District 106

Newsletter

September 2025

Upcoming District Events

Announcements

Survey: Help Shape the 2026 District 106 Conference

We’re already planning the Spring 2026 District 106 Conference, and we want your input! Our goal is to create a conference that’s engaging, well-attended, and financially sustainable. Please take a few minutes to share your preferences on the timing, length, and format of the event. Your feedback will directly influence our decisions and help us make this the best District 106 Conference yet.

District 106 Member Harold Osmundson DTM, PID Receives Prestigious Presidential Citation

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a moment of great pride for District 106, one of its own, Harold Osmundson, DTM, PID, has been awarded the prestigious Toastmasters International Presidential Citation. The honor was bestowed upon him at the 2025 Toastmasters International Convention, held in Philadelphia this past August.

The Presidential Citation is one of the highest honors a Toastmaster can receive, granted at the sole discretion of the International President. It is a rare and prestigious award, given to a select few individuals worldwide who have demonstrated continuous, exceptional dedication to Toastmasters and its core values. Recipients are chosen for their significant, long-term contributions to organizational growth, district leadership, and community impact.

Harold Osmundson, a dedicated member of the Spirit of Leadership, AC Early Risers, and Leadership Summit clubs, has long been a pillar of the Toastmasters community. His commitment to the organization’s mission of empowering individuals through communication and leadership skills has been unwavering. Harold's contributions span years of service at both the District and International levels, where he has consistently exemplified the core values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence.

This award is a testament to Harold's tireless efforts and profound impact. It not only recognizes his personal achievements but also shines a light on the dedication and passion that define our District. His commitment to empowering others and fostering a positive environment for member growth has inspired countless individuals to reach their full potential.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Harold Osmundson for this well-deserved honor. His leadership and service are a true inspiration to all members of District 106, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate his remarkable achievement

From the Desk of the District Director

It's an exciting time for District 106!

Hello Fellow Toastmaster of District 106,

Your trio had a great opportunity to represent our District in Philadelphia at the Toastmasters International Conference. We had two great days of training and then got to enjoy the conference. Thank you for trusting us with your votes for the International Board. We worked hard to represent your voice.

I would like to inform you of some changes that are coming in the near future. As of July 2026, District 106, will merge once again with District 6. We will become District 6 once again. All though we don’t have all the answers currently, we do embrace this change. This change brings a lot of benefits to our district and our members. As your trio, we will work hard to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. If you have any questions, please reach out to us and we are happy to discuss

We have lots of exciting things coming up, our Program Quality Director is doing some workshops on Club Success planning. I am encouraging you to submit your club success plan prior to September 30. This not only helps your officers understand what you need to be successful, but it also helps you empower the members to be successful. Let’s try to get as close to 100% submitted. We also have some judges training coming up for online speech contests. This is s a good opportunity to attend an interactive workshop that will demystify the judge’s role.

I honestly believe we are on an upward climb. We are constantly getting requests for new clubs, and we have new members coming to our clubs. This is exciting time to be a Toastmaster in District 106.

I would like to encourage your clubs to have open houses, do a speech craft, welcome guest speakers and promote the good we do. Now is the time share the value of Toastmasters. What do people get form attending one of our meetings.

Thank you for taking your leadership journey with us.

Matthew Villella, DTM

District 106 Director

Email: tm.matthew.villella@gmail.com

From the Desk of the Program Quality Director

Training Accomplished, Now Let’s Empower Our Clubs!

Dear District 106 Leaders and Members,

Congratulations on a strong start to the 2025–2026 Toastmasters year!

🎉 A heartfelt THANK YOU and congratulations to all club officers who successfully completed the first round of Club Officer Training. Your commitment to leadership and learning sets a strong example for your clubs and paves the way for a successful year. Now that you’ve gained valuable insights and tools, it’s time to bring that knowledge back to your clubs—to empower, inspire, and elevate every member. Club Officer Training Completion List

👏 I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to our Area Directors and Division Directors for not only attending but also helping facilitate this round of training. Your leadership, coordination, and dedication are critical to building excellence throughout our district. Thank you for stepping up and showing up.

