In This Issue:
- Messages From the District 35 Trio & IPDD
- Not Just The Same Old ‘Same Old’ (Theresa F)
- Move Away From The Usual (Yuriy K)
- Forged By Environment (Bryson B)
- Lessons From a Snowstorm (Robert W)
- Beginning July 1st, 2026
- District 212 Updates (Kris Pool)
- Celebrate
- NM Speaks! Celebrates 10 Years of Club Success (Jason Feucht)
- Wausau Toastmasters: Celebrating Growth and Milestones (Darian Houle)
- Toastmasters: Eastern Division Night of Distinction (Christa Vanderheiden)
- An Annual Holiday Mealapalooza Party (Jill Keating)
- D35 Incentives Rule! (Susan Brushafer)
- Designing a New Look
- Getting Involved (Joe Barbieri)
- Promoting Our Clubs
- Scaring Up Some Attention for Toastmasters (Rick Grant)
- Brewing Up Excitement for Confident Communication (Sydney Sampson-Webb)
- A Powerful Quote
- Toastmasters Fueled a Career (Ed Reid)
- Treasuring Each Club Member
- Each Toastmaster is a “Classic” to Be Treasured (Paul Arnhold)
- 2024-2025 Triple Crown Awards
- First Quarter Recipients (Susan Brushafer)
Messages From The District 35 Trio
Sometimes being traditional or doing what everyone else does just doesn’t work anymore, and that’s okay.
For years, I wrangled the Thanksgiving meal, either at my house, or at my apartment or at my mother-in-law’s. Turkey, all the trimmings, three types of potatoes. Even five years ago, I put out the meal as piles of leftovers for everyone who would have been together – my kid delivered big bags of Tupperware and Ziplock bags to both grandmas.
But now, it doesn’t work anymore. And that’s okay. Turns out I actually hate turkey (which is why everyone else used to get so much in their doggy bags)! And the kid now goes for the traditional meal with the impending in-laws. Our tradition is to eat pumpkin pie for breakfast, well ahead of dinner. Way fewer dishes, no more turkey to deal with, and I get plenty of time to watch the Dog Show. Win/win/win!
As your club changes sizes, or your meetings change formats, think about what could be tested to see if it works rather than wishing the old plans still worked or, worse yet, doing nothing. The District is offering incentives for using club business cards and MeetUp. Some other simple options to test include:
- Noting your involvement in Toastmasters in your signature at work or in your personal email (or both!)
- Try posting about your club or Toastmasters on a different “channel” – rather than only using your Free Toast Host site (where many clubs generate agendas), start an account on TikTok or Instagram. Make short how-to videos or record table topics.
- Attend a Toastmasters Leadership Institute even if you’re not an officer, just to see what you could be trying next year!
- Mentor one another even if none of you are brand new. Accountability partners can really help productivity and goal completion!
- Use Moments of Truth to focus brainstorming for solutions – if you do this by January 15, you may be eligible for District Dollars! Check out the Incentives page https://district35.org/resources/incentives/
As you test these new ideas, don’t forget to do a “postmortem” to discuss what success there was or how the process should change. Evaluate the new activity! See if it needs to be tweaked or maybe shelved for a while, or if one of the other club members should pick it up.
Trying something new can be pretty awesome. There’s a chance for greater success, more learning, and at least in one case, more pie please!
For Thanksgiving this year, I wanted to try a new dish. Upon recommendation of a family friend, I sauteed celery, onions, and carrots, then mixed them with brown rice. The result was a terrific complement to turkey, Brussels sprouts, and sauteed mushrooms. Best yet, I did not miss mac ‘n’ cheese, which is what I typically eat.
In moving away from the usual, I challenged myself to try something for the first time. My goal was to build on existing knowledge (cooking the brown rice) by practicing a skill (sautéing vegetables) to create something to enjoy in the future and include in a conversation.
