DLT Dispatches – August 2017

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Pedro Casillas (District Director)

In the days running up to the International Convention, leadership training, elections and the Annual Business Meeting takes place. The Board of Directors presented amendments to the Bylaws of Toastmasters International and Club Constitution. Every Toastmasters club has had the opportunity to vote on these proposed amendments and I as District Director for D91, have been entrusted with the proxy votes of those clubs who are unable to attend.

One proposal that raised most concern among our members would “allow individual members to submit their application and pay their dues online, when verified by a club officer”. The wording of the proposal appears to make it mandatory for all clubs, but it was confirmed that is not the case by Toastmasters CEO, Daniel Rex, and International President, Mike Storkey, when I raised the question with them.

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First Time Conventioneer by Florian Bay

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I didn’t knew what to expect ahead of my first Convention and District Leader Training in Vancouver and all I can say is “Awesome!” to paraphrase our North American friends.

What will really stay with me beyond the excitement of taking part in the opening ceremony, or the brilliance of speakers competing in the semi-finals and final of the World Championship of Public Speaking. Is the shared passion and enthusiasm that fellow members from all over the world share about our organisation. I’m excited to have built an international network with fellow Club Growth Directors, leaders and members from all over. Plenty of ideas, best practices and encouragement will be exchanged over the coming months.

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Meet a Leader – Pedro Casillas

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This month our PR Manager, Nigel Oseland, catches up with our new District Director, Pedro Casillas, on his way to the International Convention and finds out how he joined Toastmasters, what drives him and his interests outside of Toastmasters.

After a couple of teleconference calls, I eventually met Pedro at our DLT away day. Never mind his astute understanding of Toastmasters , I was impressed with his vast musical knowledge and was glad to hear that we have a similar taste in music, especially as he was in charge of the music system.

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Smedley Award – 01 August to 30 September

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Ralph Smedley set up Toastmasters in 1924, see the vintage footage of Ralph below. Each year we hold a membership building contest in his honour – the Smedley Award.

Just gain 5 new members between 01 August and 30 September to receive a club ribbon and a 10% discount code for Toastmasters merchandise. More importantly, keep you club stimulating and energised by attracting new members and growing your club.

Find out more about the membership building contests on Toastmasters.org.

Final Message from the District Director 2016/17

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I hope your 2016-17 year of membership in District 91 was an exciting, enjoyable year of learning and development for you. I hope you have shared your learning with others and invited friends and colleagues to your club. I hope you have had many opportunities to stretch yourself, to discover something about yourself that you didn’t know you had within you. I hope your club has given you a safe place to take risks and try new things and I hope you have given back to your club in equal measure.

I was very  proud to receive this letter of congratulations (on the left) from International President Mike Storkey and Toastmasters CEO Dan Rex, on behalf of all our wonderful leaders who have worked so hard for the benefit of our members.

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