D50 After Dark Podcast
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Highlights
(0:00) Behind the Scenes: D50’s Program Quality Teams and Spring Conference Preview
(1:32) Program Quality Teams Overview
(5:08) Youth Leadership Conference
(7:04) New Member Orientation
(10:36) Contest Season Details
(14:27) Spring Conference Preview
Summary
In this D50 After Dark interview, Program Quality Director Denise Castille continues as overview of D50 Toastmasters’ educational initiatives and upcoming events. In a previous episode, she and host Mickey Bennett discussed the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) plans for the district. This discussion reveals the rest of a robust program structure supported by dedicated teams, Key teams include New Member Orientation led remotely by Jyo Pai and Velynda Fultz; a Contest team with District Chief Judge Latayah Beauchamp-Andrews and Quality Contest Chair Bonnie Dubin; and Pathways education managed by Dan Reeder who offers bi-monthly basic and advanced sessions. Additionally, Toastmasters Thrive (formerly Leadership Learning) is run by Rheanna Bowsman and Shanna David, while Hitesh Bhalala heads the Youth Leadership Program.
An exciting development is the upcoming Youth Leadership Conference, structured similarly to the adult spring conference but tailored for young participants. The program includes youth-focused speakers, contests, and is supported by two gavel clubs. An 8-week youth program is scheduled to begin in February, demonstrating the district’s commitment to developing young leaders.
The district has enhanced its New Member Orientation program by offering sessions during lunch hours, evenings, and Saturdays to accommodate both corporate and community club members. This comprehensive orientation introduces new members to Toastmasters’ cutlture, history, and organizational structure.
Contest season begins in March with Area contests featuring International Speech and Tall Tales competitions. The Quality Contest Chair ensures proper venue preparation and Toastmaster branding throughout the contest season.
The Spring Conference, scheduled for May 9th and 10th, promises to be a highlight event with the theme “Blooming in Leadership and Communication: A Garden for Growth.” The conference will feature traditional elements like the DTM ceremony and Hall of Fame awards, while introducing innovative educational sessions that go beyond conventional topics.
Denise enthusiastically invites all Toastmasters in District 50 to participate in the upcoming contest season and in the Spring Conference. “If no one’s asked you to be a part of an area contest, ask them; or ask your area director (or one of your club officers), “How can I serve?” She says that participation allows new and old members to get to know each other and helps to make this large district feel more intimate and connected.
For questions regarding the Spring Conference, Youth Leadership Program, or any of the Program Quality Teams, contact District 50 Program Quality Director Denise Castille at pqd@D50tm.org.
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