District 42 Toastmasters

Monthly Dispatch

May 2024

Greetings, Toastmasters of District 42!

Welcome to the exciting month of May 2024! We are thrilled about the upcoming District finals at the D42 Hybrid Conference in Regina from May 3rd to May 5th. We extend a warm welcome to all participants, speakers, and guests.



As we prepare for this significant event, we'd like to invite you to think about becoming a District 42 Leader. You can use this chance to enhance your Toastmasters journey and contribute to our vibrant community's growth and success.



Looking back at April, Toastmasters Month, we take pride in the fantastic celebrations throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. From lively club meetings to informative workshops, members joined together to celebrate Toastmasters' spirit and refine their communication and leadership abilities.

We are eager to hear from you! Share your highlights, insights, and experiences from April as we continue to motivate and assist each other on this rewarding journey of personal and professional growth.

Cheers to a month filled with growth, unity, and unforgettable memories! We look forward to seeing you at the District finals in Regina!

Please send your feedback to Vesna Ivkovic - D42 Dispatch Designer.

Warm regards,

The District 42 Toastmasters Dispatch Team 🌟

Upcoming Events

See what's happening in May 2024.

DISTRICT DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

DISTRICT EVENTS

Helping Clubs Succeed

Michelle Ryerson, DTM

D42 Administration Manager 2023-2024 

Wow! Where does the time go???  It is hard to believe that we are beginning to wrap up our 2023-24 Toastmasters season together. Below is the 30-60-90 plan to help clubs stay informed on what needs to be accomplished in the next few months. However, I do encourage you to continue to keep an eye on the District Calendar for any changes or updates.

Your 30-60-90 days Plan snapshot

May 2024:

• May 1 - Beat the Clock Program Begins – TI incentive
• May 3 – 5, 2024 - District 42 Conference 2024 - Information available on the District website
• May 4, 2024 - District Council Meeting - 
• May 31 -Area Directors – Club Visit reports due

June 2024:

• June 30 - Beat the Clock Program Ends – TI incentive
• Plan and submit Summer meeting dates
• District Leadership training for incoming Division and Area Directors
• Club Officer Training for the incoming Club Officers

The District calendar is available for you to continue to be updated with District events. If your club is celebrating an upcoming special event (ie: Open house, anniversary) you would like to post on the District calendar, simply fill out the "Submit New Event Form".

D42 HYBRID CONFERENCE 2024

The District 42 Conference will showcase the International Speech and Evaluation contests, always a standout event. Show your support for fellow Toastmasters as they aim to enhance their public speaking skills. View the agenda to know when to cheer for your favorites.

Ready to elevate your leadership skills to new levels? Joining the District leadership team goes beyond just a role; it's about pushing yourself, advancing professionally, and creating a significant impact on our community. Explore the list of candidates HERE

REPORTS

Club Growth Director’s Report

Debbie Stearns, BBA, DTM

District 42 Club Growth Director 2023-24

From February 1 to March 31, Toastmasters clubs around the world embarked on a journey to bolster their memberships through the Talk Up Toastmasters incentive. As the deadline passed, it's time to celebrate the achievements of clubs that went above and beyond in attracting new members.

Three standout clubs have truly excelled by adding five or more members to their roster during this period. Confirmed by Toastmasters International, these clubs have secured their place as champions of the Talk Up Toastmasters initiative in District 42: Fluor Communicators (D08), Fifth Avenue Place Toastmasters (C03), and Safeway Stampeding Speakers (E06). It's a momentous achievement and a testament to their dedication to growth and development within their communities. Congratulations to these outstanding clubs!

Adding members to a Toastmasters club not only enhances its vibrancy but also expands opportunities for personal and professional development. Each new member brings unique perspectives, experiences, and skills, enriching the club environment and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. The commitment shown by these clubs to attract new members is commendable and sets a high standard for others to follow.

For clubs that have added two to four members during the Talk Up Toastmasters period, there's still cause for excitement. Keep an eye out for an email from me, your Club Growth Director, regarding your incentive. Every effort to grow membership contributes to the overall strength and vitality of the Toastmasters community.

As one incentive period comes to a close, another opportunity for growth emerges. The Beat the Clock incentive, running from May 1 to June 30, challenges clubs to once again rise to the occasion. The goal is simple yet impactful: add five new, dual, or reinstated members to your club during this period to earn an incentive. It's a chance to build on the momentum gained during Talk Up Toastmasters and continue the journey of expansion and enrichment.

