Program Quality Director, Marilynn Vaughan
Two New Years, One Vision: Preparing for District 218
A message from Dr. Marilynn Vaughan, Program Quality Director, District 66
Happy New Year, Toastmasters! One of the great advantages we have as Toastmasters is that we experience two new years — July 1 and January 1. July 1 allows us to set the vision, goals, and momentum for a distinguished club and district year, and January 1 allows us to reflect, refocus, renew, and continue building on that vision with purpose and passion.”
As Toastmasters International District 66 and District 29 prepare to become District 218 on July 1, we are entering more than a new program year — we are stepping into a new chapter of growth, leadership, learning, and possibility.
Change can feel exciting, uncertain, hopeful, and challenging all at once. Yet Toastmasters has always been a place where people grow by embracing new opportunities: a first speech, a first leadership role, a first evaluation, or a first courageous step outside of their comfort zone.
This season reminds us that growth requires movement.
As clubs prepare for officer transitions, this is the perfect time to intentionally pass the torch with encouragement, clarity, and care. One of the greatest gifts current officers can give their successors is not simply information, but insight. Take time to complete a transition document and share:
*club traditions
*important contacts
*best practices
*challenges
*lessons learned
Leadership is strongest when wisdom is shared, not stored.
Just as many people prepare for a new calendar year in November and December with reflection and goal setting, this is our opportunity to prepare for a new Toastmasters year with purpose and vision.
This is also an ideal time for clubs to complete the Moments of Truth program together and use it as a meaningful conversation starter for the Club Success Plan. What are we doing well? Where can we grow? How do we strengthen the member experience? How do we create meetings that are engaging, welcoming, educational, and transformational?
The introduction of Vintage Paths earlier this year, ongoing Pathways enhancements, and new club officer training opportunities remind us that lifelong learning remains at the heart of the Toastmasters experience.
District 218 will be built one conversation, one club meeting, one evaluation, one Pathways project, and one encouraging leader at a time.
Together, we have an opportunity to honor the legacy of Districts 66 and 29 while building something even stronger for the future.
The next chapter is waiting.
Let’s step into it together — prepared, empowered, collaborative, and ready to grow.
Together We Are Stronger. Together We Are District 66.
With heart, purpose, and vision,
Dr. Marilynn Vaughan, DL5, TC4
Program Quality Director 2025-2026
pqdirector@tmdistrict66.org
“Let’s grow together—on purpose.”