I mention this example because someone recently reached out to me asking about an award given in the past for best newsletter. In responding to them, I wrote that while there is no plan to have this award anytime soon, they have every reason to create a newsletter to engage the club’s members and guests. Furthermore, as they learn new skills, there is always an opportunity to bring those skills to District level service. A club newsletter may spark someone to raise their hand and work on the club’s website and social media pages. Like brown rice, a newsletter is a starting point. Add an idea from one person and suddenly there is potential for something delicious.
Beyond sautéing vegetables, my goal in 2026 is to find at least five recipes involving brown rice that I can try by March 31. In turn, I encourage you to set the goal of meeting at least five Distinguished Club Program goals by March 31. By January 31, look at your Club Success Plan and confirm which goals are the easiest to check off. Start with them. Then sketch out steps to meet the next goal you’ll make progress in. To get ideas, include club members who have joined since September 30. You might be one suggestion away from finding an ingredient that has been missing in your recipe.
The inspiration for this article came from the same friend who recommended sautéing vegetables. She asked if I would like to try brown rice; I said “yes,” and discovered food that appealed to my taste buds. Next time someone asks, “would you like to help me with a membership building project?” or anything that sounds new, say “yes, I want to.” Your appetite will thank you later.
This past month, I traveled to Arizona — a place that has shaped me more in the last few years than almost anywhere else. There’s something about stepping into a new environment that acts like a forge. The heat, the unfamiliarity, the distance from your routine… it all has a way of chiseling away the parts of you that no longer fit, revealing the person you’re becoming.
But here’s the truth: the forge is rarely comfortable. Growth almost never is.
In Toastmasters, we see this same process play out in our clubs. New roles, new speeches, new members walking through the door — these moments push us beyond what feels familiar. They apply just enough heat to help us reshape our communication skills, our confidence, and our leadership identity.
Maybe you’ve recently stepped into a club officer role, and you’re feeling the pressure.
Maybe you’re working through a Pathways level you’ve never attempted before.
Maybe you’re guiding guests, running open houses, or trying to rebuild momentum in your club.
If so, you’re in the forge. And that’s a good thing.
Because environments that challenge us are the ones that sharpen us.
When you show up to your club meeting, even in the weeks you feel stretched thin, you are stepping into an environment designed to shape you in the best possible ways. When you take on a role you’ve never tried, mentor a new member, or decide to host an event even when the outcome is uncertain … you are placing yourself in the forge of growth.
As we enter the next quarter, I encourage you to be intentional about your environment:
- Create heat: plan high-energy meetings, bring in guests, invite new voices.
- Remove friction: eliminate the things that slow your club down: confusion, long pauses, unclear roles.
- Feed the spark: celebrate wins, acknowledge progress, keep momentum moving.
Your club is not just a meeting space. It’s a workshop, a place where each of us can refine who we are as communicators and leaders.
And just like my time in Arizona, I hope this next season chisels something extraordinary in you and in the members you lead.
If your club needs help rebuilding momentum or launching something new, please reach out. The Club Growth team is here to support you every step of the way.
After a big snowfall, everybody in my complex must move their cars so the plow can plow out the lot. With 200-ish in the complex, this turns into a fun exercise in people-watching. I see a few types of people:
- Group 1 – people who get out there and take care of their cars right away
- Group 2 – people who have physical challenges that make it hard for them to take care of their cars
- Group 3 – people who wake up shocked that snow is a thing in Wisconsin, and don’t have the tools to take care of their cars
- Group 4 – people who (apparently) are entering some sort of “turn your car into a snow hill” contest, and don’t do anything
Here’s where it gets interesting. A few people in Group 1, without any prompting, just go help other people in Groups 1, 2, and 3. I mean, they’re dressed for snow – why not? With a few people clearing off a car, it definitely makes things a lot easier.
“Let me interrupt you right there,” you’re thinking, “‘many hands make light work.’ Yeah, I’ve heard that one before.” Sure, that’s one takeaway. But stick with me for another minute here.
