Friday night at a conference ...

Is there any better time than the Friday night at a Conference? Getting together with old friends ... meeting new friends.

All through the day Friday there were Toastmasters trickling into Red Deer from around the District, which was nice as it was a chance to catch up before the excitement started. And LGET Tim, LGM Greg and I had a great lunch with our lovely International Director Judy, where we had the chance to fill her in on the happenings in our District (you'll be happy to know she seemed very pleased!). Judy also kept busy that day with media and corporate visits. She was especially moved by her visit to Cosmo Industries, where the Dream Catchers club meets.

Friday night started out with a welcome by Conference Chair Barb and me banging the proverbial gavel and officially opening the Conference. We had a great meal, and then it was time for the entertainment. Wow, this guy made Richard Simmons look boring! He broke everyone up into groups and they had to come up with a song and a design using materials he'd brought to explain the saying that we had chosen. We have some pretty creative souls in our District!!

At 9 pm, the contestants were off to the contestant briefing and the first timers were off to the First Timers Event, where every first timer got a run down on what makes up Toastmasters International and how each of us fit into our organization.

Then it was time for the door prizes (limited, of course, to the first timers). Everyone received a prize and then there was a special draw ... an opportunity for the newest member and 6 other first timers to eat breakfast with our International Director Judy. Judy was quite tickled to be a door prize - that was a first for her!

9:30 pm and it was time for the judges to get briefed. Ah ... it's a tough job being a judge at District (I've done it several times and much prefer being in the position where I don't have to!!).

10 pm ... everyone's favourite spot ... the hospitality suite. The first timers were armed with their First Timer's Bingo Card and were busy meeting people and getting their sheets signed. The winner, drawn the next morning, won a Toastmasters wheeled backpack!!

The hospitality suite is always great, especially when Tony and Cindy are providing the musical entertainment. They are definitely a crowd favourite!! It was a time to visit, kick back, relax and just have some fun.

Special thanks to my friends Deb and Laura who both added to my dragonfly collection that evening. You ladies definitely hold a special place in my heart!! And for those of you in attendance, Laura's hand-made dragonfly was hanging in front of the lectern at the Saturday night banquet.

And then it was off to bed to rest up for an exciting Saturday ... stay tuned ... more news from the Fall Conference will follow in the days to come ...

Cheers!
Joan

A Charter Party at Sylvan Lake ... a night to remember ...

Well, travel to Red Deer for the Fall 2008 Conference was relatively uneventful, unless you count realizing in Perdue that a valuable mem stick was left at home, having to turn around, returning to Saskatoon, then leaving 2 hours after the anticipated departure time.

We arrived in Red Deer and after time to relax (aka a power nap), we were picked up by one of our fabulous Area Governors, Mavis. Mavis took us out to Sylvan Lake, gave a tour of the town and then took us to the Marina where we met many of the charter members of Sylvan's Slick Speakers.

One of the great surprises, was that I actually knew 2 of the Sylvan's Slick Speakers members. Last year I was Best Man for my friend Glenn's wedding. At the wedding I had the chance to meet the lovely bride Kari's aunt and uncle, Helen and Don, now members of Sylvan's Slick Speakers! We had a chance to catch up on news. It was so great to see them again!

What an amazing group of people at Sylvan Lake (and I heard similar reports from Div F Gov Dave and our LGM Greg about their time at the Leduc C&C Charter Party the day before). Wonderfully welcoming and hospitable, it was a great time.

It started with a fantastic pot-luck supper (you have great cooks in Sylvan Lake!). Then our program started ... LGET Tim, Div F Gov Dave and I had the great pleasure of presenting the charter certificates to the members present.

It was then time to install the officers (I won't give the surprise away, but I'm having special mementos created for each charter executive this year). I was moved by the dedication and enthusiasm each of the members and officers showed.

It was then my pleasure to turn things over to Charter President Debbie, who gave a lovely presentation.

