Page 23 - June 2019

Kannan Sankara - D18 (Most of Delaware and Maryland,

parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia), Division
Director, Two-Time Pathways DTM

Project 1: Led division to President’s Distinguished,
a distinction that had not been achieved for several years. Early in the
year identified crucial activities, set goals and established timelines.
This allowed us to address issues that arose later in the year.

Organization: D18, Division F
Benefits: Division F was the first to achieve President’s Distinguished
in 2017-2018. Because of this, D18 leadership asked me to conduct ‘How

to make a Division President Distinguished?’ for incoming leaders in
2018-2019. My tips and best practices were very well received and are
being applied by current leaders.

Project 2: Attracting guests and members to my Toastmasters club.

We held membership contests, used Meetup, created a Facebook page
and a club website, and conducted open houses.
Organization: Baltimore VA Toastmasters Club

Benefits: After years of completing most DCP goals but failing
to qualify due to membership, Baltimore VA Toastmasters achieved
President’s Distinguished in 2017-2018. This year we are again poised
to reach President’s Distinguished. Our current Division F Director
has embraced this project and is using these activities for other clubs.

Insights: From both DTM projects, I realized that just because
something has never been achieved before does not mean it cannot
be done. It just takes more hard work.

From the foregoing, I hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the Pathways DTM
project. More importantly, I hope that you now have a better idea of what your DTM project will be.
Wherever you are on your chosen path, it’s never too early to start planning ahead. Whether it will
be a project for your own club, the district, or the entire world, remember to have a clear vision of

what you intend to achieve. And last, but definitely not least, plan on having FUN. You will feel so
much more fulfillment when you enjoy the journey.

VOICES! | JUNE 2019 23