The people in Group 1 who are helping are having fun. Talking to one another, talking to the people they’re helping, discussing ice scraper engineering, etc. Doing things, for other people, with other people, can be pretty fun – even when you’re shoveling out a car.
Group 4 is obviously hibernating for winter, so they’re not outside. But within Group 2 and Group 3, there are two categories of people – the grateful, and the grumpy.
Remember when I said it’s fun to help other people? It’s more fun when those people are grateful. Less so when they’re grumpy. Even less so if they gripe that you’re doing it wrong.
It’s not about whether you get involved in your club in 2026. News flash – you’re already involved. The question isn’t “if” – it’s “how.”
If you have the time and the ability, I’d suggest you be one of those people in Group 1, out there helping other people. Not because the work needs to be done, but because it can be a blast to do things for and with other people.
If you’re a Group 2 or Group 3, you have the choice of griping, being grumpy, or expressing gratitude. Be grateful whenever you can and let those Group 1 people know. It charges their batteries and, like with your car, you don’t get far with a dead battery.
No matter which group you fall into, let’s all pitch in to make 2026 a fantastic Toastmasters year!
Beginning July 1st, 2026
From District Transition Committee (DTC) Chair Kris Pool, DTM, PDD
We are officially in the planning stages for the creation of our new District 212, and over the next several months you’ll see increasing communication, updates, and opportunities to get involved.
District 212 will bring together members from four legacy Districts—19, 30, 35, and 54—to form a stronger, more collaborative, and better-supported District. The Transition Team is now being assembled, and their work will help ensure we enter the 2026–2027 program year fully prepared with consistent processes, effective systems, and a united culture.
Stay Informed
Updates, announcements, and resources will be posted regularly on the District 212 website. Visit often: district212.org
Get Involved
If you’d like to help shape our new District, consider serving on the District 212 Transition Committee (DTC). Committee work runs December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 with some minor assistance in April and May.
Each committee is seeking – time commitment is estimated and may vary:
- Chairperson (1 per committee): 5–8 hours/week for coordination, reporting, and oversight
- Committee Members (3–5): at least one from each legacy District; approx. 3–5 hours/week for project work and collaboration
If you’re interested, please complete the Transition Team Member Profile Sheet.
District 212 Transition Team – Member Profile Sheet – Fill out form
Share Your Voice
Your feedback will directly influence District 212’s structure—from training and recognition programs to technology, communications, and events. The Transition Team welcomes your questions, suggestions, and concerns.
Questions, Comments, Concerns about the District 212 Transition – Fill out form
Please use the Questions, Comments, Concerns form to:
- Ask about the transition process
- Share improvement ideas
- Voice concerns you want the team to address
All submissions will be reviewed by the appropriate subcommittee. While individual responses may not always be possible, your input will help shape a strong, unified District 212 that serves every member and club.
Questions?
Contact Kris Pool: kris.pool.dtm@gmail.com or Cell/Text: 920-395-3636
Celebrate!
By Jason Feucht, DTM, PDD
On September 18, 2025, NM Speaks! – the Toastmasters club at Northwestern 
Mutual – held its annual member recognition meeting and celebrated an exciting milestone: the club’s 10th anniversary since chartering on September 24, 2015.
Each year, as part of the club’s recognition program, NM Speaks! members come together to honor individual accomplishments and collective club success. This year, the club recognized five members for completing a combined seven Pathways education awards and celebrated its award winners for the 2024–2025 Toastmasters year.
2024–2025 NM Speaks! Award Winners
- Exceptional Evaluator – Dave Humphrys, PM4
- Tremendous Table Topics – Lucas Hogsett, PM1
- Superlative Speaker – Jason Feucht, DTM, PDD
- Rookie of the Year – Jonathan Baseheart
- Distinguished Officer – Jaya Sharma, DL3
- Outstanding Achievement – Anisha D’Silva, PI1
- NM Speaks! Toastmaster of the Year – Michael Dunn
Over its ten-year history, NM Speaks! has built a proud tradition of excellence, achieving Distinguished or better every year since chartering — four times President’s Distinguished, three times Select Distinguished, and three times Distinguished.
