The Builders Society
Open to every member in District 7 who wants to join the rebuilding efforts for our district. A special pin designed to identify those that are helping in this work will be awarded throughout the year.
Warm Holiday Greetings from the District 7 Toastmasters Trio!
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to personal and professional growth.
This season of reflection and joy is the perfect time to celebrate the connections we’ve built and the achievements we’ve accomplished together. Whether you’ve delivered your first speech, mentored a fellow member, or led your club to success, your efforts inspire and uplift our entire community.
May this holiday season bring you warmth, peace, and cherished moments with loved ones. Let’s continue to support one another as we strive toward our goals and make 2025 a year filled with even greater possibilities!
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year!
With gratitude, District 7 Toastmasters Trio
District Director: Dr. Gwendolyn Avington, DTM
Program Quality Director: Phyllis A. Harmon, DTM
Club Growth Director: Cleon Cox III, DTM
Winter TLI Keynote Speaker - Jana Barnhill, DTM, AS, PIP
Jana Barnhill, DTM, Accredited Speaker was elected Toastmasters International President at the 77th annual International Convention held August 13-16, 2008, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
An active Toastmaster for…many years, Jana has been recognized for both her speaking and leadership skills. As a speaker, she placed both 3rd and 2nd in the World Championship of Public Speaking and also became only the fifth woman in the organization to earn the coveted Accredited Speaker designation.
As a leader, she was named Club President of the Year, Division Director of the year and as District 44 Governor, she worked with a team that led D44 to the #10 District in the world.
While professionally she is a retired speaker/trainer who conducted seminars throughout the United States, she remains active in Toastmasters at the International level, having chaired the International Leadership Committee, International Disciplinary Committee and is currently a member of the Club Officer Training Working Group.
Most importantly though, she states she is a proud member of D23 where she enjoys attending her home club, Lubbock Professional Toastmasters, and contributing to the district however she can.
Oh…and one of her most cherished experiences in all of Toastmasters is the four years she worked with Gary Schmidt on the Executive Committee. Priceless!
With her TLI keynote speech, titled “You’re Not Through”, Jana will cover the following topics:
- What are you really learning in Toastmasters?
- The guiding gauge.
- Where can it take you?
Division & Area Director Training - Gary Schmidt, DTM, PIP
Gary Schmidt is the County Administrator for Clackamas County, Oregon. He previously worked as Director of Public and Government Affairs at Clackamas County and before that, as a speechwriter and constituent services coordinator for two United States Senators.
He has been a Toastmaster for 29 years and is currently a member of two Toastmasters clubs in District 7. He served as the International President of Toastmasters International in 2009-2010. He had the honor of serving on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors with Past International President Jana Barnhill, the keynote speaker for this TLI.
Build One New Club Project
| Division | Director | New Club in Progress | New Club Chartered |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | LaVern Bentz | ||
| B | Jill Bell | ||
| C | Mike Long | ||
| D | David Freedman | ||
| E | Angela Stringer | ||
| F | Brenda Dennis | ||
| G | John Marquardt | ||
| H | Richard Young | MKS |
Leadership
Toastmasters Leadership is a transformative journey that combines personal growth with professional development. On a personal level, it challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones, hone their communication skills, and build confidence in leading others. Through structured opportunities like speech evaluations, mentoring, and leading meetings, members learn to inspire, organize, and connect with diverse audiences.
Professionally, Toastmasters Leadership cultivates critical skills such as team management, strategic planning, and conflict resolution, which are invaluable in any career. It also fosters a sense of community, encouraging collaboration and shared learning, making it an ideal platform for developing well-rounded, impactful leaders.
Confidence
Being a Toastmaster is a powerful way to build confidence both personally and professionally. On a personal level, the supportive environment allows you to face the fear of public speaking head-on, offering repeated opportunities to present, evaluate, and grow at your own pace. Through constructive feedback and encouragement from fellow members, you develop the poise to express yourself clearly and authentically in any situation.
Professionally, Toastmasters helps you refine your communication and leadership skills, enabling you to speak with authority in meetings, lead teams effectively, and navigate challenging conversations. As you achieve milestones and receive recognition, your self-assurance naturally increases, empowering you to embrace new opportunities with conviction and grace.
Personal Growth
Being a Toastmaster is a journey of profound personal growth, where individuals learn to unlock their full potential in a supportive and collaborative environment. Through regular participation, members gain the courage to confront fears, particularly those related to public speaking, and transform nervous energy into confidence. The structured projects encourage self-reflection, creativity, and a commitment to continuous improvement, fostering a mindset of resilience and adaptability.
As members develop their communication skills, they also learn to listen actively, offer constructive feedback, and build meaningful connections. These experiences not only enhance personal self-esteem but also cultivate a sense of accomplishment and purpose, empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling and impactful lives.
# of Clubs
Members
Contact Us
Recent Issues of Voices!
