Greetings,
The Fall Conference is over and what a wonderful time it was to be there. With excellent sessions in the Professional Development series on Friday though the various education sessions, the networking and the banquet and awards time. So many great things to meet the needs of all, and it was exciting to see so many first timers there. As I walked around the various parts of the conference, greeting people, getting to hear about ideas for future conferences, learning about the concerns of others, I saw the great passion so many have for District 19.
As with any family or organization there are times when we see differences of opinions, needs, wants and desires. This is where the role of the District Officers is so important. They are there to work with those who feel they are not getting their “money’s worth.” This is why I am so fortunate to have a great team in place to support what I do and to look after the life of District 19. We are nearly at the half way point of the Toastmaster year and while there has been much success, there is still a lot of work to do. The Area Directors visits and reports are essential to help the District identify potential leaders for the future and to see where we can help struggling clubs. I recognize that we all have busy lives but I would ask that the Area Directors understand how critical their visits are and to work to the deadlines that are set out.
I would like to reach out to each member of District 19 and ask for your help going forward. The life blood of the District is successful clubs and to encourage new members. If you are in a club that is in need of help then talk to the club President and we as the District Officers will be willing to step forward to help. If you can bring one new member each to your clubs then what a wonderful growth there would be. Finally if you see the potential for a new club, whether at your work, or in the community, let me know and we can work with you to help plant the seed for a new club to grow from.
In closing I want to say a big thank you to Alana Svensen-Hults, Theresa Mickelson and their wonderful team for a great Fall Conference. If you did not make this one then come to the Spring Conference in West Des Moines on the 20th and 21st May 2016. As always I give a thanks to my Trio members and the others on the District team who support, tolerate and help guide me in my continuing growth as a Toastmaster.
Best wishes,
Paul Wood
District Director
District 19