D66 Toastmasters Times | Issue 3 | November 2024
Editors Note
Welcome to the November edition of the D66 Toastmasters Times!
This edition includes messages from the trio, more details about the Incentives & Rewards program, a report from the awards gala and visit from International President Radhi Spear, DTM, information about Club Contests, the Moment of Truth focused on program planning, “meet a member” where we feature members from across the District, Save the Dates and recognition of individuals and clubs.
It’s formatted to optimize the view on a phone. For those of you on a computer, it’s a work in progress! If you have any issues with a link, you can copy & paste it into your browser.
The D66 Toastmaster Times team includes Cassandra Sabo and Mike Etchemendy.
If you would like to suggest a topic for inclusion in the January edition, please contact me directly.
Kristine Vey, DTM editor
pr@tmdistrict66.org
2024-2025 District Leadership
A Word from Jim – The District 66 Derby
On October 26, 2024, District 66 held the Toastmaster Centennial Celebration and its annual Fall Awards Luncheon. During this event, with Toastmasters International President Radhi Spear in attendance, I announced the launch of the Toastmasters District 66 Derby. The Derby is a competition to determine the 2024-2025 District 66 Club of the Year. It combines the points awarded through the Distinguished Club Program (known as DCP Points) with additional criteria announced at the end of August to determine the best club in District 66. When I was elected District Director for the 2024-2025 Toastmaster Year, I said that I had 4 goals:
• Serve and support our members,
• Provide a quality personal and professional development
experience,
• Have fun while participating in the Toastmasters
experience, and
• To be a Smedley Distinguished District for the 2024-2025
Toastmasters Year.
The District 66 Derby is a fun way of tracking our progress against these goals. The “Call to Post” trumpet sounded in June when we encouraged all clubs to elect club officers and to plan for how we can best help our fellow club members achieve their goals. The starter bell rang on July 1st, and we were off. District 66 clubs started jockeying for the lead in July and August, beginning with Club Officer Training. For the first half of the 2024 – 2025 Toastmasters year, 29 clubs achieved Super 7 status, with all seven club officers attending training. In August and September, Richmond Club in Division B, St. Michael’s Toastmasters also in Division B, and Voices of Williamsburg in Division D won the Smedley Award for recruiting at least 5 new members between August 1st and September 30th.
At the first turn (the end of September, which is also the end of the first quarter of the 2024-2025 Toastmasters Year), St. Michael Toastmasters, Innsbrook Toastmasters, and Speak Easy Club are leading the pack based on education awards, club officer training, member recruitment, and member retention. Is the race over? Not by a long shot.
There are still 3 quarters of the race to go.
What can you, as individual members, do to help your club get to the winner’s circle? First, remember why you joined Toastmasters and why you stayed. What do you want to accomplish during this Toastmasters Year? Next, think of all you have achieved since becoming a member of Toastmasters. Some have become inspiring speakers, while others have discovered the leader that has always been within them. Lastly, I want you to think about this quote by Ralph Smedley, “Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual. We work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others.” The District 66 Derby is designed to help us become the best version of ourselves. Now that you know, it’s time to get your club horse on the track and move.
With Warm Regards,
Jim Kennedy
2024-2025 District Director, District 66
Toastmasters International, Inc.
Program Quality Director, Doretha Pair
We are in the fifth month of our Toastmaster year. We had SLI with 83.33 % of our officer trained. We had an outstanding Centennial celebration and now we are getting ready for our winter Toastmasters Learning institute on December 7th. I look forward to seeing all of our officer at one of the three locations. There will be a location in all three divisions. The goal for this session is to have 100% of officer trained. Leaders are more effective when they are trained, and we set an example for our Team.
As we get close to the halfway mark, let’s refocus on our goal and start sprinting to the finish line. I would like to challenge all members to strive to get a triple crown. A triple crown is awarded to a member that finishes three levels between July 1st and June 30th. We can do this. I already earned mine.
Under Program Quality, we have two programs that may be of interest to you:
• DTM2B- Get your questions answered about how to
become a DTM
• Journey to Pathway- Learn tools you need to navigate
Pathways and reach your education goal
Don’t miss the District Conference on April 25th and 26th in Hampton. I look forward to helping you meet your education goals.
