Toastmasters International — District News June 2023

June 2023 Leader Letter



District News

 

Dive into the learning! — Ready for the educational convention adventure? Take a peek at some of the inspiring speakers and sessions, all live and livestreamed for the first time. Get tips, advice, and anecdotes to deepen your communication skills. New this year is Toast Talk, three back-to-back sessions designed to enhance your Toastmasters journey.

Region Quarterfinals Underway — The 2022–2023 International Speech Contest continues at the region quarterfinal level. Judging is taking place this month once each District in a region submits a video of their first-place winner. Results from each region will be announced by early July. Check back here to see who is representing your region in the International Speech Contest Semifinals and then register to see them compete in the Bahamas at the Toastmasters International Convention.

2023 Accredited Speaker Program — The Accredited Speaker Program recognizes Toastmasters members who have reached professional-level status in their careers. In May, Level 1 applications and video presentations were reviewed by a panel of expert Accredited Speaker judges. We are excited to announce that four candidates will present at Level 2, taking place as part of the Toastmasters International Convention in Nassau, Bahamas. Learn more about the Accredited Speaker Program and register to see the 2023 candidates live in Nassau.

Prepare for District Leader Training — Toastmasters International will conduct District Leader Training in person at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas on August 14 and 15 for 2023–2024 District Directors, Program Quality Directors, and Club Growth Directors. District leaders will develop core leadership skills, share best practices, and network with others from around the globe. Submit your District leader list as soon as possible after District elections to ensure registration, travel, and training details are sent to elected leaders in a timely manner.

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Print Paths — As a reminder, the Board of Directors made the decision to no longer offer the option to purchase print paths for your Pathways learning experience last August. This update goes into effect July 1, 2023, which means June is the last month to purchase paths in printed materials. Members will always have the option to print entire projects directly from their path on Base Camp, using the instructions outlined in corporaterelations@toastmasters.org by June 1.

New Clubs Deadline End of June — More clubs charter in June than at any other time. To avoid delays and ensure program year credit, submit your new club forms early this month, but definitely by June 30. If you have questions about starting a club, view the How to Build a Toastmasters Club guide or Distinguished Area Program goals. You should visit your clubs four times during the program year to ensure officers and members are well supported and the future of clubs in your Area is secure. Please email any questions to districts@toastmasters.org.

Reporting Requirements Due July 15 — Throughout the year, District Directors are required to submit reports to World Headquarters. Please make sure that the District reporting requirements are met by July 15 to maintain access to the District reserve account and to gain access to District Central. Additional details will be provided in upcoming emails from the District Growth and Support and District Finance teams.

Year-End Planning — Don't forget that District leaders have until June 15 at 11:59:59 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) –6 to place supply orders or to access the District reserve account for the 2022–2023 program year! Your District accounts for 2023–2024 will be available beginning July 1.

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新近翻译! — 下载简体中文版:卓越的调解员
Newly translated! — You can now download and use How to Sponsor a New Club in SIMPLIFIED CHINESE!

¡Recién traducidos! — Descarga en ESPAÑOL: Ceremonia de iniciación de socios nuevos
Newly translated! — Download and use the Induction Ceremony for New Members in SPANISH!

Welcome 2023–2024 Club Growth Directors — Congratulations on your new role! To help you prepare for the transition and get a head start, visit the Club Growth Director Marketing Resources page. Find helpful tools to assist with your onboarding process, such as the CGD Marketing Tools Demonstration and the District Market Analysis plan template.

Updated 2023–2024 District Leader Kit — The District Leader Kit has been updated for the 2023–2024 program year. View the updated District Leadership Handbook (222), the District Recognition Program (1490), the District Strategies Guide, and other resources.

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Leading With a Laugh — Why is humor an important leadership tool? Whether used in the workplace or in a club setting, humor can relieve stress, boost engagement, and spur creativity and collaboration. Read some suggestions for leading with laughter.

Toastmasters On Vacation — The benefits of international travel are boundless! Grab your passport and follow these members around the world and find out how they connected with other Toastmasters and clubs while on vacation.

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Talking Toastmasters Webinar — Join International President Matt Kinsey and International President-Elect Morag Mathieson for a member webinar on June 28, 2023. Register now!

Pathways Updates — Get ready for exciting Pathways updates. In the first half of 2024, Toastmasters will launch a new learning management system (LMS), the online portal where members access and engage with Pathways content. The new portal will include improved navigation, mobile access, increased social sharing, and more. Learn more here and look for additional updates related to the Pathways learning experience later this month.

Thank You, Outgoing Leaders! — Congratulations to club officers and District leaders for a successful 2022–2023 program year. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the inspiration you have given to members and other leaders. Your efforts are recognized and appreciated by members, fellow leaders, and Toastmasters International.

Thank You, 2022–2023 Region Advisors! — Congratulations to the 2022–2023 team of Region Advisors for completing a wonderful program year. Thank you for your dedication and leadership, which were instrumental in helping District leaders fulfill the District mission to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. You are so appreciated.

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Tune In! Understanding and Celebrating Neurodiversity — Jolene Stockman, DTM, speaks on her personal story of discovering and embracing her autism diagnosis in this episode of the Toastmasters Podcast. Stockman explains how Toastmasters offered her brain the perfect environment and program and why she prefers to be called “autistic” rather than a “person with autism.”