RE-DISCOVERING THE HEART!

Immediate Past President Chris Ford said that “toastmasters is the world’s best kept secret”.  But in District 79 this year, pro-active support from our members made it a household name.

But lately a little weariness has crept in.  The FUN aspect, the ENJOYMENT  is found wanting.  Yes, we do get our clubs, we do get our CCs and ACs; but the heart seems to be missing.  And we have to put it back where it belongs.  Friends, the heart of the toastmasters program is the Educational Program itself.

As our founder Dr. Ralph C Smedley said, we learn more in moments of enjoyment.  It is this learning that translates to quality.  And Quality is directly proportional to the satisfaction of each customer.  And to our District, each and every member is a customer whose needs are to be met. For our needs to be addressed, we have to create more awareness.  So, it is not the toastmasters movement that’s the best kept secret, but the resources available in Toastmasters!

We intend to make all the resources available in TMI to the member, just for their pickings.  We intend to ensure consistency throughout the District by adopting a structured format. We intend to stimulate learning through a practical understanding of Officer and member responsibilities by supplemental trainings sessions, case studies and panel discussions.

One, Two, Three...Go!

We have a three point action plan for the year 2009-2010 with regard to Education and Training:

Action Plan 1:  Toastmasters Leadership Institute (Which will take care of all training, education needs).

Action Plan 2:  Speakers Bureau and Accredited Speakers Program through Advanced Clubs
(Promoting high quality speakers to create our own Professionals).

Action Plan 3:  Awards & Recognitions.

Where clubs, areas and divisions will be recognized for educational achievements, in keeping with the critical success factors.  Where CCs, ACs and leadership achievements that are planned and met in a systematic manner towards DCP/DAP/DDPs are rewarded. 

Compiled by LGET Uma Radhakrishnan, DTM