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Welcome to another great year of Toastmasters!

Wow. We just finished the 2016-2017 Toastmasters year with a bang! With a lot of hard work by a group of dedicated members, District 35 achieved Distinguished status once again. While it feels good to celebrate our shared success, the time has come to think about … what’s next.

The Toastmasters year runs from July 1 through June 30. We elect new officers to lead our clubs and the District. I am honored to serve as your District Director for the upcoming year. The District Executive Committee (DEC) has met twice already. While I’ve asked many things of these leaders, I’ve begun each meeting with the same theme: Focus on the member. I hope you will notice the attention your district leaders are making toward focusing on your needs.

A new year in Toastmasters, like a new year on the calendar, is a time to reflect. What do you want out of Toastmasters this year? Compete or participate in a contest? Achieve an educational award? Take on additional leadership within your club? Write down your goal and share it with others who can help you and hold you accountable.

Toastmasters International exists to serve the needs of our members: Those who are brand new and those who have been members for decades, those who wish to compete, and those who wish to organize and lead. I hope you will find the District responsive to your needs.

Keith Cumiskey, DTM ✉
District Director[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Citius, Altius, Fortius

One of the themes of the Olympics is “Citius, Altius, Fortius” which translates into “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” Translating this to Toastmasters and our goals, it would be “More Clubs, More Member Payments, More Distinguished Clubs.” It is the last item that I am responsible for during the 2017-2018 Toastmasters year.

My goal is to see an increased number of Distinguished Clubs in our District for the 2017-2018 year.

While we passed the Distinguished District goal of 50 Distinguished Clubs with 54 Distinguished Clubs (all levels) in 2016-2017, this only ranked us 71st out of all Districts worldwide (we ranked in the top third of paid clubs and member payments worldwide.) I have set a goal of 60 Distinguished Clubs in the 2017-2018 year which should put us somewhere around the mid-point of all Districts and show some gradual progress in this metric. Several of our District leaders and I are working on how to assist in this goal in the upcoming year by preparing part of our District Success Plan with respect to Distinguished Clubs.

We have also established a good track record of quality training with our TLIs and conferences/conventions. I hope to continue that tradition with our events this year. We have started the process of planning a great Fall Conference with the 2016 runner-up in the World Championship of Public Speaking, Aaron Beverly, as our keynote speaker. I am working to secure some slightly different speakers than we’ve had previously for our winter District TLI and Spring Convention to keep things fresh and exciting — which is one of the reasons I think we all stay in Toastmasters.

I look forward to working with many of you this year and please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions/concerns.

Ed Thelen, DTM ✉
Program Quality Director[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A new year of new opportunities!

Welcome District 35 Toastmasters!

This Toastmasters year provides so many opportunities for us to grow in our Leadership and Communication skills. All areas of Toastmasters–from your Club to your Area, Division, and District–hold opportunities for growth and I encourage you all to take part in activities outside of your club, such as:

• Speech contests
• District conferences
• Club coaching
• Becoming a Club Mentor
• Building a new club
• Visiting an existing club to learn their best practices

A special focus this year is on growing new clubs to bring Toastmasters to those who are not yet members, as well as enhancing the club experience for our existing members. Please share your best practices with me, I am always here to help! Contact me at Rozaline.janci@gmail.com.

It is an honor to serve as your new Club Growth Director. My vision for our Club Growth team is to collaborate and function as one, creating, leading, developing and inspiring members and guests throughout our district. We will lead by following the core values of Toastmasters International: Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence. As ambassadors in the community we will inspire others with our sincere passion for the Toastmasters program.

As the 2017-2018 Toastmasters year gets under way, I want to thank you for your support and encouragement as I undertake this new role. By working together, we will make District 35 the best that it can be!

Rozaline Janci, DTM ✉
Club Growth Director[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

An amazing year — Thank you District 35!

The 2016-2017 Toastmaster year ended on 6/30/17 – and it finished with District 35 being named a Distinguished Toastmaster District!

Let me set that in context –

• There are 102 Districts globally in Toastmasters.
• 30 Districts reached Distinguished status globally.
• That means only 29 percent of all Districts in the world reached Distinuished!
• Only 16 percent of the Districts in North American were Distinguished! What an elite group of motivated Toastmsters in District 35!

District 35 Toastmasters had an amazing year. Members grew as individuals, clubs invited and gained new members, new Toastmasters clubs were formed, and members attained educational awards. We practiced the Toastmasters values of Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence in all we achieved.

It has been an honor serving as your District Director for our Distinguished Toastmaster year. I thank you for each opportunity I enjoyed. Serving with Keith Cumiskey, Program Quality Director and Ed Thelen, Club Growth Director, as well as the 2016-2017 District Executive Committee. Meeting District 35 club members from across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, enjoying club meetings and having FUN!

