Toastmasters – Learning and Growing through our Contests and Conference

We all know of the various ways that we learn and grow in our clubs. It begins with our first meeting role, then presenting (and surviving) our first Icebreaker speech, perhaps we grow in our leadership while serving as an officer or mentor. 

The beautiful thing about Toastmasters is that growth not only thrives inside the club but is also bountiful outside the club. We are in the thick of contest season and our conference will be held at the end of April. I encourage all Toastmasters to step outside of their clubs and take advantage of these additional growth and networking opportunities. Volunteering to serve at a contest provides another leadership experience, and watching the contestants is like watching a masters class in public speaking and storytelling! 

Our conference begins on April 23 (online) with our District Council Meeting, the District 6 Contests on April 28 (online), and our hybrid District 6 Conference at Mystic Lake Casino on April 30 (which is now a smoke free complex).   

Contest Season: Our two categories this year are Tall Tales and International. Our Areas, Divisions, and the District Contests are in FULL swing. Check out our calendar page to find the various contest dates and to register for the Zoom links. All Area, Division, and District Contests are held online this year. 

Listed below are brief descriptions of our weeklong District 6 conference events. More details will be sent to all members in the coming weeks.

• Call for Presenters: We are looking for additional Toastmasters interested in presenting sessions on leadership skills and fundamentals, personal growth, and club operations. Are you interested in presenting during one of the educational sessions at the District 6 Conference on April 30? Please Click this link to apply.

• Online Spring District Council Meeting – APRIL 23rd 9 AM – Noon

We will begin the morning with a candidate showcase so Toastmasters may learn more about the Toastmasters who have stepped forward to serve District 6 during the 2022-2023 program year. The Spring District Council Meeting will immediately follow the candidate showcase. Members from the District Council will vote for the candidates and vote on additional District business, such as alignment. District Council members will receive more details via a separate email. This business meeting is open to All members as in the past and you may register here.

• Online District 6 Contest – APRIL 28th 6 PM – 10 PM 
  (Contestant and Chief Judge briefing to be held online on April 27th from 7 PM – 8 PM)
  Our contestants have worked their way up from the club level, and are currently competing at the Area and Division levels. Those who win their respective Divisions will move forward to the District 6 contest. All participants attending the District 6 contest will need to register here in order to receive the Zoom link for the contest.

• Hybrid District 6 Conference – APRIL 30th 8 AM – MIDNIGHT at Mystic Lake Casino
  We have an EXCITING conference planned for you. Attendees who plan to join us in person will have ample opportunity to network, connect with friends and make new ones, learn from inspiring presenters (like International Director, Region 4, Harold Osmundson, DTM, and our Communication and Leadership Award recipient Aaron Holm of Wiggle Your Toes), attend engaging educational sessions, enjoy delicious meals, celebrate our fellow Toastmasters during our awards and recognition ceremony, bid on unique items at our silent auction, and enjoy a fun-filled evening that culminates in a dance and more! 

Our online attendees will enjoy our educational sessions live and will be able to hear from our keynote presenters. Please note that some programming taking place in our main ballroom will be limited for online attendees. All Toastmasters, their families, friends, work colleagues are welcome! Click here to register!

Silent Auction: Would you like to donate an item to the silent auction? Please contact Tara Bolanda at 615-945-5032 – ormetm5@gmail.com. Thank you!

Help Wanted: We are looking for MANY roles for next program year, especially Area Directors! You are invited to review the opportunities here. I have grown in my time management, project management, communication, and leadership skills by serving as an Area Director, Division Director, Club Growth Director, and now as the Program Quality Director. I have also been blessed by many mentors who have helped guide me in these roles. Won’t you consider joining the 2022-2023 team? We’d love to have you!