🚨 Club Success Plan Deadline – September 30, 2025

As we look ahead, I want to remind all clubs that the Club Success Plan is due by September 30th. This plan is more than just a requirement—it’s your club’s roadmap to growth and achievement. Please submit your plan as soon as possible, and remember: it’s a living document. As your club’s needs evolve, so can the plan. What matters most is that you’re taking intentional steps toward success.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Stay focused, stay connected, and most importantly—stay committed to excellence in your Toastmasters journey.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Ashok Sunkavalli

Program Quality Director, District 106

Email: tm.ashoksunkavalli@gmail.com

Phone: 319-431-2415 (call or text me!)

From the Desk of the Club Growth Director

A Vision for Growth: Building for the Future

I’ve been thinking about growth: personal growth, membership growth, and growing new clubs.

I was privileged to attend District Leader Training and the Toastmasters Convention in Philadelphia this August. I met so many wonderful Toastmasters, was inspired with new ideas such as future boards (a step beyond vision boards), was wowed by the World Championship of Public Speaking, and had fun! Leadership in Toastmasters is a fulfilling journey, and I encourage you to consider how you can grow as a leader. One way you can do that now is by serving as a club coach to help empower another club to grow.

Club growth includes your club’s growth. As you create and continually update your club success plans, I encourage you to dream big and go for adding 4 new members and 4 more new members. Use the Toastmasters International Membership Building resources, but don’t be afraid to think out of the box to strategize ways to find new members. Your district leaders and Toastmasters friends are ready to support you with an open house promotion or even by attending your meeting to fill a role. Please reach out to us.

We have some exciting new club leads in process and charter parties coming soon for two new clubs. Stay tuned for more information on the Gen AI Speakers charter party coming October 24. If you have any ideas for places or groups of people who could become a new club, please let me know.

Let’s grow together

Anna Gaichas, DTM

Program Quality Director, District 106

Email: Anna.Gaichas@gmail.com

Phone: 651-206-8310

From the Desk of the Public Relations Manager

Creating a buzz about your club

Hello District 106 Toastmasters Leaders!

Are you ready to make this Toastmasters year truly extraordinary for your club? As your Public Relations Manager, I'm thrilled to encourage every Vice President of Public Relations to ignite excitement and growth by hosting a dynamic Open House or a captivating Special Event!

This is your golden opportunity to:

• Spark New Connections: Introduce fresh faces to the transformative power of Toastmasters.
• Boost Your Membership: Watch your club flourish with new, engaged members.
• Showcase Your Unique Club Spirit: Highlight what makes your club the vibrant, supportive community it is.

Ready to make an impact? Here's your simple roadmap to success:

1. Select Your Date: Choose a date that works best for your club and let our Webmaster know ASAP! We'll ensure your event gets prime placement on the District 106 Calendar, reaching a wider audience.
2. Craft Your Buzz: Create an exciting, compelling post about your event! Share your enthusiasm, highlight what attendees will gain, and make it irresistible. Once ready, send it our way, and we'll amplify your message by sharing it on the District 106 Facebook page. This is your moment to shine – let's get the word out together!

We are here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions, need creative ideas, or want assistance in promoting your event, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Let's collaborate to make this Toastmasters year one for the record books – filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences for all!

Warmly,

Leo Smith, DTM

District 106 Public Relations Manager

Email: leo.w.smith@gmail.com

Phone: 651-600-0531

Follow us on the D106 Website, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for exciting updates, inspiration, and more.

District 106 Social channel presence by the Numbers:

Facebook: 490 | X (Formerly Twitter): 214 | LinkedIn: 230 | Instagram: 311 | YouTube: 169 TikTok: 51