Page 23 - July 2020

From Denial to Acceptance

Dr. Gwendolyn Avington - Pathways Chair

implemented with the mission in
mind—“a revitalized program with a
renewed focus on leadership learning,

competencies that have immediate
real-world applicability and online
accessibility.” (Toastmasters, 2018)
When I asked Eldred Brown,

Program Quality Director, his thoughts
on the relationship between the
witnessed grief response to change
and Pathways acceptance, his answer

was both thoughtful and insightful.
Brown said, “Grief, as I understand
it, is an emotional response to losing
someone or something to whom we

have developed a strong attachment. I
have no doubt that many Toastmasters
have become strongly attached to our
traditional program, even to the point

of failing to recognize its weaknesses, the biggest way that forced us to change.”
of which is, in my opinion, its lack of direct Once we understood that a plan was needed
applicability to real-world business situations. to get members onboarded and moving towards
We develop such strong attachments to one acceptance, a Pathways Chair position was created

particular way of doing things that, when we’re along with a District Pathways Committee
forced to give up that way and adopt another, we and club-level Vice Presidents of Pathways
grieve the loss of the old way and wax nostalgic (VPPs). These new positions are designed to
about it, glossing over the weaknesses in the old help members become adept at Pathways.

VOICES! | JULY 2020 23