Page 3 - January 2021 Voices

What are you waiting for?

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

Welcome to 2021! I’m glad that 2020 is a fading memory although it’s impact
has profoundly changed society. I think one of the most overarching changes in

Toastmasters has been the leap into technology. I really wish I had purchased
stock in Zoom Meetings before it became the world’s platform of choice! But that is
a topic for another day.
It does lead me to ask, though, how have you hedged against the future? The

Toastmasters program, like any higher education course, prepares you for what comes
after. Are you planning to use what you have learned to serve the greater good? Or
are you just spinning your wheels, renewing every cycle, and continuing to sign up
for more Paths without an end goal in mind?

I understand those who want to remain in the cozy world of the club meeting.
We are fond of saying “its a safe place to fail.” Of course it is! Our fellow members
boost our egos, sooth our furrowed brows, and generally make us feel good about
ourselves—even when we know we underperformed. What is missing in our cozy little

world is someone with the spine to push us out of the nest. To expect us to use what EDITORIAL
we’ve learned to stand against inequities, to right wrongs—to raise our educated,
well-modulated voices. To make a difference.
It is time fellow Toastmasters to take a stand. Any stand. Get off the couch, move

away from the computer screen, and let your voice be heard. Whatever your pet
grievance may be, do something about it. Ralph Smedley didn’t start Toastmasters
as a social activity. He started it to train future leaders—people who would become
captains of industry, go into government service, or serve their fellow humans in

the non-profit world. Let’s follow his example, fullfill his
vision, and take this opportunity to use our well-trained
voices to make a difference.
2021 Goal: Be a Change Agent

Volume 7 Issue 7 January 2021 Monthly Columnists 2020-21 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher B. Lee Coyne, ATMS District Director Phyllis Harmon, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM PJ Kleffner, DTM
Emilie Taylor, DTM Public Relations Manager
Associate Publisher Harvey Schowe, DTM Program Quality Director Neal Iversen
Chris Angelopoulos Leanna Lindquist, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM
Senior Editor Lorri Andersen, DTM Club Growth Director Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Paul Fanning, DTM Lorrie Andersen, DTM Toastmasters. First issue published August
PJ Kleffner, DTM 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Associate Editor Finance Manager voices@d7toastmasters.org
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Jamie Gould, CC

VOICES! | JANUARY 2021 3