As part of the club’s 10-year celebration, I was honored, as one of the two active charter members of NM Speaks! to share with current members a look back at our club’s history, achievements, and artifacts.
In 2015, two clubs were chartered: NM Speaks! at the Milwaukee campus and Franklin Toastmasters at the Franklin campus. (Franklin Toastmasters later merged with NM Speaks! in 2022.) I had the opportunity to attend one of the two organizational meetings for Toastmasters in August 2015 and was one of 58 employees who attended that first Milwaukee campus meeting, not knowing exactly what to expect, yet willing to raise my hand to serve as a charter club officer. Little did anyone there that day know what NM Speaks! and its members would accomplish over the next 10 years.
A Decade of Accomplishments
- Club Achievements
- Distinguished or better 10 of 10 years
- 4× President’s Distinguished
- 3× Select Distinguished
- 3× Distinguished
- Member Achievements
- 116 education awards earned
- 3 Distinguished Toastmasters
- Jason Feucht
- Stephanie Schienke
- Stephan Church
- 63 Pathways education awards
- 50 Legacy program awards
- 3 Distinguished Toastmasters
- Leading Beyond the Club
- 1 Trio member (2023–2024 District 35 Director; 2022–2023 Program Quality Director; 2021–2022 Club Growth Director)
- 2 District Finance Managers
- 1 Division Director
- 4 Area Directors
- 116 education awards earned
- Distinguished or better 10 of 10 years
NM Speaks! extends sincere gratitude to the individuals whose leadership, support, and encouragement have helped the club thrive over the last decade:
Club Sponsors
- Laurie Baker, DTM
- Kona Bahr
Club Mentors
- Sue Kohut, DTM
- David Letkiwicz, CC
2015–2016 District 35 Trio
- Rhonda Williams, DTM, PDD, PRA
- Cindy Laatsch, DTM, PDD, PRA
- Keith Cumiskey, DTM, PDD
And to…
- All District 35 Trios, Division Directors, and Area Directors who have supported NM Speaks!
- All NM Speaks! and former Franklin Toastmasters club officers
- More than 250 NM employees who have been members of NM Speaks! or Franklin Toastmasters
- Today’s current officers and 31 proud members, in Milwaukee, Franklin, New York and across the country, of NM Speaks!
Instilled in us since day one by our club mentors, NM Speaks! is proud to continue living the Toastmasters club mission:
“We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.”
Since that very first meeting in 2015, and at every meeting since, we have remained committed to providing the encouragement, growth, and excellence that define NM Speaks!.
Ten years later, I can say as a charter member that I am truly grateful I chose to attend that organizational meeting and that I raised my hand to help as a club officer. I’ve had a tremendous journey with NM Speaks! and Toastmasters over these last ten years, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with my colleagues for many years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to NM Speaks! over the last decade; the story continues because of you.
We look forward to many more years of future success!
Welcoming New Members and Milestones
Wausau Toastmasters is proud to have welcomed five new members this year, infusing fresh energy into our club. These new members are already stepping up and delivering powerful Icebreaker speeches. We’ve seen Paul share his personal story with “Seeing Double,” and Robyn moved us with “Cut to the Core,” her heartfelt Icebreaker. We also had the pleasure of hearing Mike deliver an excellent Icebreaker speech, where he shared his upbringing, career, and family life. We look forward to their continued growth and success in the club!
Impromptu Speaking: A Club Highlight
Impromptu speaking has become a strong point for us. Darian delivered his third impromptu speech on November 5, diving into the topic of “Failure.” Pat, too, stepped up with an impromptu on “Let’s Get Out of Here.” Our members are increasingly comfortable with thinking on their feet, and we’re proud of the progress we’re seeing.
