There are moments in leadership that stay with you.
For me, one of those moments happened in Vancouver.
Standing alongside Toastmasters from around the world, each carrying a flag representing a country at the Convention opening ceremony, I was reminded of the extraordinary diversity of our organisation. Hundreds of people from different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life, united by a shared belief: People can become more confident, capable communicators and leaders when they are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to grow.
That is what Toastmasters means to me.
And after an inspiring week, I have come back with one thought firmly in my mind:
We have an incredible opportunity in District 91 this year.
The International Convention gave us a chance to step back from the day-to-day running of our clubs and District and see the bigger picture.
There are now 13,708 clubs and 265,512 members across 93 districts, with more than 101,000 education awards achieved in 2025-26.
Behind every number is a member.
Someone who found the courage to speak. Someone who learned to lead. Someone who became more confident at work. Someone who found friendship and connection. Perhaps someone who walked into a Toastmasters meeting feeling nervous and walked out thinking: Maybe I can do this. That is the impact we should never lose sight of.
Proud moments for District 91
Alongside Lynne and Alison, I had the privilege of attending two days of District Leader training before the Convention. It was an intense and inspiring opportunity to learn, share ideas and connect with leaders from across the world.
We were incredibly proud to see District 91 recognised as a Distinguished District, as well as being recognised in the top three Districts with the highest number of clubs with 20+ members. Debbie, our Immediate Past District Director, led the team to receive the award on behalf of District 91.
And then came another very special moment:
Jean Gamester, DTM, from District 91 was elected First Vice President of Toastmasters International for 2026-27.
A tremendous achievement, Jean, congratulations!
It is a wonderful reminder that members from our own District can make an impact far beyond their individual clubs.
The World Champion is from our Region!
One of the highlights of Convention is always the World Championship of Public Speaking. Eight speakers, having progressed through the Toastmasters contest journey from Club to Area, Division, District and Region, reached the World Championship stage.
This year’s World Champion is Dirceu D’Silva from District 59, Region 10, with his winning speech, “Best Decision Ever.” And I love that he is from our Region.
His journey began, just like every other contestant’s, with a decision to stand up and speak. Perhaps there is a future World Champion sitting in one of our District 91 clubs today.
When we create the environment and provide the opportunity, we encourage members to step forward. And then we support them to discover what they are capable of achieving.
Turning strategy into action
Over the past few weeks, we have been developing our District Success Plan and Budget. But a strategy on a page doesn’t create success. People do.
Our strategy comes alive in our clubs, in the welcoming meeting, the first speech, the completed Path, the new leader and the member who asks for help and finds someone ready to support them.
That is why our immediate priority is Club Success Plans. Just as we have a plan for District success, every club needs a meaningful plan that creates its own trajectory towards excellence. These are due by the end of September, with special recognition for early submissions.
We are also focused on new club growth, with recognition opportunities for clubs chartered before the end of September. If there is a gap at your workplace or community for a toastmasters club, let’s work together to make it happen.
Your Voice Matters
On 19 September, we will hold our first District Council meeting of the year, following the District Executive Committee meeting on 6 September.
District Council is an important part of how District 91 is governed and gives our clubs a voice in District business. I encourage every Club President and Vice President Education to register and attend. If you have questions, please speak to your Area or Division Director, or contact me.
The people behind the progress
Every District leader has chosen to give their time, energy and expertise to serve our members.
To our District Leadership Team, Area Directors and Division Directors – thank you for everything you do, most of which happens quietly behind the scenes.
A special thank you to Violet Karamagi, our Finance Manager, for her expertise and commitment to our budget work.
And to Deborah Williams, our Administration Manager and Suhas Kumar, our Public Relations Manager, thank you for the incredible collaboration over these first few weeks. You have helped us communicate effectively and make the District run smoothly.
I am genuinely proud to lead this team.
1-1-3-1 Challenge
At the Convention, we were challenged to embrace the 1-1-3-1 Challenge:
1 – Invite someone.
Invite 1 person who could benefit from Toastmasters.
1 – Ask for help.
Ask 1 person to support you. None of us has to do everything alone.
3 – Recognise people.
Recognise 3 people for the contribution they make.
1 – Celebrate one success.
Stop and celebrate 1 thing you or your club has achieved.
Then do it again.
Vancouver reminded me how big Toastmasters is. District 91 reminds me why it matters. And let’s make this a year we can all look back on and say:
We made a difference.
Are you ready?
I am.
Last Updated on 29th August 2026 by Suhas Kumar