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The Road Most Travelled

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

For the past several weeks, since Google changed their algorithm (again), I have
been searching for an email program to replace the one my homebound spouse
has used for years. Google no longer wants to be the conduit between Gmail and
his beloved Thunderbird email program.
I have discovered that grieving doesn't just apply to our loved ones leavng us
behind or transitioning to a different educational platform. It applies to something as mundane
as an email program! Going through the research, testing, and adoption phase has been a
lesson in patience. Which leads me to the ongoing process of transitioning members from
the legacy educational platform to Pathways. It was a surprise to me that some of us have
difficulties moving from the familiar (or operating on a rote basis) to learning to look at the
world through a new lens. While I consider Pathways to be an "old body in a new dress," the
updated delivery system has left many formerly happy Toastmasters disgruntled and ready
to toss their memberships aside. .
At some point, their reluctance will reflect in their Club's achieving their yearly
Distinguished Club Program goals. I believe it is up to the rest of us to spend additional time
helping them overcome their grief. In one of my Clubs, there were several members who
were not working their Levels, and the Club missed their DCP goals by one Level 1. It was a
wake-up call, causing us to realize that Pathways adoption was not optional.
Our members, while still Pathways-reluctant, have decided to help the Club meet our EDITORIAL
goals this year by opting into the program. I believe that by helping the Club achieve its goals,
our members will continue to grow in skill and knowledge too.
I may have found an email program, similar to Thunderbird, that will allow my spouse
to maintain his contact with the outside world. To me, it's just another "old body in a new
dress." To him, it's navigating in a new, terrifying world without familiar landmarks. So too
with your reluctant members. Will you be their guides helping them navigate the unknown
by establishing landmarks of familiarity until Pathways becomes
their road most travelled ? I anticipate you will.

Volume 9 Issue 1 July 2022 Monthly Columnists 2022-23 Officers Administrative Manager
Publisher Dave Bones, DTM District Director Janet Cerasin, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM David Freedman, IP3 Lorri Andersen, DTM
Eldred Brown, DTM Public Relations Manager
Senior Editor Harvey Schowe, DTM Program Quality Director Stephana Johnson, DL3
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Jim Robison, DTM
Jim Robison, DTM Club Growth Director
Associate Editor Ken Coomes, DTM Dave Bones, DTM Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Lee Coyne, ATMS Toastmasters. First issue published August
Lorri Andersen, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
voices@d7toastmasters.org
Paul Fanning, DTM Karen Semprevivo, DTM

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2022 3