Doretha Pair, DTM
Program Quality Director, 2024-2025
Club Growth Director, Marilynn Vaughan
You Are the Key to Success: Finish Your Toastmaster Year Strong with the Member Development Plan
As your Club Growth Director, I’m excited to refocus our attention on the Member Development Plan (MDP) and highlight its importance for members looking to align their goals with the Pathways program and contribute to your club’s success. The MDP helps members connect their personal, career, and professional aspirations to their Toastmasters journey, integrating seamlessly with the Club Success Plan (CSP) and enhancing the overall member experience.
What is the Member Development Plan?
The MDP is a blueprint that connects individual goals with club strategies and personal growth. It links individual member goals with the CSP, the Member Interest Survey, and insights from Moments of Truth. Further, it helps members align their Pathways projects with organizational goals, making speeches purposeful and contributing to club achievements. For career professionals, the MDP guides them to align Pathways projects with strategic initiatives in their organizations, making each speech and project meaningful and impactful for personal development, advancement, and club success.
Key Benefits and Features:
1. Self-Awareness through Assessments: The MDP integrates reflective tools like Pathways leadership and communication style assessments, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Clifton Strengths. These tools help members gain self-awareness and use their strengths effectively.
2. A Schedule for Success: The plan includes a schedule for planning speeches and completing Pathways levels strategically. This helps maintain progress and ensures contributions to the CSP.
3. Accountability and Support: The MDP encourages members to identify an Accountability Partner or Mentor. This support system fosters consistency and helps the Vice President Education (VPE) track progress, aiding the club in achieving the Distinguished Club Program.
A Trailblazing Start
Our District Director, Jim Kennedy, has completed the MDP and encouraged members to do the same, setting an example of leadership and commitment. This reinforces the importance of intentional planning to finish the year strong and build a foundation for future achievements.
Why Now?
As we look to the new year, it’s the perfect time to use the MDP. It’s not just about completing speeches; it’s about enhancing your Pathways experience, supporting your development, and elevating your club. Complete your MDP, align your goals, and inspire others to do the same. Let’s end the year with purpose and preparation. Your growth lifts the entire district.
The Member Development Plan is your guide—one project, one goal, one level at a time.
P.S. Check out my post on LinkedIn, “Exciting Changes Are Here: Toastmasters International Base Camp 2024 Update!” Base Camp serves as the learning hub that powers the Pathways program.
Download: Member Development Plan
Marilynn Vaughan, DSL, MBA, DL5
Club Growth Director, 2024-2025
Incentives and Rewards Details
Link to the awards, incentives and rewards available to clubs and individuals for 2024-2025.
2024-2025 D66 Club-member Incentives
Club Derby Criteria: 2024-2025 D66 Club Derby Criteria
Division Director of the Year Criteria: 2024-2025 D66 Div Director of the Year Criteria
Area Director of the Year Criteria: 2024-2025 D66 Area Director of the Year Criteria
For club derby performance details, ask your Area or Division Director (list is at the end of this edition).
District 66 Celebrates and Hosts
International President Radhi Speer, DTM
On October 26th, 2024, more than 130 Toastmasters joined together, along with Radhi Speer in Williamsburg for a day of Inspiration, Celebration and Camaraderie.
Speer’s visit started Friday when she recognized Corporate Partners Dominion Energy and Capital One in Richmond. She then traveled with District Director Jim Kennedy, DTM to Charlottesville visiting the Blue Ridge Club where over 30 members and guests enjoyed dinner and conducted a regular meeting. Speer shared her reason for joining Toastmasters. She joined at the urging of her Toastmaster sister after Radhi was unable to deliver a meaningful toast at her father’s birthday party. Most of us have been there!
Saturday’s event was held at the Doubletree Williamsburg. The emcee for the whole day was Brenda Bailey who can SING as well as manage a room full of challenging Toastmasters.
After the entrance of the dignitaries and the reading of the Proclamation (read it here), Mike Cannon shared some history and what it might have been like to be a Toastmaster 100 years ago. Before the age of the internet, how DID people research and find speech topics?
Radhi then had the lectern where she shared her “why”. Why did she join Toastmasters and why we should invite everyone to join us? Where else can people experience the personal growth opportunity and camaraderie Toastmasters Clubs provide? We are all challenged to bring one guest to a meeting between now and the end of the year.
We enjoyed a tasty buffet lunch.
After lunch, we were entertained by dance students of Dr. Bharati Khopkar. They performed classical pieces which incorporate Khatak footwork which originated in North India to tell the story. They were a beautiful sight.
