Executive Summary:

  • 2020 Conference in Alamogordo is canceled and registration refunds will be sent soon
  • Division and District contests will continue but will be delayed as we reconfigure them
  • District Council meeting will be online
  • Membership dues now due on April 30th
  • As new changes occur, we will post them here

A message from District 23 Director Kenny Granville

Hello, District 23,

I hope this message finds you all in great spirits. As the adage goes, this too shall pass. Every condition, good or bad, is temporary and will eventually disappear. From our district to those worldwide we all share is this respective difficulty. The more we experience the more we all shall grow. Let’s hold ourselves together and try to remain with perseverance during this difficult time as we all must adjust to ensure we proceed with our goals and mission. We cannot choose, control, or dictate the circumstance but we can do all those things with our attitude towards the circumstance. Let’s remember how far we have come and how we have learned to move forward. As promised, here are some updates on what to expect.

The division contest and conference will be held virtual. Leaders are currently working on how to best work through this process as well as provide you with information and dates.

If you are thinking virtual classroom for your club can seem very daunting, it is understandable. It is an involved process, but it is the way the world is headed as technology gets deeper and deeper integrated into our day-to-day lives at work and at home. We are exposed to media and technology all the time, and that spills over into how we proceed in Toastmasters in Pathways. Members can expect fast, convenient, engaging ways to engage with the club experience. So, as daunting as it may seem, we will ensure this path to making a more meaningful, engaging training experience will be a worthwhile one. Things that can be beneficial from a virtual meeting;

Increased Convenience: Without the location or time limitations of a traditional classroom setting, learners have the freedom to absorb content and engage with peers, at a time and location that they will learn best. A virtual classroom allows learners to comprehend topics on their own terms, on many different devices, anywhere there is the internet.

Schedule Flexibility: The ease of accessibility of an online learning platform gives learners the opportunity to take a break at certain times of the workday to take a class

Knowledge Retention: It may seem like there would be more opportunities for participation and engagement in traditional classrooms setting, but this is not necessarily true. There are many ways to interact in virtual classrooms through chat and rating features, as well as social learning.

Increased Participation & Engagement: It may seem like there would be more opportunities for participation and engagement in traditional classrooms setting, but this is not necessarily true. There are many ways to interact in virtual classrooms through chat and rating features, as well as social learning.

There will be reimbursement for the conference. Toastmasters International has announced that all clubs can meet entirely online if needed. Since we will not be meeting in person if you have already paid for the conference you will be reimbursed. Again please allow time to work out the details of when that is to be expected

Meetings for voting. Once dates have been confirmed we will need a meeting of all leaders to include division area club President and Vice President Education.

Membership cost. Membership dues deadline have been extended to April 30, 2020, due to the change in meeting standards. If you have not made your payments by April 1st you will still have access to Club Central through Aril 30th to allow club support. To continue access after April 30th, renewals must be made.

It’s easier to say but let’s not worry for once as there is much to do that can be celebrated. We have the opportunity to take the time given to us while we are asked to stay indoors as much as possible to learn and teach in new ways. In the age of technology, we are still able to surround ourselves with friends and family to which many are members of Toastmasters, specifically our club. Have open conversations about this stressful time and allow each other to share advice and thoughts. Be sure to socialize with optimistic individuals. As we try to quell the spread of COVID-19 we must not forget how contagious motivation is and the moment you interact with individuals who are cheerful and upbeat, you will catch the vibe too.

Be sure to love yourself. Hard time can take a toll on your health both physically and mentally. Ensure you are getting enough fluids and maintain a healthy eating habit. Get enough sleep and take time to power down from the distraction that our gadgets give to reset. Begin your day early, exercise and discover new music. Celebrate the small accomplishments. Start a journal of your thoughts emotions and aspirations. Do to compare yourself to others. Some may be in a better place in life, some a little, others by lot. Focus on your results and eventually, you will find yourself ahead of the game called life.

Find a passion. If you have one, find another or dive deep into yours. Being creative is a great form of meditation and will always bring peace. For me, it’s the greatest form of self-motivation. It will be a distractingly from worries as anxiety will never assist you in tough times. Perseverance will allow you to perform to the best of your abilities and present opportunities to escape any tough time. Harness your creative side to engage peace within yourself.

This may sound like a lot but it all summarizes the fact that you Arte not forgotten and still have the support of your leaders as are constantly working give value back to your dedication to Toastmasters. Difficult times make us stronger and we will equip you with the tools needed so that no matter how hard it gets you will motivate yourself to soar to excellence! Let’s embody the vision of being a foundation for our future leaders and our motto: We are a five-star district and we exemplify a culture of excellence!! With great love and care for you all, have a great day and look out for those dates coming soon. Bless.

Kenneth A Granville II, DTM
2019-2020 District Director, District 23
Toastmasters International