What’s Up Wednesday!

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

What’s Up Wednesday!

“It just seems to be a universal desire to belong and want to be a part of a warm, embracing community where [members] can be themselves—no matter how they identify.”

“I think a lot of people are going to find themselves being called upon to stand up and speak out about what they believe, and we feel like Toastmasters has a really vital role in helping educate people to be stronger communicators in this period.”

—Seldon Short, President of Leadership Lambda

What do you think about…

Serving this coming year in District 50? The District is looking for 2 key roles. 

Finance Manager: This person will serve on the Senior Leadership Board and earn 1 year of credit that can be used when pursuing their DTM. We have had amazing past Finance Managers such as JZ Zurita, Risper Abraham, Jen Hoch, and this year’s Finance Manager, Tim Lemon. Every person who said yes, took on a challenge, learned, and grew. If you are interested in serving as the finance manager, please reach out to District Director-Elect, Denise Castille at PQD@d50tm.org to have a conversation. We will connect you with people who can give you the scoop and the support you will receive. 

Area Director: The Area Director is the most pivotal role in the District. Every year, our District works with members who are looking for the experience of leading a volunteer organization. Perhaps there are areas you would like to experience, improve, or simply get to know more people. Being an Area Director really is where so many of us “start” our leadership journey and is the backstage pass to understanding how things work as well as connecting with the heart of our District, and our members. Please reach out to District Director Kimberly Ross at dd@d50tm.org and let’s have a chat about how you can get involved.

Why do you Toastmaster? The Freedom To Be Yourself…

June is Pride month and this month, our very own Toastmasters club, Leadership Lambda shared why they Toastmaster, with Distinguished Toastmaster, Emily Sachs, a freelance writer in Brooklyn New York and serving as District 119 District Director. Toastmasters Magazine showcased Leadership Lambda in the best possible way, and I couldn’t be MORE PROUD to know that they shared their authentic selves in this article! I have highlighted some quotes from Leadership Lambda’s President, Seldon Short, VP of Education, Nancy Bateman, and Immediate Past President and winner of the Outstanding IPP award, Scott Jordan. There is so much good information, please make sure to view the article in this month’s Toastmaster Magazine. You can download the pdf version or click on the picture below “Profile, The Freedom To Be Yourself”.

“When I’m in an environment that I know is a safe place—absolutely 100% safe for me—I can focus in on my communication skills and not waste that energy on wondering, ‘What are they going to think? Can I say it that way? Are they going to judge that? Are there going to be raised eyebrows?’” says Seldon Short, President of Leadership Lambda Toastmasters Club in Dallas, Texas, believed to be the oldest LGBTQ+ club in Toastmasters. “I can really gain that sense of confidence … to become a better leader and a better communicator and not worry about, ‘Oh, am I going to be judged because of who I am?’”

Yet politics isn’t a typical topic, despite the tenuousness of legal protections for members. Most speeches are general in scope, says Nancy Bateman, DTM, Leadership Lambda Toastmasters Club’s Vice President of Education. “They’re about life’s journey and the silly things everybody has to deal with and the goofy people we encounter and the problems we overcome. Just like every other club.”

Did you Know? History in the Heart of Texas

Leadership Lambda was formed with 38 charter members in June 1997—fittingly, since June is Pride Month, which celebrates support of the LGBTQ+ community. The club formed as part of a professional development initiative for prominent and emerging gay leaders in Dallas during a period of increasing visibility in politics, nonprofits, and businesses there.

Presidents Distinguished – 9 DCP Points and +3/20 Members
Officers have many stories of members who speak emotionally about their experiences of coming out of the closet or accepting their identities. And being able to speak about it in a welcoming audience, some of whom have shared the same experience, is that much more powerful and affirming.

The club prides itself on its “radical inclusion.” And, based on the guest feedback they request at the end of each meeting, it is working. Responses strike a common theme: The club is positive, friendly, and welcoming. “They say, ‘I think this is going to be a great place for me,’” says Club President Short.

Perhaps there is no better endorsement for the universality of acceptance than the member who pulled VPE Bateman aside for a private word several months after joining Leadership Lambda.

“Is this an LGBTQ club?” he asked. Bateman braced herself for what he might say after she happily confirmed his suspicions.

His response? “That’s awesome.” Though he admitted to being a little surprised, he has since become one of the club’s star members and contest speakers. “He just knew a good club when he saw it,” Jordan says with a laugh.

What’s in a Word?

In Honor of National Say Something Nice Day on June 1st, our Word of the Week is Complimentary (Adjective).

Definition: Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. Expressing praise or admiration. Given freely as a courtesy or favor.

In a sentence: “She gave a complimentary remark that lifted the speaker’s confidence and brightened the entire room.” 

Challenge: This week, let’s turn the power of words into positivity and encouragement! 

As Toastmasters, we know that how we say something matters just as much as what we say. Your mission is to:

**Use the word “complimentary” in your speeches, Table Topics, and conversations.

**Go beyond the word—say something genuinely nice to at least one person every day this week.

Kindness and encouragement are the foundation of great communication. Let’s show the world how Toastmasters build each other up—one compliment at a time!

With Pride…

When I received the text messages about the article that was written in honor of Pride month, and after reading the article (multiple times), my heart exploded with pride, joy, appreciation, gratitude, and yes, love for our District 50’s Leadership Lambda members. As people, it’s not always easy to fit in, to find our friends, our village. So many times, we walk into a room and it can be daunting, and tough. Having to not only worry about the engagement, meeting, or communication a person gives,, but knowing if they are accepted, judged, or worse, all while perfecting those leadership and communication skills, just makes it a little tougher. When I get to talk with Seldon, Scott, and Nancy… or hear Dixie give a contest speech, there is always a feeling of kindness, smiles, and a welcome that is like none other. When I look at so many of our clubs, we’re all unique, warm, and welcoming. We just have to find our people, our village. If you are curious about a Leadership Lambda meeting and want to stop by in person or virtually, on Mondays at 6:30, I know they would be happy to have you for a visit! 

This past year has been truly a blessing, to get to share stories like this and others with you. 

Toasty wishes,

Kimberly Ross, DTM
District 50, District Director

❤️Would you like to share something with us? Remember that D50 Cares. ❤️