D35 Takes the Stage
Celebrating achievements and planning for the year ahead filled a week of International Convention in Vancouver, Canada.
Clockwise from upper left: All D35 members attending the convention were invited on stage to celebrate the accomplishment of earning Distinguished honors for 2016-17.
Last year’s Trio, Cindy Laatsch, Keith Cumiskey and Ed Thelen were also celebrated under a larger-than-life display as part of the festivities.
Members in the Milwaukee area attended a time-delayed showing of David Letkiewicz’ semifinal speech and all speakers in the final round.
District Director Keith Cumiskey carried the Swiss flag in the opening ceremony.
Dues season is upon us!
Dues are due by September 30th. Officers can process membership dues to International through Club Central; your club may have methods to make payment easier including Square, Paypal, Venmo, and Zelle options — check with your club officers for information. Clubs chartered since March have prorated dues but they are still due by September 30th. Please have payments in to minimize interruption in membership and for club contest representative eligibility.
Contests – step up and step out!
Speech contests are an integral part of the Toastmasters program. We are just about ready to move into levels beyond the club with the Area contests starting shortly after Labor Day. While not everyone may be into the competition aspect of speech contests, there are three reasons why I think everyone should be involved in speech contests.
- You see an individual grow by fine tuning a prepared speech. One of the downsides (at least in my opinion) of most of the speeches we see in club meetings are that the speaker prepares the speech, gives it at one meeting and then puts the speech aside. With the contest speeches, it is easier to measure the growth of the individual by seeing the speech multiple times and noting what they have improved with the speech based upon feedback from fellow club members, mentors and other Toastmasters.
- If you don’t want to speak, take on another role. A vital aspect of the contests is that it truly takes a team to put on the contest. If you’re a newer Toastmaster, perhaps serving as a timer or ballot counter will “get your feet wet”. Once you’ve completed six Competent Communicator (CC) speeches, you are qualified to judge. Toastmasters has very defined criteria for each of the contests which will help guide you. For those seeking an even bigger challenge, serving as Contest Master or Chief Judge might be the answer for you. If you are unable to fulfill these roles, consider taking the time to support your club’s contestant, and the contestants in general, for the efforts they have put forth in competing.
- It’s a great venue for networking and entertainment. I have said to many individuals that the Humorous Speech Contest is a great “date night” for laughter and fun and that you could be watching a future World Champion of Public Speaking for the International Speech Contest. I have found the contests a more relaxed venue for networking and meeting new people at least compared to the “seriousness” of being trained at the Toastmasters Leadership Institutes (TLIs) and taking in all that the District conferences have to offer.
I hope these ideas will get you thinking about becoming more involved in a speech contest or at least about attending a contest to learn more what the contests are about. Part of the Toastmasters program is learning by observing and watching fellow Toastmasters grow through their participation in contests also provides great benefits for personal growth.
Ed Thelen, DTM
Program Quality Director
Coaching a Club
Currently over one-fifth of the clubs in District 35 have 12 members or less, qualifying them to request a Club Coach. Some may just be in a down swing in membership and will have their numbers up on their own in short order. Others could use some assistance from an experienced Toastmaster. If you are a struggling club, please consider the Club Coach program. Not sure if your club could use a coach? Why not download the January 2009 Toastmaster magazine article “What’s the Scoop on Your Group?” for a self-analysis by your members!
Experienced Toastmasters, consider reaching out to these struggling clubs by serving as a Club Coach. Not only will you grow in your leadership skills, you will fulfill one of the qualifications for Advanced Leader Silver. Contact your Area Director to learn more about the program or to request to be assigned. The District Director or Club Growth Director must submit Club Coach assignments. You can reach out to Rozaline.janci@gmail.com with any questions relating to the club coach program.
Fall Conference update
The Fall Conference will feature Keynote Speaker Aaron Beverly from the 2016 World Championship semi-finals, and the committee is almost done seeking educational session nominations and marketplace table volunteers. Forms are available on the D35 site. There are still opportunities available, but the deadline is looming. Save the date and be ready for a great time in Madison!
