March 24, 2017

Dear Toastmaster,

As we considered what we each have in common in Toastmasters and how that relates to our district-wide get togethers, one constant arose: It's all about our journey of self-discovery and learning. That led us to our Spring Conference theme of Discover Your Story. We are very excited to have an award-winning Storyteller & Comedian Kelly Swanson as our Keynote Speaker. Kelly was a featured Speaker at the Toastmasters International Convention in August 2016 and left the audience inspired and wanting more. This Conference will feature several educational sessions, as well as a story writing workshop. It will also be our chance to witness history as the first Champions of District 101 emerge. The winner of The International Speech Contest will move on to represent us at the Semi-Finals at the Toastmasters International Convention in August this year. Register for the conference now through April 15th for early bird rates! 

If you haven't had a chance to do so yet, please take the time to renew your commitment to learning and growing as a communicator and leader. Membership dues are due by April 1st. Should you have questions on renewals, feel free to reach out to us.

Many of our Clubs and members sprang into action this year and are working on finishing the year strong. 51 Clubs had all 7 Club Officers trained this training season. 54 Clubs renewed 75% or more of their membership base to earn March Madness. Clubs that become President’s Distinguished by April 15th join the President’s Club and earn $100 in District Credit. Will your Club be part of the President’s Club?

Toastmasters provides us with great opportunities to discover and grow our potential as leaders and communicators. Let’s share this gift with more in our communities! It’s a win-win as we introduce Toastmasters to more and strengthen our Clubs with new members. We have a brand new District Program to help your Club - Spring Forward! From April 1st through May 31st, Clubs win by adding members and stand to earn TI gift certificates. Earn $5 for every new/reinstated member added. If your Club adds 5 or more members, your Club earns an addition $25. Lastly, the Club(s) that adds most members in each Division earns an additional $50.

We started the year by Challenging Ourselves to do more and better than last year. It only seems fitting that we have a program that recognizes Clubs that achieve this. Take a LEAP this year to do better as a Club than last year. When you do, your Club earns $40 in TI Gift Certificates. Learn more about all current and upcoming promotions here.

Please welcome our newest District 101 club, Mandarin English Toastmasters, Mountain View! It is a unique experience to be part of a Bilingual Club. Visit them to learn more and get involved. Speaking of unique Clubs, have you checked out our District’s Advanced and Specialty Clubs? Visit one today for a new experience!

We have extraordinary leaders in our District who serve as Club Officers, Area Directors, Division Directors and in so many other ways. Share your appreciation for a fellow Toastmaster by nominating them for one of these annual awards - Club Officer of the Year, Area Director of the Year, Division Director of the Year and Toastmaster of the Year. Take a look at the criteria and nominate today! Send a filled-out nomination to dd@d101tm.org.

As always, please reach out to me should you have questions, concerns or just want to say hi!

Mythili

Mythili Prabhu, DTM
District 101 Director
213-400-4053