D50 After Dark Podcast

**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.

Area Directors: Club Champions Empowering Toastmasters Clubs

Highlights:

0:00 – Importance of engaging new members

1:41 – Kim reflects on her time as area director

3:31 – Area directors as “trusted advisors”

5:58 – Connecting clubs to district resources

10:35 – Need for continuous engagement  

14:19 – Recommended frequency of club visits

15:50 – Mickey’s experience as area director

18:03 – Peer leadership between directors

20:25 – Kim’s call to action

Summary:

In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews District Director Kimberly Ross about the crucial role of area directors as “club champions.” Kim emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement with clubs, especially given the influx of new members—30 in July alone. She reflects on her own experience as an area director, acknowledging she could have done better due to life circumstances.

Kim describes area directors as “trusted advisors” for their clubs, highlighting their role in connecting clubs to district resources and support. She stresses the need for ongoing engagement, as the audience is ever-changing with new members joining regularly.

Regarding club visits, Kim recommends area directors visit their clubs once a month, or 4 times every 6 months. Mickey shares his experience of monthly club visits as an area director, explaining how it significantly developed his leadership skills.

The conversation also touches on the “magical” peer leadership that can develop between area and division directors. Kim encourages this collaboration, noting how it can lead to innovative ideas and better support for clubs.

Kim’s call to action is twofold: she wants to know why members Toastmaster, and she encourages everyone to lean into the district and their leaders. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out, whether it’s to area directors or division directors, especially if facing challenges.

Throughout the episode, Kim underscores the vital role of area directors in club success and member engagement. She highlights the personal growth opportunities the position offers, encouraging Toastmasters to embrace new challenges and learn from them.