We then heard an incredibly inspiring speech about leadership from one of Sylvan's charter members. In it, she referenced the recent US elections and talked about leadership from various aspects.

Then (yikes!) it was my turn to present my keynote speech. And then we had time for visiting and socializing before heading back to Red Deer for a great night's sleep.

Special thanks to all of the members of Sylvan's Slick Speakers. You definitely Impacted My World, and I know that each of you will Impact Our World in the years to come.

I hope to see many of you in Saskatoon in May!!

Next up ... memories of the Fall Conference ...

Cheers,
Joan

Sometimes, the most unexpected means the most ...

In my last blog, I wrote about the great Division and Area Governor Training we had in September in Lloydminster.


A few days later I received an email from an Area Governor, thanking me. It was wholly unexpected, but deeply appreciated.


In the email, this AG mentioned how much he/she had, up until the training, enjoyed the goal setting, meeting the clubs and knowing that someone would believe in his/her ability to take on the role.


This AG went on to say that the training in Lloydminster had affected him/her in a way totally unanticipated. To quote "I have never experienced such an outpouring of genuine fellowship and goodwill ... These people made me feel like I belonged."


This is a tribute to you, the trainers, Division and Area Governors that were able to attend. This is also a tribute to the members of our District as you have created a culture of warmth and inclusion.


He/she went on to say "I am not yet able to fathom the impact that Toastmasters has on the world – and to think that I have been given an opportunity to be part of that impact makes my mind reel. By selecting me you have truly impacted my world. I only hope that I am up to doing my part to spread that impact to everyone whose world I touch."


This was my goal when I selected the theme Impact Our World. Each of us has a hand in impacting someone positively.


To the Area Governor that took the time to write to me, thank you. You buoyed me up at a time when I truly needed it. You impacted my world, and I sincerely thank you for your kindness, your leadership, and your thoughtfulness. May you always be a light in our District.

Until next time ...
Joan (your grateful DG)

At long last ...

My apologies for being away for so long. Unfortunately, sometimes life takes turns that you don't anticipate.


So, other than the International Convention, which was exhilarating to say the least, what have I been busy with?


Well, one of the highlights of any Toastmasters year is the Division and Area Governor Training held each year in September. This year was again in Lloydminster, which is a great central location.


At 6 pm Area Governors started to trickle in. Thankfully, our host hotel (the Best Western) staff were very accommodating and kept extending our table so we could dine together.


Although we were to start at 8 pm with some mixer games, things were a little delayed with everyone finishing their meals (and watching football!). This was our opportunity to get to know each other. We split the groups (more or less) in half and in one room did one mixer game (won't give away the details for those of you that are up and coming AGs!) and in the other room did a different mixer. It was interesting watching the dynamics of each group change after they participated in each of the mixers. The mixer I was involved with had a bit of physicality; the first group, no injuries (yeah!). The second group, well, let's just say that it appeared to become a game of "take out the District Governor". I got walloped, not once, but twice! These are some feisty AGs we have!! And who will ever forget the traveling sticky notes!!


The next morning we started early with coffee and the Executive Council Meeting. It was very exciting (not really).


Then the training started ... each Division was given a 15 minute time slot in which they would train each other. We used this method in an effort to allow our Div Govs and AGs to show their creativity. They were all terrific! Just before lunch, Ken Tanner, Past International Director and our team's leadership coach, started us on a journey into the world of leadership. After a great lunch, Ken wrapped up with some interactive participation. Then Freddi Dogterom, one of our Division G Area Governors and a certified trainer, took us through the world of personalities. It was enlightening; and in a 5-minute conversation with Freddi following I learned more about myself than I had in all of the personality training I have ever participated in. I highly recommend Freddi for training in any organization you may belong to. Her website is http://www.livingstonespresents.com/.

Then Sue Milledge took over the reins with a 2 hour interactive session on teamwork. Everyone seemed to really get into it.

