Important information for all Toastmasters, Toronto to Belleville

November 2020: Taking A Moment

Fellow Toastmasters - time has taken on a strange quality this year. Days have become repetitive, yet months rush by and we find ourselves almost at the end of the year.

So it's more important than ever to take a moment to stop, mark the occasion, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our members. You'll read below about those who have reached the pinnacle within our District.

Whether you're one of our award winners this year, or working hard to make your club the very best it can be, I want to thank you. You're making a huge difference in so many lives, and helping individuals become better communicators and leaders. You are a gift to the world.

Wendy Williamson DTM, District Director

For Everyone - Congratulate Our 2019-20 "Of The Year" Achievers!

At our first ever virtual Awards Ceremony, held on November 7th, District 60's super-achievers were recognised. Join us in congratulating these outstanding Toastmasters, who have helped so many of our members achieve their communication and leadership goals.

Toastmaster of the Year - Elton Brown DTM

Elton sponsored and coached multiple clubs, chaired three committees, presented seven workshops, promoted Toastmasters on social media and still somehow found time to fulfil four club officer roles and achieve a Pathways Level 3!

President of the Year - Karim Premji DTM

President of not just one club, but two, both of which he led to Presidents Distinguished status. For those who know him, it won't come as a surprise that Karim ensured both North York Project Management and Advanced 60 ended the year with 7 out of 7 officers trained, twice, and a maximum of 10 DCP points!

Area Director of the Year - Arthur Ching EH2

Arthur led Area G62 to Presidents Distinguished status, powered by three out of the five Area clubs achieving that honour. Nominators praised Arthur's leadership by example and his dedication, collaboration, positive attitude and drive. All talents he employed as a new club was launched in his Area.

Division Director of the Year - Angela Ho DTM

It was quite the achievement to drive all six of the Areas making up her Division to either Select or President's Distinguished status. That's what Angela achieved by deploying what nominators described as her motivated and inspired style. No surprise that they also acclaimed her as an "exceptional, brilliant Toastmaster and leader."

Read more here

For Everyone: District Leadership Selection Process is Now Open

The first step towards holding one of those "Of The Year" awards is to step up and become a leader - and here's your opportunity. We are now seeking nominations for District Leaders not just for District 60, but also District 123 - the brand new district that comes into being July 1, 2021.

There are elected positions for each district, and appointed positions as well. You can read all about the opportunities and the process at this dedicated webpage, which has a wealth of information.

For elected positions the deadline for applications is Saturday January 9th, 2021 - no exceptions! And applications for appointed positions must be submitted by March 31st, 2021.

As ever, don't delay. Nominations are being accepted now.

For Club Officers: Getting Even Better

In Your Role

As the pandemic wears on, you'll be aware of the specific challenges for your club. We're here to help! District 60 offers you great training so you can face the challenges with confidence.

Club Officer Training Round 2 is a terrific opportunity to get help with your particular issues, and to share your best practices and experience with others. Training kicks off on November 14th - find out more here about the great workshops on offer. Or if that day doesn't suit, choose your training session now using this calendar. Look for the bright green calendar entries from now through February, and book yourself and your fellow officers in now!

Maybe your club needs to attract more members? Are you feeling the repercussions of zoom-fatigue? Interested in creative ideas for getting more guests? Then you'll want to attend Sustaining and Growing Membership During COVID on November 17th. Register for this session, full of practical advice. Program Quality Director, Aneeta Pathak DTM, Club Growth Director, Sudha Datta DTM, and Adelin Brunal, Vice-President Education at Ebony Toastmasters will share what the 2020 experience has taught them about membership, and you'll be able to quiz them.
The International Speech Contest will be completely virtual in 2021, at District, Division, Area and (likely) Club levels. Logistics and technology can be daunting, but not if you learn from the experts. Sign up for our s pecial workshop on November 23rd, and you'll feel a lot more confident. you'll be

For Everyone: Congratulate Our New DTMs!

Our October newsletter recognised all of our newest DTMs. All except one, that is.

Due to an administrative error, we didn't include James Shi DTM, of Humber Shores Toastmasters. Our apologies, James, and belated congratulations.

For Anyone Organising A New Club: Great News!

Toastmasters International has announced some very welcome help for new clubs: any that organize for the months of November, December, and January of the 2020-2021 program year and pay future renewal dues, will have the charter fee ($125 USD) and the new member fees ($20 USD per member) waived.

For more details, contact one of our Club Growth Directors (contact details at the end of this newsletter) or the TI New Clubs Team at newclubs@toastmasters.org.

For Area Directors - Your Club Visit Reports Are Due

Thanks to the many Area Directors who have already filed their Club Visit Reports. Time is running out - the deadline is November 30 - to submit any remaining reports.

For Everyone: Free Stuff!

And not just stuff - a free Path! Normally US$20, you can claim a free Path if you renew your membership by December 31st.

Just visit your Toastmasters profile, click the “Choose A Path” button, and follow the normal path selection process to redeem your free path before March 31st, 2021. (The regular price will be displayed but, don't worry, you won't be asked for your credit card details at checkout).

This is a token of Toastmasters International's appreciation during this difficult time. Which of the 11 available Paths will you choose?