View from the District Directors Desk
As I sit and write this article the sun is shining through the window of my office, so it is possible the worst of the winter is over, but this is Iowa so maybe we will get more snow and cold yet. With the sunshine we start to feel better and we look forward to warm summer days. Here in District 19 we have much to look forward to and I want to ask for each of you to help the District grow.
It is that time of the Toastmaster year when we start to look at the officers to run the District for the next Toastmaster year. Nominations are now open for a variety of roles in the District, from Division Directors and Trio officers. How often have you thought that you could give guidance to the Trio, how you feel the Divisions should be managed? Now is your time to step forward to be a leader and a guiding light in the District for the future. Please give careful thought about stepping forward to be a District 19 leader. If you wish to talk about a specific role you can talk to your current Division Director or one of the Trio. Keith, Jeanne and I would be very happy to give insights as to how being a Trio officer has helped and shaped us.
On another note Toastmasters International have advised that from October 2016 the dues will increase to $45 for each six months. It is acknowledged that this is a significant increase but if you break it down it is great value for how Toastmasters enables each of you to grow as a speaker and a leader. The $45 for six months breaks down to just 24 cents a day. What other club or organization can offer such great value? Now is the time to start planning for the new increase and we as the Trio will be happy to discuss with your clubs to help ease the transition to the new pricing structure.
The contest season is now in full swing and as your club conducts the various contests it could be that the International Speech Contest winner from your club could be on the stage at the International Speech Contest finals in Washington D.C in August. I wish every competitor good luck and hope to see as many speeches as I can going forward.
Best wishes,
Paul Wood
District Director
District 19