Then it was time for the Area Governors to Ask the Questions! This is one of the best ways we can respond to their queries in an open forum session. Anyone who had previously been an AG was welcome to answer the questions. One of the most entertaining questions was "What will you do when District 42 is Distinguished this year?". I felt I answered it well, but apparently misunderstood the question - she wanted to know if I would shave my head!! I assured her that wouldn't happen - somehow, everyone looked disappointed!! Alas, head shaving is not in the books for August (and if you attend the Fall Conference in November, I'll let you in on the "why" at the banquet).

To end off the day, Ken Tanner installed our District officers. Ken, being Ken, did it with aplomb and grace. And yes, I got emotional when the gavel was handed to me. And then it was time for the AGs and Division Governors to head home, leaving LGET Tim, LGM Greg, PRO Keith, Secretary Cindy, Treasurer Deb and me to get to work on the District Success Plan and Budget. This was our opportunity to go over it again and finalize it prior to sending it to TI and meeting our September 30th deadline.

The most important part of this weekend is the interaction between the Division Governors and Area Governors, across Division lines. It allows your District leadership team the opportunity to learn, grow and network. I'm very proud of all of our Division and Area Governors and know that they will be available to assist you as we move towards having yet another successful year in District 42!

I'm off to Regina today to attend Division B Day which will be held tomorrow. Going today so I can be well rested for that energetic bunch. Blogs to follow ... inspiring messages received, the intricate world of the District Success Plan and Budget, and many other topics ...

Until then, keep well and strong and remember, you do Impact Our World!

Will your District Officers be busy at the International Convention?

Oh, yeah ... busy we will be! Here's the low-down on what your District 42 Toastmasters officers LGET Tim, LGM Greg and I will be doing while at International.

Tuesday

I'll be arriving on Tuesday afternoon. After a few trips to the airport to pick up our fellow Region District officers (from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Manitoba, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota), we'll be heading out for a late supper; it's a great chance for us to catch up on news from their Districts and visit before we get busy with our duties.

Wednesday

Wednesday morning at 7:30 am Tim, Greg and I will head to Beyond The Basics ... training for District officers that TI has arranged. We'll finish up around noon and then head to the open meeting of the Board of Directors. It's our one time a year to sit in a room and hear what our Board has been up to.

At 3:30 I have to head off for a sound check for the Opening Ceremonies and at 4 Tim and Greg will be joining (hopefully many of) you at the First Timers event. I hope to pop in to be able to say welcome and hello to some First Timers on behalf of our District, but I'm also required to pick up our Credentials and ballots for the Business Meeting at 4:40 pm.

After the opening ceremonies at 7 pm, featuring a keynote by celebrated mountain climber Laurie Skreslet, the first Canadian to summit Mount Everest, we start the round of interviewing the 2 candidates for 3rd Vice-President and the 16 International Director candidates. We'll do 3 on Wednesday evening (2 are being done on Tuesday late afternoon) and the remaining 13 on Thursday.

Thursday

From 8:30 until 11:45 we're doing interviews! And one more in the afternoon to finish them off. Although we haven't arranged to interview candidate for 1st VP Gary Schmidt or 2nd VP Pat Johnson (as they're basically a shoe-in) I'll seek them out Thursday afternoon to have a chat and mention any concerns that I have.

A highlight for me on Thursday will be attending the Golden Gavel Luncheon, where Saskatchewan-born Pamela Wallin will receive the Golden Gavel award. This is similar to the Communication & Leadership Award we present at our D42 Spring Convention each year.

At 4 pm Thursday, Tim, Greg, Ken and I will be attending a special meeting (I can't give you the details as I don't want to spoil the surprise!). At 5 pm the Candidates Showcase begins - this usually lasts about 4 hours and each of the candidates comes through and answer questions. There's usually 3 Regions per room. If you plan on carrying your own ballots (don't forget to pick up your ballots at the Credentials desk Thursday afternoon) please plan to attend this event. Following the Showcase our District will be holding what is commonly called a caucus - where we sit as a group and discuss the various candidates. It is Tim, Greg and my opportunity to report on the interviews that we conducted, discuss the merits of the candidates, and essentially select who we will be voting for. Although we do hold a caucus and I will listen to all input, the responsibility still lies with me to make the final determination as your DG; to vote for the individual that I feel will best represent your interests as a member.

