Welcome to District 50 Toastmasters
D50 Business Meeting Documents

District 50 Toastmasters

We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
Winter TLI - 12/8/2023
2023-2024 Contests
Leadership Learning & D50 After Dark Podcast

What’s Happening in D50?

District 50

Personal Development

Club Growth

Programs & Education

  • Buy Toastmasters branded items.
  • Redeem bookstore bucks.
  • Enjoy shopping at store.d50tm.org as our store is now open. Not finding an item which is available at the official Toastmasters store? Send an email along with item name and number to the Bookstore Manager: store@d50tm.org
“This organization if fun! The member interaction is also supportive. My journey has just begun, and already I’m developing leadership skills, and the growth is limitless. When I think of Toastmasters or talk about it -well, it always makes me smile!”

“Its an incredible forum to be part of for self development and Toastmasters are welcoming and a fun bunch to be around.”

“During my recent careers I benefited greatly from my TI leadership training.”

“A great organization ! Great place and welcoming! You learn to better yourself in front of people and you learn to better your communication and social skills”

A Little About Toastmasters…

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What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters International is a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. With nearly 332,000 members in 15,400 clubs in 135 countries, Toastmasters offers a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

How Can Toastmasters Can Help You?

Do you feel sick at the thought of speaking in front of a room full of people? Are you looking for a way to improve your presentation skills and position yourself for advancement at work? Would you like to learn more about what it means to be a leader?

Toastmasters is the best kept secret in personal and professional development. A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop where you hone your skills in a friendly atmosphere. Visit a local club and find out more! Or go to the Toastmasters International site to find a club by City or Zip Code.

How Toastmasters Can Help Your Organization?

Thousands of corporations sponsor in-house Toastmasters clubs. Businesses and government organizations have discovered that Toastmasters is an effective, cost-efficient means of meeting their communication training needs.

Toastmasters groups can also be found in governmental agencies, as well as in a variety of community organizations, prisons, universities, hospitals, military bases, and churches.

Contact our Club Growth Director to discuss the steps involved to form a Toastmasters club in your organization or community, and see the Starting a New Club pages. The District Marketing team will even schedule a demo meeting for your organization.

Skills Toastmasters Learn:

  • Communicate more effectively
  • Improve presentation skills
  • Increase leadership potential
  • Motivate and persuade team members
  • Effective listening for evaluations
  • High self-confidence
  • Become more successful in your career
  • Reach your professional and personal goals

Build Your Skills and Confidence as a Leader

The world needs leaders. People are called on to head families, coach teams, run businesses and mentor others: to be leaders, to lead others, take action, and inspire others to do the same. But leaders cannot facilitate accomplishments on their own, they must communicate.

By regularly giving speeches, receiving (or obtaining) feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge from the Toastmasters program. Every Toastmaster’s journey begins with a single speech. During their journey, they learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback—and accept it. Through our community of learners, they find their path to leadership.

Learn by Doing

Do you want to learn how to deliver a speech like a pro, or gain leadership skills to advance in your career? Your goals are important, and Toastmasters’ proven program can help you reach them. By joining a club, you’ll gain the skills to become a more confident public speaker and a stronger leader in every area of your life.

Build Your Confidence

Toastmasters is a great way to go beyond fear and move into confidence. The foundation of this confidence is practice, and Toastmasters helps people by providing a safe space to practice.

Nothing will help those who are afraid of public speaking conquer this fear better than practicing public speaking itself.

Achieve Your Personal and Professional Goals

Do you want to learn how to deliver a speech like a pro, or gain leadership skills to advance in your career? Your goals are important, and Toastmasters’ proven program can help you reach them. By joining a club, you’ll gain the skills to become a more confident public speaker and a stronger leader in every area of your life.

Your Next Steps…

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Find a Club

Each club has its own culture. Visit a few clubs that fit your schedule and check the clubs out.

Join a Club

Once you have found the right club, reach out to the Club Leadership team to discuss next steps to join.

Get Plugged In

Welcome fellow Toastmasters! Go to the Toastmasters International website to enroll for Pathways and learn more about Toastmasters.

