As they say, Spring is in the air! Spring is a time of renewal and new life. The birds and the squirrels are active in our yard and the sun calls me to go outside for a walk or just to sit on the bench in our front yard. It is a time of renewal and activity. 

I think it is a good time to renew your commitment to yourself. You may have joined Toastmasters for the same reason I have – to grow personally and professionally. Now is a good time to reassess and recommit to yourself. What have you learned in your Toastmasters journey? How have you grown? What is next for you? Maybe you have missed a few club meetings. Maybe you haven’t given a speech in a while. Now is a good time to look at your goals and recommit to your growth! Mark your next Toastmaster meeting on your calendar. Speak or take another club role. While you are at it, invite a friend or co-worker to join you. Let them see for themselves how Toastmasters works and how they can benefit from joining you as a member of your club!

At the time I am writing this, it is about 2 weeks since dues were due. Why have some of your members not renewed? I encourage you to find out! If you haven’t seen a member, if they haven’t renewed, find out why! Give them a call to them and ask! It may be that they are busy with work. They may have changed jobs or moved, or the day simply doesn’t work for them. Help them find a new club if your club doesn’t work for them any longer. If they are too busy, be kind, but suggest that they need to continue to invest in themselves. Toastmasters remains an effective and affordable means of building confidence, speaking, and leadership skills. Who doesn’t have time for that? 

Are you thinking of ways to build your club membership? Speechcraft, open houses, and personal invites are all effective ways of bringing guests to your clubs. During May and June, it is Beat the Clock Membership Building Program. Toastmasters will award a ribbon for your banner if you add 5 new, reinstated, or dual members from May 1, 2023 – June 30. District 6 will sweeten the pot by adding an additional award of $50 at the Toastmaster store! 

Speaking of Spring, I hope to see many of you at the Spring Conference!