District Director Message

Fall is one of my favourite times of the year. I love watching the leaves change from green to brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. It is a reminder that change can be beautiful and that every season brings something new. Toastmasters is much the same. Our clubs and members are constantly changing, learning, and growing. We welcome new members, take on new leadership roles, try new things, and discover new opportunities. As we move into this new season, I hope we can embrace those changes and continue working toward our District 208 vision that Every Member Finds Value.

We have had a busy first few months, and I am proud of what our clubs and members have already accomplished as a District.

Celebrating Our Club Success Plans

One accomplishment especially worth celebrating is the tremendous response to Club Success Plans.  As of September 29, 84% of our clubs had completed and submitted their Club Success Plans. I am confident that by the time you read this, we will have passed the 90% mark!

Thank you to our club officers and members who took the time to discuss their club’s goals, identify priorities, and create a plan for the year ahead.

Of course, completing the plan is only the beginning. Clubs that create a Club Success Plan and then actively execute that plan throughout the year are well on their way toward building stronger clubs and achieving Distinguished Club recognition.

There Is a Place for You on the District 208 Team

We are still looking for members to fill several important District 208 leadership and volunteer positions, including Area Directors, a Public Relations Manager, and members of several district committees, including the conference committee.

Serving beyond the club level is a great opportunity to meet members from across our new district, develop leadership skills, contribute your experience, and help shape the future of District 208.

District service may also provide opportunities to complete requirements associated with some Level 4 and Level 5 Pathways projects, such as High Performance Leadership or Volunteering in Your Community. If you have been wondering what you could use for one of these projects, a district role may provide an excellent opportunity.

If you are interested, or simply want to learn more about what is involved, please reach out to me at dd@d208tm.org. There is a place for you on the District 208 team.

Looking Ahead

There is lots happening as we move through the fall and toward winter.

Round 2 of Club Officer Training will soon begin, providing another opportunity for club officers to develop their skills, exchange ideas, and bring new ideas and energy back to their clubs.

And don’t forget to mark November 21 on your calendar for our District 208 Celebration Event. It will be an opportunity to come together, celebrate our members and clubs, learn, connect, and enjoy being part of our new district.

There will also be additional training and educational opportunities throughout the coming months. Be sure to check the district website (d208tm.org) frequently for the latest information about training, events, and opportunities to participate.

As the leaves change around us, let’s continue to grow together. We have accomplished a great deal in the first few months of District 208, and there is much more ahead.

At the heart of everything we do—our training, our leadership, our Club Success Plans, and our district events—is one vision:

Every Member Finds Value.

Cheryl Persson, DTM
District 208 Director