District 35 is the best District in the world. Let’s continue the great energy and strive be a Distinguished District this Toastmaster year!

Cindy Laatsch, DTM
Immediate Past District Director 2016-2017[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

CNH Industrial Toast Team Charter Party

On Wednesday, June 21st, 2017, CNH Industrial Toast Team’s charter was celebrated! It was a real pleasure welcoming another brand new Toastmasters Club to District 35!

That’s the purpose of a Charter Party. The CNH Industrial Toast Team Toastmasters Club at Case New Holland, in Racine, chartered in January 2017.

The Charter Party is planned a few months after the new club is up and running. That is the last responsibility of the New Club Sponsor.

In attendance, was District 35 Director, Cindy Laatsch, DTM, Quality Program Director, Keith Cumiskey, DTM, Club Growth Director, Ed Thelen, DTM, Incoming Club Growth Director, Rozaline Janci, DTM, Division F Director, John Scott, ACS, ALB, Incoming Division F Director, Robert Wall, DTM, Area F2 Director, Christopher Parker, CC, ALB, Incoming Area F2 Director, Barbara Cate, CC, Club Sponsors, Laurie Baker, DTM, John Scott, ACS, ALB and Club Mentors Ryan Turner, ACB and Monica Block, CC.

Members of the CNH Industrial Toast Team planned and conducted an awesome Toastmasters meeting that included two member speeches. The first was from VP Public Relations Jean Rossett, entitled, “Where Are My Keys?” Then, club member Kelly Martyn delivered a speech called, “A Time For Every Season.”

I would also like to thank CNH Industrial HR Representatives Adam Ruesch and Lori Castor for attending the event and supporting the club from day one.

District 35 Director, Cindy Laatsch delivered a speech, welcoming the new club and explaining how the District hopes to be Distinguished. She then presented Club President Julie Boehme with the club charter. Then, Cindy and Laurie Baker welcomed each charter member up to the front of the room to receive their special certificate from Toastmasters International.

After the meeting, the members and guests enjoyed cake and beverages. I want to congratulate Club President Julie Boehme who took the lead in planning the Charter Party and provided guidance to her team.

Congratulations to all of the members of the CNH Industrial Toast Team Toastmasters Club!

Laurie Baker, DTM[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Prepare your members to vote! Proxy vote how-to’s!

Voting is an important part of being a Toastmaster member because it allows every individual and each club to be heard on matters that affect the future of Toastmasters International. This information will show you how to lead your club through the voting process so you’re prepared to participate in important elections, including the upcoming Annual Business Meeting, which will be held on August 26, in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Club voting procedures

• In order for any club business or voting to be officially recognized, a quorum, or minimum number of members, is required to be present. The quorum for Toastmasters clubs is a simple majority of active club members. Likewise, the quorum for a club’s executive committee is a simple majority of committee members.
• Each active member is entitled to one vote on any matter presented before the club membership for a vote.
• Proxy voting or absentee ballots are not permitted during the club voting process.
• A simple majority vote by all present and active members is all that is required to pass a proposed item, unless a greater vote is called for by the club constitution for a particular matter.

Voting at the Annual Business Meeting

Clubs in good standing can cast two (2) votes at the Annual Business Meeting for international officer and director elections as well as proposals to amend the Bylaws of Toastmasters International and the Club Constitution for Clubs of Toastmasters International.

Follow these steps to prepare your club to vote:

• Encourage members to review the candidates and proposed amendments.
• Organize a discussion at an upcoming meeting about which candidates and proposals best meet the needs of Toastmasters International.
• Vote to determine how the club’s two votes will be cast at the Annual Business Meeting for each election and proposal.
• Designate the club president or secretary to assign a proxyholder and enter the club’s voting decisions online in
• Club Central.

Designating a Proxyholder

Designate a proxyholder to cast your club’s votes. Proxyholders will vote in the manner a club designates. More information on proxy voting will be emailed to club presidents, secretaries and liaisons this month.

If you have any questions on the proxy process – Let me know.

Cindy Laatsch, DTM
Immediate Past District Director – District 35

Related Resources
Successful Club Series
Quorum and Voting Information
Chairman Guide
Proxy FAQ[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Northern and Central kick off TLI season

Northern and Central Divisions jump started their year with early Toastmasters Leadership Institutes in June and July, and while some of the material was driven by the district, each Division Director approached their task with unique strengths and creativity. All Divisions offer training through the end of August; for the most accurate information on these events to share with your club officers, check the District 35 Calendar.

Leadership blooms early in Northern

Northern Division held one of their TLIs on June 10 with 24 people holding 18 club officer positions; Superiorland Toastmasters had five officers attend, with Bay De Noc represented by four. Copper Country had all seven officers attend — a great way to kick off their Third Anniversary weekend! Three of four clubs in N3 met the Distinguished Club Program criteria and have already earned credit toward the 2017-18 Toastmasters year. Cindy Laatsch and the Northern Division leadership coordinated efforts to present sessions.