Next, we heard dynamic Toastamonials from 3 fellow Toastmasters, Venus Wilmer, Joe Johnson and Charles Gates. They talked about why they joined and why they stay.
Doretha Pair, DTM, PQD recognized and thanked the Corporate Sponsors. Dominion Energy was a Gold Sponsor and Coastal Countertops was a Bronze level Sponsor. Additional sponsors were SEB Mortgage, Vanessa Clack with Leap 2 Impact, the Andre Luck Group, Tishaun Ugworji with Mary Kay and Architectural Surfaces.
Then the awards began! There are too many to list here, but here is a link to the program that lists everyone. Refer to the Incentives section above for the 2024-2025 criteria.
Toastmaster of the Year was Marilynn Vaughan, Area Director of the Year was Fredericka Ricks, and the Division Director of the Year was Robin Jenkins. Thank you all for your service to Toastmasters!
Recognized new Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs) were Jacqueline Harris, Kristine Vey, Doretha Pair and Michelle Wilke. Congratulations!
Are you wondering what is involved with earning this highest possible education award? Check it out here!
The day was closed out with an entertaining presentation from Jim Kennedy where he highlighted a few members with accompanying videos and had us recite the Toastmasters promise. Then we had CAKE which was generously provided by Allure Bakery.
On the drive home, we reflected on the day. It did indeed provide an opportunity for Inspiration, Celebration and Camaraderie. A visit from the International President was truly a highlight. A very special thank you to the planning team of Chastity Bailey, Mike Cannon, Vanessa Clack and Angela Pope Dickerson. All their hard work paid off!
~ The D66 Toastmasters Times Team
Club Contest Season Starts Soon!
All over the world, club contests kick off the process that culminates in the World Championship of Public Speaking which is held every year at the International Conference.
Speech contests are an important part of the Toastmasters educational program. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience, as well as an opportunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers.
Clubs are urged to hold contests so that each contestant is well prepared for the next level of contests.
All Districts are required to hold contests.
This year, the 2 contests will be International Speech and Tall Tales. It’s time to plan your club’s contests!
The club’s Vice President Education (VPE} is responsible for organizing the contests, but the whole club can be involved as either contestants or volunteers to help them be successful. After the club level, there is an Area Contest, then a Division Contest and finally the District Contest which will be part of the Spring Conference April 25th & 26th.
Important details about contests leading up to the District Conference:
• International Speech Contestants must have completed Level 1 & Level 2
in Pathways or be a DTM.
• Any member can participate in the Tall Tales Speech Contest.
• All Contestants must be a paid member of a club in good standing (8 or more
members) in the Area and Division they are competing in.
The Contest rulebook is the source of all information related to holding contests. Read it here: 2024-2025 Contest Rulebook
If your club needs support, ask your Area Director for help! The list is at the end of this newsletter.
In those Divisions with four (4) assigned Areas or fewer, Areas may send the two (2) highest-placed available contestants from each Area to compete in the Division Contest.
In Districts with four (4) assigned Divisions or fewer, District 66 will allow the two (2) highest-placed available contestants from each Division to participate in the District contest.
Attention Club VPEs! You can start planning your contests NOW. Contests are to be completed by Feb. 28.
The Area and Division level contests take place after the club contests.
In addition to volunteers, contests need contestants! Previous D66 contestants agree that participating in a contest enriches their experience as a speaker. There is plenty of time to craft an International Speech or Tall Tale!
Toastmasters International posts International Speeches on their YouTube channel. Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/@toastmasters
“It is not failure itself that holds you back; it is the fear of failure that paralyzes you.”
-Brian Tracy
The Winter Leadership Institute will be held Saturday Dec 7th at the 3 Divisions from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Theme is “Leading in Excellence through Training”
Club Officer Training will be provided.
The keynote speaker is International Director Dana Richard.
The event is open to all!
Register here: Dec2024-WLI-Registration
The deadline to order lunch is Nov. 26
Moment of Truth
What do Successful clubs do?
Meeting roles may be assigned by the VPE.
Members may volunteer at the end of each meeting.
Fill out and send the agenda to all members as soon as practical. Highlight open roles.
Send a reminder email shortly before the meeting with the agenda and evaluation forms. Highlight the TM, the theme and open roles. This email can be sent to ALL prospects as well as members.
Decide as a club how involved guests can be in meetings. Some clubs use visitors to help fill simpler roles like “ah counter”.
Ensure all roles are filled before the meeting is opened.
