D66 Toastmasters Times | Issue 2 | September 2024
Editors Note
Welcome to the September edition of the D66 Toastmasters Times!
This edition includes messages from the trio, updates from the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) and the Convention in Anaheim, the Moment of Truth focused on new member orientation, “meet a member” where we feature members from across the District, District Incentives & Rewards, 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 November edition, please contact me directly.
Kristine Vey, DTM editor
pr@tmdistrict66.org
2024-2025 District Leadership
A Word from Jim – The Toastmasters Convention
I just flew in from Anaheim and boy are my arms tired. Yes, this is a very bad Dad joke. Still, the Trio participated in District Leader Training on August 12-13, 2024, and an even more of your fellow District 66 Toastmasters participated at the Centennial Convention from August 14th – 17th. It was action-packed the entire time. Here are a few highlights that I would like to share.
The District Leader Training sessions got us out of our comfort zone. One exercise of note was called the Roadway Riddle. It showed the benefits of working with different personality styles to develop a quality solution.
The convention itself was spectacular, with over 1,500 Toastmasters attending from around the world. The agenda was full of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and speeches. During the Hall of Fame Awards Program, District 66 received two awards: The District Strength Award and the District Program Quality Award. Immediate Past Direct Director Tishaun Harris-Ugworji accepted the District Strength Award, and I received the District Award for Program Quality on behalf of District 66. The highlight of the convention was the International Speech Contest. Luisa Montalvo from District 55 (Region 3) won and is the 2024 World Champion of Public Speaking. You can see her winning speech here.
The Board of Directors decided that next year’s International Speech Contest will be in-person at the Area level and above. There will be a separate online speech contest that will end at the District level. Another rule change is that Regional Quarterfinals will now be known as Quarterfinals. District speech contest winners will be randomly assigned to quarter-final judges based on video submissions.
There were several updates at the Board Briefing. To see the briefing, please go to https://www.toastmasters.org/about/board-of-directors/board-briefing. I want to focus on one specific update that could impact the future of District 66. The Board decided to begin a District Realignment Program for Regions 1-7 (North America). Please see the Board briefing link between 1:14:30 and 1:21:45 for remarks from International President Radhi Spear and Past International Director Matt Kinsey on this topic. There are 58 Districts with fewer than 100 clubs, and the Board has determined that the optimum size for a district is a minimum of 100 clubs. The Board wants to either grow these districts to have 100 clubs or realign the districts so that those remaining will have 100 clubs. District 66 is not a part of the District Realignment Program Pilot Project for 2024-2025. Since we currently have fewer than 100 clubs, this initiative could impact District 66 in the future. I will share additional information as it is available.
To summarize, District Leader Training and the Toastmasters convention was an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments for the first one hundred years while preparing for more accomplishments in the new Toastmasters century.
With Warm Regards,
Jim Kennedy
2024-2025 District Director, District 66
Toastmasters International, Inc.
Download: Membership Development Plan
Program Quality Director, Doretha Pair
Congratulations to the 410 officers who completed Club Officer Training during the Summer Leadership Institute and makeup classes. Thank you to the wonderful trainers who helped to make it happen.
As we enter into the next phase, we will be looking for more people to help out in the education arena. We need trainers, facilitators, and people willing to help at the District Conference which will be in April.
Remember your why and reach your goals this year. I challenge all members to strive for a Triple Crown this year. To get a Triple Crown, you must complete three levels by June 30th. We can do it! I would like to see most of the clubs at least Distinguished this year.
Club Growth Director, Marilynn Vaughan
We are proud to introduce the Echoes of Excellence initiative, a new endeavor designed to honor the excellence and value that former members have brought to our clubs. This initiative aims to highlight the significant contributions of past members and encourage them to return, reminding them that there is always more to achieve within the supportive environment of Toastmasters.
The Heart of Echoes of Excellence
The Echoes of Excellence initiative focuses on rekindling the passion for personal and professional development that former members experienced during their time with us. By recognizing their past contributions, we hope to inspire them to re-engage with our clubs and continue their journey of growth and achievement.