District 50’s Latest News

Toastmasters Towering: 11K Toastmasters

Toastmasters Towering: 11K Toastmasters

11K Toastmasters, chartered in February 1976: approaching fifty years. They caught District 50’s attention earlier because of their long-standing charter. Now, they have captured the attention as a successful corporate club. They are a closed, corporate club at the...

Toastmasters Towering: LUV Toastmasters

Toastmasters Towering: LUV Toastmasters

LUV Toastmasters, chartered in March 2013: ten years ago, is already a Select Distinguished club this year. They are a corporate Southwest Airlines’ club, so we all connect through our culture. They are open to all employees across the company and enjoy meeting and...

How Do I Use My B$B (Bookstore Bucks)?

1 Confirm the amount of Bookstore Bucks available to your club on the Bookstore Bucks Club Balances sheet that are found here.

2 Go to the Fall-der-All webpage and select the “Purchase Tickets” button.

3 Pay with your Club bank account or credit card (or a member’s credit card).

4 Save the payment receipt (credit card statements are not considered receipts).

5 Complete the Voucher for Reimbursement form that can be found here
A detailed receipt will need to be attached to the reimbursement form/email. **Credit Card statements are not allowed, it must be the detailed receipt

6 Return the Voucher for Reimbursement to the District 50 Finance Manager (finance@d50tm.org)

7 The Finance Manager will review the details of the reimbursement and if complete will write a check and mail to the Club Treasurer’s mailing address as indicated on the reimbursement form.

8 The amount of the expense/reimbursement will then be deducted from the Club’s Bookstore Bucks account.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

Unlocking Opportunities: The District 50 Sponsorship Initiative

0:00 - Tonight, our topic is sponsorship for the educational efforts of District 50 Toastmasters. Mickey Bennett, DTM, interviews Roy Martinez, DL1, who promotes the exciting new campaign to gather support for D50 Toastmasters from businesses and corporations in the wide community of Northeast Texas.

Roy is the Sponsor Vendor Chair for District 50 who joined Toastmasters in November 2022 and has blazed a fast track serving as an area director and a district chair in 2023-2024.

What do we mean when we talk about sponsorships?

07:40 Sponsors lend their name and financial support in exchange for the recognition of their support to Toastmasters—an educational non-profit organization that helps people learn leadership and communication skills. With over 2000 members in the District, it is a win-win for the business sponsor and for D50 Toastmasters.

04:01 District 50 has benefited in the past from vendors who donate to events, but this year D50 leaders set a goal to increase corporate and small business sponsors. The motivation for this increased effort was an event last spring. Following the district’s Spring Conference 2023, four District Toastmaster leaders were invited to a conference by SER Mujer, a national women’s organization. What they experienced there was a top-tier event supported by corporate and business sponsors. It awakened a desire to accomplish a similar result for District 50 conferences and events.

How will the sponsor donations contribute to District 50 events and to business and corporate recognition in the northeastern Texas community? What's in it for these businesses to sponsor District 50?

09:36, 17:00 The funds received from sponsors will go toward enhancing educational presentations, supplying the equipment used at events, and attracting speakers to district events. In turn, this will attract more attendees, lead to broader publicity for the sponsors, and cement the beneficial relationship of the business and District 50.

Recognition of their sponsorship would reach a great target audience of people who are leaders in their community and who would influence those around them. Geographically, District 50 starts off from Shreveport and goes all the way west to the Dallas metropolitan area, all the way south to Lufkin and Nacogdoches, and all the way north to the Oklahoma border. It's a huge area where a small business or a regional business can donate their marketing dollars for greater exposure and, more importantly, to help build trust in the community, especially if they are a newer business.

What kind of sponsors is District 50 looking for?

07:40, 08:38 District 50 leaders recognize that there are many small businesses that would benefit from association with Toastmasters events, as well as big corporations, some of which are already funding corporate Toastmasters clubs. In fact, many Toastmasters are small business owners, and many Toastmasters work for big corporations. It is a wide range, and to accommodate this range of business sizes, the District is offering a range of sponsorship levels, starting at $25 and going up to $2500.

