District 50 News & Resources
Tall Tales and Inspiration – it’s Contest Season!
Well, it’s almost contest season! Members and clubs, make sure you’re having your club contests and prepping your contestants to be ready for area contests! Area contests start Saturday February 22nd and will run through Saturday March 15th. For more information on the contest schedule, you can visit the Contest Page on the D50 website.
Promoting Club Growth: The Team Behind District 50’s Growth Strategy
In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Club Growth Director Rhonda Bunte about her role and the Club Growth team structure. Rhonda emphasizes the district goal to be distinguished in the 2024-2025 Toastmaster year. While the district needs to net only one new club for distinguished status, they face challenges with nine suspended clubs.
From Widowmaker to Lifesaver: Denise Castille’s Calling to Teach CPR
This episode of D50 After Dark features an interview with Denise Castile, the Program Quality Director for District 50 Toastmasters. While the conversation touches on her Toastmasters journey, which began in 2019, the heart of the interview focuses on her powerful personal story and subsequent mission. Nine years ago, Denise survived a Widowmaker heart attack—a typically fatal cardiac event—while on a business trip in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Thanks to the quick action of a colleague named Marie, she survived this harrowing experience, during which she was alone and scared except for the compassionate care of medical staff.
Happy Thanksgiving from Club Growth!
In the spirit of this holiday about gratitude, I would like to highlight a group deserving of our thanks: members. Thank you for serving as leaders in your club, area, and division as well as sponsors and mentors for new clubs, and club coaches for struggling clubs.
I also want to thank the Club Growth Team, often working behind the scenes, as they share their time and energy to support District 50 members in chartering new clubs and supporting clubs in education and membership growth.
Let’s all be grateful for the lifetime friendships we develop in Toastmasters.
Why do you Toastmaster?
So many clubs and members continue to look at how to build culture, membership, and a safe place for growth and learning. The below story, highlights the determination, care, and importance of one District 50 Toastmaster, who never gave up. Please take the time to read this story in its entirety. If you have the opportunity to participate in a Texas Dragon Speechcraft, say YES!!! If you ever see a gap and a need where you know that a group of people or individuals could benefit, show them your why!
Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow: Victor Johnson’s Mission to Mentor Youth
In this engaging conversation on D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Victor Johnson about his impactful work mentoring young people. Victor traces his journey from publishing his book “Proven Pathways to Wealth and Happiness” in 2018 to becoming involved with Dallas College’s Male Achievement Program (MAP), which specifically supports men of color in their academic and professional development. He speaks candidly about the unique challenges these young men face, including pressure to appear “tough” and navigate societal barriers.