Greetings District 19 Toastmasters,
There is an expression out with the old and in with the new, so it is each Toastmaster year. As Mark steps down as the last District Governor, he has left a wonderful legacy and a strong District to grow, and I wish to thank Mark for his friendship, his leadership and extremely bad jokes.
Now I have to carry the baton of District 19 forward as the new District Director. It may take a while for me to get use to these new titles for the District Trio, Division and Area leaders. I welcome my trio to this new year, Keith Nielsen as the Programme Quality Director and Jeanne Heil as the Club Growth Director. Each of the Trio has a passion and a hunger for Toastmasters and we are committed to making sure we continue to build on the foundation put in place by Mark.
For myself I am but honoured and a little nervous at being the new “man at the top” for District 19 but understand I have an excellent team in place in my new District Officers, Division and Area Directors. My theme for this coming Toastmaster year for District 19 is; “Changing Peoples Lives.” Each one of you joined Toastmasters to change your life to be a better speaker, an improved leader or to gain self confidence. As you look at your journey through Toastmasters you can identify those changes to your life and now you have the opportunity to change the lives of others. If each one of you will talk to one non Toastmaster and show them how you and Toastmasters can change their lives for the better, then we have lived the Toastmaster mission.
There will be challenges in the year ahead but we as a District have the skills, passion and commitment to overcome them. Though I have the title of District Director, we are a team and each of you is a valuable leader to District 19. I commit myself to serve you to the very best of my ability and will take time to listen to your voice. So please use this website, or email me and help me to help you and District 19.
Best wishes,
Paul Wood
District Director
District 19
[email protected]