July 2024 Leader Letter

Toast Talk Education Sessions — Check out the just-unveiled learning trio at the 2024 International Convention! Hear three back-to-back 18-minute sessions, all designed to enhance your Toastmasters journey: From Likes to Leads: Build a Club Social Media Presence Amidst the Noise with Gianna Abao; Onboarding and Mentoring Mastery: The Missing Piece to Club Growth/Longevity with Marty Dickinson; and Keep ‘Em Coming Back! with Sravanthi Vallampati. Don’t forget to register to be a part of it!

Own a Piece of Toastmasters History! — A rich history awaits in Confident Voices: The Story of Toastmasters. Preorder this special-edition book to discover or revisit the inspiring stories and pivotal moments that have shaped our organization.

Negotiating Conflicts Confidently — Say goodbye to any queasiness you might feel when having a difficult conversation! Alice Shikina will be speaking at the 2024 International Convention to help us navigate conflicts effectively using her wealth of theater, mediation, and negotiation experience. Check out her session, Negotiating Conflicts Confidently, then register to experience it!

Schedule Candidate Talk Time — Have you scheduled a conversation with the international candidates? You can schedule:

• An online conversation with the candidates before the convention

• An onsite conversation with the candidates in Candidate Corner during the convention

Use this online scheduling form to set up time to talk.

Prepare for District Leader Training — District Leader Training will be held in person at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, California, USA on August 12 and 13 for 2024–2025 District Directors, Program Quality Directors, and Club Growth Directors. Get ready to develop core leadership skills, share best practices, and network with others from around the globe! If you have not yet completed registration, do so soon to secure travel and lodging arrangements. More information about preparing for training, including Pre-work assignments, will be sent via email in the coming weeks.

Share Your Centennial Snaps — July's social media theme focuses on the new program year and Toastmasters leadership! Share photos of officer installations, club officer training, events at The Learning Institute, new District leaders, and the Toastmasters new year celebration. Join the fun by tagging Toastmasters and using the hashtags #toastmasters and #Toastmasters100Years.

Early Bird Ends July 12! — Make milestone memories this August at the 2024 International Convention, filled with all the traditional highlights plus the once-in-a-lifetime centennial celebration! Register for the in-person experience in Southern California, where it all began 100 years ago, by July 12 to receive the biggest savings on the registration price.

Reporting Requirements Due July 15 — Districts must fulfill certain reporting requirements by July 15 to access the reserve account and place supply orders. Look for details in emails you will receive from World Headquarters.

Welcome New District Leaders — Congratulations on being elected to your new role! Start your term off right by viewing helpful Toastmasters resources, including The District Leadership Handbook, the District Recognition Program, and the District Strategies Guide to enhance success in achieving the District mission. You can view these resources in the District Leader Tools section on our website for more information and resources.

Incoming Public Relations Manager (PRM) Training — Review the PRM Training Webinar Video to get a jump start on your new role! The webinar explains the PRM role and provides tips, tools, and strategies to help Districts reach their target audiences and gain more media exposure.

Cultivate a Culture of Belonging — As a leader, learn seven ways you can ensure people feel connected.

Strengthen Your Conversation Skills — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg helps you enhance your communication skills for better relationships.

Team Building for Lone Rangers — While working alone can be good for small projects, sometimes you do have to work with a team. Discover how to work with others effectively and fit in with a team.

Tune In! Meet Keynote Speaker Shawn Ellis — In this episode of The Toastmasters Podcast, get to know renowned motivational speaker Shawn Ellis as he shares his journey of resilience and adaptability, along with a sneak peek of his upcoming 2024 International Convention keynote.

Help Clubs Designate a Proxyholder — Voting is an important way for each club to make its voice heard. Club Presidents, Secretaries, and liaisons will be emailed this month about how to assign the club’s proxy as the first step to voting at the Annual Business Meeting. District Directors are encouraged to contact club officers and ensure a proxyholder is selected to vote on behalf of the club.

What to Know About Region Realignment — On July 1, the regions of Toastmasters International realigned. This changed the number of regions in the Americas from nine to seven while changing the number of regions in the rest of the world from five to seven. Because of the realignment, certain Districts will be reassigned to a new region. Visit the Region Realignment 2024 page or the Region Realignment 2024 FAQ page for additional information.

Congratulations to New Districts — On July 1, two new Districts reformed from Districts 74 and 94 due to their continued growth and success. Please welcome District 129 and District 130 respectively.

Step Through a Century of Toastmasters History — In-person convention attendees can explore Toastmasters artifacts and the debut of the new Toastmasters documentary, 100 Years of Confident Voices, at the Toastmasters Through the Years Exhibit! Register now to learn about Toastmasters history and chat with some Past International Presidents and World Champions of Public Speaking at the VIP History Corner.

Region Advisor District Visits — Region Advisor visits are intended to provide support, leadership development, skill building, mentoring, and coaching to District leaders. Learn more about the Region Advisor visit process and how your District will benefit. Be sure to work with your Region Advisor and get your District visit planned between July-November!

Reduce Customs Clearance Delays for Toastmasters Orders! — Refer local vendors in your country to the Preferred Logistics Vendor Pilot Program—a program that works to get faster, cheaper deliveries outside of the U.S. by using local vendors. Know a reliable vendor? Contact logisticsservices@toastmasters.org for more information. This program currently excludes Districts in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Canada.

Region Advisor Application Process Opens September 1 — Would you or someone you know like to be a Region Advisor? It is a rewarding opportunity to continue your leadership journey by supporting and coaching District leaders as they work to achieve the District mission. This volunteer position spans a 15-month term and reports to the International President. Applications for the 2025–2026 program year will be available online beginning September 1. To learn more about the Region Advisor position, please check out this three-part webinar: Region Advisor Development Program.

Speech Contest Semifinalists — Results from region quarterfinals are in! Discover the two winners who are representing your region at the 2024 International Speech Contest Semifinals. These semifinalists will compete in a fully hybrid contest to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking® at the Toastmasters International Convention on August 14-17.