Word of the Day:
Euphoria (noun) – a feeling of well-being or elation
“Example sentence: An emotional roller coaster of a game ended in euphoria for the Minnesota Lynx.” —Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024
Meet a Member
Meet a Member – where we introduce you to other Toastmasters throughout the District.
They were all asked: How would you describe the culture of your club? What do you do outside of Toastmasters? How has being a TM affected your personal or professional life? What advice would you give to a new member as they begin their membership?
Division A
Sharon Bares, Harrisonburg Toastmasters Club
Member for 9 years, Toastmaster member for more than 30 years.
I first joined TM in 1991 as a charter member of the Blue Ridge Club in Asheville and was a member for 10 years; in 1995 I co-founded the Arise & Shine Club in Asheville and was a member until my husband and I moved to Staunton. Dismayed that there was no club in Staunton, I co-founded the Augusta TM Club in 2013. When that club disbanded at the end of 2022 I transferred to the Harrisonburg Club. While in North Carolina, I served as Area Director and Division Director. I received my DTM in 1995.
The Harrisonburg Club is a club that encourages all members to keep the Toastmaster Promise. We meet weekly, the agenda is always distributed before the meeting, and the speaking schedule is updated for at least 6 weeks ahead of time. We aim to earn the President’s Distinguished Club award each year.
My husband and I were involved with modern western square dancing for 40 years, participating at the local, state, and national level. Dancing is my preferred form of exercise! I love to read (aim for one book a week), enjoy knitting and walking.
It was because of TM that I discovered my storytelling skills. Toastmaster helped me develop and maintain those skills. I was a charter member of the Asheville Storytelling Guild and joined a Guild when we moved to Staunton. Stories are what connect us!
My advice to a new Toastmaster: A TM club provides a no- risk environment to build your confidence as a speaker, makes you a better listener, enables you to respond to impromptu questions and allows you to help others. What a benefit!
When asked why I stay in TM after so many years, I reply, “I joined to improve my speaking skills but realized that I was also helping others. To realize the growth in others is extremely rewarding. Plus, it helps me maintain my storytelling skills.”
Division B
LaTanya Hicks, SPBC Toastmasters
Member for about 9 years
Outside of Toastmasters, I participate in a church ministry, a community organization and try to exercise a little.
I am very introverted and shy.
Toastmasters has helped me improve on that because I participated in club meeting roles, became a club officer and a district officer. Professionally, at my former bank job, I had to present loans of a certain size to a committee to be approved. I could hardly get through them when I first started but Toastmasters helped me to present clearer and in an organized manner.
To new members, please get involved at the club level. Participate in the meeting roles and become a club officer. Attend the SLI, WLI and District Conference so that you can learn more about Toastmasters and develop your skills.
Division D
Vanessa Clack, Virginia Beach Toastmasters Club 3267
Member for about 4 years.
The culture of our Club is having a friendly warm inviting atmosphere that makes people feel very welcome. We take great interest in our guests and members making sure they feel truly valued and that they are introduced to other members in the Club. It’s vital to the Club Culture that our meetings are very well organized and run as seamlessly as possible. We ensure that there is open communication, that our members are always kept well informed, and that we are all there to help. We encourage and support the members by coming alongside them through guidance and mentorship to help them move into their full potential to reach their desired goals and outcomes. We also offer ongoing educational training so that our members are exposed to ALL that Toastmasters has to offer them. We strive to make every meeting an unforgettable experience!!
I work for a small family business but I am also a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach helping bring transformation to others so they can launch to impact their families, workplace and communities around them.
One of the reasons i joined Toastmasters was that I had lost most of my confidence when i moved from South Africa to Virginia Beach in 2017. TM helped me to regain my confidence in so many areas. It created a safe place for me to rediscover who I was and to truly see my strengths and value. The team has been a huge encouragement to me to step up, last year into the VPM role and now into taking on the role as Club President. I have done and achieved more than i could have imagined in the last 4 years and I am so thankful that Toastmasters has been the catalyst to help me to achieve this.
My advice to new members would be to believe in yourself, you are so worth it! Don’t give Up! Take the courage and step out as it is only when you do this that you realize your value and true gifted potential. I encourage you to “Dream Big!” and as Jim Kennedy says “Be Unstoppable!!”
Help a fellow Toastmaster and complete this survey!