How can a Toastmaster approach a corporation or business and ask for a sponsorship?

11:43 For example, a Toastmaster who is a member of a corporate club already has a connection to the leadership. The Toastmaster can approach the appropriate manager and ask about a sponsorship. District 50 has a complete presentation kit already built.

10:33, 16:08 Less-recognized businesses can be encouraged to raise their recognition in the community and, at the same time, contribute to a non-profit to save tax dollars.

14:58 Toastmasters can keep in mind that this would be a good Pathway project to check off. 13:43 Or the Toastmaster can ask the Program Quality team to present the information and request the sponsorship.

12:56 Roy said that at first it seemed complicated. But with the presentation kit, it comes down to: Who is the person I need to talk to, when will we have the conversation, then have the conversation, and, with some confidence and luck, get some sponsor dollars.

Where can Toastmasters get the resources to use to make a pitch for a sponsorship?

14:17 Some resources are on the website d50tm.org., and they can also get information and kits directly by emailing sponsorvendor@d50tm.org.

What can podcast listeners to do right away after watching this episode on D50 After Dark?

18:53 Roy urged small business owners and corporate employees to spend some marketing dollars to give back to the community through an organization that builds leaders and communicators—District 50 Toastmasters. For information and to get the presentation kit, email sponsorvendor@d50tm.org. Sponsor dollars today will not only help Toastmasters today but also the Toastmasters of tomorrow.
Challenge: Our 100-year anniversary is next year. Let us make that conference one to remember.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

Club Websites Unveiled: Navigating FreeToastHost with Past District Governor Ed Meissner, DTM

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett, DTM, asks about the benefits of FreeToastHost for Toastmasters clubs. His guest Ed Meissner, DTM, who is knowledgeable and familiar with the use of this website provider, describes its features. This is timely as clubs are choosing ways to keep members involved in club programs and to attract new members to their clubs.

03:04  Mickey says when he joined Toastmasters, his club just sent out emails every week with membership lists and agendas created in Excel. They didn't need such a fancy tool. He asks what the benefits of FreeToastHost are?

03:32, 04:32  Ed says FTH makes it easy for the members to see upcoming agendas, sign up for roles, and download information. The officers don't have to create a website, agenda templates, or keep separate members lists. It is all on the FTH website.

08:22 Templates for agendas can accommodate different meeting places, contests, or meetings with one, two or three speakers—all ready to go. They accommodate unusual features so that clubs are not trapped in a cookie cutter version of how a club is run.

09:30  The membership listing can be set up in groups for emails: whole membership, officers, individuals.

10:23  The website can function as a record of club activities with uploaded pictures, role descriptions, who won what ribbon, even flashing banner announcements.

12:02  As a public relations tool, a website is powerful.  The first task in getting a FTH website is to sign up on Toastmasters website Toastmasters.org with correct club information. This controls what people see on Find A Club. There will be a link to the club’s website where the club informs guests about Toastmasters, visiting the club, and possibly becoming members.

12:50  An FTH email will send a message to the club officers when somebody inquires so that the visitor can be invited to a club meeting with a prompt, personal touch.

14:12  If there are security concerns about the website, member information is not available to the public. Only the website administrator who is a club officer and members have access to that information.

14:29  With all these features, the service is free to clubs listed on the Toastmasters International website, and it’s easy to sign up.

15:47  The website can essentially be plug-and-play. However, in District 50 there are two experts who are willing to help a club over any snags. One is Dan Reeder, who is the Pathways chair, pathways@d50tm.org; and the other is Ram Venkat, Ram007.Venkat@gmail.com.

16:52, 18:13  Ed highly recommends setting up a FTH website. Once set up, the next step is to onboard the members properly. Some need a little extra help with computers and websites. Developing a club culture that incorporates the website takes a little time—about  three months. For the smooth running of a Toastmasters club, it is so worth the effort of making a FTH website part of the club culture.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

Mastering the Toastmasters Speech Contests: A Champion's Journey

[0:00] Experience the World Championship of Public Speaking as host Mickey Bennett, DTM, talks with one of the top eight public speakers in the world, James Harris, EH5, about competing in the Bahamas in August 2023. James is a member of VA Speakers Extraordinaire in Dallas. 

