Page 10 - May 2020

COVER STORY

has been an extraordinary experience of theory was working. 2015-16 year ended with

growth. For the past few years, I have actively fifteen educational awards. Most notable was that
worked through the process of transitioning my I had received the Distinguished Toastmaster
leadership style from command and control to Award. I remember going across the stage and
a more collaborative style. A style that supports shaking hands with all the DTMs who welcomed

high performance teams to collectively learn me into their ranks. In August of 2016 Karen
from each other and build quality organizations. and I went to the International Convention
I have enjoyed meeting people here in District in Washington DC, which was our second
7, across the country, and from around the world. International Convention. I felt the Toastmaster

Having attended three International Conventions program was truly increasing my ability to
in recent years, I have had the opportunity to communicate with people in a very positive way.
communicate with other like-minded people While Karen and I were at a motel in Durham
who are actively working on the development of North Carolina, someone broke into the truck

personal communication and leadership skills. and stole my bag with all my Toastmasters
When Karen and I decided to reunite and manuals. I had twenty manuals at various levels
move to Washington, my intention was to show of completion with some being complete. Those
her how Toastmasters could help her regain the manuals were gone, never to be seen again. I

ability to recite her poetry. After a few
months, I felt that I wanted to rejoin the
program and work on my skills again.
In January of 2011, I signed up. I found

a Competent Communicator manual
I had completed but never submitted.
Toastmasers Itnernational told me I could
submit the manual as long as it had been

verified. I had a CC done!
I began working on Advanced manuals
to complete Advanced Bronze and
Silver awards. These were completed

by early November of 2012. I began to
see a bigger picture when I completed
four educational awards in 2013-14 and
received a Triple Crown, WOW!

Then a few months later when Darren
LaCroix came to town everything began
to really click. I ended the 2014-15 year
with eleven educational awards, Darren’s 2012 Advanced Communicator Silver Award

10 ONE COMMUNITY