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District 106
Newsletter
March 2026
| | Serving Parts of Minnesota and Ontario | |
Inspiring Our Future: District 106 Celebration & Conference
Our 2026 District 106 Celebration & Conference is built around one clear theme: Inspiring Our Future. This theme is all about intentional growth—strengthening our communication, expanding our leadership impact, and confidently shaping what comes next.
We’re excited to bring this theme to life with two featured keynote speakers, each offering a powerful and complementary perspective.
Dave Ryan, longtime KDWB radio host and former Toastmaster in the Twin Cities area, brings decades of experience connecting with audiences. His morning keynote promises an engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking experience grounded in the power of communication and connection.
Sarah Centrella will share insights from #FutureBoards, one of her bestselling books. Her afternoon keynote will guide attendees through envisioning and intentionally designing a future that aligns with their values, goals, and purpose—an inspiring and practical message for Toastmasters at every stage.
Alongside the keynotes, the conference delivers a full day of impact with speech contests, workshops, networking, professional headshots, and a silent auction.
Have you purchased your ticket yet?
Questions or interested in volunteering opportunities? Contact stacey.neske@gmail.com or christa.j.walter@gmail.com
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Meet the Candidates – April 18
Join us Saturday, April 18, from 9:30–10:30 AM (online) for the District Candidate Showcase, followed by the District Business Meeting at 11:00 AM. Meet the candidates as they share their goals for the upcoming Toastmasters year.
This election is especially exciting as District 6 and District 106 merge into a new District 6, with candidates from both districts on the ballot. All members are welcome to attend. District Council members (Club Presidents and VPEs) will vote at the end of the business meeting.
We thank all nominees for their willingness to serve and support our Toastmasters community. 🎉
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From the Desk of the District Director
What Is the Value of Toastmasters?
We are entering a critical time for our clubs, our personal growth on our Toastmaster’s journey and a transition of sorts to the new Toastmaster year. We still have three strong months to really make an impact.
Right now, some of you are deciding whether to renew your dues and wondering if Toastmasters is still worth it. Or perhaps, there is something else you want to focus your energy on.
As I write this article, I am reflecting on my 13 years as a Toastmaster. What has Toastmasters given to me? The question doesn’t have a simple answer. It has given me so much. It has made me the person I am today. I have been given so many opportunities that wouldn’t exist without Toastmasters, and I feel very fortunate. Toastmasters has given me confidence and the will power to try things and fail. Toastmasters has given me a framework that allows me to practice all my skills. I have met some of the most incredible people that I would never have known if it wasn’t for Toastmasters. I have friends from all around the world that will be lifelong friends. I have learned how to deal with conflict, and I have learned how to lead with respect and empowerment.
For $60 USD, I challenge you to find a better self-growth, self-discovery and professional development course out there. You simply can’t. Just take a few minutes and reflect on what Toastmasters has given to you. What value do you actually get out of Toastmasters, and how are you going to continue to use the program to be the best you can be?
The question I get a lot is, "Matt, why are you in so many different clubs?" Not only do clubs meet on different days, but they also have different people, different personalities, different goals, different achievements, different opportunities. Every club offers a different perspective and a chance for me to do better. I have my home club, which I will never leave. They are the ones that have supported me and have been my cheering corner. I also am part of an evaluation club that helps me hone and enhance my evaluation skills as this was a weak area for me. I participate in a club that focuses strictly on AI, which is prevalent in my job, and I need to have an understanding of it. I am part of a few all-American clubs. I am also part of clubs that have influence from the entire world. Toastmasters has made the world a smaller place and gives me new opportunities every time I enter a meeting in person or on Zoom.
If you are looking for an opportunity to have more speaking engagements or perhaps do more Table Topics or learn how to do evaluations, I encourage you to go outside of your club. Visit one of the other 93 clubs in our district or any of the clubs worldwide. Really use your time as a Toastmaster to grow and become the best you can be. If that means joining another club, I am sure you can still do the math and realize Toastmasters is the greatest investment in you!
Thanks for being wonderful and amazing Toastmasters.
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From the Desk of the Program Quality Director
Spring into Speech Contest Season!
March is an exciting time across Toastmasters International, as we continue one of the most inspiring traditions in our program—the Speech Contest season! The International Speech Contest and Evaluation Speech Contest are now moving through the Area and Division levels, and this is a wonderful opportunity for members to challenge themselves, grow their skills, and represent their clubs with pride.
