District 106

Newsletter

January 2023

From the Desk of the District Director

I hope you had a great holiday weekend and said goodbye to the year 2022 with optimism for a great year in 2023. So let's learn from 2022 and make 2023 a successful year.

District 106 hosted a holiday party on Dec 17, 2022, to share our success and wishes for a happy new

year 2023. Even in extreme cold, many members were present. Photos from the party are on the D106 website. Click here to view a video of the holiday party.

We lost two great members, Mark Skipper and Terri Heyer, DTM. I want to quote the words from Terri Guillemets on behalf of District 106 "Heartstrings always connect those we love and lose into infinity." May God give them eternal rest and peace.

Turning to District Business, let's recap my last article; we sent emails and holiday cards to let members know that we care about them. We hoped these reminders would inspire members to complete their educational levels and submit them on time. In addition, we asked them to continue their education programs to get the most benefit from the advanced levels of Pathways. For example: If members achieved only level 1 from Pathways, we asked them to work on level 2 and immediately submit it to their VPE, so they could proceed further and achieve their educational goals. Another benefit of submitting awards on time is that you will be eligible for "triple crown" awards. We still have six more months, so let's plan accordingly. Finally, please let your club VPE know you are preparing for your speech and would like to schedule your speech for an upcoming meeting.

This is an appeal to 42% of members who have enrolled in Pathways and still need to submit awards. The first two levels are essential, but from level 3, you will get the actual value of the educational program. So, please "complete" your level 1 and 2 projects and take on Level 3. It will give you the fundamental skills Toastmasters promised.

The trio reviewed our District Success Plan and updated it to meet the member's demands. We shared this with Division Directors and got their feedback. Your Area and Division Directors will be in touch with you better. Please respond to them and give us feedback so we can deploy resources to make your club a quality club to serve your members better. Also, please enroll in our social media links for all updates and announcements.

Lastly, please check the D106 calendar for upcoming events like club officer training and speech contests, and let us know how we can serve your clubs and members better.

Yours in Service,

Gopu Shrestha, DTM,

District 106 Director

From the Desk of the Program Quality Director

Kick Start! Do you hear that loud "Varoom" sound? That powerful engine is District 106 revving up and driving toward the remainder of this Toastmasters program year. We have multiple specific kick starters, including clubs that already qualify for distinguished status (but must still get through the next cycle of dues payments while keeping membership numbers strong). Seventy (70) clubs trained four or more club officers during round 1 of club officer training. Round 2 is in progress. There is hardly a more accessible distinguished club point to achieve than the one your club will get when four or more of your club officers train again in round 2!

Congratulations to Elk River Toastmasters, which has more than 20 members and has accumulated 6 DCP points already! Anoka Toastmasters has more than 20 members and has gathered 7 DCP points! Lino Lakes Toastmasters is net 3 in club membership with 5 DCP points! Sunrisers Toastmasters has more than 20 members and has five goals met! Several other clubs have earned five or more club goals but need members. There are also clubs with 4 DCP goals achieved that can easily make it to Distinguished Club status. What a great time to celebrate your member success with an energetic member celebration open house meeting! Your Area Directors, Division Directors, and District trio are ready to plug into your Open House process. Invite us to help with your event succeed!

On Saturday, February 18, from 9 AM to 1 PM CST, District 106 will have its virtual Toastmasters Leadership Institute. Mark your calendars and click here to register for the event. The featured speaker is the past International President of Toastmasters

International Lark Doley! We have also secured one of the co-founders of the Yoodli application. Varun Puri will present! There will be more, including presentations from one or more of our talented District 106 club officers' training team! You will want to attend this event!

Every one of our District successes begins with you, the Toastmasters members of District 106! Twenty-four Pathways level completions were documented in December alone: including several level 5 completions! Ribbons in commemoration of those achievements are on the way! Our district's success is a simple reflection of your Distinction! Keep striving toward your communication and leadership goals. District 106 is truly a place "Where Leaders are Made!" District 106 Performance Reports can be viewed by clicking here.

Mark the dates May 12 and 13 on your calendars! District 106 Convention will take

place in Duluth, MN! Toastmasters International board member Kimberly Meyers will join us. Reach out to convention co-chairs Sue Scholz and past District Director Kimberlee Redington with your questions and to volunteer! Many hands make light work. Let's make this a memorable celebration of your success during this Toastmasters program year! "Seas the Moment!"

Best Regards,

Ed Aylward

District 106

Program Quality Director

From the Desk of the Club Growth Director

A Memorable Open House

I remember the first Open House I helped organize in our home club. We held it at the Duluth Library and advertised free food. The event drew several guests, including special guest Michael Carlton, the Club Growth Director at the time with Crystal Anderson. Michael was our evening toastmaster, and he recruited Crystal as our speaker. The two of them set the stage, sharing the benefits of Toastmasters. Michael was good at involving the audience and introducing role-holders allowing each member to shine. Then Crystal spoke on how Toastmasters had made a difference in her life, giving her confidence and greater opportunities after using the tools in communicating and networking that Toastmasters provides. 

