Page 33 - 2018 June Voices

don’t try and do it all. If you do, you will burn out. simple thank you for what they do can lift their

Our Trio year started with additional challenges. spirits when they are feeling overwhelmed. Say
The CGD had not moved forward. I had a brand yes when you are asked to help. An extra hour or
new team to mentor. We figured it out and we two of our time can mean a lot to someone else.
comfortably moved along. Then in January, our It takes a village to keep District 7 functioning

CGD resigned for health reasons. Midyear we at a high level.
were in some ways starting over again. Each day July 1, 2018 I will no longer be part of the
was a challenge and an opportunity. District Leadership team. It’s part of the natural
At the end of the year we were not the order in Toastmasters. Every year members have

President’s Distinguished District we had set out the opportunity to take on club and District
to be. In spite of that, we worked hard to turn our leadership roles. It is the only way to develop
challenges into opportunities. We held the first leadership skills. Some will do it for a year, while
board retreat to train our District officers. Radio others will commit many years serving our

ads were implemented. Both continue today. We members. There will be road blocks and hurdles
served our members to the best of our abilities. along the way. As we say, “there is no growth in
On July 1, 2017, I became the Immediate Past the comfort zone.” As I look back on my four
District Director. The IPDD has a seat on the years as a District leader, I’m glad I chose to do

District Executive Committee and serves as an it. If I had to do it all over again, I would still do
advisor to the Trio. I served as the Leadership it. I didn’t do it to help climb a career ladder. I
Committee Chair at the request of the Dstrict did it for my personal growth and for that of
Director. My role on the District Leadership our members. I learned a lot about Toastmasters

Team was winding down. It was time. and about myself. I made many friends along
When a new Trio comes into office, the way and probably a few enemies too. I gave
it’s a challenge. Different personalities, it my best and I will always be grateful you gave
communication styles, and prior experiences me the opportunity to serve. I am happy to add

must come together and mesh. It takes a while my name to the long list of District Governors/
to figure it all out. Trio members must learn Directors who came before me. As a member of
to fit District leadership responsibilities into District 7, I stand ready to lend my support to
their family life, career, and personal time. our new District 7 Leadership Team.

Unfortunately, family often takes the back seat.
It may be necessary to use paid time off to attend
trainings rather than family vacations. Trio
members may find they need to temporarily back

away from their extracurricular activities to meet
District demands on their time. As members we
should support our new Trio. We really can’t
appreciate the shoes they are walking in. A

VOICES! | JUNE, 2018 33