom Registration Link.

We look forward to seeing you there, whether in person or virtually, as we honor the rich history and bright future of Tower Talkers Toastmasters Club.
 
For more information contact TerryAnn Porter.   
New Club Spotlight

The Ogletree Toastmasters Club holds its meetings on the following schedule:
  • Date: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays
  • Time: 12:00 pm to 1: 00 pm

Keep up the great work, and may your meetings be filled with engaging speeches and valuable learning experiences!

What other clubs have chartered? Send your information to our PR Manager, and you could be the star of our next newsletter. Don't miss this chance to shine!
 
Sparking Toastmasters Enthusiasm:
Share Your Story on the District 22 Blog!
Hello Toastmasters of District 22,

Are you ready to ignite the Toastmasters spirit and make your mark on the District 22 Blog? Well, here's your chance to shine! We're inviting you to share your Toastmasters journey, experiences, and the incredible impact it's had on your life.

Imagine the thrill of seeing your story featured on the District 22 Blog, inspiring fellow Toastmasters and spreading the joy of effective communication and leadership. Your unique perspective could be just what someone needs to take their own Toastmasters adventure to the next level.

Whether you've overcome challenges, achieved personal milestones, or simply have a captivating Toastmasters tale to tell, we want to hear it! Your narrative could be the beacon that lights the way for someone else's transformative journey within the Toastmasters community.

Submitting your article is a breeze – just email it to our dedicated District 22 PRM (Public Relations Manager). Remember to include your name and home club for proper acknowledgment.

Let's make this a celebration of our vibrant Toastmasters community! Share your story, inspire others, and let the District 22 Blog be the canvas for your Toastmasters triumph.

Seize the opportunity, embrace the spotlight, and let your Toastmasters journey unfold in the pages of our District's 22 Blog!

District 22 Calendar
Dear District 22 members, ensure you bookmark and regularly check the District 22 Calendar to stay updated on the latest information regarding upcoming events and valuable learning opportunities throughout our district!

"Yoodli: Revolutionizing Speech Coaching for Toastmasters - Elevate Your Communication Game!"
Exciting Yoodli News! FREE Yoodli Workshop

Toastmasters friends - Kathy Draper is doing a Yoodli presentation on February 27 at 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm for District 123,

Non-Toastmaster friends can create a special standard version presentation if interested.

Yoodli, the AI-powered speech coach, partners with Toastmasters International to boost communication confidence. This innovative tool offers in-depth speech analysis, covering everything from filler words to pacing and on-camera presence. Free for Toastmasters members, Yoodli facilitates speech preparation, virtual communication finesse, and overall skill improvement. Founder Varun Puri emphasizes its role as a personalized guide for self-awareness and progress tracking. Embrace the future of speech coaching with Yoodli—elevate your communication skills effortlessly.

Would you like a Yoodli Education Presentation for your club? 

Yoodli Ambassador, Kathy Draper, can help your club learn the benefits of the Toastmasters Yoodli AI Partnership. Are you interested? Contact Kathy Draper.

Click here to see Yoodli training video.
              
Community Resources
Here are a few community resources to use or share with others.
District 22 | Toastmasters International | [email protected] | d22tm.org