Friday

Friday morning at 8 am is the Annual Business Meeting - this lasts a good 3 to 3 1/2 hours - mainly because of the elections. There will not be any major motions to deal with this year as it was decided to postpone the motion regarding the Region and District governance changes to next year's Annual Business Meeting in Conneticut.

11:30 Friday morning is the Leadership Luncheon (concurrent to this there is also the Guest Luncheon). As a District leader, it is expected that we attend the Leadership Luncheon (and having attended both, I prefer the Leadership Luncheon). And it will be very special as our very own Bob Hooey is the keynote speaker!! It will be so fun to see Bob in his element.

Friday afternoon is the Hall of Fame. This is where awards are handed out to individuals and Districts that have achieved Excellence. Although we did not as a District achieved Distinguished this past year (we certainly plan to next year!) I will be receiving, on behalf of each of our members that achieved educational awards this year, the Excellence in Education & Training Award. Just as important, we will be there to cheer on our fellow Region officers that achieved success - including District 6, who were a Distinguished District this past year.

Friday night we all head to our Region Meeting where we roast outgoing International Director Martha. We also find out who will be the candidates for International Director next year - it is custom to announce your candidacy at this event.

Saturday

Ah ... Saturday morning. The moment we've all been waiting for, when our own Martin Presse will be representing our District and Region in the International Speech Contest. What a great event!! Martin, we know you will represent us well and wish you the best of luck.

Saturday at lunch I will be attending the District Governors lunch. It will be interesting to see what it's like! I know that each of us will have the opportunity to have our picture taken with (as of Friday and the business meeting) International President Jana Barnhill.

Saturday afternoon is an educational that as District leaders we are requested to attend called Achieving Success in the Distinguished District Program. Our very own Past District Governor Mona will be on the panel.

Saturday night - the President's Dinner and Dance. This is an event not to be missed. Everyone gets dressed up and we have the opportunity to hear outgoing International President Chris Ford (who started Toastmasters here in District 42) and our new International President Jana Barnhill give her opening address. Jana is a sweetheart and I hope you have the opportunity to meet her.

And that's it ... a busy time for us. But it's not all work ... we spend a lot of time with our fellow Region District Officers visiting after our daily work is done, usually late in the evening. And I look forward to seeing many of you there as we welcome the world of Toastmasters to District 42.

I hope that for those of you able to attend that you will enjoy the educationals, the luncheon events and the opportunity to meet Toastmasters from around the world.

Until next time,
Joan

What the heck is On-Line Club Officer Training?

For years now, we have looked for opportunities to increase the number of clubs officers trained. Strong club officers mean strong clubs; this has have been proven time and time again.

Whether you're new to a club officer position, or have been in the position multiple times - being trained helps you be effective in your position. Think of it like this - in your workplace, if you start a new position, you are trained for it. And many companies are now realizing the value of ongoing training for employees that have been a position for years. If you extrapolate that to Toastmasters, you will be more effective in your club officer position if you are trained - whether it's "new" training or "ongoing" training. And that's where experienced officers can be so helpful ... offer to conduct the training using TI's club officer training material. Your experience matters! One of the great benefits I always receive when attending training is the networking opportunity.

In August, your Division Governors will be lining up Club Officer Training for those officers not trained in June. In person training in a group setting is always the best as you have the opportunity to ask questions right there, right then. Even if you're not a club officer, I encourage you to attend the club officer training sessions. However, there are times when the training sessions offered simply do not fit into your schedule, or you live at a great distance. Therein lies the strategy for on-line club officer training.

So ... what the heck is on-line club officer training?