Mickey Bennett, DTM: Welcome to episode four of D50 After Dark! Today, we're talking with District 50 champion speaker, James Harris, Jr. 

James Harris, EH5: [01:05] I'm a motivational speaker and author. I teach public speaking at a college in San Antonio. I love encouraging people and changing lives.

You're also the District 50 International Speech champion. How did that feel?

[1:42] What a great experience! After my speech, someone came up to me and told me they needed to hear that speech. Impacting people is what matters most to me.

Why do you compete in speech contests?

[02:27] I grew up competing, and I love pushing boundaries. Competing lets me live my message, facing pressure, engaging audiences, and making a difference.

You made it to the World Championship of Public Speaking. How was backstage?

[04:05] Backstage was both calm and exciting. You're in the moment, realizing it's what you've prepared and prayed for. Encouraging fellow speakers is crucial, too.  [05:30] At pre-warmup, we met. It felt like a community, not just competitors. We celebrated each other's potential.

Did you prepare two speeches, one for the semifinals and one for the finals?

[06:46] Yes, I came prepared with both speeches, each practiced over a hundred times. Both had strong value which delivered my best in each round.

How did you decide which speech to lead with?

[07:55] It's tough. It’s subjective. I led with the one that got me there. I advise speakers to go all out in every speech, rather than trying to game the system.

What's your biggest takeaway from competing in the World Championship?

[09:12] There is a big world out there. Connecting with people from various cultures and ideologies was eye-opening. I learned to make my words have global impact while speaking from my regional point of view.

What advice do you have for Toastmasters aiming for the World Championship?

[10:28] Remember that every speech is for the audience and what they need to hear in that moment. Don't focus on trying to game the system by choosing the "best" speech. Make every speech high-quality and valuable to the audience.

Besides competing, what else do you do?

[12:26] I teach public speaking at the college level, which helps me adapt messages for diverse audiences. I also enjoy improv comedy, spoken word, and anywhere I can connect with audiences.

How can our listeners find you and hear more of your wisdom?

[16:50] You can find me on YouTube and various other platforms under "Undefeated Speaker." I also have a podcast called "Ten Years War" where I give away free speeches and motivational content. 

Any call to action for our listeners?

[18:56] We live in a divided world, and speech is under attack. I challenge you to share Toastmasters with someone you care about whether at work, church, college, or your community. Inspire others to find their voices, as it can be a powerful force for positive change.

Educational Speaker | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

Akash Navneeth, PI5
LinkedIn Lit: Mastering the Art of Captivating Content

Whether you're a writing pro or a rookie, find your voice and explore molding your profile into a narrative that reflects your expertise and values. As such, you will learn storytelling for genuine connections, structuring posts strategically, utilizing multimedia for impact, sparking engaging conversations, and deciphering metrics for continual improvement. Through immersive learning and hands-on exercises, elevate your LinkedIn game, leaving a lasting imprint on your professional journey.

Educational Speakers | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

David Dunn, SR5, MS3 and Naomi Lawler, DTM
Chief Judges Training

Take your contest experience to another level and learn what it takes to be a contest Chief Judge in District 50. David and Naomi will demystify the art of being a Chief Judge. You will leave this session with the confidence and tools needed to excel in this area and be able to navigate contests with skill and assurance.

Educational Speaker | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

Elyssa Schneider, EH2
Five Secrets to a Winning Table Topic - Your Guide on How to Shine with Impromptu Speaking

Elyssa is London’s District 91 (2022) Table Topics Champion and is the winner of the California Speakers’ Bureau (2022) Table Topics Contest and also holds the 3rd place for District 50’s Evaluation Contest. Joining Toastmasters in 2020 she has given impromptu speaking workshops in London, Mexico, India, Switzerland and Puerto Rico. A certified teacher, Elyssa brings more than 10 years of teaching experience to the stage and has coached individuals on how to shine in the spotlight. Join Elyssa in this spotlight worthy education session.