Pathways Achievement: Darian Completes Level One
A special shout-out to Darian for completing Level One in Dynamic Leadership! This achievement showcases his dedication to personal development and leadership within Toastmasters. We look forward to seeing him reach even greater milestones in his journey.
New Point System: Boosting Engagement
In October 2025, Wausau Toastmasters introduced a Point System to encourage participation in more challenging roles. Members can earn points by taking on roles like Toastmaster, Evaluator, and Table Topics Master, with higher points for stepping up in tough areas. This new system adds an element of fun and friendly competition, motivating members to engage more deeply in the club.
Welcoming Antigo Toastmasters
We’re also thrilled to announce that the Antigo Toastmasters Club is on the verge of becoming a fully chartered club. Thanks to Bryson for his leadership, and to Wausau for sponsoring their growth! We’re excited to see this new club flourish, extending the impact of Toastmasters across our community.
Looking Ahead:
As we look toward 2026, Wausau Toastmasters is excited for the growth and opportunities ahead. With new members joining and stepping up, we’re focused on supporting everyone’s development through leadership, mentorship, and engaging workshops. We aim to strengthen connections within the club and explore new community collaborations. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and continuing to reach new milestones together!
Toastmasters: Eastern Division Night of Distinction
By Christa M. Vanderheiden
On Wednesday, November 5, the Eastern Division hosted their Night of Distinction–a family friendly social event complete with a fiesta buffet, sodas, laughs. Barb Sexsmith, DTM, delivered a Keynote speech completing her Level 5 project in Presentation Mastery. In her speech, Barb tied in the importance of quieting our minds via breathing techniques like those she practices in Tai Chi to the growth we strive for in Toastmasters…including a group demonstration.
As we welcomed the Area Eastern 4 clubs into our Division, our goal was to afford our members the opportunity to network with one another as we build a unified community. All told, we had representatives from seven of our 18 clubs in attendance, several of whom have achieved DTM status. Rounding it out, we had several dignitaries in attendance including Theresa Flynn, Teri McGregor, and several past District leaders, making it a wonderful networking opportunity for our members.
Additionally, we celebrated the accomplishments we have made thus far this year in Toastmasters.
- Toastmaster of the Year Paul Van Dyck
- Area Director of the Year Christa Vanderheiden
- As of July 1, 2025, we have gained Area Eastern 4, adding 5 additional clubs to the Eastern Division.
- Our 18 clubs have netted 24 new members.
- 16 of our clubs have completed Club Success Plans
- 15 of our clubs have at least four officers trained
- Of our 217 members, 51 members have completed at least one level in their Pathway
- 32 members have completed at least one level in their Pathway in this quarter alone
- 10 have completed Level 5 or higher in the past quarter alone
Capping off the night, we held a drawing for a $50 Kwik Trip gift card.
We enjoyed many laughs at this event where spouses could see just what we Toastmasters do, and we Toastmasters were able to share tidbits of wisdom with one another.
On December 10, Generally Speaking will be having their annual holiday Mealapalooza party. It’s like Secret Santa crossed with DoorDash. A club-wide email goes out beforehand asking about participation and any food requirements or preferences. Think “gluten-free,” “no mustard,” or “I love fish.” Then their VP-Education, Amy Linn-Strosin, shuffles the answers and randomly sends names back out as individual emails. On the 10th, each member sends a surprise meal to their assigned person. Everyone meets up via Zoom at their regular meeting time to chow and chat. It’s always great fun; like a dinner meeting with a twist. Try it out at your club sometime!
A few of our District’s clubs held events that were completed after the September Edge as published. Special thanks to Sue Kohut for sharing these. Let’s revisit late summer…
As one of 300 organizations, the Marq Our Words Club provided a Toastmasters table on September 4 at Marquette University Organization Fest, showing students what is offered on campus.
Waukesha Toastmasters had a social event at Tally’s Tap & Eatery on September 11.
