District ONE

International Director Message

Come here periodically to see messages posted from our Region II International Directors, Ann Hastings, DTM, and Lauren Kelly, DTM.

Greetings from Toastmasters International:

"Toastmasters-Opportunities for Growth." 

Many of you know that members have been heard saying, “Toastmasters has changed my life!”  Some members have even said, ”Toastmasters has saved my life!”  Then I’ve been heard saying, “When I joined Toastmasters, I got a life!”  And, as our International President, Johnny Uy, says, “Toastmasters is simply amazing!”

And so it is that many of us have found a simply amazing second home in our Toastmasters experience, a second family and a second life.  A new family expanded for me with the relationships I have shared with your District Governor, Rodger Cota in mentoring new clubs.  Michael Jue, our new Lt. Governor of Education and Training, has been in my life everywhere.  How does he cover so much territory?  Sandy Dunning steps up to Lt. Governor of Marketing after expanding her skills for many years as a Toastmaster.  And my joy increased by sharing such happy times with our Immediate Past President, Mary G. Russell.  Maria-Isabel Soto has saved my Toastmasters life many times and Donna Oja has shown me the gracious side of my Toastmasters experience. 

These leaders and all the Division and Area Governors present and past have flourished as have I simply by employing the Toastmasters processes to unexpected successes.  Multiply our District’s leaders experiences times seven more districts in Region II and we find that we have indeed brought the joys of success to thousands of members.

I will soon be ending my two year term as an International Director for Region II.  I leave you in the good hands and exemplary abilities of your new 2nd year ID, Lauren Kelly, to whom I owe more than I’ll ever be able to repay.  . 

Together, Lauren and I have had the honor of serving our Region II members, an honor that only became a possibility by accepting and seeking opportunities for growth in speaking and leading.  Latch on to those opportunities at every chance.  The rewards will last you a lifetime. 

In the end our new International President, Chris Ford, has summed up so beautifully what the effects of all our Toastmasters experiences have become with his theme, “Toastmasters:  Shaping Ourselves…Shaping Our World.”   Chris’ theme is indeed exactly what we are all doing, and doing it so very well.

With the beginning of our new term as of July 1st – let’s all continue to put forward our efforts to follow Rodger’s lead and theme by growing through volunteering when opportunities appear. 

Ann Hastings, DTM
International Director - Region II - 2005-2007

* * *

Greetings District ONE Toastmasters;

"Toastmasters-Opportunities for Growth." 

‘Opportunities’ is the operative word for Toastmasters in District ONE because opportunities abound.  Do you remember your first Toastmasters meeting?  You had the opportunity to meet new people.  You perhaps had the opportunity to speak.  More importantly, you were given the opportunity to join this life changing organization.

Speaking opportunities are all around you in Toastmasters.  You decide how quickly you want to grow.  The more you practice speaking the faster your skills will improve.  Take a minute and list the speaking roles you can have in a meeting.  These opportunities include manual speeches, Table Topics, evaluations, Toastmaster and even timer.   There are so many more.  Volunteer to fill those roles and volunteer often. 

Leadership opportunities in Toastmasters are there for the taking. Leadership roles are included in every meeting.  Clubs will start new members in the smaller roles.  As you gain confidence, you perform the more complex roles.  Before you know it someone is offering you a leadership role beyond the club.   You may not see the potential in yourself that others see in you.      

Toastmasters provides the OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH.   Set your plan in motion to take advantage of the opportunities for your personal growth.

Lauren Kelly, DTM
International Director - Region II

* * *