Educational Speaker | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

Herb Kulp, PI1
My Designed Life

Do you ever wish you just had a roadmap to life? Herb will provide a guide to help show you where you are to where you can be with your dream life. Herb owns multiple businesses and is a student of financial literacy and has spent years studying successful people and reads a book a week to advance towards his own dream life. He is going to share the map he has developed to help you get to where you want to be.

Educational & Featured Speaker | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

Jill Hellwig
Grow with Goals - it's time to activate your purpose - group coaching session


What are you uniquely called to do? 

It’s time! Jill Hellwig would like to personally invite you to the next step, an informational and inspiring session to  bring your purpose and goals from ideas in your head into reality. 

Utilizing Jill’s propriety coaching program as a backdrop, come receive group coaching in a safe and transformational environment. Discover how to turn your dreams into actionable plans that fit into your current life responsibilities and assignments. You will walk away with specific steps to achieve the goals that matter most  by focusing on the questions that matter most to you.

Who do you want to be?

What do you want to do? 

What do you want to have?

What do you want to be known for?

What are the values that are guiding your actions?

Invest a short time now to impact your decisions, habits, partnerships and growth forever. Whether you are 20 or 90, we want to help you find your most fulfilling, intentional and proactive life. After all, we get only one of them! 

This isn’t just about making resolutions or setting a to-do list to achieve; it’s about reaching your specific goals, the right ones, with peace and joy and learning to have both contentment and achievement. Learn how to reinvent yourself and follow your best life by doing what you are uniquely called to do! It’s time!!

Toastmasters Techno

  • We live, breathe and do everything techy. Come see what we're all about and come be apart of the D50 After Dark Podcast Production!
  • When: We meet on the second Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm (online) & fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm (hybrid/in person).
  • Where: Hybrid Meetings. We meet via Zoom and in person at Frisco Public Library.
  • Facebook: N/A 
  • Contact: Tommy Kenyon, toastmasters@thomasmkenyon.com
  • Club Number: ?
  • Membership requirement: Membership is open to all Toastmasters who are members of another Toastmaster club..

Confident Leaders

  • Our club is rich with former, current and aspiring Toastmaster leaders, including district directors. We naturally focus on leadership. Thirty minutes is reserved at our meetings for discussion or a debate on topics related to leadership.
  • We meet the third Tuesday of each month. 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
  • Our hybrid meetings allow members and guests to join virtually or in person at Granite Park Building 1, 5800 Granite Parkway on Plano TX 75024.
  • Club website: CLeaders.toastmastersclubs.org
  • Contact for club: Dan Reeder, VPPR, dsreeder462069@gmail.com
  • Club number: 07479372
  • Membership requirements: Confident Leaders is open to past, current, and future leaders.

Are you purchasing for YOU or your CLUB?

Check with your club to see if you will have a club ticket (includes FREE individual ticket for all of the club members) before you purchase the individual ticket.

We hope to see you all this October for the Fall-der-All!

Individual Ticket $50 (YOU), Guests $20 & Meals
Club Ticket $140 (for your Club)

200 Watt Speakers

  • Our club provides mentoring in communication, leadership, and time management skills to help working professionals enhance their career while advancing their Toastmasters' goals.
  • When: We meet on the third Saturday of each month at 1:00pm CT
  • Where: Attend in person at 315 Fannin Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 or on Zoom.
  • Club website: https://200wattspeakers.toastmastersclubs.org/
  • Contact for club: Use the Contact Us link https://www.toastmasters.org/Find-a-Club/00009682-200-watt-speakers-club
  • Club number: 00009682
  • Membership requirements: Open to applicants who aspire to improve their speaking and leadership skills.

Educational & Featured Speaker | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

Jill Hellwig
Grow with Goals - it's time to activate your purpose - group coaching session


What are you uniquely called to do? 

It’s time! Jill Hellwig would like to personally invite you to the next step, an informational and inspiring session to  bring your purpose and goals from ideas in your head into reality. 

