Page 26 - 2018 June Voices

FROM THE FIELD

Second Oregon Multi-Prison Speech Contest
Everyone’s a Winner

Geoffrey Williams, CC, CL

On April 24, 2018, Smooth Talkers Toastmasters at Entrepreneurs, Snake River Correctional

Warner Creek Correctional Facility in Lakeview, Institution’s (SCRI) Words of Strength, and
Oregon, had the honor of facilitating the second Warner Creek Correctional Facility’s (WCCF)
annual, multi-prison Toastmasters International Smooth Talkers clubs. A total of 10 speech
Speech Contest. Just like the previous year, this contestants participated in the event, and over 95

event was held using an Oregon Department of people were involved in the festivities, including
Corrections video conference set up, allowing club members, volunteers, and faculty staff.
the members of various clubs to speak and see The contest opened with a very special
each other without traveling. guest: the former Superintendent of SRCI and

This year‘s participants hailed from five clubs current Eastside Institutions Administrator, Mr.
across four institutions: Deer Ridge Correctional Nooth, also held via video. After the welcome,
Institution’s (DRCI) Spirit Trackers in Madras, the Toastmaster of the evening, Mr. Pence, took
Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution’s over. The order of the contestants was chosen at

(EOCI) Articulate Ambassadors and Creating random and the competition began.
Over an hour
of speeches were
presented, covering

various topics from
the awe and wonder
of nature to helping
those who suffer

from depression; to
spreading “warm and
fuzzy’s” to friends and
loved ones; to all the

reasons why we should
all recycle our pets;
and to the power to
overcome grief and loss

26 ONE COMMUNITY