Our Toastmaster 2011-2012 ended on June 30, 2012
with District receiving District recognition. I hope that this was your
best Toastmaster year yet. I know it was mine. So many members, club
officers, and members of the District leadership team truly let their
light shine by becoming better leaders and communicators.
I
will have fond memories of members that reached deep within themselves
to find that special spark and let it shine which in turned ignited the
flame within their clubs. Perhaps this was their first education award,
first time to serve as a club officer, first contest experience, or
first conference which caused the spark to glow. We have so much talent
in District 25 and members that are willing to step up to help others
discover that spark which begins to burn brighter and brighter during
their Toastmaster journey.
The
2011-2012 year began with exciting changes with Toastmasters
International. This was the year that that Toastmasters got a fresh new
look with rebranding. It was fun to read the positioning statement
at each of the Area and Division contests in the fall. We displayed
our new District 25 rebranded banner at each contest in the fall and
spring.
We started communicating with our members in a new fresh way—HOT Topics and Action NOW. We tried some new things—regular conference calls ‘Membership Mondays’
to help officers and members discuss topics of interest to make their
club even better. Make sure you check out the District calendar and
look for upcoming topics that will help you and your club have a better
Toastmaster experience.
We posted lots of pictures from special events (contests, TLI, conferences) on Facebook for everyone to enjoy.
The
best part of my year was these last few weeks when personally speaking
with club presidents and hearing first hand their commitment to making
their clubs the best. When year-end reports are posted in next few days
we will have over 85 Distinguished (or better) clubs. That represents individuals improving their communication and
leadership skills. I’m proud to have played a small part in helping
members, club officers, clubs and leadership team to “Let It Shine!”.
Being a Distinguished district is a reflection of the commitment by each
and every club to letting their light shine.
It has been my honor to have served with Bonne Stroman and Dean Lampman
and other members of the leadership team. We proudly served the
members of District 25 while completing the mission of the district by
providing quality training and leadership development for club and
district officers and extending the network of clubs, thereby offering
greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from the
Toastmasters education program.
Diana Patton
Immediate Past District Governor