Last September, your District 42 Toastmasters took a bit risk and a giant leap of faith. As your Lt. Governor Education & Training, I contacted Toastmasters International with a plan for a pilot project. I laid out our plan and they say Yes!! In fact, a big resounding yes. In TI's words "There is no doubt we're headed that way -- but we're not quite there yet. ... [W]e applaud you in your efforts to do a pilot on distance learning. We support your efforts ..."

Although still in its first form, our on-line club officer training will evolve to a web-based version; it is currently available only on a download basis. Although it is unlikely it will be web-based during this training period of June-August, we do plan on having it functional by the December-February training period. How does it work? So, how do you participate in on-line club officer training? Visit http://www.d42.org/ (it will be on our banner heading shortly) or follow this 3-step process:

Step 1: Download the appropriate training file for your role and work through it. You can sit back and listen to the PPT as it takes you through the training.

Step 2: Register your on-line training by completing the survey. Our District 42 Statistician will contact the Area Governors to notify them you have taken the training.

Step 3: Your Area Governor will arrange for a follow up meeting to ensure you understand your role and answer any questions you may have. This step is critical as it completes the TI's requirement that there be a face-to-face component of the training (it doesn't need to be a long meeting, it can be done as a group with your fellow club officers). This is also a great time to review your Club Success Plan with your Area Governor.

You must complete all of these three steps in order to get credit for your training.

Special thanks!

The on-line training did not create itself. It took conviction, determination and countless hours by my team members to make it a reality. My sincere thanks to my amazing team of Greg, Kevin, Alice and Glenn. You are each amazing people and you have truly impacted my world ...

Now you know what the heck on-line club officer training is all about! My first preference is that each officer attend the Division training events organized by your Division Governor, however, this is a viable option. And yes, if you attend the group training sessions, you can still participate in the on-line training to supplement and have available as a reference tool. There's no reason we can't have 100% of club officers trained!

With well-trained officers we will Impact Our World in District 42 and can convert even a challenged club into a strong club!

Enjoy!

Never Underestimate the Importance of Coffee with Friends!

Last night was indeed a pleasurable one! I had coffee with two of my favourite people, Past District Governor Gene, his beautiful wife Lil and Taffy, their adorable Yorkie. Gene and Lil lived for many years here in Saskatoon but now live in Lethbridge and were back visiting for a few days. We caught up on news and events and, of course, discussed Toastmasters.

One of the topics we discussed was the importance of Successful Club Meetings (please visit the link to TI's web site for information on Successful Meetings). This conversation rolled around in my head after I got home and thought it would be a good conversation piece for this blog.

I truly believe that one of the best ways to gain new members and retain current members is to have consistently successful club meetings. Does your club always have manual speeches with members meeting the objectives of the project? Do you consistently have quality evaluations? Do you have effective table topics sessions? Do you try to fit in a business meeting in order to learn the importance of parliamentary procedure and how to effectively run and participate in meetings, whether at Toastmasters, work or in your community? Do you take advantage of the educational modules that TI has available for our use? Does your club follow the Distinguished Club Program (which is simply a measuring tool to determine whether your club is meeting the communication and leadership goals of your members)? If you aren't following the DCP, perhaps you could arrange with your Area Governor to attend and present the Distinguished Club module from TI. Have it as a club event! When you work together as a team you can accomplish amazing things.

I also feel it's important to make your meetings fun! We all know that we learn best in a positive, helpful, fun environment. Does your club have fun meetings? If not, perhaps you may want to sit down as a club and determine why not. The TI module entitled Moments of Truth may assist in this.

By having successful club meetings, I know that each of you will Impact Our World in the coming year.

And remember, have coffee with friends - whether or not they are Toastmasters! There's nothing more satisfying that sitting outside your favourite coffee house on a lovely summer evening. I know how much I enjoyed getting out and having coffee with Gene and Lil ...

Gotta run ... the coffee's brewed!

Joan