Northern Division Director Deborah Ginsburg appreciated Cindy’s visit, and she also valued her team’s work. “Brian Cychosz was of tremendous help in putting together the agenda for the TLI’s and Dick was instrumental in helping us in obtaining the venue for the N1/N2 and Gail Razavi was essential in helping with the N3 areas events!”

“I think conducting the training early helps the clubs in selecting their club officers early on before the change, and helps the clubs understand their roles and how they are interrelated,” said Deborah. “We had established the dates for the training well in advance of the actual dates and as soon as we received the notification of elements necessary for including in the training from Ed, we were positioned to move full steam ahead.”

The early start can also help Northern Division maintain their Distinguished status from 2016-17: Tracking participation in training early helps the Northern team look ahead. “This helps me determine how best to proceed with preparing club officers for this new year term and helps identify specific additional needs for the clubs that are not sufficiently trained and the location to prepare the make-up TLI session,” said Deborah.

Gathering the clubs of Northern can be a challenge — from one end of the Division to the other is a couple hundred miles — but Deborah explained that’ it’s worth it. “The club officers make contacts with other club officers which produces a winning source of networking!”

Cindy enthused about members she met but also about the natural and architectural beauty she found in Northern, and she encourages all of the District to try to visit. Also, she appreciated her hosts and guides: Gail Razavi, N3 Area Director 2016-17, Elizabeth Jacobson, from Copper County Toastmasters, Tyler Mace, 2016-2017 President of Copper Country Toastmasters, and Horst Schmidt, also at Cooper Country Toastmasters. “Horst extended the invitation to attend, and Tyler and the club made it all happen.”[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Central coordinates with help from Keynoters

Central Division Club officers and leaders were given an extraordinary opportunity at the recent Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI), held at American Family Insurance Corporate Headquarters in Madison on July 5^th. Division Director Drake McGoey asked the officer team of the host club, Keynoters Club, a fourteen-consecutive-year Distinguished Corporate Club, to lead a training session on developing great club quality. Keynoters knocked it out of the park!

Five of Keynoters Club officers presented the Creating a Quality Club officer training. Engaging everyone in an energetic audience participation segment, dozens of factors affecting Club Quality were captured and discussed. Then, as a unified team, the club officers provided several gems that are the secret to their continued success:

1. Keynoters Club surveys their members annually to learn what’s working – and what needs to improve
2. Keynoters Club has a role on their agenda called the “hot” seat, which is a member who is to be prepared to fill any agenda role at a moment’s notice
3. Keynoters Club hosts an Annual Recognition Meeting as their last meeting of the year to recognize member achievements
4. Keynoters Club competes in all Toastmasters contests
5. Keynoters Club takes mentoring seriously, assigning a mentor to every new member

Keynoters Club was one of many Distinguished clubs in Central Division that helped District 35 once again achieve Distinguished status during the 2016-2017 Toastmasters year. Pictured below are the seven Keynoters Club officers for 2017-2018:

(L-R: Jagadeesh Jayavelu – Secretary, Kim Bradley-Neustadter, CC/CL – VP Membership, Jim Hughes, DTM – Master Host, Ben Coblentz – VP PR, Joe Reetz, CL – President, Fred Jandt, CL – Treasurer, Alan Pauls, CL – VP Education)

To further exemplify how Keynoters Club focuses on club quality, former club treasurer, Bernie Schroeder, has chartered a new Toastmasters club, Words On Water, in Sauk Prairie. Bernie was at this TLI with four of his new Words On Water club officers.

To help Words On Water get started, two members from Keynoters Club, Kimberly Bradley-Neustadter and Becky Schmidt, have been assigned as the new club’s official Club Coaches. These Club Coaches are tasked with helping Words On Water to meet 5 of the 10 goals required to be a Distinguished Club.

After helping Words On Water achieve that milestone, Kimberly and Becky will have satisfied one of the requirements toward receiving their individual Advanced Leader Silver (ALS) designations. In turn, achieving their ALS will count toward their home clubs’ Distinguished Club Plan. Thus, Keynoters Club’s focus on club quality pays dividends to Words On Water, Keynoters Club, and District 35 as a whole!

Please contact Words On Water if you would like to be a guest speaker or attend to fulfill leadership meeting role to assist this club get off to a good start in their first year. Please visit their web site at www.921878.toastmastersclubs.org. Keynoters is also happy to have guests. Please request an invitation from their web page at www.3390.toastmastersclubs.org/. Keynoters meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays from 7-8 AM at American Family Insurance Corporate Headquarters in Madison[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]