District 106

Newsletter

July 2024

Upcoming District Events

July 27, 2024

Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI)

Andover, MN

May 2-3, 2025

D106 Spring Conference

Thunder Bay, Ontario

From the Desk of the District Director

Welcome to a new year! Our Toastmasters year started

July 1, 2024 and will complete June 30th, 2025. 

I am excited to be your new District Director for 2024-25 working alongside Matthew Villella as Program Quality Director and Ashok Sunkavalli as Club Growth Director.

We the D106 TRIO want to support your personal growth and the district's success!

Dare to Be Distinguished

Dare to Be Distinguished is this year’s theme, coined by Alan Bernard from District 6 back in the 1990’s. When each of us actively plan, prepare, and present, then growth takes place. Let’s make this year a distinguished year!

Please help us get the new year off to a strong start by completing three key tasks:

Update Your Club's Website

The first task in the new year is to update your club’s website. Make sure the location and meeting time are correct.

Attend Club Officer Training

The second task is to attend club officer training if you are a club officer (or interested in being one). The first round of club officer training is underway and will end on August 30th. All club officers are required to attend club officer training to build their leadership skills and learn how they can make their clubs better.

At least 4 officers must attend training each round for Distinguished Club Program (DCP) credit. If all 7 officers attend training in the fall and spring your club earns a Magnificent 7 Award for your club banner!

Attend the Toastmasters Leadership Institute and Awards

The third task is to attend the Toastmasters Leadership Institute and awards on July 27. The TLI with award luncheon will be held at the Bunker Hill Activity Center in Andover, Minnesota from 9am-3pm. There will be educational workshops, guest speakers, and lunch. In the afternoon, District 106 awards will be presented to the Toastmaster of the Year (TMOY), distinguished clubs, Magnificent 7 achievers, and Triple Crown recipients. It’s an exciting event to commemorate last year's achievements and inspire us to Dare to be Distinguished this year. Plus, this event counts as your Club Officer training! It's a great way to connect with fellow Toastmasters and pick up your awards from last year. 

Pictured: Members from North Star Evaluators club receive the Magnificent 7 Award at the 2023 TLI.

Toastmasters Triple Crown Award

Did you know some members earn more than one triple crown in a single year? To earn a Triple crown, a member plans, prepares and presents speeches, ultimately completing three levels in the Pathway Curriculum within the same Toastmasters year. It is not uncommon for members to earn two or even three Triple Crowns! I look forward to seeing you earn your Triple crown in the coming year. 

This year, plan to earn your Triple Crown. It is a rewarding accomplishment. Your success will also benefit your club by meeting educational goals in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP) as you grow. I dare your club to be Distinguished (or higher!) this year.

What is your goal for success in this Toastmasters year?

Katy Hursh, DTM

District Director, District 106

Email: tm.katy.hursh@gmail.com

From the Desk of the Club Growth Director

I am excited and honored to serve District 106 Toastmasters as your Club Growth Director for 2024-2025. This is a special year for Toastmasters as we are celebrating 100 years and District 106 has planned phenomenal things for our members.

Club Growth Team

I am happy to share that we are building a strong team and working hard to strengthen existing clubs and build new clubs.

I would like to introduce my team: Club Retention Chair, Anna Gaichas and Club Quality Chair, Yves Prevost. Over the next few days, I will select the Club Extension Chair and Club Coach Chair.

As the marketing team for our District, we are developing a plan with phenomenal incentives to help increase membership in our clubs. 

New Member Incentive (July-August 2024)

I am thrilled to announce a brand new member incentive! Any new Toastmasters member who joins between July 1st and August 31st will receive an e-gift card for a free coffee!

In order to redeem the free coffee for new members, each club's Vice President -Membership must email me the new member's join date and email address. I encourage all clubs to leverage this incentive supporting club growth. 

Smedley Award

If you added 5 new, dual, or reinstated members between August 1 and September 30, your club will earn the Smedley Award and be presented with a ribbon for your club banner.

Club Coaches Needed!

We are looking for Club Coaches. Please reach out to me if you are interested in serving and helping our clubs' success.

Looking forward to a wonderful year! Please reach out to me anytime.

At your service!

Ashok Sunkavalli

Program Growth Director, District 106

Email: tm.ashoksunkavalli@gmail.com

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

From the Desk of the Program Quality Director

Happy New Year Toastmasters!

We are in the new year and things are rocking. We have so many things to be excited for and we aren’t wasting any time!

Toastmasters Leadership Institute and Officer Training

Have you signed up for the TLI on July 27 from 9am to 12pm? This is an opportunity for you to have a wonderful morning surrounded by wonderful people. You'll also get credit for officer training AND eat some great food.

If you can’t come to the TLI, please visit the D106 calendar webpage to sign up for an officer training session. A successful year begins with getting as many officers trained as possible. Our District trainer, Denise Sundquist has spent hours developing a quality program for us. Please help us accomplish our goal of getting at least 75% of our officers trained!

D106 Spring Conference in Thunder Bay, Ontario

We are only 10 months away from the Spring Conference in Thunder Bay! Now is the time to book your tickets. We are offering big discounts for a limited time PLUS the chance to win some great prizes.

A couple of things to note:

• If you are coming from the United States, you will need a current passport.
• Simplify your travel experience by choosing our bus package to ride directly from the Twin Cities up to Thunder Bay with 44 of your fellow D106 Toastmasters!

Please sign up for the Spring Conference today! I know you will have a great time.

Final Words from Matt

I look forward to providing educational sessions all year. If you have a topic you want me to cover, or if you need me to come to your club and cover a topic let me know.

We are in this together and you are not alone!

Matthew Villella, DTM

Program Quality Director, District 106

Email: tm.matthew.villella@gmail.com

From the Desk of the Public Relations Manager

Dear District 106 Members,



At District 106 Toastmasters, our mission is clear: to foster a vibrant community where every member has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and inspire.

As your Public Relations Manager, I am committed to promoting our district's achievements, sharing valuable insights, and connecting our diverse community through effective communication.

Our Goals

Enhanced Communication: Strengthening our district's communication channels to keep members informed and engaged.

Community Engagement: Promoting a supportive environment where members thrive and collaborate.

Professional Development: Providing opportunities for learning and growth through innovative PR initiatives.

Join Our Team!

Join us in shaping the future of District 106 Toastmasters. Your creativity,

dedication, and passion for communication are invaluable assets to our team.



We're looking for passionate individuals to join these dedicated volunteers in our dynamic Public Relations Team.

Whether you are a learner or excel in graphic design, content creation, event promotion, social media management, or have a knack for storytelling through photography and videography, there's a role for you!

Available Positions:

• Graphic Designer: Create visually compelling materials for district-wide campaigns.

• Content Creator: Develop engaging articles, stories, and promotional content.

• Event Promoter: Spread the word about district events and initiatives.

• Social Media Coordinator: Manage our online presence and engage with our community.

• Photographer/ Videographer: Capture memorable moments at district events.

• Media Relations Specialist: Build relationships with local media to amplify our district's impact.

• Website Administrator Assistant: Maintain and enhance our digital platforms for seamless user experience.

Interested?

Reach out to me directly via phone or email to learn more about these exciting opportunities and how you can contribute to our district's success.

Let's inspire greatness together!

Warm regards,

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