Club and individual registration has opened: Please use the Eventbrite page.
As usual Club registration allows all members to register for free, but meals would be additional — please indicate preferences on your Eventbrite form. Conference mealtime is a great opportunity for networking and relaxation.
What’s that I’m Feeling?
On July 1 – I woke up as the Immediate Past District Director. I wasn’t sure how it would feel to be the “Immediate Past” – but as time went on – I was definitely feeling something.
I can say I was feeling appreciative for all of the District Governors and Directors that came before me. I now fully understand their commitment and dedication – to Toastmasters International, District 35 and the Member’s Experience. Thank you for your work!
As time flowed, I realized that I was feeling a sense of loss. Not loss for the role and its duties specifically, but a loss from feeling deeply connected to the District and my fellow Toastmasters.
At the International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia last week, Mike Storkey – the Immediate Past President of Toastmasters — also talked about a sense of loss from the lectern. I can only imagine how he feels after serving so many years, and culminating with the Presidency of the entire organization.
Then he spoke about how it’s not really loss –but an opening up for what’s coming. That’s It! I’m not feeling a loss – I’m feeling a space to get ready for what’s coming next. I can now direct my focus as Immediate Past District Director in other ways to serve both Toastmasters and the District.
I challenge every D35 Toastmaster – Immediate Past club officer, Immediate Past club member: You have time now to look at your next adventure in Toastmasters. How can you serve the District, our fellow Toastmasters and Toastmasters International? Serving as an Area Director, Division Director, Region Advisor or International Board member? The opportunities are endless.
We’re early in this Toastmaster year – Let’s relish this time – and plan for another Distinguished D35 year. Oh, and remember, the Toastmasters International Convention is in Chicago next year from August 22 to August 25, 2018. I’ll be there serving my District and my clubs. Will you? I sure hope so!
Want to discuss how to serve Toastmasters, your District and your club? Email me at cindy.laatsch@yahoo.com
Cindy Laatsch, DTM
Immediate Past District Director
Club Extension Chair – Central/Northern/Eastern/Western
Cindy.laatsch@yahoo.com
Pathways is Rolling Out!
by Kathy Shine, DTM, Chief Ambassador
Toastmasters’ new educational program is rolling out around the world in phases. Last month, Pathways was successfully launched in 825 Toastmasters Clubs, located in
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- East Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- Thialand
- Vietnam
- West Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor)
Earlier in the year, 147 Clubs were part of the District 51 pilot launch in Peninsular Malaysia.
On schedule to launch in September 2017 are more than 1,100 clubs in Hawaii and the western United States. Toastmaster Clubs in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, plus the San Francisco Peninsula will be up and operating with the new educational resources soon.
Due to a decision by World Headquarters, Pathways will not be rolled out during fall or spring dues renewal periods, nor during the closing months to prevent system overload. As a result, District 35 is expected to launch Pathways in late 2018.
As of August 15, 2017:
- More than 3,300 members have enrolled in Pathways—representing 12% of the members where Pathways is available. Usage in the districts that were part of the pilot is at 20% or more.
- More than 3,500 paths are in progress.
- 7 paths have already been completed.
- Members are choosing to go digital! Out of all of the paths in progress, only 26 have been requested in print.
Continue to encourage members in your club to work on their educational goals until Pathways comes to District 35. Consider adding a video link to your club website or social media site to continue educating your members about Pathways.
Learning Paths
Progress in Toastmasters learning is a journey of self-development, designed to help you fully develop your communication and leadership skills. When Pathways launches in our area, 10 learning paths will be offered. All paths will be available online; 5 will be available in print version. 59 unique projects will provide more than 300 competencies in both communication and leadership development.