Engage the Entire Club for Success
To ensure the success of the Echoes of Excellence initiative, we invite every club member to participate in this collective effort. Here are some steps we can take together:
1. Compile a Comprehensive List: As a team, compile a list of members, guests, and prospects from at least the past five years. This list will be the foundation of our outreach efforts, ensuring we reconnect with as many former members as possible.
2. Personalized Outreach: Divide the list among current members and reach out personally to each individual. Personal connections make a significant impact, so share memories of their contributions, acknowledge their past achievements, and emphasize the new opportunities awaiting them in Toastmasters.
3. Celebrate Success Stories: Share stories of former members who have returned and achieved new milestones. These testimonials can serve as powerful motivators for others to come back and continue their Toastmasters journey.
4. Utilize Social Media: Leverage your club’s social media platforms to promote the Echoes of Excellence initiative. Post testimonials from former members, share photos from past events, and create engaging content that showcases the benefits of rejoining Toastmasters.
5. Host a Special Event: Organize a special event, such as a reunion meeting or a guest night, where former members can reconnect with the club. Use this opportunity to highlight the club’s current achievements and future goals, creating an inviting atmosphere for them to rejoin.
The Impact of Echoes of Excellence
The Echoes of Excellence initiative is more than just a membership drive; it’s about honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to our clubs’ successes and inviting them to be part of their future. By reconnecting with former members, we not only celebrate their past contributions but also enrich our clubs with their experience and renewed enthusiasm.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your club to grow and thrive. Let’s honor the legacy of Ralph Smedley by striving for excellence and welcoming former and new members into our Toastmasters family.
Ready, Set, Grow!
For more information on the Echoes of Excellence initiative and tips for membership building, please visit the Toastmasters International website.
https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Membership%20Growth
Marilynn Vaughan, DSL, MBA, DL5
Club Growth Director, 2024-2025
Our dues are due every 6 months and expire this month! Pay your very affordable dues with some gratitude to Ralph Smedley (Founder of Toastmasters).
Have you ever wondered why our dues to join and belong to Toastmasters are so affordable? The following is a quote from Ralph Smedley from page 40 in the new book “Confident Voices, The Story of Toastmasters”.
“There have been occasions when someone recognized the money-making possibilities in our work and started talking about capitalizing on it, but an explanation of the facts was enough to stop him. I have been pronounced various kinds of fool for not making a fortune out of it, but my reply has been that I would rather be rich in friendship than in money. It is a privilege to make a contribution to the welfare of my fellow men, and I have never regretted the assignment which I made that day in 1932, which transferred all the controls to the (non-profit) corporation.”
Meet Radhi Spear, DTM, International President
Radhi Spear, DTM, is the 2024-2025 Toastmasters International President. She is also a world traveler and exercise enthusiast, has served in numerous Toastmasters leadership roles, raised two daughters, and is a software engineer at AT&T. But before all these life experiences, she says she was a very shy, quiet child.
The youngest of five sisters, Spear was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, but spent her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria. In elementary school, she would whisper her responses and tremble when told to speak up. But, as she put it, she survived.
Her family moved back to India when Spear reached high school, and while she looked like the other students, she had a Nigerian accent. “The minute I opened my mouth … they all started laughing,” she says. “I tried to get an Indian accent overnight. I wanted to blend in. I wanted to be like them.”
This desire to blend in continued for years. Spear moved to the United States to pursue her master’s degree in electrical engineering and was the only woman in her classes. She’d try to sit in the back, but eventually the professor would notice her and ask her to answer a question or solve a problem.
“I did not have Toastmasters to give me the confidence. I survived. I managed. I graduated.”
Story continues here: https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2024/sep/meet-radhi-spear
Join us on Oct 26 in Williamsburg and meet Radhi Spear in Person!
