As the New Toastmaster Year is in full swing, I am busy trying to understand my new role as Program Quality Director, while at the same time helping the new Club Growth Director with her role. 

I am planning and setting District goals that can be accomplished from my role as well as working with the rest of the Trio on setting District goals and budget. I am also working on my own goals for growth through my participation in Toastmasters. What goals do I personally want to accomplish? What skills do I want to improve?  

What it all boils down to is how can I improve myself and how can I help my fellow Toastmasters improve. I hope that each of you who reads this newsletter is thinking about these two questions in your own Toastmaster journey. I believe that this twofold approach of self-improvement and serving others through participation in Toastmaster club meetings and fulfilling leadership roles is what makes Toastmasters so effective.   

In my role as Program Quality Director, I hope to give our members and leaders the tools they need to succeed. 

Club Officer Training for this round is coming to an end. We are continuing to build on the success we had in improving Club officer training by having a dedicated training team perform all training. This raises the bar on quality and consistency as we have trainers who are familiar with the material and practiced in its delivery to provide the training. 

In the training, we cover the basics of each of the officer roles as well as cover topics in effective teamwork and managing your club that we think are well worth attending. 

There are 3 trainings left this August. If you cannot find one that works for you, you can also attend a three-hour training session provided by another District. I thank all of you who are making the investment in yourselves and your clubs by attending these trainings. 

 
 As an additional incentive, the District will provide Officer Pins for all officers in a club that has all 7 officers trained at both rounds of officer training. 

The training we have on our schedule is:   

Wednesday, August 23rd, 6 – 9 pm 

Thursday, August 24th, 6- 9 pm and 

Thursday, August 31st, 6 – 9 pm 

Please go to the district Calendar (d6tm.org/calendar) and register for the date that works for you. 

I have some ongoing concerns about our club members that are not using Pathways. This is the educational program that Toastmasters offers us and while it is not perfect, it is effective. If your club or some members of your club are still reluctant about Pathways we would like to help. The district has a Pathways team that is willing to help your club and its members discover how they can use Pathways. Please contact me and we can get you some help! 

As you work with your club members, help them focus on their goals and use Pathways to achieve them. You will both be rewarded with the growth that seek in Toastmasters. Your efforts will also be reflected in your club success plan as your members achieve their goals and your club attracts new members that want to improve their communication and leadership goals.  

I look forward to a great year and hope you all get the success that you work for!