Page 12 - 2018 July Voices

TRANSCENDING YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Growing from TV Toastmasters

Change

John Rodke, DTM - District Director

What happens when we have large scale changes change that? If we are providing positive value to

to a program we know and love? It gives us an every member, at every meeting, we are creating
opportunity to grow, learn, adapt, and thrive. an environment where every member has the
Last year was filled with new opportunities to ability to thrive. If we are not, we need to hold
get out of our comfortable Toastmasters bubble ourselves accountable, and work together to

and adapt to—and adopt—a new educational change, and create that space.
program. This year we have the opportunity This week, Prem Dawson, a member of
of a single contest season, so we can funnel our one of my clubs said: The warm, welcoming, and
energies into more in-depth training, and one supportive environment of this club made me want to

conference in the spring. come back. It has allowed me to grow and heal. Now, I
WHY? am launching my own business and podcast. I stepped
The goal is to provide a better experience to into leadership as the new Sergeant at Arms, I don’t
our members. We all participate in Toastmasters fully know what that entails, but I trust the people in

to answer a “WHY.” The shift to one contest here to help me figure it out.
season and conference allows our officers to get These moments of seeing members transcend
trained, focus on their roles, and have time to themselves is what motivates me in this
get comfortable answering the “WHY” of their wonderful organization.

members, before having to run contests. We have an amazing and enthusiastic team
This shift in timeframe also supports our of Area and Division Directors who are diving in
Area Directors to be more impactful in their to support our clubs and members. I ask you to
roles of helping our clubs. We are all volunteers please help them help you by asking questions,

with limited time and energy, and are focused participating in events, and conducting a
on utilizing those precious resources wisely. “Moments Of Truth” within your club to find
One big question to ask: How is Toastmasters out if you are addressing the “WHY” of each of
helping you in your everyday life? Are you taking your members.

what you are learning within the meeting and It is my honor to help support you this year
applying it to your life outside the meeting? Are as District Director as we grow through these
you gaining value from every meeting you go to? changes together.
If not, what can we as members do differently to

12 ONE COMMUNITY