- Dynamic Leadership – print version available
- Effective Coaching
- Innovative Planning
- Leadership Development – print version available
- Motivational Strategies
- Persuasive Influence
- Presentation Mastery – print version available
- Strategic Relationships – print version available
- Team Collaboration – print version available
- Visionary Communication
Every learning path consists of 14 projects (10 required, 4 elective*), and every project includes at least one speaking component. Recognition is offered along the way. Within each path, there are 5 levels of learning:
- Level 1: Mastering Fundamentals
- Level 2: Learning Your Style
- Level 3: Increasing Knowledge
- Level 4: Building Skills
- Level 5: Demonstrating Expertise
*Though members are required to complete 4 elective projects, members have the option to complete as many electives as they would like.
Finest in Speech Charter Party
On Tuesday, July 25th, 2017, another brand new Toastmasters Club was welcomed to District 35! The Charter Party was held in honor of the Finest In Speech Toastmasters Club at F.I.S. With locations in Menomonee Falls and Milwaukee, they chartered on August 30th, 2016.
The Charter Party is planned and conducted after the new club is up and running. That is the last responsibility of the New Club Sponsor.
“Toastmasters has been a great place where we learn without realizing that you are about to learn so many things in regards to communication & leadership. Being a member of Toastmaster club, we have significantly gained confidence in public speaking. In nutshell, it basically changes the mindset and makes us more prepared to take up any challenge and risks by having practiced in a Toastmasters meeting,” said Club President Kamal Soan.
“The best about our Charter Party was celebration — celebrating this Toastmasters club we have created to enrich our skills in the organization through Toastmasters, also having distinguished district leaders at the party boosting our enthusiasm to be more involved at club as well as district level.”
In attendance was Immediate Past District 35 Director, Cindy Laatsch, DTM, Quality Program Director, Ed Thelen, DTM, Club Growth Director, Rozaline Janci, DTM, Immediate Past Division A Director, Amy Lynn-Strosin, DTM, Area B1 Director, Kathy Glaser-Brown, ACG, ALB, Club Sponsors, Laurie Baker, DTM, Rozaline Janci, DTM and Club Mentor, Matt Wuteska, CC, CL.
Members of the F.I.S. club planned and conducted an awesome Toastmasters meeting that included a speech given by J.R. Swantz. The speech entitled, “Finest In Speech: An Origin Story,” was about J.R.’s mission to get a Toastmasters club chartered at F.I.S.
“Program Quality Director Ed Thelen did an excellent job with the Charter Presentation. First he delivered a speech, welcoming the new club and explaining how the F.I.S. club helped District 35 become Distinguished. Ed also shared how exciting it was when Immediate Past Director, Cindy Laatsch handed the full charter paperwork to International President, Mike Storkey, DTM, at last year’s Toastmasters International Convention in Washington D.C. Then Ed presented current Club President Kamal Soan and Past Club President, Megan Zumach with the club charter. Ed and Rozaline Janci welcomed each charter member and new members, up to the front of the room to receive their special certificate from Toastmasters International,” said Club Sponsor Laurie Baker, DTM.
After the meeting, the members and guests enjoyed cake and beverages. “I want to congratulate Club Presidents Kamal Soan and Megan Zumach who took the lead in planning the Charter Party and provided guidance to their team,” said Laurie.
Congratulations to all of the members of the F.I.S. Toastmasters Club!
TLI seasons wraps up
Toastmasters Leadership Institutes and makeup sessions have been completed throughout the District. Please check your current Dashboard status for officer attendance credit. If you have questions or discrepancies, please contact your Area Director immediately. Corrections must be made quickly.
The Club Quality presentation was lead by Cream City for the DFAB Saturday TLI. Emphasis on using the Club Success Plan and Moments of Truth gave club officers some great tools to bring back to their clubs. If your club is using the Club Success Plan as part of organizing your year, take advantage of the District incentive for some Toastmaster bucks!
Officer breakout sessions, like one lead by Michael Slana of Central Division, allowed officers to share best practices and discuss new ideas to integrate into club duties.