Register here: https://forms.gle/pnXPduz45dxskAHb7
Summer Leadership Institute
The day started off as overcast and rainy but was soon brightened by the “Be Our Guest” sign at the entrance. The Education team, sporting chef’s hats and jackets, looked ready to serve us something special. Even the District leaders and training facilitators had on their chef’s hats – talk about setting the tone! And the agenda? It was a menu of options for us to select! That’s how District 66 kicked off this Toastmasters year at the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) on July 13. The pop-up “kitchen” was hosted by Dominion Energy in Richmond, and let me tell you, the energy was electric!
Over 159 club leaders and fellow Toastmasters were there, hanging on every word from our new Region Advisor, Tanya Hall. Tanya shared her Toastmasters story, and it was inspiring to hear how she found success. Then, we broke out into groups, and club leaders got to chat with folks in similar roles. The facilitators were top-notch, and everyone had a chance to learn about their officer role and share ideas with others in their role.
After a delicious lunch, Charles Gates had everyone on the edge of their seats as he talked about what makes a quality club. Then, it was time for dessert as we celebrated Toastmasters’ 100th Anniversary with a delicious cake, a fitting end to a day filled with learning and camaraderie!
I would be remiss if I did not shout out to our Program Quality Director, Doretha Pair, and the Education Chairs, Frederica Ricks and Drusilla Pair, for all their hard work organizing SLI this year. I know their efforts took time and energy to organize, manage, and execute. Thank you so much for your dedication to Toastmasters and District 66!
When it was over, I walked out the door into the bright sunshine and thought to myself that this Toastmasters year was going to be great!
-Cassandra Sabo (with Jim Kennedy)
The Winter Leadership Institute will be held Saturday Dec 7th at the 3 Divisions from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Incentives and Rewards
— Jim Kennedy
At the 2024 District Conference in May, I said that I had 4 goals for this Toastmasters year:
1. Serve and support our members,
2. Create a quality personal and professional development environment
3. Have fun while undertaking the Toastmasters experience, and
4. Achieve Smedley Distinguished District status
I further clarified these goals in July at the Summer Leadership Institute by saying that I wanted District 66 to be the number one Toastmasters District worldwide for the 2024-2025 Toastmasters year. I envisioned this goal because it would mean that we would be the best when it came to serving and supporting our members.
I also believe in transparency as we pursue and achieve these goals. With that being said, I wanted to share the awards, incentives and rewards that are available for our individual members, clubs, areas and divisions for the 2024-2025 Toastmasters Year. I also want to share the criteria that we will use in selecting the top awards of Toastmaster of the Year, Division and District Club of the Year, Area Director of the Year, and Division Director of the year. These criteria were developed to inspire our members to bring out the best in themselves and their fellow District 66 members.
Link to the awards, incentives, and rewards available for 2024-2025
https://tmdistrict66.org/education/incentives/
Report from Anaheim, CA (International Convention in August)
Our household has intertwined Toastmasters into much of what we do including vacations paired with the Toastmasters Convention. This year we were lucky to go to Anaheim and experience the Convention, the International Speech Contest and the Accredited Speaker final presentations. There were multiple examples of what good public speaking looks like. We also experienced what the Los Angeles area has to offer by taking a tour in Hollywood, visiting the Getty Museum, browsing an Art Show in Laguna Beach, and enjoying some good Basque food in Chino, a town east of L.A. My sister and brother-in-law drove down from the San Francisco area to join us a few days before the convention to visit and help us play tourists with them. The Los Angeles area had beautiful weather and a lot to offer, including an earthquake, aside from the Toastmasters Convention. Philadelphia is another city to experience and is the site of the 2025 Toastmasters Convention. This is motivating for me as I can drive to this convention and use my own car for anything extra beyond the convention’s menu. An added plus is saving the air travel expense. I hope I’ll see you in Philadelphia, Fellow Toastmaster.
This convention celebrated the Toastmasters centennial year. We attended the “History of Toastmasters” rooms which featured a film about the evolution of Toastmasters as well as a museum-like setting with fascinating portrayals of Ralph Smedley and early Toastmasters Clubs, the magazine, and other interesting displays. Some find the business meeting worth witnessing, there is the formal dinner dance, and a Golden Gavel speech. We enjoyed meeting new Toastmaster friends and found some of our friends from District 66 at the convention. It’s nice to build memories of good times as we did in California with our Fellow Toastmasters.
