From the International Directors

Come here periodically to see messages posted from our Region II International Directors, Mary G. Russell, DTM, and Ken Cawley, DTM.

From Mary G. Russell:

November 2009

Hello Fellow Toastmasters:

Can you believe it's been slightly over a year since I was elected to the Board of Directors?  How time flies. I've had the privilege of visiting each of the eight districts in Region II, meeting with the leaders and members to hear their support for and concerns regarding Proposal A. “Global Representation and Support, a change that would prove to have a significant but positive impact for members around the world. 

In August 2009 at the International Convention the member's voices were heard again, as Proposal A passed. I was honored, as a Board Member and delegate, to be a part of this historic transformation, one that will allow us to better serve our members no matter where they are in the world. For more information about Proposal A, click here.

As I enter my second year, I'm excited again about visiting the districts, meeting the members and enjoying the bond that has brought us together - the desire to improve one’s confidence, communication and leadership skills.

I wish District ONE, and all who read this message a successful year. I know that if we all work together and live the Toastmasters Core Values - integrity, dedication to excellence, service to our members, but most importantly foster respect for the individual (all individuals) we can make a difference in the lives of those we serve. 

I salute you fellow Toastmasters for your "Confidence, Leadership and Service."

Warm regards,

Mary G. Russell, DTM
International Director 2008-2009

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From Ken Cawley:

December 2009

Toastmasters of District ONE,

My vision for Toastmasters is that we create a "culture of service" throughout our organization which ensures:
 
   • Each member’s personal communication and leadership goals are realized
   • Every club is focused on meeting member needs
   • Struggling clubs once again become healthy and
   • Strong new clubs are formed to share the benefits of the Toastmasters program.

Fellow Toastmasters, this vision can easily become a reality through your District Governor Sandy Dunning’s theme Toastmasters - Triumph through Teamwork if we all focus on serving one another.

It’s begins within your club. Help fellow members achieve their communication goals through mentoring and effective evaluations. As a mentor, find out how you can support a member’s leadership goals as well as their communication goals. As an officer, work with your team on a club success plan and focus your efforts on meeting the members’ needs. Use the Competent Leadership manual to enhance your own leadership skills and promote its use by all the members as a development tool.

Your help is also needed outside of your club. New clubs are in need of sponsors and mentors. Most districts also have an urgent need for club coaches to help struggling clubs. Just as mentoring is an important component of an individual member’s development, supportive mentoring and coaching is key to a new or struggling club’s success.

These are just a few of the many ways you can make a difference outside your club. Others include acting as a trainer for club officer training, participating in demos for perspective clubs, and supporting area and division events such as contests and trainings. Contact Sandy and her team to see how you can help create a culture of service within District ONE and Triumph through Teamwork.

Ken Cawley, DTM
International Director, 2009-2011

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