Utilizing Jill’s propriety coaching program as a backdrop, come receive group coaching in a safe and transformational environment. Discover how to turn your dreams into actionable plans that fit into your current life responsibilities and assignments. You will walk away with specific steps to achieve the goals that matter most  by focusing on the questions that matter most to you.

Who do you want to be?

What do you want to do? 

What do you want to have?

What do you want to be known for?

What are the values that are guiding your actions?

Invest a short time now to impact your decisions, habits, partnerships and growth forever. Whether you are 20 or 90, we want to help you find your most fulfilling, intentional and proactive life. After all, we get only one of them! 

This isn’t just about making resolutions or setting a to-do list to achieve; it’s about reaching your specific goals, the right ones, with peace and joy and learning to have both contentment and achievement. Learn how to reinvent yourself and follow your best life by doing what you are uniquely called to do! It’s time!!

Park Central Toastmasters

  • Park Central offers 43 years of experience, excellence and Toastmasters educational programming to help support our members’ goals. We achieve this through our unique meeting format focused on providing members up to six opportunities to give formal speeches.
  • When: We meet online by Zoom the third Sunday of each month, 1:00 to 3:00pm 
  • A typical Park Central monthly program includes four to six prepared 5 - 7 minute speeches:
    • First speech focuses on “Tips on Excellence”
    • Two more speeches from Pathways program
    • One Pathways editorial speech which expresses an opinion
    • One Pathways rebuttal speech which expresses an opposing view to the editorial speech. The rebuttal speech is prepared after hearing the editorial speech with often only FIVE minutes to prepare. This can challenge the most experienced Toastmaster! It is a little scary!
    • Evaluations for each prepared speech:   The Evaluations given at the club are motivating, effective, and balanced.
    • Table Topics:   Park Central Members Are Known for Creative Answers to Challenging Questions.
  • Club website: http://parkcentral.toastmastersclubs.org/ 
  • Club Contacts:
    • Stephanie Moses, DTM, VP Membership: 214-498-3711
    • Anne Barab, DTM, Accredited Speaker, Treasurer: 214-293-9009
    • Jyotsna D. Pai, DTM, President: 214-403-0331
  • Club Number: 4095
  • Membership requirement:  Completed Pathways Level 2 and working on Level 3 (or completed Competent Communicator from the Legacy program)

Let's Talk Club

  • We are the enhanced advanced club. We can mentor Toastmasters on an array of speaking and leadership skills. Examples are creating and delivering speeches, impromptu speaking (We have an Impromptu Speech Contest most years.), evaluations, anything related to speech contests, TLI training, one-on-one mentoring, and many more areas. 
  • When: We meet on the second Sunday of the month from 2:30 to 4:00pm. 
  • Where: Our meetings are in-person only at Meadows Baptist Church, 3001 Los Rios Boulevard, Plano, TX 75074. We meet in Building 3001A (the “Love” portable building, just south and close to the main church building). The Meadows complex is directly across the street from Plano East Senior High School.
  • Club website: https://letstalktx.toastmastersclubs.org/ contact-695532@toastmastersclubs.org   (This goes to our VP Membership Lisette Cumberland.)
  • Club number: 695532
  • Membership requirements: At least two levels in Pathways.

We are still determining the payment processing for Fall-der-All!

$50 Individual Passes will be available soon
$140 Club Passes for the clubs' members to register at $0
&
Guest Tickets will also be available for $20 each.

Educational Speakers | 2023 Fall-der-All Fall Education Festival

Michelle Chadwick, DTM & Teia Samuels, IP4
Let's Get Ready for Contest Season

Are you ready for Contest Season?  No?  Well, do not worry!  The Quality Contest Team has planned an engaging and interactive session that will help you to learn every aspect of contest season.  This session will prepare you to take on any Contest Official role from the smallest auxiliary role to the Contest Chair and everything in between.  We will deep dive into Contest best practices and will finish the session with the ability to practice our newly learned skills. Come join us to ensure you are ready to tackle contest season in the Spring.

D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Show Notes:

YOUR CLUB’S VOICE: Change at the Top of Toastmasters

Mickey Bennett, DTM, Is the host of this podcast.