On September 19, the Church Mutual Toastmasters Club held its Toastmasters Celebration (snacks, fun hats, and a trivia game)! Nine members
Designing A New Look
This year I decided to take on the role of President for the Menomonee Falls Toastmasters Club. The reason was not to “pad my resume,” but to get involved and make some changes to our club that have not been done in a long time. The major project I took on as the head of a committee was to revamp the look of our website and update the information on our site.
As I started the process, I gathered two people who were familiar with our site and could offer valuable administrative advice. Our current, and past VP of Public Relations joined the committee, and we were able to attack the site right away. The first thing we did was update the color of our site. The city of Menomonee Falls has adopted a maroon color as a city-wide color (including the high school). We added a background and changed the display color scheme to mimic the city. Once we had the color scheme in place, we went to work page by page, making sure we had the proper information on each. There were many redundancies that were removed and the site was streamlined to represent the information in three categories:
- Information needed for a guest to understand what we are about
- Information needed for our members to know what is going on within our club
- Information needed for our officers to correctly administrate our club
Once we had everything in place, and we were comfortable with the look and quantity/quality of the information on our site, we did a soft launch to a group of individuals who had a background in web design. The overall response was great. There were minimal tweaks that had to be made to launch the site to all of our members and for our VP of Public Relations to send out a PR Campaign as we did a hard launch.
One outstanding result we gained from our new site is a new member! Our newest member said she researched Toastmasters in Google, and we came up first in the Organic Searches. Not only did we have a spot on the front page of the Google Search, but she said our site had the most comprehensive information of all the websites for Toastmasters Clubs in the area. It was the reason she came to our meeting and joined us right away.
Getting involved so quickly immediately benefited the Club by bringing in a new member right away. It also left a strong impression on me. I truly enjoyed the experience of working alongside my fellow Toastmasters and witnessing the positive difference it made for the club. I encourage everyone to get involved with their club so they can offer their own meaningful contribution.
Promoting Our Clubs
Sometimes, we can become so focused on building out our clubs and serving our members that we forget that we’re part of the larger community. When we find the opportunity to work with other organizations, we increase our audience and improve our chances of attracting new members.
Such an opportunity presented itself to our club recently, and because our Sergeant-at- Arms Dave Schmitt, was on his game, it didn’t slip by us.
A local Scout Camp was raising funds. As part of their campaign, they sponsored a scarecrow-making contest. We voted to participate, formed a committee, and started gathering materials to create the greatest scarecrow in the history of scaring crows.
After multiple working meetings, Kris Pool introduced us to a young squire named Stephen. Just a young scarecrow, brave in battle drills and loyal in service, Stephen carried a burden heavier than any knight’s shield: he could not speak in front of others.
Fellow squires teased him, calling him “Stephen the Silent!”
One day, the king summoned Stephen to read a proclamation in the village square. But when Stephen opened the scroll, his voice cracked, his words stumbled, and thevillagers erupted in laughter. Ashamed, Stephen fled the square and vowed never again to face a crowd.
But in the dark of night, Stephen met a band of travelers — not warriors, but speakers. They gathered in a small hall, where each took turns telling stories, practicing speeches, and offering encouragement. They called themselves Toastmasters of the Realm.
The rest is history. Sir Speaks-a-Lot is the carrier of three sacred tools:
- The Scroll of Communicators’ Code, filled with timeless speaking wisdom.
- The Gavel of Leadership, reminding all that every voice deserves to be heard.
- The Banner of Toastmasters, a flowing cape symbolizing the fellowship that gave him strength.
Our noble scarecrow competed well, but was awarded second place. We didn’t walk away with prize money, but hundreds of event attendees saw our knight and learned about our club.
We’re tracking attendance and making sure to ask our guests whether Sir Stephen pointed them in our direction or if they found out about us through some of our other promotional efforts.
We’ve already voted to build another scarecrow next year. Who knows, maybe King Stephen will rise above the corn. As long as it scares up some new members for us, we’ll stuff him full of straw.
The Champion Chatters Corporate Toastmasters Club at Direct Supply served up plenty of fun, and a little spice, at the company’s annual Halloween Chili Lunch and Employee Resource Group Expo!
Amid the aroma of simmering chili, Toastmasters members brewed up excitement for confident communication. Club President Sydney Sampson-Webb and VP of Public Relations Paul Mora held up colorful, hand-painted signs reading “Scared Speechless? Don’t be haunted by your next presentation” and “Ah, Um, Er, BOO! From Scaredy Cat to Confident Bat.” The playful messages drew laughs and plenty of curious coworkers to our club’s booth.
Between bites of chili and candy treats, visitors learned how Toastmasters can transform nervous speakers into confident communicators. Club members shared stories of personal growth, teamwork, and the supportive environment that makes Champion Chatters such a spirited community.
By the end of the event, the team had a cauldron full of new interest — several employees even signed up to attend upcoming meetings! With chili in their bowls and confidence on the menu, the Champion Chatters once again proved that building communication skills can be equal parts spooky, spirited, and seriously fun.
A Powerful Quote
Quote from Ed Reid, Capital City Club
“When I joined Toastmasters and learned how to speak effectively, my career in manufacturing took off like a rocket. I give most of the credit to the well-designed and highly effective skills I learned in Toastmasters.”
Treasuring Each Club Member
By Paul Arnhold, DTM
There is nothing quite like it, is there? That new car smell! Growing up in the sixties, I remember when our family would often change out cars. That smell, that aroma of freshly molded plastics still gets me excited today!
We were so careful at first. No eating or drinking inside the car, the exterior only hand washed. However, it didn’t take long for the newness to wear off. What excited us at first became just another mode of transportation. It became less important to wash it every time it got a little dirty. It got us where we thought we needed to go, nothing more.
Does the same thing ever happen in Toastmasters?
There is nothing like that first Toastmaster meeting experience, is there? Will I be called on for a Table Topic? What about that first prepared speech, the icebreaker you worked so hard on trying to get it just right? You tell yourself, there is a reason I showed up! But am I ready to commit to personal growth at new levels and perhaps even stretch myself out of my own comfort zone?
You sign up. You’re assigned a mentor. You click on every link through your Path. It’s exciting!
Then something sometimes happens. The newness seems to wear off. Perhaps other opportunity costs get in the way. In researching it, I found that on average Toastmasters leave the organization after just 18 months.
Certainly not all backdoor losses can be avoided. After all, life happens, and schedules all need to be contended with. People move, get different jobs, or are thrown curve balls in life. Those things can’t be overcome.
What about the reasons we do have control over? Things I’ve seen in many clubs over the years, include that members leave because of the lack of leadership acumen within a club, or members don’t believe they’re still getting value out of Toastmasters, or worse yet, they are no longer being valued!
When people leave, they not only leave a club, but they also leave behind unrecognized potential as well as the value they might be called upon to bring to others.
What does all this have to do with that new car smell? Everything. Each member, like new cars, ought to be treated like a classic that deserves to be maintained and cherished. (Other than that Nissan; that Nissan was a mistake!) Just like cars, we don’t always see the value that people can bring or continue to bring. Just think, if my parents would have kept their ’65 Impala convertible or their ’66 Impala SS, the value would be worth several times the original cost today.
Every member adds value whether brand new or experienced. Each one of you is a gift to your club, and to each other. May you always be valued as such.
2025-2026 Triple Crown Awards, DTMs, Pathways Mentor Program
2025-2026 Second Quarter Triple Crown Awards
| Anthony Cooper | PI1, PI2, PI3 |
| Christy Warner | DL2, DL3, DL4, Pathways Mentor Program |
| Gerald Ward | PI1, PI2, VC4 |
| Robert Lambert | MS2, PM2, PM3, PM4 |