— Mike Etchemendy
Click here to read more about the 2024 Convention: https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2024-international-convention/worldchampionshipofpublicspeaking
The 2025 International Convention will be held Aug. 20-23 in Philadelphia, PA
Attention Clubs! You can start planning your contests NOW. Club contests are to be completed no later than Feb. 28.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia
Moment of Truth: Membership Orientation
Do new members understand Pathways and how Toastmasters recognition programs work?
Did you know we welcomed more than 80 new members in District 66 since July 1? Between Pathways and Club management, it can be a little overwhelming for them.
We want all members to get the best value possible from their membership. To help club leadership, the Toastmasters Membership Orientation Moment of Truth provides the following as standards for orienting new members.
Formal induction
Assignment of mentor
Education programs (Pathways) and recognition system discussed
Learning needs assessed
Discussed accommodations for members with disabilities
Speaking role(s) assigned
Member involved in all aspects of club activities.
Clubs manage this in different ways.
Sabrina, the VPE at Blue Ridge has graciously provided this sample checklist (edit for your own club)
https://tmdistrict66.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BRTM-New-Member-Checklist-Form.pdf
When choosing current members to mentor new members, consider the following:
Availability – they should plan to meet with their proteges at least 2 hours per month for the first 6 months.
Expertise – They should have completed at least Level 2 in Pathways and served in most of the meeting roles
Listening – Mentors should be active listeners who can help their protege articulate problems and sort things out.
Guidance – They should provide guidance and advice, but not directives. They should help their protege set and monitor goals and be willing to go out of their way to help them achieve their goals.
Feedback – Mentors should provide constructive feedback and be open to receiving feedback from their protege.
Respect – They should be nonjudgmental and maintain appropriate confidentiality of conversations. They should be concerned about their protege and truly want to help the.
Learning – Mentors should learn from their protege and advocate for them. They should keep the experience fun and friendly and watch their protege’s body language for any negative issues they might be experiencing.
Link to the Moments of Truth Program: https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Moments%20of%20Truth
Link to the Orientation program from Toastmasters: Membership Orientation
Word of the Day:
Habituate: (v) make psychologically or physically used; to make used to something : ACCUSTOM
example sentence: “If you form enough good habits in public speaking, you can habituate your stage fright.” — Anwesha Banerjee, DTM, PhD., neuroscientist
Meet a Member
Meet a Member – where we introduce you to other Toastmasters throughout the District.
They were all asked: 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
Jennifer Williams, Vinegar Hill Toastmasters Club
Member for 9 years
VHTM is a groovy club with a lovely combination of laid back and serious.
I design digital curriculum, raise honeybees, manage a small farm, read, and I seem to be a perpetual caregiver.
I joined Toastmasters at the recommendation of my boss after a disastrous presentation. I gained the skills I needed to do my job (Thank you, Competent Communicator Manual!). I stay in Toastmasters because I like to hone my public speaking skills, because it’s a way to incorporate storytelling into my life, because I love watching and helping new Toastmasters make progress, and because it’s good for me to continue pushing myself to improve and think about things from different perspectives.
Joining a toastmasters club can be life-changing, if you let it. To new members, I would say attend meetings, give speeches, and listen closely to the evaluations, not just your own, but all of them! And be open to changing, improving, and making progress.
Division B
Chastity Bailey, Dominion Energy Toastmasters Club
Member for 2.5 years
We are a unique club because we are an open club, but our meetings occur at a modern corporate building in downtown Richmond, Virginia. Although a majority of our members are Dominion Energy personnel, we encourage anyone from the community to participate either virtually or in-person. We are very open and encouraging. Overall, our club provides a safe place to grow as a speaker and as a professional.
