The Pillars of a New District

For over 95 years Toastmasters International (TI) has built a successful organization based on the basic idea that the members come first.  TI's core values are Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence; and they are the foundation of what makes this organization a place where members come first, and their growth and needs are a priority.

I share these values.  They are also the values I have in my life and the principles that help drive my decisions and actions.  These values will be a part of District 123 as they are built into the core of each club through the promise that we state when we become Toastmasters and the training we receive as leaders.

Building on that foundation will be the three pillars of what District 123 will stand for.  The pillars are Integrity, Achievement and Inclusivity.

Integrity: Ensuring that strong moral principles are a part of every decision for the district.

Achievement: Enabling members to get the most out of their experience at Toastmasters.

Inclusivity: Providing equal access to all members no matter who or where they are.

District 123 will be a very large district with members and clubs spread over 2,200 sq. km.  It will be very important to ensure that all members have inclusive, equal access to resources and the district leadership.  By instilling the pillars into our principles we will ensure that all members get the best and most fulfilling experience they can.

By continuing with the shift to online Club Officer Training, workshops, and District Executive Committee meetings, we will ensure that members from all corners of the district can participate and benefit from all Toastmasters has to offer.  Online townhall meetings will also help ensure that members have access to the district executive and the ability to maintain a connection to the district at large.

It is also my goal to provide a more substantial mentorship experience for all members enabling everyone in the district the opportunity to benefit from the experience of other members.  A district-wide mentorship program will be created to provide guidance to mentors and mentees that will develop a framework to enable members, leaders and clubs to grow and achieve goals through shared wisdom and experience.

Integrity means both the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; AND the state of being whole and undivided. That is what leadership is about, ensuring that all leaders act as a whole and with high standards and a singular aim; and it starts at the top.  It is only through a genuine desire to put members first and achieve success through strong earnest leadership that will set the path to take the district to future success.  That is what I will bring to District 123.

I invite you to join me in this exciting journey.