District 42 Toastmasters

Monthly Dispatch

June 2026

Hello District 42 members,

As we prepare to send out the final District 42 Dispatch before we transition into Districts 208 and 210, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Dispatch over the years.

Your articles, updates, stories, photos, and announcements have helped us celebrate our members, clubs, Areas, Divisions, and District events. Because of your contributions, the Dispatch has been more than just a newsletter; it has been a reflection of the energy, achievements, and spirit of our District 42 Toastmasters community.

We are grateful for your continuous support and for taking the time to share the stories that kept our members informed, connected, and inspired.

As we head into the summer break and look ahead to this new chapter as Districts 208 and 210, we will see what the future holds. Whatever comes next, we know the same Toastmasters spirit of collaboration, communication, and leadership will continue to shine.

We wish all District members and clubs the very best as you continue working toward your goals, supporting one another, and creating meaningful Toastmasters experiences in your communities.

With appreciation,

The District 42 Dispatch Team

Twila Tayfel & Vesna Ivkovic, DTM

Upcoming Events

See what's happening in June 2026

DISTRICT DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

One More Month

Debbie Stearns, DTM

D42 District Director

There is just one more month left in the Toastmasters year, which means we are preparing to say goodbye to District 42 and hello to Districts 208 and 210. This is both an exciting and emotional time for all of us.

Change is never easy. With change often comes uncertainty and the fear of the unknown. Yet, change also brings new opportunities, fresh ideas, and the chance to grow even stronger as leaders and communicators.

Although transition planning is underway, our work in District 42 is not finished yet. Between now and June 30, we will continue working hard to help clubs return to good standing and finish the year on a high note. We will also continue supporting clubs in achieving Distinguished status so they can celebrate the success they have earned throughout the year.

As we prepare to say goodbye to District 42, it is important to reflect on all the accomplishments we have achieved together over the years. District 42 has built countless leaders, created lifelong friendships, and supported members through personal and professional growth. The dedication of our club officers, members, and district leaders has truly made a difference.

For me personally, this month is especially meaningful as it marks my final month serving as District Director for District 42. It feels like just yesterday that I was elected Club Growth Director, and now I find myself saying goodbye as District Director. The journey has been filled with challenges, learning experiences, and unforgettable memories that I will always cherish.



Thank you to everyone who has supported District 42 throughout the years. Your passion, commitment, and belief in Toastmasters are what make this organization so special.

Let’s finish this Toastmasters year strong and celebrate everything we have accomplished together.

Club Officer Elections and Club Central Updates

Debbie Stearns, DTM

D42 District Director

Club officer elections should now be completed as they needed to be conducted in May. Please have the secretary or any current club officer enter the new officers into Club Central under Club Officer Assignment. This information should be entered no later than June 30, 2026.

The process is quick and easy, taking less than five minutes to complete. In addition, your club will earn the easy 1/2 DCP point! What a great way to start the new Toastmasters year strong.

Reminder notices will be sent to current club officers for clubs that have not yet submitted their officer information.

REPORTS

Pathways Adoption Rate Progress 

Stacey Kaminski

D42 Program Quality Director

District 42 has made outstanding progress this year, increasing our Pathways adoption rate from 89% to 91%. This is a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of our members and clubs to personal and professional growth.

As your Program Quality Director, my goal this year was to reach 95% adoption. We are within reach, but we need approximately 60 more members across District 42 to enroll in Pathways to achieve it. Together, we can make this happen. Help me reach this goal and finish the year strong!

Over the final month, I will continue connecting with clubs and members who have not yet enrolled, offering encouragement and support every step of the way. If you have been considering Pathways, now is the perfect time; there is still time to take that step.

Enrolling in Pathways is quick and easy: simply log in to Toastmasters.org, navigate to Base Camp, and select your path or complete the short assessment to find the path that fits you best.

To support you, I am offering one-on-one assistance for anyone who would like guidance through the enrollment process or has questions. You are not alone in this journey; we are here to help you succeed.

Please feel free to reach out to Stacey Kaminski at PQD@d42tm.org for support, questions, or assistance.

Let’s keep the momentum going and work together to achieve something exceptional!