I am a licensed attorney for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I maintain a full time career with Dominion Energy. Travel equals freedom for me. I frequently visit Wales to see the historic buildings and the beautiful shoreline. I have plans to see Puerto Rico next year, and I am very excited to see the ballet in New York City in October. Other than that, I love creative writing, Disney movies, and spending time with my “foxy pup,” Charlie. I am fascinated by the Edwardian period, and any part of historical fashion and culture.
I was advised to join Toastmasters after I was told to speak up more in team meetings at work. I have Cerebral Palsy, a very obvious physical disability that impacts my walking and balancing ability, so I have always been a bit of an introvert. I incorrectly assumed that I couldn’t speak out, or my voice wasn’t going to be heard. I never could have imagined the progress that I would have within Toastmasters, not just in my speaking ability, but also in my self-confidence. Since joining Toastmasters, I am continuously invited to lead speaking engagements to promote inclusion at Dominion Energy, but even more amazingly, I am able to start conversations and network easily with others. I am now confident in a crowded room and I am also developing leadership skills. I credit these newfound abilities to my involvement with Toastmasters. It is a true blessing!
Completing your first speech can be intimidating, but it is also very rewarding. The best advice I can give is just to get up and start speaking. You are often your own worst critic, and Toastmasters are always supportive of any good attempt. The positive impact of Toastmasters goes far beyond speaking ability; it can truly transform both your professional and personal life. Attend Toastmasters meetings, network, and keep growing as a person. Don’t forget to see what is going on at the District level. As a new member, you can attend many district and international meetings, and I encourage you to participate in as many opportunities as you can.
Division D
Dylan Caverly, Speak Easy Club
Member for 1 year
My club fosters an incredibly welcoming and encouraging environment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to develop my communication and leadership skills in the presence of such a supportive and creative group of people.
Outside of TM, I am a laboratory specialist, amateur gardener, novice artist, and proud pet parent.
TM has helped me grow in countless ways, both personally and professionally. I have become a better listener, I actively seek out public speaking and leadership roles at work and within my community, and I feel much more confident when tackling nausea-inducing events such as job interviews.
My advice to new members is to just go for it. Public speaking, even for seasoned TM members, can be daunting if not downright scary, but you’ve already done the hard part (joining.) Now it’s time to dive right in and start talking! If your club is anything like mine, you can count on your fellow TM members to be there to guide you and support you along the way.
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/j/84386963037?pwd=QEAnxvhUn2Mb9FSUpMA1AmN2bALUDx.1
REMEMBER: Pathways will not be available between Oc.t 9 through Oct. 25.
SAVE the DATES
Watch the D66 website calendar for details.
Sept. 24 (Tues) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Club Success Plan Training
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUldO-qrTMiGdaX5Whhq1046rCwYq_7139s
Sept. 24 (Tues) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Journey into Pathways
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84386963037?pwd=QEAnxvhUn2Mb9FSUpMA1AmN2bALUDx.1
Sept. 30 (Mon) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free Toast Host / Easy Speak Training
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89531200495?pwd=RNQ9IGSRzGmQiAfq04bJGQllFF8QMt.1
Oct 2 (Wed) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
DTM2B Cohort session 3 (Club Mentor, Sponsor, Coach)
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcumgrzovGtTwGMpsHwabnp6C59ZmgnaE
Oct 9 – 25 PATHWAYS UPGRADE – the System is Unavailable
Oct. 22 (Tues) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Journey into Pathways
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84386963037?pwd=QEAnxvhUn2Mb9FSUpMA1AmN2bALUDx.1
Oct 26th (Sat) 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In Person Awards Gala and Anniversary Celebration – Williamsburg.
Register here: https://forms.gle/zfYbBwqreM16jEDt7
Nov. 6 (Wed) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
DTM2B Cohort session 4 (Speechcraft & Youth Leadership)
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcumgrzovGtTwGMpsHwabnp6C59ZmgnaE
Nov 26 (Tues) 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Journey into Pathways
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84386963037?pwd=QEAnxvhUn2Mb9FSUpMA1AmN2bALUDx.1
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
April 25, 26, 2025 In Person District 66 Conference
Embassy Suites in Hampton
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