It’s August, and the 2023-24 Toastmaster year is just one month old! Everything has been reset to zero. There is a lot of talk about new club officers, TLI training, and increased membership fees. Change is in the air.

Something else is going on in August. What is this buzz about Proxy Holders, Club Voting, and the Toastmasters International Conference and Business Meeting in the Bahamas?

Tonight, we are exploring the upcoming election of half the leadership positions in Toastmasters International. When elected at the Annual Business Meeting this August, these new leaders will affect the thrust of Toastmasters for at least two years. 

01:51  Mickey Bennett, DTM, interviews David Dunn, SR5, MS3, who explains the buzz about the upcoming elections in Toastmasters International.

David, a member of EZ Speakers, has been a Toastmaster since 2018 and has been an area director and a division director, as well as club officer in all offices except secretary and treasurer. He is currently serving as Chief Judge for District 50.

Why should your club get involved in the elections?

05:39  Mickey and David explore the reasons why clubs benefit from learning about the top positions in Toastmasters International and studying about the candidates who are running for those positions. David explains club members can take this opportunity to effect change by selecting board members who will serve for two years. These board members are involved in decisions about the educational system, contests, and all aspects of Toastmasters’ life, including fees. 

Which specific positions are up for election?

03:11  In this year’s elections, the odd-numbered regions 1 through 13 have elections, including Region 5 which serves District 50. Clubs vote for ALL regional board positions throughout the world. Ballots for the President-Elect and 1st Vice President are uncontested, but the 2nd Vice President is a race to watch! The person elected to this position will eventually become the International President.

How do clubs find out about the candidates and issues at stake?

08:20  Club members can learn about candidates on Toastmasters website under Board of Directors candidates. Toastmasters International -international-officer-and-director-candidates [Note: There are other links with information on this podcast page.]

How does your club cast its two votes for each of the ten ballots?

02:35  Each club has two votes for each election. To participate in the elections, the club president or club secretary assigns proxy holders. The proxy assignment form is located on the Toastmasters website.  Toastmasters International -MyProxy.

10:34  [also 07:14] There are three choices for the club’s proxy holder: It can be assigned to 1) your district director, 2) any club member including the club president or secretary, or 3) any Toastmaster member. To assign to a member, the member’s Toastmaster ID must be used.

11:54  The 7-minute video on the Toastmasters website outlines the steps to assigning the proxy holder and adding the club’s voting preferences, if any. The video is located at https://www.toastmasters.org/events/annual-business-meeting/watch-and-learn

What is the deadline for assigning the club’s proxy holders?

09:08  David emphasized that proxy holders must be assigned by the deadline August 11, 2023, before midnight. Proxy holders must be available sometime during the credentials acceptance period August 12 through 15, 2023. Finally, the proxy holder must vote online as each ballot is called in real Eastern Daylight Time during the Annual Business Meeting on August 18, 2023.

What is David Dunn’s personal message to District 50?

12:17  David encourages District members to sign up for judge’s training and chief judge’s training. It will make contest season easier for all the participants, especially the judges. The best judges are rested and eager to contribute their time, not overworked and burned-out.

What is the Call to Action?

13:18  District 50 club members are urged to assign their proxy holder by August 11. The proxy holder will vote the club’s preference for Toastmasters International board members and officers. If time is an issue, clubs can choose the District Director as its proxy holder to make decisions in the best interest of District 50.

Bottom line: Be sure to make your club’s voice heard in the Bahamas in August!

Your club’s votes will become the new leaders’ voices at the decision-making table. Are you ready to choose the leaders who can influence change at the top of Toastmasters International?

Toastmasters Techno

  • Our club explores the power of innovative technology while guiding and encouraging members in their public speaking and leadership skills.
  • When: We meet twice a month on Wednesday evenings. On the second Wednesday of the month, the club meets online only. On the fourth Wednesday the meeting is hybrid (virtually and in person). 7:00-8:00pm. CT
  • Where: Hybrid meetings meet in person at Frisco Library, Conference Room 4, 8000 Dallas Parkway, Frisco 75034
  • Club website: https://tmtechno.toastmastersclubs.org/
  • Contact for club: Jerry Baskett, VPPR, Jerry_Baskett@yahoo.com
  • Club number: 5545568
  • We meet mainly in person, but we can set up hybrid.
  • Membership requirements: Toastmasters Techno is open to applicants who aspire to improve their speaking and leadership skills.