To all Toastmasters clubs, whether you've achieved the Talk Up Toastmasters milestone or are still on the path to reaching your goals, congratulations on your dedication and commitment to growth. Your efforts not only benefit your club but also contribute to the larger Toastmasters community, empowering individuals to become confident communicators and leaders.

As we look ahead to the Beat the Clock incentive, let's renew our focus, energize our efforts, and continue to inspire others to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create a brighter future through the power of communication and leadership. Congratulations again to all participating clubs, and here's to continued success in the months ahead!

YLP – It’s alive!

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

D42 YLP Chair

This year we have been working to get D42 YLP alive again! Starting with facilitator training this fall, there have been five completed programs including Ecssen Career School, Regina Open Door Society, Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club, Southern Alberta Rotaract members (teen Rotary members), and a Calgary-based Homeschool group. One program has just started at Classical Academy in Calgary.

Programs are being facilitated and planned by members like you. I can facilitate and put interested participants, facilitators and organizations in touch with each other but if you are contacted directly, you have the opportunity! I have resources to share but it is you and your club members who have this opportunity in your lap!

Being the Coordinator earns credit towards the DTM; there can be one credit per session.

What do you need? An organization or school is great, as they have connections to potential participants, and possibly a venue. We have had success both in-person and online. From there, a day and time will need to be agreed on, and some helpers are a huge support! A team from your club helps as everyone learns the program and can support each other in that coordinator role. With continued programs, you can all succeed in achieving that DTM!

Are you interested in running a program, or have you run a program on your own? Please get in touch! (Mary Schoendorfer: mrdschoendorfer@gmail.com)

Look at these smiling teens! They need the confidence, experience and learning you can bring.

BLOG

AROUND THE DISTRICT

2024 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant 

Kelly Kaur

Author, Writer

I am honoured to be shortlisted across Canada for the second time for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award 2024. 

Please vote for me to get me to the Top 25. Delighted to represent Canada and Singapore.

It only takes 20 seconds ....Please click on the link below. Scroll down to the 9th row on your laptop or photo 34 on your phone screen. I am Kelly Kaur. Click below my photo. Scroll to the end, and type your email in the grey box. Click on the red "Vote Now". 

Thank you for your support.

https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/vote

Toasting 45 Years of Success

Fluor Communicators Toastmasters

Save the Date: May 28, 2024 11:45 am

Join us as we celebrate 45 years of excellence at Fluor Communicators Toastmasters!

Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable event filled with inspiring speeches, networking opportunities, and a chance to toast our incredible journey.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements as we get closer to the big day! Don't miss out on this milestone celebration.

Weekend Wordmasters 10th Anniversary Celebration

Weekend Wordmasters

Save the Date: June 1st, 2024 at 10:00 am

Come celebrate with us as the club marks a decade of exciting, challenging, and fulfilling moments! All Weekend Wordmasters, former Weekend Warriors and friends are welcome to join in the festivities!

DID YOU KNOW

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

New Club Sponsor? Mentor? What’s the Difference?

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

D42 YLP Chair

While both of these roles provide vital support for a new club and both are used towards the DTM award, they are quite different. The Sponsors help the new club get started meeting, then get the required elements completed for Toastmasters International and chartering; the new club Mentors provide the meeting support and key education that will translate into a successful club today and into the future. Both are vital to the new club! There are 2 Sponsors and 2 Mentors assigned to a new club, 4 Supporters in total. 

Here are two D42 members who have sponsored a new Calgary-based club: Schneider Calgary Toastmasters.

Laura: 

I remember talking to Vesna Ivkovic at an event, and she mentioned that there was the possibility of sponsoring a club at Schneider Calgary Toastmasters and that she needed a cosponsor. I'm not sure why, other than the opportunity to work with Vesna, but I said "Oh I'd love to do that". 

It was several weeks later that she contacted me to say it was a go. What an amazing experience!! We all have the opportunity of watching a new member grow and expand their horizons at our clubs when new people join, but to watch a room full of ALL new members step forward, take on roles, master their nerves and flourish! That's a whole new level of satisfaction! I would so highly recommend this challenge to anyone who is considering it! Put your hand up and volunteer! It's such a worthwhile effort!

Vesna:

Acting as both a mentor and sponsor to the Schneider Calgary Toastmasters Club has been an incredible journey. One key lesson I've learned is that having a dedicated member who is passionate about the club's success can make all the difference. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of their president, Patrick Lam, the chartering process was seamless and hassle-free. However, for the club to truly thrive, it requires all members to share the same level of enthusiasm and drive as Patrick and a select few others. Just say YES and embark on a journey of starting something new and enjoy the ride.

PR GUIDELINES & PUBLICATION RULES

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY