D106 December 2019 Newsletter

From the Desk of the District Director:

Wow, we are approaching the halfway point of the Toastmaster year.  We’ve accomplished a lot so far this year, but we have much more work to be done.  I hope that this season finds you well. 

We have lot’s of information to share, and I have just a few items.

1. Congratulations to all of the contestants who competed in the fall speech contests. We’ve got a listing of all the Area and Division winners later in this publication, however I am grateful for all who competed, and helped enrich our contests with your presentations. Thank you.
2. I am hoping to many of you at the District 106 Holiday Party this weekend. The event will be held at Plymouth Square on 37th in the community room, same as last year. Set up will begin at 5:00PM, our event will begin at 6:00 PM.  This is a pot luck event, so if you’d like, bring your favorite dish and/or beverage to share. Otherwise, bring your appetite. There is always plenty to eat at a Toastmaster event.  To help our hosts plan accordingly please RSVP on the Volunteer Form through the D106 Holiday Party link.
3. We are looking for a volunteer to serve as the Newsletter Chair, to help publish this newsletter on a monthly basis.  If you are interested, please reach out.

Above all else, thank you for dedication and effort you put into making your Clubs, and our District the very best that it can be.  I wish you all a blessed holiday season and am proud to be part of your team.

Sincerely,

Dave Gibson, DTM
2019-2020 District 106 Director.

 From the Desk of the Program Quality Director

Club Officer Training

Our second round of Club Officer Training is coming up soon, starting on January 4^th, just after the busy holiday season. The District Training Team has assembled a great program set to inform, engage, and motivate Club Officers to finish strong in the second half of the Toastmaster year.

At these sessions we will cover the officer roles, Moments of Truth, Pathways, and mentoring. We will also take some time to reflect on the first half of our year and help formulate action plans to finish the full year strong.

Our first round of Officer Training had 504 officer roles represented. With our base number for clubs and 7 officer roles each, that calculates to 52%: about average for Districts around the world. I’d like to increase that percentage in our second round.

Club Officer Training is one of the most effective ways the District Leadership Team can support club members directly. If you attended our first round, we’d love to see you again. If you were unable to attend the first round, we’d love for you to join us this round.

We currently have 12 sessions scheduled throughout the District, 10 of then are in the Twin Cities metro area. For more information on Club Officer Training and to register for a session, visit the D106TM.org website.

Remember, in order to receive DCP credit for Officer training, attendance at one of D106 sessions are required, unless authorized by me, the District 106 Program Quality Director.

More sessions could possibly be added if we can add members of the training team. If you’re interested in joining the District Training Team, please contact me at PQDirector@d106tm.org .

District 106 Education Achievements for September through November

Congratulations to the following members for the following Education Achievements:

• Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
  • Jessica Parker, DTM – October 18, 2019
• Presentation Mastery Level 5 (PM5)
  • Meg Johnson – November 19, 2019
• Strategic Relationships Level 5 (SR5)
  • Jessica Parker, DTM – September 12, 2019
• Effective Coaching Level 4 (EC4)
  • David Hoffman – September 17, 2019
  • Dave Gibson, DTM – October 28, 2019
  • George Deliduka, DTM – November 17, 2019
• Leadership Development Level 4 LD4)
  • Denis Wesenberg – October 22, 2019
• Motivational Strategies Level 4 (MS4)
  • Christine Pacholl – November 5, 2019
• Persuasive Influence Level 4 (PI4)
  • Carin Hemmesch, DTM – November 21,2019
• Team Collaboration Level 4 (TC4)
  • Marvel Kummer, DTM – September 19, 2019
• Visionary Communication Level 4 (VC4)
  • Nicole Barnes – October 18, 2019

Super Earlybird Distinguished Award Winners:

Congratulations to the following clubs that at least 5 DCP Goals, including Goal #7 (4 new members) by November 1st.

• Anoka Toastmaster #2748 Anoka, MN
• Sunrisers Club #2140 Crystal, MN
• TicTalkers Toastmasters Club #6348 Plymouth, MN

Clubs Distinguished by December

Congratulations to the following clubs for reaching Distinguished or better status by December 1st:

• Anoka Toastmasters #2748 Anoka, MN – Distinguished, 6 goals, 25 members
• Crosstown Talkers #1349520 Hopkins, MN – Distinguished, 5 goals, 22 members
• Data Park Toasters #1982188 Minnetonka, MN – Distinguished, 5 goals, 20 members
• Deluxe Toastmasters Shoreview #7756 Shoreview, MN – Distinguished, 6 goals, 21 members
• Sunrisers Club #2140 Crystal, MN – Select Distinguished, 7 goals, 26 members
• TicTalkers Toastmasters Club #6348 Plymouth, MN – Presidents Distinguished, 9 goals, 31 members

Michael Carlton, DTM
2019-2020 District 106 Program Quality Director

From the Desk of Club Growth Director

Starting New Clubs:

Would you like to start a new club, but you’re not sure were to begin or what is required? 

Send an email to CGDirector@d106tm.org or feel free to give me a call at (651) 269-9095 for more information or to schedule a meeting.

Vice President Membership:

Starting this month, invitations will be going out to all Vice President Membership to join in on a monthly zoom meeting that is just for you. Please keep an eye out for the email invitation and registration.

For More Club Growth Information:

Interested in Serving as a Club Coach?

Please send an email to CGDirector@d106tm.org.

Together we can build new clubs and focus on helping you, our awesome members, to be successful.  There are no limits to what we can do.  

Sincerely,

Kimberlee Redington, DTM
2019-2020 District 106 Club Growth Director

Public Relations News

EVENT: Nail that Interview January 23, 2020

We have put together a panel of experts who work in human resource–people whose job is interviewing candidates for promotions or new jobs. Listen to recruiters, managers, and HR people talk about what they’ve seen in the various interviews they’ve been involved in and learn some interviewing strategies and techniques. The event is free and open to the public.

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2020

Time: 6:30-8:30 PM

Location:
Minnetronix Medical, Inc.
1635 Energy Park Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55108

Link to Register: https://nailthatinterview2020.eventbrite.com

PR Contests: Start Submitting!

Execute your PR efforts with excellence. At the Spring Conference in May, we will recognize exemplary efforts in 6 categories this year:

• Best Club Website
• Best Press Release / News article
• Best Newsletter
• Best Social Media
• Best Club Event Promotion
• Best Corporate Club Promotion

You may submit to multiple categories.

Link to more information: https://d106tm.org/club-pr-contests/

Diane Windingland, DTM
2019-2020 District 106 Public Relations Manager

District Leadership Committee

It’s that time of year!!! The holidays, sure. But it’s also time to nominate someone for leadership for the 2020-2021 Toastmasters year!

 In multiple training sessions over the last 18 months, I’ve asked leaders what are some characteristics of good leaders? I heard answers like:

• Visionary
• Good Communicator
• Consistent
• Inclusive
• Flexible
• among others

Do you know someone who fits that description? We are looking for nominations for the leadership roles of District 106 who fit that description. If you would like to nominate someone for leadership (someone you know or yourself), please fill out the Nomination Form found here: https://d106tm.org/district-leadership-nominations/ and send it to me at bensmithtm@gmail.com

I became a leader because someone asked me to take that next step in my leadership journey and I’ve continued on this journey to give back to my fellow Toastmasters and the organization that has helped me so much. If you know someone to ask, or you want to give back, fill out and send me the Nomination Form.

Thanks,

Ben Smith, DTM
Past District Director, District 106

Club Focus: MNRPCV Toastmasters Club #1284

In 2001 returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Dan Grundtner approached the Minnesota Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Association to sponsor a new Toastmaster’s Club. With the association’s support MNRPCV Toastmasters Club was chartered.  RPCVs can leverage their experience in the Peace Corps to create a unique kind of Toastmasters club which enriches the lives of its members and the world around them/us in unfolding, unexpected and beautiful ways. Toastmasters and the Peace Corps share similar core values: integrity, service, respect and excellence—on an international scale. The club’s eclectic, hospitable culture has also drawn other service-minded Minnesotans and immigrants from more than 30 countries.  Speech topics often reflect these experiences. 

In the 18 years since the club was chartered, returned volunteers representing service in 36 countries and foreign nationals representing 27 countries, have joined our ranks. Currently 40% of our club roster is made up of RPCVs, the remainder people from around the Twin Cities.

Two of MNRPCV club’s strengths are its honest evaluations and a well-established mentoring program for both new and experienced members. Nine current members have their DTMs, and many have been District, Region and Area Directors.

When the gavel closes our official meetings, conversations often continue socially at close-by watering hole.

With its close-knit culture and frequent after-meeting socialization, our club reaches the “wow” status.

Article in TI Magazine:  https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2019/june/peace-corps-volunteers

 Check us out:  https://mnrpcv.toastmastersclubs.org/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/MnrpcvTm/posts/

Toastmaster of the Year Recognition

We are almost halfway through the Toastmaster year, and it is time to start thinking  about and watching for  a future club TMOY award submission.  What is TMOY?    Toastmaster of the Year.

What is the Toastmaster of the Year award?

Outside of our educational system awards, the TMOY award is one of the most time honored and prestigious awards a Toastmasters member can earn. 

How do members earn this prestigious award?

They must be nominated by their clubs.  It all starts at the club level.  Some—but not an exhaustive list—of things to consider and watch for:

• Who has been going above and beyond to support and market the vision and values of Toastmasters both inside and outside the club?
• Who has attended 50% or more of your club meetings?
• Who is there is greet new guests and help them feel comfortable in your meetings?
• Who helps mentor new members and make sure they are set up for success and understand the Toastmasters Education Program (Pathways)?
• Who competes in and/or steps up to help in speech contests at the club, Area, and/or Division levels?
• Who is helping in a role at the District level?
• Who is leading by example by working the Toastmasters Education Program and earning awards?
• Who frequently volunteers when roles need to be filled in meetings?