Roving 49ers

  • Roving 49ers is a place where past, present, and future leaders gather in a relaxed setting in a member’s home to share their successes and challenges and to learn the art of successful leadership. Roving 49ers has become a forge where leaders are honed, all while relaxing in a fun atmosphere, and enjoying a great meal and the camaraderie of fellow Toastmasters. Over the past 35 years our unique combination has made us THE destination for Toastmasters interested in furthering their leadership skills.
  • When: We meet on the second Saturday of each month. In-person potluck starts at 6:00pm CT; hybrid meeting begins at 7:00pm CT.
  • Where: Members' homes in a hybrid meeting.
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083688521307
  • Contact: Kathie Clark, DTM,  kaclark50@verizon.net
  • Club Number: 6590
  • Membership requirement: Roving 49ers is open to past, current, or future Toastmaster leaders.

Super DTMs

  • We assist and mentor Toastmasters who are working towards their DTM.
  • When: We meet online on the second Thursday of each month, 6:30pm
  • Where: We meet online only.
  • Contact: Diana Pritchard, pritchard.diana@gmail.com 
  • Club Number 07026328
  • Membership requirement: Membership is open to those who already belong to another Toastmaster club.

Tyler Advanced Toasties

  • We focus on thorough evaluations and leadership opportunities to motivate and assist members in growing their leadership skills. 
  • When: We meet on the second Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm
  • Where: Hybrid Meetings. We meet via Zoom and in person at Tyler Innovation Pipeline, 217 East Oakwood Street, Tyler, TX 75702
  • Facebook: Tyler Advanced Toasties 
  • Contact: Diana Pritchard, pritchard.diana@gmail.com
  • Club Number: 7463287
  • Membership requirement: Membership is open to all Toastmasters who are members of another Toastmaster club..

Keynote Speakers

Jill Hellwig

Jill Hellwig is the best-selling author of Grow with Goals- A How-To Guide for Activating Your Purpose, inspirational speaker, vision-driven coach, and founder of Brand New U Coaching.Her passion is to help companies and individuals gain clarity of purpose, peace of mind, and a plan of action. She draws from over 25 years of corporate, non-profit, and community experience, including fourteen years with Zig Ziglar, who fondly referred to her as “The Bear Hunter” for her prowess at producing multi-millions in revenue. Jill and her husband, Jay, are the parents of four children and live in Lewisville, Texas.

Book your room with the official Fall-der-All: Fall Education Festival hotel reservation link below. If you have questions, please reach out to PQD@d50tm.org.

https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=DALHSHX&groupCode=TOA&arrivaldate=2023-10-13&departuredate=2023-10-14&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

TICKETREGISTRATION FEEDESCRIPTION
Club$140All District 50 clubs can buy club tickets. This club price is a substantial discount for your members to attend the Fall Education Festival: Fall-der-All. Once your club purchases the club ticket, you will then receive a code to provide your members to register, individually.
Member Only$50Members who wish to purchase a Fall Education Festival: Fall-der-All ticket can purchase this individual member ticket price. All Toastmaster Members would be eligible for this price.
Guest
(Gallery Seating)		$20This is for friends and/or family who would like to attend a keynote or DTM Ceremony and not eat with us. This admits your guest(s) into the Fall-der-All; Fall Education Festival.

Are you purchasing for YOU or your CLUB?

Guest Tickets will also be available for $20 each.

IMPORTANT:

Upon checkout, you will see an extra charge on your order amount. You will want to remove that charge by (1) clicking "?" and then (2) click the "click here" link, and then (3) the "I'd prefer not to contribute this time".

Individual Ticket $50 (YOU)
Club Ticket $140 (for your Club)