Sign In

Living the "Toastmasters Promise"

Written by John Harman, District Governor, Jerry Keast, LGET, and Michele Roach, LGM Thursday, 10 December 2009 12:58

The District TRIO embraces the heartfelt message of Gary Schmidt, International President, 2009 - 2010. Live "A Toastmasters Promise" and encourage someone to reach levels they only dream about! Together we can achieve success!

May the Holiday Season be memorable and filled with peace and joy.

The District 66 Trio
John Harman, District Governor, Jerry Keast, LGET, and Michele Roach, LGM

International President's Mid-year Message

December 9, 2009

Dear District Leaders,

Where does the time go? It seems like only yesterday that the new Toastmasters year began and we were all together at the International Convention! As we near the mid-way point of the Toastmasters year, it is the perfect time to celebrate what we have achieved and review what we have left to accomplish in this year of service to our members and clubs.

While the world economy slowly recovers, Toastmasters continues to thrive. Last year was a record-breaking year in both membership and club growth! Our current membership stands at more than 250,000 and we have 12,349 active clubs. This is a direct result of your diligent and dedicated service.

How can you continue to serve? All districts have the potential to achieve Distinguished District status, or better! Here are the ways you can meet this goal:

  • Help clubs understand and achieve in the Distinguished Club Program
  • Build new clubs and support existing clubs
  • Focus on meeting the needs, goals and dreams of the members
  • Apply all your energies on working together to serve others
  • Instill confidence in yourself and others
  • Build leadership in yourself and others
  • Always be of service to others

Your Board of Directors will next meet in February 2010. One of the Board assignments is to review the Distinguished Area, Division and District programs in order to more closely align each with the Distinguished Club Program. In October, a survey was sent to all immediate past district leaders to gather feedback from those who most recently experienced a full program year. Thank you to everyone who participated. The Board will review your input and use that information to improve future recognition programs.

Mid-year meetings for district officers in the U.S. and Canada have begun and will continue through January. World Headquarters staff is participating in these trainings to help them prepare for the mid-year meetings that will occur for all district officers around the world in January 2011. More details will be announced soon.

Remember, it is not how you start but how you finish that matters most. We have six months left to help our members and our organization grow. I know that you are up for the challenge! The Board of Directors and World Headquarters staff are here to help you. Enjoy your journey!

If you need any support leading your district, please contact the District Services team at World Headquarters at districts@toastmasters.org.

May you and your family have a joyous and peaceful holiday season and a superb start to 2010. Thank you for all you do to support and serve Toastmasters.

Sincerely,

Gary Schmidt
International President, 2009-2010