June 1 marks ten years that I have been involved in Toastmasters. I joined the Greensburg chapter on that Wednesday night and ever since, my life has changed for the better. I’ve made many friends along the way in my home club and in other clubs as well. I’ve also visited some great clubs in person and virtually. Cranberry High Noon is my most visited club and they’ve made me an unofficial member.
I’ve attended many speech contests and other district events like club officer training and the annual conference (used to be twice a year). I’ve also made my presence felt in other districts as well. I attended an event in District 18 in September of 2019.
I’ve served as a District Leader in the area, as well as in the division. Both Director roles have different requirements but you are representing the District, so be proud. I got my start as a District Sergeant at Arms at the Fall 2012 conference and I really enjoyed that role, getting praise from those in my District, and introducing our Toastmasters, event chairs, and event speakers.
My best Toastmasters memory was from the final in person conference we had pre-COVID in April 2019. A bunch of us gathered in the hotel lobby to hang out. It was on a Friday night and what a beautiful way to end the week. My Toastmasters comeback had just begun as I just completed the run of division contests a few weeks prior. That Saturday night at dinner, I watched my friends from Cranberry High Noon achieve their Distinguished Toastmaster awards and form their “DTM huddle”. That motivated me to complete my requirements (I had two left) for my own Distinguished Toastmaster award.
I received my DTM award at my home club’s open house in October 2019. When I came back to Toastmasters earlier that year, I was more than determined to finish my projects and achieve that coveted award. All I needed to do was conduct a seminar from the Successful Leader series and lead a club to Distinguished as club coach. I had no problem doing either.
What’s the inspo behind me getting my DTM award and why was it important? I wasn’t giving up after eight years of hard work. That would be like dropping out in May of your senior year of high school.
I watched Bob, Kathy, Leslie, and Sarah at the April 2019 conference forming their DTM huddle and that motivated me to finally get mine. That conference weekend was one of the best things to happen to me in 2019 besides getting my DTM, Chase’s return, and the launch of this blog.
I never got a chance to run the DTM gauntlet in person because of COVID, but I was able to show off my DTM medal 🏅 at the virtual Fall Symposium in September of 2020.
What gives me the inspo to visit other clubs? You see, making your presence elsewhere gives you a look at how other clubs run their meetings. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. You’re also there to provide support for other members and sometimes can be asked to step up and fill a vacant role. So you see, visiting other clubs in Toastmasters is one thing I enjoy.
A great example of a club that I always visit is the Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters club. I’ve been there multiple times and plan to make more visits there this year. When I launched my blog and showed off my stylish attire (no surprise I was slaying it that day), the club made me feel at home during my visit. Cranberry High Noon has adopted me into their family (just as Paula and her girls have adopted me into theirs).
At Wednesday’s Greensburg club meeting, we held elections for 2021-22 club officers. I expressed interest in the Vice President Education role. What’s the inspo behind me taking on a role that is one of the most important in the club?
It’s a role I’ve had little experience performing. I did it once before in 2012-13. The only officer role I’ve never held is Treasurer 💵 but we have a longtime Toastmaster who does the job well. The VPE position is more imperative now since we’ve switched over to Pathways. This is only my second time performing it, but I am definitely up for the challenge.
You see, I have big things planned for my VPE run next year. That will include putting together a chart to keep track of the progress in the Distinguished Club program. I also plan to encourage our new members to giving more speeches which will help contribute to the cause as well. So you see, what better way to set an example for Greensburg Toastmasters going forward in 2021-22?
In September of 2020, the District held its annual Fall Symposium online. During the awards ceremony, our past District Director gave out awards to three Toastmasters who exemplified The Spirit of Toastmasters. Nate Stephens for his work leading Penn Hills from Extinguished to Distinguished; Tina Kramer for her dedication to the Earlybirds club as their club coach; and myself as the goodwill ambassador to District 13.
At the Winter TLI in December, the three of us teamed up for a panel discussion and answered questions related to Toastmasters. It was all worthwhile and we had a great time dressing up at the Spirits of Toastmasters past, present, and future. Overall, it was a good training and a great day for me because I met some great friends for dinner in Ligonier that night.
My Toastmasters spirit has made a triumphant return despite self-doubt, COVID-19, and my recent health issues. You just can’t keep a good Toastmaster down.
Have a great week everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 