November kicks off three firsts for District 216. Our winter club officer training season starts with an in-person TLI on November 14. Clubs begin planning for our first speech contest season as one district. And we’re hearing your stories about why you joined Toastmasters and why you stay. Here’s what’s ahead, and how you can be part of it.
Winter TLI: Club Officer Training, in person
- When: Saturday, November 14, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
- Check-in: 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and networking
- Where: Portage United Church of Christ, 2731 W. Milham Rd., Portage, MI
- Cost: Free
Open to all seven club officer roles, from President through Sergeant at Arms. When at least four of your club’s officers complete training in both rounds, your club earns Goal 9 in the Distinguished Club Program. Can you help with setup at 8:00 a.m.? Sign up on our training volunteer page.
Winter training season, online
Can’t make it to Portage? Every winter session counts toward Round 2 officer training. Register once on Zoom and you’re set for the whole series.
- Sunday, December 13: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 13: noon to 1:00 p.m. each day (a two-part session: attend both parts for credit)
- Monday, February 8: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 25: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Round 2 training closes February 28. See every session on the District Calendar.
Contest season is coming
This year District 216 holds two contests: the International Speech Contest and the Evaluation Contest. Winners advance from club to area to division, all the way to the District Conference in April. It’s our first contest season as one district, and we want every club to take part. All contests will be held in person.
- Club contests: complete by the end of January
- Area contests: by the end of February
- Division contests: by the end of March
- District finals: at the District Conference in April (exact date to be determined)
Your Area and Division Directors will share exact contest dates and in-person locations soon. What your club can do now: VPEs, put your club contest on the calendar. Contestants and judges can complete their eligibility and judging forms online.
Member Spotlight: Amy Moored, DTM, PDG
Amy Moored has been growing with Toastmasters since 2008. She became the highest-performing District Governor in District 62, leading it to a Select Distinguished District award. She took those skills into her career too, earning five significant promotions along the way. As she puts it, “Toastmasters is cheaper than an MBA.” Today she is a senior director at Huron Consulting, a leader in health care.
Amy keeps giving back. She is supporting our upcoming TLI and served on three subcommittees for the District Transition Committee Report. She recently rejoined C Division Advanced Speakers (Club 5799). Watch her general evaluation from their September meeting to see a master at work, and meet Amy and CDAS at their Fall Open House on Saturday, November 21.
Thanks to Carol Prahinski, DTM, for this spotlight.
Leader Spotlight: Brian Slovak, Area 13 Director
Brian Slovak is serving his second term as Area 13 Director and has already completed five of his six club visits this fall. He is also President of Fenton Toastmasters. Thank you, Brian, for showing up for your clubs.
Stronger together: District 216 Incentives
This year, District 216 is recognizing the members, leaders, and clubs who help our district grow. Earn badges, complete your first Pathways level, or lead your club to Super Club status, and we’ll celebrate you in this newsletter, on our website, and at the Hall of Fame Luncheon.
- Be a LEADer: earn all four CGD or PQD badges to become a Growth Champion or Leadership Champion
- Your Path Starts Here!: start a Pathways path by December 31 and finish Level 1 by May 1, 2027
- Super Club: Engage, Grow, and Sustain for up to $100 in club merchandise credit
- Educational awards: DTM medallion, Triple Crown pin, and more
Why did you join, and why do you stay?
We want to share your answer. Record a 30-second video, or, if you’d rather not be on camera, send a headshot and a sentence or two. Your story could be featured in our newsletter and on District 216 social media.
Club events this month
- Monday, November 2: Innovative Orators celebrates 38 years, Detroit
- Wednesday, November 11: Unlock Your Speaking Potential with Fursey Gotuaco, Confident Communicators, Shelby Township
- Wednesday, November 18: Toastnotables Fall Open House, Lansing and on Microsoft Teams
- Saturday, November 21: C Division Advanced Speakers Fall Open House
See everything coming up on the District Calendar.
District news
One District, One Vote, One Great Night. Catch up on what happened at our first District Council meeting.
Share your club’s news
Have an event, milestone, or member worth celebrating? Send it in by the 20th to be considered for the next issue.
See you in Portage,
Merek Roman
Public Relations Manager, District 216
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