Then came the time for Table Topics. The Table Topics Master spun a color wheel of themes on each color. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Little did we know what was in store. The first question landed on blue, which had the theme of weddings. The first guest volunteered eagerly, jumped to the podium, and told us about his first wedding, second, and then third. Three times a groom. No kidding! His stories got sillier by the minute, leaving us all in hysterics. My sides ached from laughing so hard. 

The next turn landed on pets. This guest ran to the podium in her platform shoes, and her long skirt hiked up to her bosoms. She couldn't talk fast enough as the words flowed out of her like a rushing waterfall. Again, we were an audience held captive by someone who had a lot to say. I was grateful the timer took his role seriously, and we were set free after that one. When I run into a 'Chatty Cathy, I've often thought about making a pocket set of timing cards. The third question landed on birthdays and was answered by a guest from a neighboring Toastmasters club. We were delighted to see him and have his support.

At the end of the meeting, Michael invited the guests to become members of our club. The guest, who was married three times, said, "Yes!" (Imagine that.) The second said she could only become a member once her cat was neutered. Wow! I had to contain my laughter. She was dead serious. We have yet to hear from her again after that.

The Open House ended with visiting, more hors d'oeuvres, and a couple of new members. It had been a success and was the best laugh fest we had had in a while. I wonder if Michael and Crystal would be available for another Open House in Duluth this year? Of course, we would have free food. 



Now is an excellent time for you to schedule your Open House. Also, consider having a Speech Craft or hosting a Youth Leadership Program. These are great ways to connect with our community and gain new members. For information on Speechcraft, contact Mel Fiecke at melbyf@comcast.net. If you want information on Youth Leadership Program, you can contact Daniel Grundtner at dan.grundtner@gmail.com. He has an excellent article on this issue.  

Katy Hursh

District 106

Club Growth Director

From the Desk of the Public Relations Manager

Happy New Year, 2023! Wishing you all to have the best year and achieve your Toastmaster Goals. Greetings to you all from the Office of the District PRM team (Bob, Margie, Johnny, and Ashok]. I hope you all are doing well.

Do you know Toastmasters has introduced a new AI tool called “Yoodli” for private and judgment-free evaluation of your speech? Check out a quick Video about Yoodli AI speech coach. It is accessible to all Toastmasters as it comes with your Toastmasters membership. Want to know more about Yoodli? Check it out by clicking the button below.

Did you know that Toastmasters has put together tools to help you and your club be successful online and hybrid world? The collection of online meeting resources put together by Toastmasters International includes:

• Online Meeting Infographic
• Online Meeting Tips
• Online Prospect Flier
• Online Member Flier
• Timer Zoom Backgrounds
• Digital Ribbons
• Zoom Virtual Backgrounds

To access the online meetings resources, click the button below

For Hybrid Meeting resources, Click the Button below

The District PRM team is hosting a special PR Practical Workshop on February 22 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. I highly recommend that all VPPRs register and attend the workshop. Click on this link to register. Learn the basics of creating club newsletters, developing club websites using Free Toast Host, and increasing awareness of your club through social media.

District 106 social channel presence by the numbers:

Facebook: 405 Twitter: 167 LinkedIn: 178 Instagram: 266 YouTube: 133 TikTok: 9

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for exciting updates, inspiration, and more.

If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Together we keep the Toastmasters brand strong!

PRM team (Johnny, Bob, Margie, and Ashok)

Ashok Sunkavalli

2022-2023 D106 Public Relations Manager

ashoksunkavalli@gmail.com

cell (319) 431-2415

From the Desk of the Youth Leadership Chair

The holidays are now behind us, and a new year brings new beginnings. New beginnings can be in many forms. For us in Toastmasters, it may be starting a new Path. I bought my fourth for this new year. It may be joining a second or third club. Watch out! I may be visiting yours. Finally, it may be achieving your DTM - I am closing in on my first DTM in Pathways; just one more Level 5 speech to go.  

Unfortunately, suppose you are under 18 years old. In that case, the only way to participate in Toastmasters as a new year resolution is if a generous Toastmaster is willing to lead a Youth Leadership Program - YLP - because you must be 18 to join one of our clubs. YLP is for all the youth under 18 that cannot join our clubs but very well may when they reach the age of majority. 

If you are that generous Toastmaster willing to make a youth's new year's resolution come true to gain confidence in communication and leadership skills, then consider leading a YLP at your place of worship, a homeschool group or school, or a nonprofit serving under 18-year-olds. 

This can be your new year's resolution to make a positive impact on youth that need the skills we have to offer to prosper socially, personally, and in the workplace. With all the bad news in the media, how about giving your time to make a difference? A POSITIVE difference? Many youths are waiting for you to make this YOUR new year's resolution.  

Could you write me, and together we can get you started?  

Daniel Grundtner

District 106

Youth Leadership Chair '22-'23

dan.grundtner@gmail.com

Meetup CEO David Siegel visits

Readership Toastmasters Club

Social media platform Meetup CEO David Siegel, author of Decide and Conquer: 44 Decisions that will Make or Break All Leaders, recently visited the Readership Toastmasters Club meeting. Siegel’s book was the club’s leadership book of the month in January (each month, the club has speeches and discussion-style table topics related to a leadership book). Siegel was very positive about Toastmasters and encouraged club members to continue to “show up” and support each other.