Member retention is a hot topic at all levels of the Toastmasters International organization. The Pathways learning program is a truly unique opportunity to learn many soft skills that benefit a member at work and church, in civic duties and volunteering, and personally and professionally.
This survey will gather opinions on what soft skills each Path best teaches to then match the best Toastmasters pathway to the personal and professional goals of new and renewing members. The hypothesis is that members who are satisfied with the skills they are learning in their chosen Path are more likely to renew and retain their memberships.
Results will be used to develop a tool to assist VPs Education in District 66 with New Member Orientations.
This survey is compiled by Melissa Parks, of Ready Set Speak, for her Persuasive Influence High Performance Leadership project.
https://qualtricsxml4csbbj28.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5AcOv238jZh8n0G
Would you like to learn more about Pathways? Join Jessica Cotman, Pathways Chair, and Ina Brown, Administration Manager for the Journey into Pathways Learning experience.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/
SAVE the DATES
Watch the D66 website calendar for details.
Nov 26 (Tues) 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Journey into Pathways
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84386963037?pwd=QEAnxvhUn2Mb9FSUpMA1AmN2bALUDx.1
Nov 30 – Area Director reports are due
Dec 4 (Wed) – DTM2B Cohort session 5 (Countdown to Completion)
Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcumgrzovGtTwGMpsHwabnp6C59ZmgnaE
Dec 7 (Sat) – IN PERSON Winter Leadership Institute. Link to more information:
https://tmdistrict66.org/event/winter-leadership-institute-wli/
Dec 17 (Tues) – Journey into Pathways
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84386963037?pwd=QEAnxvhUn2Mb9FSUpMA1AmN2bALUDx.1
Jan – Feb – Club Contests
Feb. 1 – March 31 – Talk Up Toastmasters Membership Building Contest
April 25, 26, 2025 – In Person District 66 Conference
Embassy Suites in Hampton, VA
Keynote Speaker: Jenilee Taylor, Region 6 International Director
Block of rooms available. $165.00 per night
Includes the Speech Contest District Finals and Annual Business Meeting
May 31 – Area Director Visit Reports Due
May 1 – June 30 – Beat the Clock Membership Building Contest
Aug 20 – 23 International Convention in Philadelphia
Other District Leaders
District Executive Committee
Administration Manager – Ina Brown
Financial Manager – Joyce Laswell
Public Relations Manager – Kristine Vey, DTM
Logistics Manager – Vicky Lyle
Parliamentarian – Melissa Parks
Additional Supportive Roles:
Education Chairs (PQD)
Education Co-Chair – Frederica Ricks
Education Co-Chair – Drusilla Pair
DTM Chair – Lynn Claiborne
Pathways Chair – Jessica Cotman
Marketing Committee (CGD)
Club Extension Chair – Mike Etchemendy, DTM
Club Quality Chair – Robin Jenkins, DTM
Club Retention Chair – Kitty Boitnott, DTM
Club New Source Research Chair – Tishaun Ugworji, DTM
Subject Matter Experts – Charles Gates, DTM; Frank Gulla, DTM: Linda Kennedy, DTM
Webmaster (PRM) – Cassandra Sabo
Celebration Committee (PRM)
Chair – Tishaun Ugworji
Members: Angela Dickerson, Vanessa Clack, Chasity Bailey, Joyce Laswell, Jim Kennedy
Program Management Administrator (Dist Director) – Edmund Joe
Division A Director – Melvin Carter, DTM
Area 11 Director – Venus Wilmer, DTM
Area 12 Director – Nick Mastrovito
Area 14 Director – TBA
Area 18 Director – TBA
Division B Director – Carla Davis
Area 21 Director – Gayle Turner
Area 22 Director – Ibironke Lawal
Area 23 Director – Michelle Evans
Area 24 Director – Chaitali Roy
Area 25 Director – Charleatta Funney
Area 26 Director – Catherine Chen
Area 27 Director – David Pacileo
Division D Director – Lawrence Nichols
Area 41 Director – Jacquie Harrison, DTM
Area 42 Director – Bob Rice
Area 43 Director – TBA
Area 44 Director – Amanda Albright
Area 45 Director – Drusilla Pair
Area 46 Director – Michelle Willke
Curious about the Clubs in each Division and Area? Click here.
There is a LOT going on in District 66! Stay “in the know.”
Link to D66 website: https://tmdistrict66.org/
Link to D66 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/TMv9574LGZkrWa5U/
Link to Region 6 FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/973067051493465