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GLEANINGS FROM THE GROVE

have not attended any of the trainings or served I believe I have said this before in this column,

as a trainer for one. Clearly, something must but I have never regretted the decision to join
be done to begin the restoration of our Clubs Toastmasters. Yes, it has been difficult at times,
and members, in addition to Clubs, making working on education awards that may or may
the commitment to attend training sessions. have not made sense or ones that I perceived

Oh, and I did not even mention the easiest of that I needed, but it is all good and valuable
the Distinguished Club goals to achieve, Club information that is rarely offered through other
renewals submitted on time. resources—especially at the price we pay for it.
Here is what I suggest (my wisdom to you A good friend in Hillsboro gave a speech years

all from a mentor). Begin now talking up Club ago entitling it “The best $100 gift” of being a
membership renewals and have them ready to member of Toastmasters for a year. We have not
submit no later than September 1st. Remember really changed the membership renewal fee for
that goal #10 allows you to receive credit by years—it is still the best bang for your buck that

having a minimum of 8 members renew before is available. Other programs charge thousands
the deadline of September 30th. of dollars, hundreds for their seminars, yet we
If your Club officers (minimum of 4) have seem to balk at $45 every six months and $20
not taken Club officer leadership training for the for a new level.

semi-annual year, then call your Area Director We need to wake up and smell the coffee
and tell them of your desire to achieve that goal. of a successful program, set at our own pace
There are other tools that the District and/or and achievable. In another organization I was
division may have to help you be a distinguished a member of, I spent two years working on my

Club for this 2022-2023 program year. Help is certification which initially cost me hundreds
only a phone call away! See the D7 Toastmasters to attend the initial training with months of
website for a complete listing of the D7 leadership follow-up and constant paying for this and that.
team. In any sales pitch, one must include the

Now it is your turn. Are you renewing your “sale,” the “commitment.” Here it is, plainly and
membership for the next 6 months? Ask yourself simply stated: “to renew, or not to renew, that is
what benefit you have or are now receiving by the question.” Are you ready to renew? I have
being a Toastmaster. Do you have an outside made my commitment to pay my Toastmasters

professional goal that Toastmasters can assist you membership fee and Club dues once again. And
in completing? Are you interested in developing I will do it online with no fuss or fanfare. I’m
and/or growing other skills that can be met reviewing the situation—and I will renew this
by either the educational program or by the month. “Et tu”?

practicum of Club meetings? Perhaps you have a Let’s turn the downward trend into something
skill you wish to share with other Toastmasters? new and positive. Join with me now to rebuild
All these questions can be part of your answer our District and Clubs. It truly is a pathway to
with a resounding YES to renewal! success, a pathway to the future.

26 ONE COMMUNITY