Thank You for an Incredible Year

Stanley Vong

District 42 Club Growth Director, 2025-2026

Serving as Club Growth Director has been one of the highlights of my Toastmasters journey.

While I enjoyed the challenge of helping grow our district through new clubs, membership growth, and club support, the greatest reward was the people I met along the way. I had the privilege of working with dedicated leaders and members whose passion, commitment, and generosity continually inspired me.

Every conversation, meeting, and event reminded me that Toastmasters is about helping people grow and succeed. The friendships, experiences, and lessons I gained this year are things I will always treasure.

Thank you to everyone who supported our club's growth efforts and made this year so memorable. It has been an honor to serve our district, and I look forward to continuing to support our members and clubs in the years ahead.

DISTRICT EVENTS

Plan Ahead. Lead with Confidence.

Elaine Balante

D42 Administrative Manager

Strong clubs are built on steady leadership. To help you succeed, District 42 has organized a full series of 30-60-90 look-ahead events. Each milestone session is designed to give you the right resources at the right time. Here’s the schedule to keep you on track. For detailed information, please refer to our Events Calendar.

• Green items are for District Leaders, including Presidents and VP Eds
• Red items are Toastmasters International Deadlines

All items listed are for all club members.

While this serves as your one-stop overview, don’t forget to check the District Calendar regularly for updates. Staying informed keeps our clubs thriving and our community strong.

30 Day Lookahead:



• June 01 - Leadership Training
• June 04 - Leadership Training (noon hour)
• June 06 - Leadership Training
• June 11 - Leadership Training (noon hour)
• June 11 - Area Director Check In
• June 17 - Club Retention and Coach Connection
• June 18 - Leadership Training (noon hour)
• June 24 - Club Extension Committee
• June 25 - Division Directors Check In
• June 30 - Beat The Clock Deadline
• June 30 - Club Officer Deadline

Strong leaders plan. Mark your calendar today and make the most of these key milestones.

Club Officer Training - Round 1

Stacey Kaminski

D42 Program Quality Director

Round 1 Club Officer Training for the new program year begins June 1. Toastmasters International has also introduced updated training materials, which will be featured in these sessions. Be sure to join and experience the new content firsthand.

District 42 is offering three training opportunities in June:

• June 1: 6:30 – 9:30 PM CST/MST
• June 6: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (noon) CST/MST
• June 4, 11, 18: Noon Hour Sessions (12:00 – 1:00 PM CST/MST)

For more information and to register, please visit the District 42 Event Calendar.

Whether your club has already completed officer elections or is still in the process, take advantage of these early training sessions before summer holidays begin. The online format makes it easy for anyone to attend.

Additional training opportunities for July and August will be announced by the incoming District Leadership. Stay tuned for more details.

BLOG

Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

Marg Ustupski, DTM

District 42 Education Committee Chair

As District 42 training committee chair, I have been privileged to work with a dynamic team. Stacey Kaminski, Mary Schoendorfer, Margaret Andris, Stephanie Ann Roy, Michelle Ryerson and Camille Gibney were the committee members for 2025-2026.  Each person brought their own skills and ideas to the team.  We worked together to deliver training sessions that shared information and gave people opportunities to learn.

The many volunteers who organized, served as tech support, facilitated and moderated training sessions are too numerous to mention. Each person dedicated time and energy to preparing for their session. Every participant added to the richness of the experience as they contributed their thoughts and asked questions. District 42 is blessed with an abundance of dedicated members.

As we approach the June training sessions, we will be using new materials developed by Toastmasters International.  A team of Toastmaster members have worked to make the materials informational and interesting.  

As we enter the 2026-2027 Toastmaster year, we will be working with a new district, but the core element of dynamic and willing members will stay the same.

I know that I plan to stay in touch with the amazing Toastmasters I have already met. I hope to meet many more dynamic, interesting and engaging Toastmasters.

Transition and change are a continual process in life. As we move to District 208 and District 210, we may be concerned about the change. Having a positive outlook will make this transition easier.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve as the District 42 training committee chair for the last two years.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Finishing Strong 

Stacey Kaminski

D42 Program Quality Director

The year draws close, the journey clear,

With every speech, we’ve grown this year.