Again, these are just some items to consider.  Your club may have its own criteria.

How does the process work?

As mentioned, it all starts at the club level.  Each club must fill out the TMOY form (Here) for their chosen candidate. Besides the attached form, I encourage you to send an attached document of any other highlights you want known about your TMOY candidate.   Be sure your chosen candidate is recognized at a club meeting.  

The TMOY form and an attached information,  is then given to the club’s Area Director, who will choose an Area TMOY candidate from the club submissions received.  The chosen Area TMOY candidate is recognized by the Area Director at a club meeting.  The Area TMOY candidate is then submitted to the Division Director, who will choose a Division TMOY candidate from the Area TMOY submissions.  The chosen Division TMOY candidate is submitted to the District for District TMOY consideration.  It ends at the District level.

What are the submission dates?

• June 1: Club selects a TMOY and forwards to Area Director.
• June 15: Area Director selects Area TMOY & forwards to Division Director and TMOY chair.
• June 25: Area Director notifies Area TMOY recipient
• June 25: Division Directors forward nominations  to the District Director and TMOY Chair
• Division and District TMOY awards are announced at the Summer TLI

Watch for emails reminders from me that will begin in January 2020.  I will email the Area and Division Directors who can forward reminders to the clubs.

Looking forward to a great 2020!   Have blessed holidays!

Anne Groetsch,
District 106 TMOY chair

Congratulations to the Humorous Champions of District 106

As I mentioned at the beginning of the Newsletter all competitors in the Fall Humorous Contests make a difference and enrich our District. Here are the Area Champions, and the clubs they represented.(btw these would be great clubs to visit, and meet these fine competitors)

• Area 1 Champion: Deanna Ford (Silver Tongues Toastmasters Club)
• Area 2 Champion: Bill Vanderwater (Westfort Toastmasters Club)
• Area 3 Champion: Katy Hursh (Duluth Club)
• Area 4 Champion: Matthew Sergent (Zenith City Club)
• Area 11 Champion: Greg Evans (Paul Bunyan Toastmasters)
• Area 12 Champion:  Linda Hendrickson (Daylighters Toastmasters)
• Area 13 Champion: Colbert Fong (AC Early Risers)
• Area 14 Champion: Avanti Kulkarni (Words of Mouth)
• Area 15 Champion: Carrie Boecher (Westwood Toastmasters)
• Area 16 Champion: Grant Robberson (Carlsonics Toastmasters)
• Area 21 Champion: Andy Lehto (Lino Lakes Toastmasters)
• Area 22 Champion: Ashish Rawat (Pacemasters Club)
• Area 23 Champion: Dan Whalen (The Leaders Club Toastmasters)
• Area 24 Champion: Hank Poncelet (Sunrisers Club)
• Area 25 Champion: Prasanthi Grandi (Deluxe Toastmasters – Shoreview)
• Area 26 Champion: Eva Cahill (Shock, Rhythm And Talk Toastmasters Club)
• Area 31 Champion: Carmen Barnes (Mills Early Risers)
• Area 32 Champion: Sudha Srinivasan (Stagecoach Speakers Metropoint)
• Area 33 Champion: <no competitor>
• Area 34 Champion: Jake Heidkamp (All American Speakers Club)
• Area 35 Champion: Lynn Cases (Whole Wheat Toastmasters)
• Area 41 Champion: Tom Roering (White Bear Toastmasters)
• Area 42 Champion: John Brand (Midland 776 Club)
• Area 43 Champion: Ann White Eagle (The Rat Pack Club)
• Area 44 Champion: Ross Meisner (Freethought Toastmasters Club)
• Area 45 Champion: Vasav Sahni (Metropolitan Club)
• Area 51 Champion: Zhong Chen (3M Verbal Innovators)
• Area 52 Champion: Richelle Schmitz (Saturday Morning Live Club)
• Area 53 Champion: Keith Hardy (St Paul Speakers Toastmasters Club)
• Area 54 Champion: Bill Stevens (Toast O’ The Town Toastmasters Club)
• Area 55 Champion:Robert Cudinski (The Informers)

Stay tuned for more information on our Annual District Conference (Find your Treasure Under the Sea), where the following Division Champions will face off in the epic Friday Night District 106 Humorous Speech Contest (May 1, 2020)

• Division A Champion: Katy Hursh
• Division B Champion: Grant Robberson
• Division C Champion: Ashish Rawat
• Division D Champion: Sudha Srinivasan
• Division E Champion: Vasav Sahni
• Division F Champion: Richelle Schmitz

Incentives