I encourage every club in District 106 to actively participate and support your fellow members. Whether you are competing, cheering, or learning from the speakers, speech contests provide a powerful platform to witness excellence in communication and leadership. If your club has a contestant advancing to the Area Contests, let’s come together and support them as they move forward to the Division Contests.
Please check the District 106 calendar to register and attend the contests happening across the district. Your presence and encouragement make a huge difference to the contestants and the overall success of these events.
Speech contests are also a great opportunity to serve as a volunteer. Each contest requires dedicated members to take on roles such as contest chair, chief judge, timer, ballot counter, and many more. If you are interested in serving in any of these roles, please reach out to your Area Directors or Division Directors. Your support and willingness to serve truly strengthen our district, and we greatly appreciate your contribution.
In addition, don’t forget about one of the most anticipated events of the year—our District 106 Spring Conference. If you haven’t secured your ticket yet, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. The conference will be a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, celebrate achievements, and experience the energy of our Toastmasters community.
Let’s continue to empower one another, support our contestants, and make this contest season memorable for District 106.
Thank you for your continued dedication and service.
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Ashok Sunkavalli, DTM
Program Quality Director, District 106
Email: tm.ashoksunkavalli@gmail.com
Phone: 319-431-2415 (call or text me!)
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From the Desk of the Club Growth Director
Nurturing Your Club for Growth
March is a month that reminds us that growth takes patience. After a long winter, small sprouts begin to appear, and signs of life return. The same is true for our clubs. Growth can be hard—but it is happening.
Growth Starts with Planting Seeds
Strong clubs grow intentionally. Here are a few strategies clubs can use right now to increase membership:
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Invite with purpose. Encourage every member to invite at least one guest this month. Personal invitations are the most effective way to bring new people into Toastmasters.
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Highlight transformation. Share stories of how members have grown in confidence, leadership, or career success.
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Make guests feel welcome. Greet your guests, explain meeting roles clearly, and follow up after the meeting.
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Promote outside the meeting. Use LinkedIn, community boards, workplaces, and local organizations to spread the word.
Small actions—repeated consistently—help clubs sprout and flourish.
New Sprouting Clubs
We have two exciting opportunities coming up for potential new clubs. Consider attending to help fill meeting roles and cultivate these clubs from concepts to charters.
Wright County Administrators Demo Meeting – Wednesday, March 25, 11 a.m.-Noon, in person only.
True Crime Toastmasters Open House – Thursday, April 2, 6-7 p.m. More information at: True Crime Toastmasters | April 2 Open House
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Sprout, Bloom, and Grow
Spring reminds us that growth rarely happens overnight. Seeds must be planted, watered, and nurtured before they bloom. The same is true for our clubs. With continued invitations, creative outreach, and strong club experiences, we will see clubs sprout, bloom, and grow.
Let’s keep planting seeds to sprout, bloom, and grow together.
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From the Desk of the Public Relations Manager
Silent Auction Contributions Needed for the District 106 Spring Conference
What Will Your Club Donate?
One of the most popular traditions at the District 106 Spring Conference is the Silent Auction. It brings excitement, friendly bidding, and a chance for members to support district initiatives while discovering creative and unique items from across our Toastmasters community.
We invite clubs and individual members to contribute an item to help make this year’s auction exceptional.
The most memorable auction items often reflect the creativity and personality of our members. Some popular donation ideas include:
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Themed Gift Baskets – coffee lovers, relaxation kits, travel essentials, or local specialties
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Unique Memorabilia – collectibles or signed keepsakes
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Tech Accessories – headphones, gadgets, or productivity tools
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Handcrafted Items – artwork, woodworking, knitting, or handmade gifts
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Experiences – gift cards, event tickets, coaching sessions, or services
Even one donation from each club can help create an exciting and successful auction.
Submit Your Donation
Please complete the Silent Auction Donation Form
https://forms.gle/gsQyaUvESyYwjLmV8
If you have any questions, please contact me – see my contact information in my signature below.
Thank you for helping us create a conference experience filled with generosity, creativity, and community spirit.
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Best,
Leo Smith, DTM
District 106 Public Relations Manager
Email: leo.w.smith@gmail.com
Phone: 651-600-0531
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Newsletter Archive
Did you know that that there is an archive of past D106 newsletters?
Visit this repository if you need to refer to a past newsletter. https://d106tm.org/newsletter/
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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
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