From trembling starts to voices strong,

We found our place, where we belong.

With motivation lighting the way,

We rise with purpose day by day.

Each meeting builds our momentum true,

A steady force in all we do.

In every role and every speech,

We stretched beyond what seemed in reach.

Through striving hearts and shared intent,

We carved a path of excellence.

Our achievements stand, both big and small,

Each step a triumph, one and all.

And looking back, we stand so proud,

Of every voice that spoke aloud.

There’s still time now, don’t slow your pace,

One final push, one more embrace.

Invite, inspire, connect once more,

There’s always room to grow the score.

For in this final stretch we shine,

With a purpose clear and goals aligned.

Together strong, we’ve shown what’s true

A club distinguished through and through.

So let us finish bold and bright,

Carry our torch into the light.

And as this chapter meets its end,

Our journey grows—again, ascend.

Youth Leadership Program

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

YLP Chair

Yay! June 30 here we come! New DTMs awarded, many YLP programs completed and plans already in place for the fall.

I will not be in this seat for the 2026-2027 year and beyond. The New District Director for D208, Cheryl Perrson, will appoint the new coordinator for the Alberta, Montana geographic area, and the new District Director for D210 will be responsible for appointing a coordinator for that geographic area.

This is such a gratifying and worthwhile program! It needs Toastmasters willing to make growth happen! Is it you? A LOT is happening in YLP! You can be a part of it too: Volunteer to coordinate a specific geographic area, facilitate a program, support a facilitator as a guest speaker, or be a Toastmaster helper by taking a role at a YLP meeting.

The Youth Leadership Program is a Toastmasters Program. Any member can consider exploring the training materials and templates on the current D42tm.org. A member considering their DTM award can think about this program. Club sponsor, OR Speechcraft, OR Youth Leadership Program. No official tracking needed! Just keep track of your own dates!

All the best!

AWARDS & INCENTIVES

Distinguished Club Program (DCP) 

Stacey Kaminski

D42 Program Quality Director

Congratulations to the clubs that have already achieved Distinguished status or higher! Your commitment and dedication throughout this Toastmasters year have been remarkable and serve as an inspiration to clubs across District 42. As we enter the final month of the program year, continue to lead by example and support fellow Toastmasters in reaching their goals.

There is still time to build on your momentum. Submit any completed prepared speeches in Pathways Base Camp, reconnect with past guests and invite them to join as members, or consider hosting an open house or special event. If you need support or guidance, do not hesitate to reach out. District 42 is here to help.

Currently, District 42 has 23 Distinguished Clubs and 2 Distinguished Areas. Many clubs are close to achieving their goals but require additional members and educational completions to meet the Distinguished Club Program requirements. With focused effort and collaboration, there is still an opportunity to succeed.

Distinguished (have at least 5 DCP goals completed):

• Bow Valley Toastmasters Club
• Glenmore RSVP
• Queen City Toasters Toastmasters Club
• CanOrators Toastmasters Club 
• Igniters Club 

Select Distinguished (have at least 7 DCP goals completed):

• Heritage Go-Getters Toastmasters Club
• Southern Alberta Mandarin English Club (SAME)
• MVP Advanced
• Cranston Communicators
• Wascana Club
• Green Horizons Toastmasters
• Weekend Wordmasters
• Fifth Avenue Place Toastmasters Club
• Palliser Toastmasters
• Fish Creek Bravehearts Club 
• Airdrie Discovery Toastmasters Club 

Presidents Distinguished (have at least 9 DCP goals completed): 

• Civil Speakers  
• Dynamically Speaking Club
• Speakers Edge Club

Smedley Distinguished (have completed all 10 goals AND achieved a membership of 25 or higher):

• Bedstone Olympics Toastmasters Club 
• Connected Communicators Toastmasters Club
• Fluor Communicators Club
• Calgary Pace Setters Club

Let’s work together to finish the year strong and position our clubs for continued success as we transition into the 2026–2027 program year in our new Districts. If you need any support or guidance, please reach out to your Area Director, Division Director, or me at pqd@d42tm.org. 

DID YOU KNOW

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY