[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Pathways
Guides and Ambassadors: Preparing for Launch in District 35
We received the exciting news that Pathways will launch in District 35 in February 2018. We’ve begun the selection process to identify Pathways Guides and Ambassadors who will assist clubs in building their understanding as we shift to this revitalized education program. Their efforts will be integral to the success of the Pathways learning experience for all members in our District.
Since Pathways is for all members, it will be important for every member to feel confident and supported as they navigate through the new materials. Pathways Guides and Ambassadors will serve as local resources, answering questions, allying fears of the upcoming transition, and guiding members toward success.
What’s next for Pathways Guides and Ambassadors?
Candidates will receive confirmation of their roles from World Headquarters sometime in November. Guides and Ambassadors will receive Pathways training following their appointment.
They will contact their designated clubs to schedule an in-person visit, at which time they will deliver a presentation on Pathways, present the club with their Navigator Kit, and address questions from the membership.
Guides will provide on-going virtual support to Vice Presidents of Education, Presidents, and Club Secretaries as they begin their first experiences using Pathways to support their club members.
Ambassadors will provide virtual support to members as they complete their on-line assessments and begin the process of selecting their path of learning.
What can you (and your club) do now to prepare for the launch?
- Don’t panic! We’ve been preparing for this change for more than four years. The good news: whether you choose to transition to Pathways, remain in the current educational system a while longer, or conduct both concurrently, we’ll all continue to grow by developing our communication and leadership skills.
- Read basic information about Pathways and watch some of the introductory videos. They can be found online at: https://www.toastmasters.org/pathways-overview
- Ask questions. Once we notify clubs of who will serve as your Pathways Guide or Ambassador, let them know what’s on your mind. If ample time is allowed during the club visit, Q & A may be conducted during the in-person visit. There is also a Pathways FAQ section at: https://www.toastmasters.org/Education/Pathways/FAQ
- Set up a “Basecamp” email address that can be accessed by current officers and shared in the future with new officers.
- Look at your club schedule now and identify the top 2 best options for a Pathways Guide to visit your club between December and January. Reviewing options now will make scheduling the actual visit easier. In-person club visits should be completed by January 31. The Pathways team requests 30-60 minutes to present the required information and allow time for Q & A.
- Check with other clubs in your area. Consider hosting a joint meeting to encourage support of the Pathways launch. Be creative! Consider options to have the Pathways presentation conducted before/during/after the meeting to ensure largest number of members are oriented.
Next month’s feature: The Navigator Kit
The Fall Conference on Saturday, November 4 will kick off with an evening of networking, f
un and Smedley Fundraising on Friday, November 3, as we auction off a chance to pie the face of one of our Distinguished District Trio members. Immediate Past District Director Cindy Laatsch, DTM, Immediate Past Program Quality Director Keith Cumiskey, DTM, and Immediate Past Club Growth Director Ed Thelen, DTM, will all be eligible to have their faces covered in pie — And it’s all for a good cause.
The Conference web page details educational sessions, Marketplace displays and information on the keynote speaker, Aaron Beverly.
Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Education should also plan on attending or sending proxies to represent the club at the Business Meeting.
See you soon in Madison!
Is your team ready for some football?
Becoming distinguished, developing club culture and promoting educational goals might seem worlds away from
play action passes, defensive lines and punting but not for long! Introducing the Toastmaster Football League – the TFL!! This is a great program to help get you and your club involved in Toastmasters, while earning you and your club some trophy-worthy prizes. Everyone contributes to your team’s success! Superstar QBs, ground covering running backs, coaches, even rookies! All you need to do is participate in your club, and beyond — and each activity earns your club points.
See the TFL page for all the program details. Contact Ed Thelen if you have any more questions about this program. Watch for updates!
The International Convention: A First‐Timer’s Perspective
I have to be honest. I was sort of in it for the cruise that was tacked on to the end of the International Convention. An Alaskan cruise has always been on my bucket list, so signing up was a no‐brainer. I had to be talked into attending the International Convention in Vancouver. You’ll be blown away, they said. You’ll want to attend every International Convention afterward, I was told. So, despite some misgivings about cost, time away from my family, friends, and job, I went. And you know what?
They were right.
The opening ceremonies alone were worth attending. It is one thing to know that Toastmasters is an international organization, but it’s quite another to see it in action, to actually feel the magnitude of it and be a part of it, even just as a spectator. In the Parade of Flags, an impressive 140 countries were represented.
Our own District 35 Director, Keith Cumiskey, carried the flag of Switzerland.
“I was honored to be asked to carry a flag during the opening ceremonies. District Directors are generally asked for their country preference; Switzerland was one of my three choices, [chosen] because of my ancestry.”
Keith went on to note a 3‐hour practice earlier in the day, giving us an idea as to the incredible work behind this production. As a first timer, experiencing the Parade of Flags was a deep and meaningful moment for me. Despite a myriad of constant and oppressive global concerns, for those 30 minutes or so, the world was united. Across cities, states, countries, and continents, we were a single entity working together in peace. Not just as members of Toastmasters, but of the human race; it was magnificent. Not only did I get to know my fellow Toastmasters from District 35 more intimately, I came in contact with dignitaries and members from across the United States and all over the world.
Approximately 2000 people attended the Convention. I met people from the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. I had meals with people from Canada, Australia, and Ireland. I exchanged speaking tips with Toastmasters from Malaysia, India, and Germany. It became a sort of transformative experience. Touching other cultures broadens a person, somehow. It opens our minds and lets us explore the wonderful differences between all kinds of people. The world becomes a much smaller and more beautiful place.
I found the most inspiration in the 
International Speech Contest semi‐finals and finals. The caliber of speakers at this level is astounding (among them District 35’s David Letkiewicz, who placed an amazing second in Round 1 of the semi‐finals). At first, it’s intimidating on an epic scale, but then at some point I realized these talented speakers started out no differently than I did, than you did: hesitant, anxious, nervous, and sick at the thought of speaking in front of people. Watching them, though, did something to me. It made me realize the possibility of my own potential. It made me want to be a better Toastmaster. It made me want to try everything.
I can’t say enough to encourage you to attend the 2018 Toastmasters International Convention in Chicago (August 22 through August 25), where it will be possible for members to attend at a discounted price by volunteering. Registration and more information will be available in April, but please think about it. I’m definitely going, and I’m already hoping to again see the incredible people I met this time around, and to meet many, many more.
As for the cruise? Well, that’s another article.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Glaser‐Brown, ACG, ALB ✉
District 35 Area B1 Director
Photo Credits: Laurie Baker, DTM
Welcome Hansen’s!
On Thursday, October 19th, 2017, District 35 celebrated a new Toastmasters club; Hansen’s Toastmasters is the new corporate club at CHR Hansen in West Allis. The club chartered in January 2017.
Members of Hansen’s Toastmasters planned and conducted an awesome Toastmasters meeting that included an amusing speech by Club Secretary Erika Gayhart, entitled, “Why DO I live in Wisconsin?”
Program Quality Director Ed Thelen, DTM, delivered a speech welcoming the new club. Then he presented Club President Tracy Roscizewki with the club charter. Ed and former Club Extension Chair Laurie Baker, DTM, welcomed each charter member up to the front of the room to receive their charter member certificate from Toastmasters International.
“I want to congratulate Club President Tracy Roscizewski who took the lead in planning the Charter Party and provided guidance to his team,” said former Club Extension Chair Laurie Baker. “Plus, a BIG shout out goes to Arie Carpenter. She was instrumental in getting the club chartered. As an experienced Toastmaster, that is also a member of the Landmark Tm Club, she has been a HUGE asset to this new club. Thanks Arie!”
Before the meeting, the members and guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and beverages. Cake was served after the Charter Party.
“I would also like to thank Barry Keller for attending the event and sponsoring the lunch,” said Laurie.
In addition to club members, Club Sponsors Ed Thelen and Laurie Baker, in attendance at the event were Division F Director Robert Wall, DTM, Past Division F Director John Scott, ACS, ALB, Area F3 Director Megan Slaker, ACS, ALB, Past Area F3 Director Wendy Benkowski, ACS, ALB, and Club Mentor Arielle Carpenter, CC, CL. Guests of the club Greg Bednar, DTM and Carol Doleysh, ACS, ALB were also in attendance. Amina Ahmed, ACS, ALB, is the club’s other mentor.
“Congratulations to all of the members of the CHR Hansen Toastmasters Club!” said Laurie.
Wisconsin makes it official: Toastmasters gets its own month
Let it be officially known, it has been decreed: Toastmasters Month is declared and commemorated with a parchment weight legal-sized document, signed, sealed and delivered from the Office of the Governor. May all clubs and members celebrate by sharing the educational benefits of Toastmasters far and wide!