Page 4 - 2016 April Voices

EDITORIAL Publisher

Sliding into Summer Phyllis Harmon, DTM

by Phyllis A. Harmon, DTM Associate Publisher
Immediate Past District Governor
Brenda Parsons, ACB, ALS
It’s that time of year again when members scurry about
getting ready for summer vacations, kids count down the days Senior Editor
to graduation, and Toastmasters gets relegated to last place on
the social calendar. Invariably, as the weather turns warmer, Phyllis Harmon, DTM
attendance at club meetings drops off and the summer lull
takes hold. Family, friends, and fun conquer all. I’ve been Associate Editors
told that “three members make a meeting.” I attest that sparse
meetings can be very productive and fun – occasionally. Leanna Lindquist, DTM
Erik Bergman, DTM
But as a steady diet? Not so much! Alexis Mason, DTM
Sparsely attended meetings mean fewer opportunities to
give and receive feedback. Low attendance leads to stressful Layout/Design
meetings as everyone doubles up on roles. Sparse attendance
leads to boring meetings when the same people evaluate Phyllis Harmon, DTM
the same people ad nauseum. Sparse attendance can lead Curtis Low
to a softening of club standards which in turn devolve into
“networking opportunities” or “planning meetings” which in 2015-16 Officers
turn lead to member flight which eventually leads to clubs
circling the proverbial drain. District Director
No one expects members to curtail their summer activi-
ties. We applaud them for taking time to devote themselves Michelle Alba Lim, DTM
to family and friends. In fact, strategic Toastmasters look
forward to this time of year because speaking opportunities Program Quality Director
abound. They pull out those longer speeches and present
them before new audiences. They complete their manuals, Leanna Lindquist, DTM
receive new perspectives on their presentations, and get an
opportunity to boost attendance at another club. Club Growth Director
I’ve taken advantage of the summer lull and completed
the last projects needed for my two DTMS. I posted a request Erik Bergman, DTM
for speaking slots on social media. Several opportunities
came my way, and I took advantage of them all. Yes, I love Finance Manager
this time of year! While everyone else is planning for their
summer activities, I’m planning to complete my third DTM. Jill Ward, ACB, ALB

Administrative Manager

Tom Knapp, ACG, ALB

Public Relations Manager

Becky Holm

Voices! is published monthly by
District 7 Toastmasters. First issue
published August 2014. Submit
articles via email at voices@
d7toastmasters.org

4 Volume 2 Issue 10 - APRIL 2016